Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Faces Pressure Amid Predictions

Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, boasts an impressive 56-8 record since his appointment in 2018. Despite this success, Buckeyes fans remain dissatisfied, particularly as the team gears up for the upcoming season, projected to be among the nation’s elite. With current odds of +155, Ohio State is favored to win the Big Ten, raising questions about whether this will be the year they break through in national title contention. Last season, Ohio State's offense struggled, ranking 45th in scoring with an average of 30.5 points per game. However, quarterback Kyle McCord showed promise, outperforming his peers in key metrics such as yards per attempt and adjusted completion rate. The addition of freshman Jeremiah Smith, the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2024 class, is expected to bolster the offense significantly. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has established a formidable defense, which allowed just 11.2 points per game last year, the second-fewest in the FBS. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Day, particularly with the highly anticipated matchup against Michigan on November 30. A home loss to the Wolverines, who had 13 players drafted this offseason, could ignite fan outrage and jeopardize Day's position as head coach. Betting markets reflect optimism for the Buckeyes, with a win total set at 10.5 and -150 odds favoring the over, suggesting a 60% chance that Ohio State will achieve at least 11 wins this fall.