Many of you know that when I walk into this space, there are certain sports teams that can have a profound impact on my emotional state—often leading me to question my maturity. Yes, I have kids, a beautiful wife, and responsibilities, but some things still get to me. One of those things is the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry in college football, a rivalry that, over the years, has had my emotions all over the place.

You see, I’m a proud University of Michigan football fan, and each year, there’s that one game against Ohio State that absolutely consumes me. Now, we’re mature enough as a group to say Ohio State’s full name, even if we occasionally shorten it to just “Ohio” for the sake of a friendly jab. It’s all part of this heated rivalry that has been going on for decades. Sometimes, Michigan wins; sometimes, Ohio State wins, but the tension is always there.

For a long stretch, Michigan was on the losing side of this rivalry. Under Urban Meyer, Ohio State dominated Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan team. Year after year, it was one defeat after another, and Michigan fans like myself were left with nothing but frustration. But then came the 2021 season—finally, Michigan broke its eight-game losing streak against Ohio State. The celebration was huge. I came on this set, grinning from ear to ear because it felt like the worm had finally turned in Michigan’s favor. Sure, Michigan lost in the College Football Playoff to Georgia, but that victory over Ohio State was monumental. The Buckeye faithful shrugged it off, calling it a fluke. “It’s just one win,” they said. “Michigan hasn’t been a real threat for years.”

Fast forward to the next season, and Michigan not only beat Ohio State again, they did it in dominant fashion. JJ McCarthy slung the ball around the Horseshoe, and Michigan won 45-23, clinching their second straight victory in this fierce rivalry. That victory sent Michigan back to the College Football Playoff while Ohio State missed out after an excruciating loss to Georgia. The next year, Ohio State fans were confident. “Don’t worry, we’re going to restore order next season,” they said. But Michigan had other plans.

This year, things looked different. Michigan was struggling, sitting at 6-5 heading into the final game of the season. Ohio State fans were brimming with confidence. The expectation was that Ohio State would crush Michigan, especially with all the talent they had on the roster. I remember reading an analysis from Bruce Feldman, who predicted that Ohio State might try to put 70 points on Michigan. The talk was all about how Michigan was down, and how Ohio State’s offense would overwhelm them.

But as the game unfolded, Michigan showed up in a way that no one anticipated. Their defense played tough, and the offense moved the ball with authority. Ohio State, on the other hand, started making questionable decisions. With some of the best wide receivers in the nation, Ohio State chose to run the ball right into Michigan’s defensive strength, and their offense sputtered. Even after Michigan threw an interception deep in their own end, Ohio State couldn’t capitalize. Michigan’s quarterback, playing above his abilities, found a way to make plays, and running back Mullings just powered through Ohio State’s defense, controlling the game.

Michigan won again—defying the odds and leaving Ohio State fans scratching their heads. The post-game analysis was a sight to behold. Once again, Ohio State fans and players were making excuses. “Oh, Michigan was cheating” became their go-to excuse, even though the coach accused of cheating was long gone. This time, Ohio State couldn’t even blame the weather or an unlucky break. It was simply that Michigan played better.

And then came the real icing on the cake: Ryan Day’s inability to break the losing streak. The narrative shifted to blaming Day, who, let’s face it, has never quite lived up to the legacy of Urban Meyer or Jim Tressel. He’s from outside Ohio, and that seems to have become an issue for Buckeye fans. The lack of success against Michigan now rests on his shoulders, and it’s something that fans can’t ignore anymore.

Ohio State’s offensive play-calling was under intense scrutiny, and many questioned the decisions they made during the game. On a critical 3rd and 10, instead of passing, they chose to run the ball. It was a decision that felt like a dagger in the heart of their chances. When Michigan got the ball back, they showed no mercy, running the ball right down Ohio State’s throat. As a Michigan fan, it was hard not to enjoy watching the Buckeyes fall apart, especially after all the trash talk from their fans leading up to the game.

What followed was pure gloating. Michigan’s special teams, led by some incredible players, spelled out “Ohio” right in front of the Ohio State faithful. It was a moment of pure bliss, and as a Michigan alum, I couldn’t help but revel in it. The best part? Ohio State fans were left to watch, unable to do anything about it. The five straight losses to Michigan have to sting, and I’m not going to lie—I’ve been enjoying every second of it.

As for Ryan Day, well, he’ll have to wear this one. Michigan has now defeated Ohio State four times in a row, and the Buckeye faithful are starting to feel the pressure. The recriminations are flying, and fans are turning on their coach. It’s going to be an interesting offseason in Columbus, but for now, Michigan fans like myself can sit back and enjoy the gloating.

Ohio State, you can thank Ryan Day for another year of Rich Eisen’s gloating. The rivalry isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, and Michigan is firmly in control.