Ryan Day Nears Perfect Season as Big Ten Twist Offers Second Chance

Ohio State’s 42-9 win over Rutgers closed out Week 13, but it didn’t quiet the talk about what really matters next — Michigan. The Buckeyes are 11-0 and one step away from a perfect regular season, yet one bad game in Ann Arbor could reopen the frustration and criticism that have followed Ryan Day since 2020. But now, a new twist from the Big Ten might give Ohio State an unexpected second chance.

On November 23, Ohio State insider Bill Landis posted on X that the Big Ten had released its official tiebreaker rules. That simple update set off a wave of fan theories, because several teams — Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, and Oregon — are still alive for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. And in one specific scenario, Ohio State could still reach the title game even if Michigan wins next week.

Here’s how that works:
If Purdue beats Indiana and Washington beats Oregon, then Ohio State, Michigan, and Indiana would all finish 8-1 in the conference. When the Big Ten applies its rules, Indiana gets dropped because of its weaker record against common opponents. That leaves Ohio State and Michigan tied at the top, which would send both to the Big Ten Championship.

Yes — that means fans could get something extremely rare: Ohio State vs. Michigan two weeks in a row. For Ryan Day, that could be a chance at redemption or another huge test.

Michigan enters rivalry week at 9-2 after winning five straight. They still have a shot at a Big Ten title, a possible College Football Playoff argument, and, of course, bragging rights. But everything still runs through Ohio State — the one opponent that can change Michigan’s season from strong to unforgettable.

After the Rutgers game, FOX reporter Jenny Taft caught up with Day. He quickly made it clear that his team already had their eyes on Michigan.

Ryan Day said “it was already being discussed by the guys on the sideline.” “Everybody is locked in and fired up. It’s going to be a hell of a week.”

Ryan Day hasn’t forgotten last year’s home loss and the criticism that followed. A fifth straight loss to Michigan would raise the pressure even higher. Still, he looks more focused this year, and that showed in how he handled his quarterbacks against Rutgers.

Freshman QB Julian Sayin went 13-of-19 for 157 yards and two touchdowns, but his lighter workload wasn’t a problem — it was part of the plan. Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline rotated backup Lincoln Kienholz even when the score was close. Some reporters questioned the move, but big picture, it made sense. Ryan Day was keeping Sayin healthy and making sure Michigan has to prepare for more than one quarterback.

Kienholz flashed his running ability with 37 yards on three carries, even though his passing never fully clicked. But the goal wasn’t to dominate Rutgers — the goal was to protect Sayin and prepare for Michigan.

Call it cautious. Call it smart. Call it whatever you want. Every decision showed where Ryan Day’s focus already is: Ann Arbor. And thanks to the Big Ten’s new tiebreaker rules, there’s now a chance that Ohio State’s showdown with Michigan might not be the only one this season.

Also Read: Texas Looks for a Comeback as Arch Manning Faces Big Pressure