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Ryan Day describes The Game as a war with ‘consequences and casualties’

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Ryan Day knows The Game is not a laughing matter. He also knows the consequences of losing the game as the head coach in Columbus.

Ohio State enters the 2024 matchup vs. archrival Michigan with a 3-game losing streak to the Wolverines. Day also recently described those losses as one of the worst events in his life, only behind the loss of his father.

The head coach was asked about those comments at his Tuesday press conference, and he described The Game as “a war” between the two sides. If that sounds dramatic, Day clarified that there are simply consequences and casualties for the loser.

“I would say not to get into too much of it, this game is a war. And anytime there’s a war there are consequences and casualties and the rewards that come with it. It is what it is. And I just think that’s really what it comes down to,” said Day. “As we all say, and it happened in my press conference, the No. 1 job is to win this game.

“That’s where my focus is right now. I don’t want to get too much into the past because we’re just focused on right now and we worked really hard to get to this point. I’m excited for the fact that our guys are here now… We’re finally here right now, so that will be the focus.”

In spite of wrestling with those consequences for 3 straight years, Day did not back down from his excitement to get back into The Game. He is especially excited for his group of seniors who are looking to leave Columbus with some hardware.

“I’m excited. I’m excited about this game, I’m excited about this team, I love the look in their eye. I love coming to work every day. But this is not about me. This is about the seniors that decided to come back,” Day said. “They want to have a pair of gold pants, they want to have hardware. So that’s what motivates me, and I’m excited for them so that they can go out there and play this thing and win it.”

We’ll see if Day can get his group ready for the war ahead with the Buckeyes a massive favorite but riding that losing streak.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.