It’s not quite as easy to pinpoint what went wrong against Michigan this time around.
In 2021, Ohio State lost because it couldn’t run the ball or stop the run. In 2022, Ohio State lost because it gave up five touchdowns of 45 yards or more. This year, the Buckeyes needed to be just a little bit better across the board.
Unfortunately for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, there’s no moral victories in The Game. Ohio State was more competitive against Michigan this year than it was the last two years, but that doesn’t change the result nor does it lessen the scrutiny Ohio State’s head coach is currently facing.