Since Ryan Day took over as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2019, he has not been kind to Maryland. He has never lost to the Terrapins, and most of the games haven't been close. All of the margins of victory have been by 13 or more points. This weekend looks to be no different.
It almost seems like Day has a personal vendetta against Mike Locksley. In fact, he might. It has been rumored over the years that Locksley is the reason Chase Young was suspended for two games in 2019. If that is true, Locksley certainly regrets making that happen based on what's happened over the years.
Ryan Day and Ohio State could make it personal against Maryland
In that 2019 matchup, Day and the Buckeyes blew out Maryland 73-14. They even went for an onside kick in that game. In the next matchup in 2021, Ohio State crushed them 66-17. It's pretty clear that Day wanted to send a message in both of those games, and he did so.
This week, Maryland is a massive underdog in this game. The Buckeyes get up for Maryland every time these two coaches meet, and that single alleged 2019 incident might be the reason why. It's a mistake that Locksley can't outrun, and his job is in jeopardy as well.
It seems that Locksley won't get fired after this week, no matter how bad the loss is. However, his future is uncertain beyond that. It would be shocking if Maryland decides to retain him into next year. Of course, it doesn't really matter who coaches the Terrapins against Ohio State.
Ohio State has never lost to Maryland in program history. If they win on Saturday, the Buckeyes will have a perfect 10-0 record against them. The question is very likely not if they win the game, but by how much? Day might keep his foot on the gas a little longer than he would with other teams.
Ohio State could produce a massive blowout vs. Maryland
In this game, it wouldn't be shocking if the Ohio State Buckeyes smashed Maryland by 50 points. The last two matchups have been a bit closer, as Ohio State only won by 13 and 20 points, respectively. This Ohio State team is much more talented than this Maryland squad, though.
Even if the Buckeyes are missing two receivers, putting up points shouldn't be any issue. As long as Jeremiah Smith is on the field, Ohio State might be able to just name its point total. He's the best player in college football, and he'll be able to do whatever he wants against the Terps.
Had Locksley kept his mouth shut in 2019, perhaps some of these losses would have been a little less embarrassing. It's certainly something that, if true, he regrets every time Ohio State comes up on the schedule. Even with IU looming next weekend, Day will make sure to have his guys ready to go this week.
This is part of the reason why I think Jeremiah Smith goes off in the first half. Day will want to set the tone from the moment this game kicks off so he can get his backups on the field.
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