Ryan Day and Kyle McCord under fire after shaky start vs. Michigan
By Josh Yourish
Every year, The Game is won by a few crucial decisions and a few big plays. The first big decision of the 119th edition of Ohio State and Michigan fell on Ryan Day, who had to decide whether or not to go for it on fourth and one near midfield in the first quarter.
Instead of trusting his elite defense, and giving his quarterback, Kyle McCord, a chance, Day decided to punt. Ohio State’s punter, Jesse Mirco didn’t pin Michigan deep, but the Buckeyes got a stop on that drive.
What would you call the decision to punt there by Ryan Day? #TheGame #OSUvsMICH
— Michael Collins (@MCFanSided) November 25, 2023
Ryan Day was the first character in this big game to take some heat on social media following the decision.
Loser punt what we doing ryan day
— Joe Summers (@IAmJoeSummers) November 25, 2023
Ryan Day already in his BAG with the 4th & 1 punt in his biggest game of the year 😂😂
— Barstool SEC (@SECBarstool) November 25, 2023
Both of these teams look like SHIT
Ryan Day’s quarterback was able to get the heat off his head coach quickly. Not in the way you’d expect. Ohio State got the ball back and McCord threw an awful interception to set up Michigan.
I cannot believe Ryan Day and Ohio State couldn't do better than Kyle McCord as CJ Stroud's replacement pic.twitter.com/z2Gf0wsP4M
— Josh Yourish (@JYourish3) November 25, 2023
McCord set up Michigan deep in Ohio State territory, but after a few stops, Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s acting head coach had a decision to make. He went for it on fourth and goal from the one, and was rewarded as Blake Corum dove across the goalline to give the Wolverines a 7-0 lead.
It appears Kyle McCord is unfortunately not built for this.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 25, 2023
If I were Kyle McCord, I'd try to not throw it into the hands of the defensive backs.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) November 25, 2023
McCord was able to respond a bit. He led Ohio State on a field goal drive to make the score 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. He’ll need to start playing a lot better if the Buckeyes are going to win this game. It is McCord’s first start against Michigan and there is a chance he has finally shaken off the pregame jitters.