Ohio State’s Win Over Michigan Sparks Controversy, Confidence, and a Whole Lot of Side-Eye
For the first time since the COVID era, Ohio State came out on top in The Game, snapping Michigan’s recent dominance in the rivalry and punching their ticket to the Big Ten Championship with a perfect 12-0 record. But instead of letting the scoreboard do the talking, Ryan Day added fuel to the fire with some pointed postgame comments - and a wink that said more than words ever could.
Let’s get to the heart of it: Day strongly hinted that Michigan may have tampered with the headset communications during the second half of Saturday’s matchup. According to the Buckeyes head coach, the staff had already discussed the possibility of headset issues earlier in the week and had a contingency plan in place.
“We lost communication there in the second half. Earlier that week, I thought there may be an inkling that that may happen, so we had a plan for it,” Day said.
“I was in here on Friday, and I think some of the guys in the staff were looking at me sideways, like, ‘Why would you think that would happen?’ I said, ‘I don't know.
We just gotta be ready, and be ready for anything.’ It’s funny how your mind works.”
Then came the smirk. Then the wink. And just like that, the rivalry got a fresh coat of gasoline.
A Win Is a Win… But Was That Necessary?
Ohio State’s victory should’ve been the story. After all, they’re undefeated, ranked No. 1 in the nation, and heading into the Big Ten Championship Game as favorites. But Day’s comments have shifted the spotlight from the field to the sidelines, where suspicion and swagger are now sharing the stage.
It’s not unusual for coaches to play mind games or send subtle messages through the media - especially in a rivalry as heated as this one. But Day’s postgame demeanor didn’t exactly scream “win with humility,” a phrase he’s publicly championed in recent weeks. Instead, it felt like a victory lap with a side of shade.
Buckeyes vs. Hoosiers: A Clash of Unbeatens
Now, the focus shifts to Indianapolis, where Ohio State will face another undefeated team in Indiana. Curt Cignetti’s squad isn’t just happy to be here - they’re playing with purpose and poise.
And while the Buckeyes are favored, this one won’t be a cakewalk. The Hoosiers are playing in their own backyard and have yet to flinch all season.
There’s more than just a Big Ten title on the line. The winner likely secures the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and depending on how things shake out, their quarterback could be hoisting the Heisman Trophy soon after. High stakes, high pressure - exactly the kind of environment where Ohio State will need to prove they’re more than just hype.
Confidence or Cockiness?
Here’s the thing: there’s a fine line between confidence and cockiness, and right now, Ohio State is toeing it. The Buckeyes are undeniably talented, deep on both sides of the ball, and well-coached. But the way they’re carrying themselves - particularly Day - is starting to rub people the wrong way outside of Columbus.
Meanwhile, Cignetti has taken the high road, offering praise for Ohio State’s roster and preparation. He knows what he’s up against and isn’t interested in bulletin board material. His team is focused, disciplined, and ready to throw the first punch - something Ohio State hasn’t really had to deal with this season.
And that’s an important point. The Buckeyes have been dominant, sure, but they haven’t been tested in a way that forces them to respond under duress. If Indiana can land a few early blows, we’ll learn a lot about what this team is really made of.
What Comes Next?
Ohio State is going to keep getting everyone’s best shot - that’s the price of being on top. But style points don’t win championships.
Execution does. And while the Buckeyes have been nearly flawless on the field, how they handle the noise off it could determine how far they go.
Ryan Day can believe what he wants about Michigan’s headset situation. But if he’s expecting support from outside Buckeye Nation, he might want to take another look around. Right now, it’s Ohio State against the world - and they’ve given the world plenty of reasons to root for the underdog.
The Buckeyes are unbeaten. They’re No.
- They’re loaded with talent.
But if they want to stay on top, they’ll need to back up the bravado with results - not just winks and wisecracks.