Ohio State Was Ready for Anything Against Michigan - Even Communication Breakdown
After last season’s humbling loss to Michigan - the kind that lingers in a program’s psyche - Ohio State came into this year’s edition of The Game with a chip on its shoulder and a plan in its back pocket. The Buckeyes didn’t just beat the Wolverines; they controlled the game from start to finish, walking out with a commanding 27-9 win that felt like a statement.
But while the scoreboard told one story, there was another subplot unfolding on the Ohio State sideline - one that had nothing to do with Xs and Os and everything to do with preparation.
In the second half, Ohio State encountered a communications issue. The sideline headsets went down - not ideal in a rivalry game where every snap matters. Quarterback Julian Sayin was seen repeatedly coming to the sideline to get the play call, a clear sign that something wasn’t working behind the scenes.
Head coach Ryan Day confirmed the issue during his weekly press conference, and he didn’t shy away from suggesting that the staff had anticipated something like this might happen.
“We lost communication there in the second half,” Day said. “But the good news was that earlier that week, I thought there may be an inkling that it may happen, so we had a plan for it.”
That plan? A wristband system for Sayin and a contingency to relay plays manually until the headsets were back online.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. And more importantly, it allowed the Buckeyes to stay composed when the unexpected hit - something they couldn’t afford to lose in a game of this magnitude.
Day even added a wink during his comments - a subtle nod that didn’t go unnoticed. It was a moment that blended competitive edge with a bit of gamesmanship, especially given the backdrop of recent controversies surrounding Michigan’s program.
While there’s no hard evidence that anything nefarious occurred, Day’s staff clearly entered the game with their eyes wide open. There were even some videos circulating online showing a person in Michigan gear near the Ohio State communications area, though nothing definitive has come from it. Still, the Buckeyes weren’t taking any chances - and that’s the real takeaway here.
This wasn’t just about bouncing back from last year’s loss. It was about being ready for every possible variable, including the ones that don’t show up on film. Day and his staff had a contingency plan in place, and when the time came, they executed it without missing a beat.
The result? A dominant win over their biggest rival and a wave of momentum heading into the Big Ten Championship. The Buckeyes are playing with confidence, and they’re showing that they can adjust on the fly - even when the headset cuts out.
If you're looking for signs that this team is built to handle adversity, you just got one. And with the postseason looming, that kind of resilience could make all the difference.