Are past struggles vs. Michigan weighing on Ohio State's Ryan Day before rivalry matchup?

Ryan Day has done almost everything expected of an Ohio State Buckeyes head coach. Well, except consistently beating "That Team Up North." 

Day hasn't defeated the Michigan Wolverines since his first season with the Buckeyes in 2019. Last season, the unranked Michigan stunned then-No. 2 Ohio State, 13-10, in Week 14, which may have served as the impetus for the school's national championship run. Had the Buckeyes not won the title, the coach may have lost his job. 

Now, undefeated No. 1 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) could be on upset alert again heading into "The Game" on Saturday at noon EST. The No. 18 Wolverines (9-2, 7-1) have won five straight games and host the Buckeyes. Day, however, insists his struggles against Michigan are behind him, and he plans to enjoy himself this weekend.

Ryan Day explains why he's confident Ohio State can beat Michigan 

"Fun is kicking [butt]. That is what we want to do on Saturday. We're preparing to do that, and that's it," Day told the media Tuesday. "The fun part is winning. We'll save the fun part for being in the locker room and celebrating after the game." 

Now, the Buckeyes may have the best QB in college football in Julian Sayin, who can help Day deliver on his promise to Buckeye fans. 

Through 11 games, the 20-year-old QB has completed an FBS-leading 79.4 percent of his passes for 2,832 yards. He has also tossed 27 touchdown passes and four interceptions. Wisely, Day's not telling him to change anything before the highly anticipated matchup. 

"To continue to do what he's done and lead the team to victory. That's it at the end of the day," the coach said when asked what advice he had offered Sayin. "What does that look like? It depends on how the game plays out. But he's got to do his job, make great decisions and ultimately be the guy that leads the team to victory. That's the No. 1 goal. The rest of it is gravy." 

Sayin will have No. 1 wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on Saturday, which will take some pressure off the QB. Despite missing a Week 13 win against Rutgers with an undisclosed injury, the wideout has said he plans to play against the Wolverines.

Day's confidence could be warranted. Momentum appears to favor the Buckeyes heading into the Big Ten clash. And the coach seems ready to take advantage of that and vanquish his struggles against Michigan.