Ryan Day and Ohio State have all eyes on The Game against Michigan.

In 2022, Michigan, ranked No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, dominated No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus 43-24 to punch their ticket to the B1G Championship Game. Can the Buckeyes, currently at No. 2, return the favor in Ann Arbor against a No. 3 Wolverines team and punch their ticket to Indianapolis vs. Iowa — while handing their archrival their 1st loss of the year?

“You can say it’s never been bigger than it is this weekend,” Day said on Friday. Our guys know that, so we’re going to have a great night here, continue our preparation, wake up with great energy, and go play our best game of the year. … all hands on that, that’s for sure.”

The Buckeyes theoretically could still make the Playoff with a loss to the Wolverines, as they did in 2022. But Day discussed the determination he saw from his players on the trip up north.

“You could see it,” he said. “We’ve been working toward this all year, and we’ve had a great look in their eye, and can’t wait to play the game.”