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The Real Reason Ohio State Has Struggled vs. Michigan And How to Fix It | Deadspin.com

The Real Reason Ohio State Has Struggled vs. Michigan And How to Fix It | Deadspin.com

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Unless your name is Ryan Day, you’ll know that different teams play with various styles and find unique ways to win. Unfortunately for the Ohio State faithful, Ryan Day forgot this important caveat and decided that Ohio State could only beat Michigan by running the ball right up the middle and being the tougher team.

As every college football fan knows, that didn’t work, and it probably wouldn’t work if Day were to try that again this year. Urban Meyer will never have to buy a drink in Columbus because he realized the best way to beat Michigan is by using your athletes. That should be the exact game plan Day uses to get the much-needed win over his hated rivals from up north.

When Ohio State was miraculously upset in November of 2024, Ryan Day’s world was flipped upside down. He couldn’t leave his house with the lunatic fringe harassing him or his family. 

Of course, that loss might’ve been the spark needed to push the Buckeyes to a national championship, but I’m sure if you asked Day, he would’ve liked to handle business and avoid any hot-seat talks in the process.

Following last season’s loss to Michigan, Day seemed to exercise his “big-game demons” and has made Ohio State look unbeatable ever since. Even with the changes made for Day, there are still some massive concerns for the Buckeyes this Saturday. The playbook has been relatively limited for Julian Sayin and company. The offensive formations have led to predictable play-calling and are a big reason the offense has struggled to establish the run at various points this season.

Fortunately for Day, he doesn’t have to deal with Mason Graham in the middle of the Michigan defense; however, their defensive line is still the centerpiece of their defense. Ohio State will have to rely on the trio of Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and Carnell Tate to win for them. That should have been the game plan last season, as anytime Smith was targeted, it felt like Michigan had to tackle him the second the ball was in the air to stop him.

I’d also love to see Ohio State use a little bit more tempo. The Buckeyes play at the slowest rate in the entire country, and a great way to help a young quarterback get into a better rhythm is to speed up the offense. It’ll tire out the Michigan defensive front, and simplify how many reads Sayin will need to make to keep the chains moving.

If Ohio State’s offense can do anything in the Big House, the defense should be able to piece the rest of the puzzle together. Ryan Day is the reason Ohio State isn’t a bigger favorite in this one, but he’s also the reason Ohio State is the defending national champs. I’m excited to see if he learns from last year and caps off an undefeated regular season in Ann Arbor.

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Deadspin | Surprise HR by Jonatan Clase propels Jays past Giants Jul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) celebrates his home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in his first start of the season, Sean Keys contributed a two-RBI single to a five-run third inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays evened their three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants with a 9-3 victory Tuesday night. Ernie Clement had a three-hit game while Clase, Keys and Brandon Valenzuela collected two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out of an offensive slump with a 13-hit attack. Toronto had entered the game on a three-game losing streak, during which it was shut out twice and scored just one run. Clase, who was promoted to the Blue Jays for the first time this season last week as George Springer went on paternity leave, gave Toronto a lead it would never relinquish with his home run in the second inning after singles by Valenzuela and Keys. The 24-year-old had been given just one at-bat as a late-game pinch hitter last Saturday in Seattle before taking Giants starter Trevor McDonald (3-7) deep for his fourth career home run. The Giants got one run back on an infield single by Victor Bericoto in the bottom of the second before the Blue Jays busted the game open with their five-run third. Six of the batters McDonald faced in the inning recorded singles, including Keys’ two-run hit and run-scorig blows by Valenzuela and Andres Gimenez. McDonald was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with eight runs on 11 hits. He walked one without a strikeout. Blue Jays starter Spencer Miles allowed a second run on a Rafael Devers double play grounder before calling it a night after four innings, during which he allowed seven hits. He struck out one. Because Miles failed to go the required five innings, Patrick Corbin (3-4) was credited with the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. He served up the Giants’ final run on an RBI double by Luis Arraez. The Blue Jays capped the game’s scoring in the ninth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded into a double play that plated Clement. Clase, Keys and Valenzuela scored twice for the Blue Jays, who were thumped 10-1 in the series opener Monday. Heliot Ramos singled twice and scored twice for the Giants, who have alternated losses and wins in their last seven games. Arraez also had two hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Surprise #Jonatan #Clase #propels #Jays #GiantsJul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) celebrates his home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in his first start of the season, Sean Keys contributed a two-RBI single to a five-run third inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays evened their three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants with a 9-3 victory Tuesday night.

Ernie Clement had a three-hit game while Clase, Keys and Brandon Valenzuela collected two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out of an offensive slump with a 13-hit attack.

Toronto had entered the game on a three-game losing streak, during which it was shut out twice and scored just one run.

Clase, who was promoted to the Blue Jays for the first time this season last week as George Springer went on paternity leave, gave Toronto a lead it would never relinquish with his home run in the second inning after singles by Valenzuela and Keys.

