You can only blame Michigan’s sign stealing so much for Ohio State’s shortcomings in The Game. Saturday’s 30-24 loss in Ann Arbor marked the Buckeyes’ third consecutive defeat in college football’s preeminent rivalry. Thus, head coach Ryan Day and quarterback Kyle McCord shouldered much of the blame.
Although McCord did make some quality throws throughout the afternoon, his early giveaway led to a short field and subsequent TD for the Wolverines.
Then, with a shot to drive Ohio State to victory in the final minute, McCord made the dubious decision to throw a fraction late over the middle to superstar Marvin Harrison Jr.
Unfortunately, left guard Donavan Jackson got put on his backside, and McCord got drilled right before he let the ball go, resulting in an INT by Rod Moore.
INTERCEPTION@UMichfootball SEALS THE GAME 〽️ pic.twitter.com/37lF1aVeqo
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023
Kyle McCord threw two interceptions in the biggest game of his career. Ryan Day made a few questionable and conservative calls, while Wolverines acting head coach Sherrone Moore was pitch-perfect.
And Ohio State loses to Michigan for the third straight year.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) November 25, 2023
Tough looks for McCord. All things considered, in the midst of such a hostile environment, I’ll reiterate: The Buckeyes’ field general didn’t play that poorly. Just some ill-timed errors, wherein his inexperience and lack of functional mobility were exposed against a quality opponent littered with future NFL players.
Former Wolverines Heisman Trophy winner erupted after the final pick, while ex-OSU coach Urban Meyer was just trying to duck out of the way:
This view of @CharlesWoodson and Urban Meyer side by side 😅 pic.twitter.com/kyVbXk3vPt
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023
But we’re here to document the reactions of those who witnessed McCord botch his opportunity to become an instant Ohio State legend. Sorry, Kyle. To quote the movie Happy Gilmore, better luck next year. Unless, you know, another more dynamic 5-star QB beats you out in spring practices.
kyle mccord in 2024 pic.twitter.com/BNiTSSCsTJ
— 𝙊𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 (@CLE_Optimistic) November 25, 2023
McCord in the clutch pic.twitter.com/FcaXcovWau
— Truth Takes (@truthsportakes) November 25, 2023
McCord just take the damn check down here. Worst case scenario it's a gain of 8 and the clock stops with Henderson out of bounds. pic.twitter.com/jbOMpvXfYQ
— jbook™ (@jbook37) November 25, 2023
Quick aside: Those who screenshot plays to make a point don’t know ball. Continuing on…
Kyle McCord when Marvin Harrison and the other wrs aren’t taking bubble screens for 60 yard gains pic.twitter.com/JJrq7YjIgN
— John (@iam_johnw) November 25, 2023
Kyle McCord next year pic.twitter.com/JMKgfCheUu
— Gracie (@graciemarx) November 25, 2023
McCord getting ready to go back out there after the INT pic.twitter.com/BSQu6hcoXw
— MGo🫘 (@MJoeBean) November 25, 2023
Marvin Harrison with Kyle McCord throwing to him pic.twitter.com/LnqDJ2EELR
— Herb Kirkstreit (@THE_OSU) November 25, 2023
Kyle McCordpic.twitter.com/xAHdO9V3Jl
— Behind the Lines (@BookitBTL) November 25, 2023
“Kyle McCord drops back to pass, he’s looks downfield AND…..” pic.twitter.com/MRTSCyJiXM
— Noah🌧 (@NGLP124) November 25, 2023
Me whenever I watch Kyle McCord play #OSUvsMICH pic.twitter.com/fmBIoHED4L
— Chandler Laird (@The_Chanimal54) November 25, 2023
Kyle McCord with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/ichPXUwJSc
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 25, 2023
Kyle McCord in big games pic.twitter.com/BIyyNfWngA
— jonah block (@JonahBlock05) November 25, 2023
As for Ryan Day, well, losing thrice in a row against Michigan after your predecessor Urban Meyer went 7-0 is going to draw the ire of Buckeye Nation. Especially when Jim Harbaugh isn’t even on the sidelines because of a suspension.
Day was just too cautious throughout the game, perhaps not trusting McCord enough to cut it loose. Whatever the reason for his conservatism, Day felt like a coach playing not to lose instead of playing to win.
Bathe in it, though, Ohio State stans. This is your head coach, in all likelihood, until further notice. Another caveat: Maybe Day and McCord will pack up and head to College Station to take over Texas A&M in the wake of Jimbo Fisher’s historic buyout.
Kyle McCord and Ryan Day will never recover from this in Ohio
Texas A&M will enjoy this combo
— Quincy Carrier (@Kwen_C) November 25, 2023
Ryan Day super conservative to close the half could be the difference in a tight game. He’s playing not to lose rather than to win with what he has at his disposal.
— GameOn513 (@gameonjmoney) November 25, 2023
ryan day walking back to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/FcdNLHHEMh
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) November 25, 2023
Ryan Day…. Love you bro but gotta go. This is why you’re paid millions. Cant get paid 9’ms and lose 3 straight.
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
The job description of being the Ohio State football coach is to beat Michigan
Ryan Day’s legacy is losing 3 straight to them pic.twitter.com/rHGQxUySVW
— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) November 25, 2023
So let’s recap:
– Michigan kicks Ohio State’s behind two years in a row.
– Ryan Day responds by hiring a private investigator and lobbies the Big Ten to take unprecedented measures against Jim Harbaugh
– Ohio State loses to Michigan AGAIN anyway.
😂😂😂 #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/YIquGzMNHM
— Don Thomas (@REALDonThomas) November 25, 2023
Ryan day realizing he didn’t have to start Kyle McCord all year just because he played high school football with Marvin Harrison jr pic.twitter.com/kLUXU5ifAt
— John (@iam_johnw) November 25, 2023
Ryan Day vs. Michigan 1-3
Ryan Day vs. rest of Big Ten 40-0— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 25, 2023
Another year, another Ryan Day loss to Michigan pic.twitter.com/PmuFDXlCh2
— Cover 3 Film Room (@Cover3FilmRoom) November 25, 2023
Unclear where the Buckeyes go from here.
Life’s about to get a lot harder on offense without the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr. around. We’ll see if Ryan Day or Kyle McCord are around to see it through.
