Ryan Day take swipe at Michigan!

“Our natty doesn’t come with an asterisk ……

Ryan Day, head coach of Ohio State University’s football team, made waves with a pointed remark aimed at Michigan, signaling the growing tension in one of the most storied rivalries in college football. The comment was made in response to criticisms and doubts surrounding Ohio State’s national championship achievements, especially those who questioned the legitimacy of their success in comparison to Michigan’s recent rise in prominence.

Though Day didn’t mention Michigan by name, his words clearly pointed to the Wolverines, especially after their dominant performances over Ohio State in the past few seasons and the increasing sense of pride in Ann Arbor. The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has always been fierce, but it seems to have escalated in recent years, with both teams jockeying for supremacy in the Big Ten and, more broadly, the national football scene.

Day’s statement, “Our natty doesn’t come with an asterisk,” is both a defense of Ohio State’s accomplishments and a direct jab at Michigan’s own claims to superiority. For context, the comment was likely in response to the discussions surrounding Michigan’s 2022 and 2023 seasons, where they earned strong records and playoff appearances, with many feeling that Michigan’s rise to prominence was due in part to an easier path compared to Ohio State, who faced tougher competition and maintained national attention due to their more competitive schedule.

Day’s claim was designed to send a message not just to Michigan, but to the broader college football landscape. In the world of college sports, championship titles can be clouded by controversy, external opinions, or even what some perceive as the weakness of a team’s schedule or the era in which they achieved their success. This is where the “asterisk” comes into play. The term is often used to suggest that a particular title or achievement might have been earned under circumstances that call into question its full validity. In the context of Ohio State’s championship run, the assertion was that their national title wasn’t marred by such doubts—standing as unequivocally earned.

For Ohio State, a program with such a rich history of success, Day’s comment is not just about defending the past but also about positioning the program for future battles. The Buckeyes have seen a fair amount of turnover in recent seasons, both in terms of coaching and roster, and Day is keenly aware that his legacy—and that of Ohio State football—is closely tied to the results of his rivalry with Michigan. For years, the Buckeyes dominated the rivalry under former head coach Urban Meyer, but Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh has shifted the balance of power in recent seasons. With Michigan claiming back-to-back victories over Ohio State, Day’s remark underscores his confidence in the Buckeyes’ ability to reclaim their place at the top.

There’s also a deeper subtext in Day’s words that resonates with the ongoing conversation about the strength of different college football programs. While Michigan has been lauded for its strong recruiting classes, impressive performances in big games, and resurgence under Harbaugh, there are those who feel that the Wolverines’ success is, in part, due to Ohio State’s slip in form. In this sense, Day’s assertion may not just be a defensive stance, but a challenge: Ohio State has faced its own struggles, but it is a program with the resources, history, and talent pool to overcome them.

The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has always had layers beyond just wins and losses on the field. It’s about recruiting battles, bragging rights, and the larger narrative that defines the Big Ten. Michigan fans are quick to point out their team’s recent dominance over Ohio State, and Ohio State supporters, in turn, highlight their sustained national relevance and championship pedigree. Day’s comments, in essence, are an effort to frame the conversation in terms that benefit his team, emphasizing that championships aren’t just about beating rivals—they’re about sustained excellence over time.

In conclusion, Ryan Day’s statement, “Our natty doesn’t come with an asterisk,” is more than just a swipe at Michigan—it’s a declaration of confidence in the Ohio State program’s continued relevance and success. It’s a reminder that despite recent setbacks, the Buckeyes are a championship-caliber team, and that their national title achievements stand on their own merits. The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan will continue to evolve, but one thing is clear: Day and the Buckeyes aren’t backing down from the challenge.