The Ohio State Buckeyes will seemingly never feel like "the guy" in Columbus, no matter how many big games he wins.
It's why Cleveland.com's Jimmy Watkins claimed the Buckeyes head coach would be "on trial" again next week despite Ohio State picking up a 14-7 win over the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday at the "Shoe."
"Credit the home crowd for that difference, sure. And tip the pencil behind your ear to new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia for a strong debut (would hate to have written a column questioning that guy this week). But after losing 25,000 snaps of seasoning this offseason, Day’s culture deserves its due, too," Watkins wrote.
"Even if, in the fanbase’s eyes, he’ll be back on trial this time next week."
Day lost both of his coordinators this offseason; Chip Kelly to the Las Vegas Raiders, Jim Knowles to the hated rival Penn State Nittany Lions. He lost two first-round NFL running back talents. He lost several receivers to the draft and the Transfer Portal. He had a redshirt freshman under center against a Longhorns defense that looked equally impressive to the Buckeyes'.
Day probably deserves some leeway here. He won't get one, though, for one very simple reason...
Ohio State hasn't beaten TTUN in 2,100 days
Ohio State's winless streak against TTUN officially reached 2,100 days on Saturday. Ohio State can knock off as many No. 1 teams as possible. If the Buckeyes don't beat the Wolverines, Day will not be "the man" in the state of Ohio.
After TTUN got off with minimal penalties for sign-stealing, it's even more important for the mental health of the fanbase to see Ohio State triumph in Ann Arbor on November 29.
That way, future wins over No. 1 teams, following a national championship season, won't inspire Day to remain "on trial."