Ryan Day calls for examination of Michigan football vs. Ohio State scheduling

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. — Today was the first day of Big Ten Media Days, where many opposing teams and coaches took to the podium, including Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, and more. According to OSU coach Ryan Day, who has a losing record against Michigan football so far, the scheduling of Michigan vs. Ohio State should be given a look, perhaps no longer having the two play as they have for generations during the final weekend of the season.

OSU coach Ryan Day calls for conversations regarding Michigan football vs. Ohio State scheduling

In 2024, the Big Ten will no longer have divisions dividing the conference into East and West, and will simply send the two best teams that the Big Ten has to offer. For the Wolverines and Buckeyes, this could mean back-to-back matchups (Week 13 and the BTCCG) could be on the horizon, which would be a wild concept for both sides. Additionally, as seen in last year’s College Football Playoff, having these two face off for the national title is not out of the question.

During today’s opening Big Ten Media Day session, OSU coach Ryan Day insinuated something that many fans find a bit odd — he thinks that the scheduling between Michigan football and Ohio State should be given a closer look, perhaps leading to ‘The Game’ undergoing unprecedented changes to the schedule.

“I know one of the goals was to try to get as many teams as possible in the playoffs,” OSU coach Ryan Day said at Big Ten Media Day on Wednesday. “When you’re looking at that, you want to have certain teams you play on a yearly basis,” Day said. “At the same time, you also want to do the best you can to get as many guys into the playoffs.

“People see it from different points of view,” Day said. “I’m glad we still have the rivalry game. I do think we should consider when we play it, just because you may end up playing it back-to-back weeks … which would be awkward.

“I know we need to consider the tradition, but I think it’s worth a conversation on when. I think that’s significant just on how the season plays out. Other than that, I think they did the best they could with it. The good news is they didn’t build a schedule that is locked in or a long period of time. I think they can do this for a couple of years, reevaluate, and then have the flexibility to change it up if needed.”

OSU vs. Michigan must remain an annual event

While Ryan Day thinks that Ohio State and Michigan football should still play annually, the Wolverines and Buckeyes could see some adjustments to avoid two, or perhaps even three-straight, matchups in a single season.

“We’ve got to play ‘The Game’ every year,” Day added. “Where it is, I think it’s worth a long discussion about where that game should be placed. If it was the same way as it was this past year, we’d be playing back-to-back games and who knows? Maybe even playing again in the playoffs. I just think that needs to be taken into consideration … I know they’re talking about it, I just don’t think any hard decisions have been made, and I don’t think they’re going to be made here real soon. I just want to be part of those conversations.”