Beanie Wells: 'They have to beat Michigan if Ryan Day wants to still be at Ohio State'

Ryan Day began his Ohio State career against Michigan with three straight wins, continuing the program’s dominance in the rivalry. The overall record is now down to .500 as the Wolverines are on a three-game winning streak of their own. All three have been high-stakes games too as Michigan has won the Big Ten and made the CFP, capping things off last season with a national championship.

Ohio State great Beanie Wells has seen a change in identity from the Buckeyes under Day, specifically against Michigan. The line of scrimmage has been dominated by the maize and blue, being the difference. It’s one thing to lose a rivalry game but Wells was not a fan of how the losses unfolded.

“When you look at the fact that they’ve lost three years in a row — not just losing those games,” Wells said. “It’s the way they lost those. Michigan out physicaled Ohio State. And for so many years, Ohio State prided themselves on being a physical, dominant football team. Now, when you get into a dogfight in a phone booth, it’s not happening. We didn’t see that from this Ryan Day football team. So, they certainly have to be better.”

Michigan is averaging 235 rushing yards per game over the past three years. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards have been a staple and produced great moments against Ohio State. In comparison, Day’s squad has gone for just over 104 yards per game.

The outlook might look different in 2024.

Yes, Michigan should still have a top defensive line with Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. And Sherrone Moore will always have quality bodies on the offensive line due to his background, being a former Joe Moore Award-winning coach

But Wells has faith in what Ohio State brings to the table up front, both on the roster and on the coaching staff. New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is never going to be afraid of running the ball, even more so with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins receiving carries.

Anything other than a win in The Game this season and Wells believes Day’s job should be in jeopardy.

“I think they went out and did everything they possibly could in terms of adding Chip Kelly, adding the playmakers in the portal,” Wells said. “They’re going to give it their best shot and I think they have to get it done. Especially if Ryan Day still wants to be Ohio State.”