'It's salt in the wound': Ryan Day says The Game still at the front of everyone's mind at Ohio State

Ohio State doesn’t need any additional motivation. “The Game” is always a focus in Columbus, regardless of the result from the previous season.

But Ryan Day would be lying if he didn’t admit there might be a slightly heavier emphasis on beating Michigan this year. After suffering a 42-27 loss in Ann Arbor loss last year — the Buckeyes’ first to the Wolverines since 2011 — Ohio State is focused on getting back on the right side of the rivalry.

Asked about “The Game” during an NIL event on Friday, Day said “The Game” is always at the front of everyone’s mind throughout the year. The Buckeyes, though, are looking to rinse that bitter taste from their mouths.

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“We always do, always do,” Day said when asked if Ohio State is pushing “The Game” in winter workouts. “I just think, coming off the way it happened last year it’s just a little more salt in the wound. It’s at the front of everyone’s mind even more.”

Ohio State finished last season with an 11-2 record, missing out on the B1G Championship Game because of the loss to Michigan. The Buckeyes still earned a trip to Pasadena and defeated Utah in the Rose Bowl Game.

Still, the goal in Columbus is to win B1G titles and compete for national championships. That will be the focus again this offseason.

“Some of these guys have more expensive shoes than I do so I hope they got some NIL deals tonight.”

Ryan Day talks about the career fair and the Buckeyes’ offseason: pic.twitter.com/CtKLmn1KiG

— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) March 4, 2022