Ryan Day had a feeling something could go wrong during Ohio State’s trip to Michigan, so he had the Buckeyes prepare. Luke Hales / Getty Images
Ohio State lost connection in its helmet communications during the second half of Saturday’s 27-9 win over Michigan, but coach Ryan Day had a feeling something like that might happen.
Day, who ended his four-game losing streak to the Wolverines, has seen his fair share of rivalry shenanigans in his time as the head coach. So last Friday, Day had the thought to come up with a plan if communications went down in the middle of the game. He said his coaches looked at him, confused.
“Why would you think that would happen,” Day recalled them asking. “I said, ‘I don’t know, we just have to be ready for anything.’”
When the Buckeyes lost their connection, Ohio State had quarterback Julian Sayin run to the sideline, get the play and run back to the huddle.
After the game, Sayin, who threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns, said it reminded him of playing high school football.
Ohio State handled it fine, scoring 10 points and tallying 198 yards in the second half. Day didn’t say whether the communications to the press box also went down, but was glad the team was prepared for that.
“It’s funny how your mind works,” Day said with a smile and a wink to the media.
Ohio State is preparing to play No. 2 Indiana in Saturday’s Big Ten championship. The winner will likely earn the top seed in the College Football Playoff and a Rose Bowl berth.
Dec 2, 2025
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