Even in blowouts, a small sample of plays can swing the entire outlook of a football game.
That’s why situational excellence is vital to teams at the top of the sport. And while Ohio State probably could have beaten Michigan State in Spartan Stadium without winning some of the key situational categories it did, the Buckeyes bore more of a resemblance to a title contender because of the success they saw in the turnover battle, in the red zone and on third and fourth down.
“The turnover battle was huge in this game,” Day said. “If we don't get those turnovers, maybe it's a different game for sure, but that's the game and we’ve gotta make sure we’re winning the situations.