Ohio State's Losing Streak vs. Michigan: Sign of Things to Come?
If having a yearly matchup nicknamed "The Game" didn't say enough about its importance, the Ohio State Buckeyes' resentment of losing it should.
It's happened the last two seasons: Michigan overpowers coach Ryan Day and his squad to hand them either their only loss or their second, and the Buckeyes walk away wondering what went wrong.
Of course, that feeling isn't one Ohio State is used to ... not by a long shot. That also adds to the game's importance — it feels like it isn't a shoe-in victory. Rivalry aside, a big reason for that is the sheer level of talent that the Wolverines have every year.
But does losing that game mean anything more than just a bad day for the Buckeyes?
"If a last-second field goal wasn’t pulled wide left, we’re probably looking at Ohio State in a much-different light this pre-season," the New York Post wrote. "Possibly, as defending National Champions."
Instead, the Buckeyes settled for an early CFP exit, and now face some strong "growing pains" ahead of next season, which may or may not result in a subpar season. That's what Day hopes to avoid, starting with his quarterback.
"Ohio State knows how to develop quarterbacks," the site continued. "Both [Kyle McCord and Devin Brown] could be great, especially because they have one of the best wide receiver rooms in the country, but it's also brand new."
"Brand new" will be the phrase of the year for Ohio State. A lack of returning production on offense mixed with a new offensive coordinator will make for a tough easing-in process, but that still doesn't mean it's connected to last season's Michigan loss. Yes, losing "The Game" wasn't ideal for Ohio State, but all it really means is that the Buckeyes need to be better prepared for tougher opponents if they want to keep contending for a championship.
Luckily, they won't have to deal with Michigan again before having a chance to find their rhythm, but the game will still loom on their schedule, whenever it may happen.
And if that adjustment period doesn't go as well as Ohio State hopes it will, it could be in for some trouble. But as of now, Day and company are ready to move past last season's defeats and keep rolling.
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