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'It's on to the Team Up North.' Ryan Day, CJ Stroud know 'all chips' are in vs. Michigan

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Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read

The first thing that was said in Ohio State football's locker room after beating Maryland 43-30 on the road Saturday was about Michigan.

"I just got done with the team," coach Ryan Day said in his postgame press conference. "You probably can imagine the first thing that was said: 'It's on to the Team Up North.'"

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Ohio State beats Maryland on the road: Ohio State football holds on to beat Maryland 43-30, setting up big game with Michigan

While reflecting on the Buckeyes' win against the Terrapins Saturday afternoon, Day reiterated Ohio State's number one goal each season: to beat Michigan.

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The 118th edition of the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry game carries some weight, marking the first time both teams will be undefeated heading into "The Game" since 2006.

With the rivalry game also comes a chance at redemption for Day and the rest of the Ohio State football program, coming off a 42-27 loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2021.

"That has not been easy. It hasn't been good," Day said. "We'll probably talk more about it this week, but I am looking forward to the preparation. Our guys focused on it all offseason. During the season, it's always been in the back of our minds. We work it every day of the year. The week is officially here."

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'We've been thinking about that game for 365 days'

In his postgame radio interview on 97.1 The Fan, running back Dallan Hayden said he expected Ohio State's matchup with Michigan to be a "physical game" and a "true rivalry game."

Quarterback C.J. Stroud said he's been thinking about the Wolverines since he left Ann Arbor in 2021.

"We've been thinking about that game for 365 days, so we're excited," Stroud said on 97.1 The Fan.

Minutes after Ohio State's 43-30 win against Maryland was secured, players and coaches were already turning their focus to Michigan.

To Day, this Ohio State team is much more experience than the last time it played Michigan. But he also feels the Buckeyes have something to play for next Saturday.

"I think we've been scarred," Day said. "Coming off of that game, we were highly motivated to get right back to where we are now. There's been a lot of hard work, lot of blood, sweat and tears to get back to where we are right now.

"Now, all the chips go in."

Ohio State football's 2022 schedule

Michigan football's 2022 schedule

  • Sept. 3: Michigan 51, Colorado State 7

  • Sept. 10: Michigan 56, Hawaii 10

  • Sept. 17: Michigan 59, UConn 0

  • Sept. 24: Michigan 34, Maryland 27

  • Oct. 1: Michigan 27, Iowa 14

  • Oct. 8: Michigan 31, Indiana 10

  • Oct. 15: Michigan 41, Penn State 17

  • Oct. 29: Michigan 29, Michigan State 7

  • Nov. 5: Michigan 52, Rutgers 17

  • Nov. 12: Michigan 34, Nebraska 3

  • Nov. 19: Michigan 19, Illinois 17

  • Nov. 26: Michigan vs. Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio, noon

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: CJ Stroud, Ryan Day comment on Michigan at Ohio State game