Newsstand: ESPN's Paul Finebaum destroys Ohio State coach Ryan Day's comments on repeatedly losing to Michigan
Tweets Of The Day
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is 56-8 as the Buckeyes’ head coach, and he’s only lost three Big Ten games. The issue is that all three conference setbacks have come at the hands at the program’s bitter rival — defending national champion Michigan. Day said at Big Ten Media Days that his team is motivated by those losses, but he’s also said similar in the past.
“One of the biggest struggles that we have is that when you lose a game like that, you have to wait a whole year to get back into that game,” Day said. “We had about 12 guys that made the decision to come back. That was one of the big reasons why they decided to come back. … When you come to Ohio State, you’ve gotta win that game.”
ESPN talking head Paul Finebaum took exception with Day’s remarks.
“Here’s the problem with talking about Ryan Day. You look at his record… it’s gaudy. Nobody has a record like him. Except you can’t choke the biggest game of the year,” Finebaum said. “And to me, if he can’t beat Michigan this year when he’s got probably the best team in the country, along with Georgia, after Harbaugh leaves, after all those great players depart after a national championship, he ought to be gone. It’s as simple as that. That’s the biggest game of the year in the Big Ten.”
“I have no idea what he’s talking about. I mean he’s lost that game three years in a row and he’s talking about how his players are motivated to come back and play,” Finebaum said. “Well, I heard that three years ago, two years ago and last year and you stunk in all three games. I mean what are you talking about?”
“I realize that Ohio State played for a national championship a couple of years ago against Alabama – only lost by 28 points. They’ve been to the playoffs. But that program hasn’t won a national championship since 2014 when Urban Meyer was there. So quit making excuses, Ryan Day. Quit acting like your players have given up something to come back,” Finebaum said. “Three years ago they came back, two years ago they came back and one year ago they came back. And it’s been the same result.”
Michigan shows a sophomore wideout Semaj Morgan highlight as the season nears. Fall camp is now one week away, set to begin July 31.
Three Michigan football players have been named Big Ten players to watch by the conference: junior cornerback Will Johnson, junior defensive tackle Mason Graham and junior tight end Colston Loveland.
Quote Of The Day
“At first, it was hard watching everybody play football and not being able to do it. But I talked to a lot of my family members and people close to me, and it was like, I just have to make the best of what my situation is. I came in as a freshman, and we all didn’t know the play book, but I had guys like Dax[ton Hill], Brad [Hawkins], DJ [Turner] helping me. They saw the talent that I had — and I see the talent in the room. It’s good to have somebody that helps you, especially when you’re coming in and trying to learn the play book. I just want to still be impactful to this team in my own way, even if I can’t be on the field.”
— Michigan senior safety Rod Moore on keeping a positive mindset despite being injured
Headlines Of The Day
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Michigan DB Rod Moore talks injury recovery, positive mindset: ‘I still want to be impactful to this team’
• Zach Libby and EJ Holland, The Wolverine: Podcast: Previewing top recruits visiting Michigan for the BBQ
• Chris Balas, The Wolverine: Big Ten Media Days: Now or never for weary-looking Ryan Day?
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Michigan quick-hitters: Team culture, players who will surprise, quarterback competition, Rod Moore’s recovery, more
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Five takeaways from interviewing Sherrone Moore, Michigan players at Champions Circle Golf Classic