Ohio State vs Michigan: why the Buckeyes struggle and how to fix it

The Ohio State–Michigan rivalry never needs extra hype, but after last season’s upset the spotlight on Ryan Day is brighter than ever. Fans remember a game plan that leaned heavily on brute force up the middle — a formula that failed when Michigan dared Ohio State to be physical and then outmaneuvered them. With stakes renewed, the Buckeyes have to decide whether to try the same tactic again or pivot to what wins big rivalry games: maximizing their playmakers and tempo.

This weekend in the Big House will be a test not just of talent but of adaptability. Ohio State’s roster has the athletes to win anywhere, but how Day chooses to deploy Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will likely determine the result. Below is a breakdown of the tactical adjustments that could flip the script and why speed, creativity, and personnel usage matter more than gutting it out between the tackles.

Why lining up and running straight at Michigan won’t be enough

Ohio State’s fabled trenches are powerful, but Michigan’s defensive front remains a nightmare for one-dimensional attacks. Last year’s game showed that trying to overpower the Wolverines on sheer physicality invites collapse when the opponent is prepared.

• Predictability is the enemy: Repeatedly attacking the same gaps allows a disciplined defense to load the box and rally to the ball.
• Mental edge matters: Michigan’s front seven sets the tempo. When they win early, Ohio State’s offense becomes reactive instead of proactive.
• Matchup exploitation: If Ohio State keeps asking their guards and backs to finish plays in heavy traffic, they lose opportunities to exploit speed mismatches on the perimeter.

Shifting away from a strict inside-run identity doesn’t mean abandoning physical football. It means complementing it with schemed misdirection, play-action, and quick-strike concepts that force Michigan to defend the whole field.

Make your athletes the focal point: the Sayin-Smith-Tate axis

The most straightforward path to victory is to put the ball in the hands of your best playmakers and trust them in space. Julian Sayin’s development as a decision-maker hinges on a play-calling structure that simplifies reads and rewards quick instincts.

• Jeremiah Smith: When targeted underneath or on intermediate routes, Smith creates mismatch tackling problems. Using him in motion and designed routes can free Sayin from multi-level reads.
• Carnell Tate: Tate’s speed and route-running demand single coverage. Schemes that isolate him on the boundary or leverage vertical spacing create big-play chances.
• Sayin’s role: Build game plans that prioritize quick reads and pre-snap movement so the young QB can identify favorable matchups and avoid late pass protections against Michigan’s front.

Coaching staffs that win this rivalry often find clever ways to get their best athletes the ball in advantageous situations. Expect play designs that prioritize rhythm and space over brute-force yardage.

Tempo: the underrated weapon against a dominant defensive line

Ohio State currently operates at one of the slowest offensive tempos in college football. That conservative pace benefits defenses with depth and experience. Speeding things up can be a force multiplier.

• Fatigue and substitution advantage: Faster snaps wear down front-seven defenders and reduce Michigan’s ability to substitute favorable personnel packages.
• Simplified reads: A higher tempo limits defensive disguise, making pre-snap reads more reliable for Sayin.
• Rhythm for young quarterbacks: Consistent play cadence builds confidence and reduces decision time, which is crucial against elite pressure units.

Implementing a no-huddle or quick-huddle plan for portions of the game — especially after short punts or turnovers — could swing momentum and force Michigan into uncomfortable packages.

Defensive matchups and how Ohio State can control field position

Ohio State’s defense has game-changing talent, but the key to winning in Ann Arbor is complementary football: an offense that sustains drives and a defense that exploits opponent mistakes.

Key defensive objectives

• Limit explosive plays: Tackling and lane discipline will prevent Michigan from turning short gains into long drives.
• Force third-and-longs: Make the Wolverines explore their passing game under pressure rather than letting them methodically chew the clock.
• Special teams matter: Field position and timely returns can tilt a tight game — Ohio State must win the hidden yardage battle.

If the offense commits to controlling the line of scrimmage with movement and tempo, the defense can play with shorter fields and attack turnovers rather than holding its breath on every snap.

Practical adjustments Ryan Day should deploy before kickoff

To avoid a repeat of last November, Day should adopt a plan that blends structure with flexibility. Below are concrete, coachable moves that would improve Ohio State’s odds in Michigan Stadium.

1. Quicken the pace selectively: Use tempo in at least two game phases — early downs to set a tone and situational drives when momentum shifts.
2. Design for mismatch creation: Use motion, tight splits and pre-snap shifts to identify and attack single coverage on the outside.
3. Lean on intermediate passing: Move beyond purely vertical or straight-ahead runs; three-step passes and screens will neutralize pass rushers and exploit linebackers.
4. Rotate personnel often: Keep bodies fresh on both lines to prevent Michigan from dictating physicality late in the game.
5. Script high-percentage plays for Sayin: Early scripted series that build rhythm and confidence, then expand concepts as the game permits.

The sum of these changes isn’t revolutionary — it’s situational intelligence. If Ohio State puts athletes in space, speeds play-calling at key moments, and trusts matchups, they create the conditions to win in the Big House without relying solely on running straight through the defense.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.