Whеn Jim Harbaugh dеpartеd for thе Los Angeles Chargеrs еarliеr this year, and Sherrone Moore took the helm of Michigan football, it likеly sparkеd jubilation among thе Ohio Statе Buckеyеs. Aftеr all, thе dеparturе of thе hеad coach who was rеsponsiblе for thеir thrее consеcutivе dеfеats against thе arch rival, rеliеvеd a significant burdеn. However, with that, thе prеssurе on hеad coach Ryan Day mountеd, as thе Buckеyе Nation еnvisionеd 2024 as thеir yеar for rеdеmption. Howеvеr, what еxactly arе Ohio Statе fans anticipating this sеason? Are they aiming for a national championship, a triumph over Michigan, or perhaps both?

On June 4th’s episode of Michigan Football at The Voice of CFB, hosts Mac and Cliff discussed the hottest question in the Big 10 conference: Will Ohio State’s quest for a national title overshadow the importance of defeating Michigan and coach Sherrone Moore? However, according to Cliff, for the Buckeye Nation, triumphing over Michigan holds greater significance than claiming a national title.

“They would have won the national title, maybe that would have taken some pressure off,” expressed Cliff. “But you know, Buckeye Nation does expect Ohio State to beat Michigan every single year. That’s their goal; to beat Michigan and play for national titles every single year.” However, as a Michigan fan himself, Cliff represented the contrasting mindset of the Wolverines’ fanbase. As per Cliff, if they “lost to Ohio State and yet won the National Championship,” it would not matter much to them.

Meanwhile, Coach Day, to cope with the mounting pressure, has already bolstered his squad with a slew of impressive players for the upcoming season, including high-profile recruits like RB Quinshon Judkins, QBs Will Howard, Julian Sayin, and DB Caleb Downs. In addition, the Buckeyes head coach also made a considerable investment to assemble the best coaching staff. However, according to Big Ten Ted, the onus will rest heavily on QB Howard to meet the lofty expectations of the fans by emerging victorious against Sherrone Moore & Co.

QB dеpth concerns loom for Coach Day

As for Michigan, Sherrone Moore’s QB room boasts plenty of options to helm the offense. Jack Tuttle was McCarthy’s backup last year and received approval for a seventh college season in February. Tuttle’s absence from the spring game due to an undisclosed injury notwithstanding, the 25-year-old brings the most experience to the table. Additionally, Junior Alex Orji and 2025 recruit Carter Smith offer compelling dual-threat abilities, adding depth to the competition.

However, for Coach Day, the QB room lacks immediate readiness compared to Michigan. With CJ Stroud’s departure to the NFL and last season’s QB1 Kyle McCord joining Syracuse, Day finds himself with Will Howard as the presumed QB1 for the upcoming season, according to Big Ten Ted. Howard showcased promise by completing 9 of 13 passes for 77 yards in the Buckeyes’ spring game while rotating with five other quarterbacks.

Nevertheless, Cliff speculated on the ramifications of a potential injury to Howard, suggesting that the Buckeyes’ chances against the Wolverines would be significantly jeopardized. “If Will Howard gets injured, I think they’re in a lot of trouble. I don’t think their quarterback room, from what I understand, has a lot of talent,” added Cliff. “I think it is a lot of raw talent… in terms of winning a national title.”

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However, it is still the offseason, and the spring games for the Big 10 conference have just concluded. Furthermore, there’s ample time before the highly anticipated arch-rival matchup between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes, scheduled for November. Therefore, Day and his team have plenty of opportunities to refine and develop their offense under the guidance of Chip Kelly.