The 24-year-old had been given just one at-bat as a late-game pinch hitter last Saturday in Seattle before taking Giants starter Trevor McDonald (3-7) deep for his fourth career home run.

The Giants got one run back on an infield single by Victor Bericoto in the bottom of the second before the Blue Jays busted the game open with their five-run third.


Six of the batters McDonald faced in the inning recorded singles, including Keys’ two-run hit and run-scorig blows by Valenzuela and Andres Gimenez.

McDonald was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with eight runs on 11 hits. He walked one without a strikeout.

Blue Jays starter Spencer Miles allowed a second run on a Rafael Devers double play grounder before calling it a night after four innings, during which he allowed seven hits. He struck out one.

Because Miles failed to go the required five innings, Patrick Corbin (3-4) was credited with the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. He served up the Giants’ final run on an RBI double by Luis Arraez.

The Blue Jays capped the game’s scoring in the ninth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded into a double play that plated Clement.

Clase, Keys and Valenzuela scored twice for the Blue Jays, who were thumped 10-1 in the series opener Monday.

Heliot Ramos singled twice and scored twice for the Giants, who have alternated losses and wins in their last seven games. Arraez also had two hits.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surprise #Jonatan #Clase #propels #Jays #Giants">Deadspin | Surprise HR by Jonatan Clase propels Jays past Giants Jul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) celebrates his home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in his first start of the season, Sean Keys contributed a two-RBI single to a five-run third inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays evened their three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants with a 9-3 victory Tuesday night. Ernie Clement had a three-hit game while Clase, Keys and Brandon Valenzuela collected two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out of an offensive slump with a 13-hit attack. Toronto had entered the game on a three-game losing streak, during which it was shut out twice and scored just one run. Clase, who was promoted to the Blue Jays for the first time this season last week as George Springer went on paternity leave, gave Toronto a lead it would never relinquish with his home run in the second inning after singles by Valenzuela and Keys. The 24-year-old had been given just one at-bat as a late-game pinch hitter last Saturday in Seattle before taking Giants starter Trevor McDonald (3-7) deep for his fourth career home run. The Giants got one run back on an infield single by Victor Bericoto in the bottom of the second before the Blue Jays busted the game open with their five-run third. Six of the batters McDonald faced in the inning recorded singles, including Keys’ two-run hit and run-scorig blows by Valenzuela and Andres Gimenez. McDonald was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with eight runs on 11 hits. He walked one without a strikeout. Blue Jays starter Spencer Miles allowed a second run on a Rafael Devers double play grounder before calling it a night after four innings, during which he allowed seven hits. He struck out one. Because Miles failed to go the required five innings, Patrick Corbin (3-4) was credited with the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. He served up the Giants’ final run on an RBI double by Luis Arraez. The Blue Jays capped the game’s scoring in the ninth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded into a double play that plated Clement. Clase, Keys and Valenzuela scored twice for the Blue Jays, who were thumped 10-1 in the series opener Monday. Heliot Ramos singled twice and scored twice for the Giants, who have alternated losses and wins in their last seven games. Arraez also had two hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Surprise #Jonatan #Clase #propels #Jays #Giants

#Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle">Egypt’s World Cup loss is being compared to the Falcons’ 28-3 debacle It’s been almost a decade, but the Atlanta Falcons still aren’t living down the horrific memories of their 28-3 Super Bowl collapse against the New England Patriots. Just when you think there’s no possible way for the Falcons to catch a stray during the World Cup, Argentina vs. Egypt happens — in Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, no less.Egypt legitimately looked like a team about to pull off the upset of the tournament up 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go. Then, in the span of four minutes, Argentina roared back to life with two goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to even the score. It’s here the comparisons began.The collapse was seemingly unstoppable. Egypt were reeling, clearly panicking from the back-to-back goals, then Enzo Fernandez drove the dagger in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3-2 comeback win. If there was ever time for a perfect social media post it was now, and we got one.Two teams who wear red and black, both about to pull off a stunning upset that nobody saw coming, both with huge, seemingly insurmountable leads — both crumbling into dust. There’s only one thing left in a moment like this, and that’s to hear from someone with intimate knowledge of the legendary 28-3 collapse.On the plus side Falcons fans, if Brady himself says Egypt’s loss in Atlanta was worse than y’alls then he might have exorcised a few demons? I guess that’s the only bright side for this one I can think of. #Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle

Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.

Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.

Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.

“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.

“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”

ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNER

Djokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.

RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals">Wimbledon 2026: ‘Racket and heart’ as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to enter semifinals Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNERDjokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTSThe move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”Published on Jul 08, 2026 #Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals

Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals">Wimbledon 2026: ‘Racket and heart’ as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to enter semifinals

Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.

Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.

Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.

“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.

“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”

ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNER

Djokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.

RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals

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