INDIANAPOLIS — The Huge Ten can trick up this enlargement factor as a lot because it needs. 

The most important convention by membership in FBS historical past now stretches from Manhattan Seaside to the Jersey Shore. Amid all of the fanfare this week at Huge Ten Media Days, there will not be a lot breaking down the actual fact somebody this season has to complete … 18th. That is by no means occurred earlier than, both. 

The historical past and custom of this gold-plated convention nonetheless endures, however math professors are about to sue for damages. Strive explaining to a mean algebra class how 10 equals 18 when presenting a slideshow of convention logos. 

The Pac-12 thought the climate in Eugene, Oregon, was dicey? Let’s have a look at how the Geese come out of November journeys to balmy Michigan and Wisconsin. USC finds itself nearer to twister shelters this week than Common Studios. Welcome, UCLA and their frequent flier miles. The Bruins will journey the equal of 89% of the way in which across the globe of their inaugural Huge Ten season which incorporates journeys to Hawaii and LSU. 

However the fundamentals nonetheless apply within the Huge Ten. It is truly the convention’s origin story: Ohio State vs. Michigan. Sorry, West Coast newbies, however after cautious consideration, the Huge Ten story going into 2024 is Ohio State attempting to beat Michigan for the primary time since 2019. 

Based mostly on current occasions, it is arduous to inform what’s heavier lately, Ohio State as a favourite to win the expanded Huge Ten or the load of a Go Blue Bummer going through the Buckeyes if they do not.

Yup, right here we go once more. 

Even with the intriguing additions of Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA, the general public airing of Ohio State-Michigan grievances stays this league’s greatest and greatest export. The loser of their annual tussle will endure seemingly countless distress. 

In Ohio State’s case, it has been 1,696 days — and counting — because it beat Michigan. Solely barely much less time for the reason that Buckeyes’ final Huge Ten title (2020). 

“It is one thing that wears on me,” stated star Ohio State defensive finish Jack Sawyer.  

And whereas first-year Michigan coach Sherrone Moore deserves some type of a honeymoon yr after Jim Harbaugh rode off into the NFL sundown with a nationwide championship, Ryan Day has a next-level nightmare ready if he loses to Michigan for a fourth straight time.  

“It is positively natty or bust, man,” cornerback Denzel Burke stated through the offseason. “That is our mentality. No excuses, man. We acquired to win all of it.”

Burke did not again down from that assertion on Tuesday. However taken as a complete, it is is much less controversial than what it entails — having to undergo Michigan to do it. 

“I inform folks, 54-8, [the criticism] is ridiculous,” former Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith informed CBS Sports activities, referring to Day’s profession document. “I get it. You gotta do it. In our historical past, each coach has needed to do it otherwise you’re hung with it endlessly.” 

It has been clear that Ohio State has gone all in for this season. Fall camp begins subsequent week with the Buckeyes sporting maybe the nation’s No. 1 protection. Extremely, 12 gamers determined to forego doable NFL careers in favor of returning to Columbus, Ohio. It is believed the varsity spent $11 million for its makeover when factoring in NIL cash and employees upgrades.  

“It fuels us each day. I give it some thought each day,” Sawyer added. “I have never received a championship. I have never crushed the Group Up North. You stroll across the [football facility] and all you see is championship posters and banners.”

Sawyer and his teammates have have not received one but. The senior from Pickerington, Ohio, is credited for being the ringleader for getting these dozen gamers to return. 

“If all of us determined to return again collectively, we’re coming again to beat the Group Up North, win a nationwide championship, win a Huge Ten championship.”

Be aware the order of these accomplishments. 

“You possibly can’t actually depart with out gold pants,” Ohio State vast receiver Emeka Egbuka stated. 

That custom dates again to the Nineteen Thirties and entails awarding every participant who beats Michigan in any given yr a gold allure. It is a reminder the rivals “put their pants on one leg at a time,” in keeping with former coach Francis Schmidt. 

Day’s 2024 makeover included touchdown six top-level transfers in addition to making important employees adjustments. Former UCLA coach Chip Kelly acquired a three-year, assured deal to function Ohio State offensive coordinator. That is likely to be extra safety than he had as head coach of the Bruins. 

“I belief Chip Kelly with my life,” Day stated.

What about Day’s job?

Too harsh? Ohio State’s coach does not get a gold allure for beating Michigan, however he wears huge boy pants. As Smith stated, Day understands the scenario.

Growth has brought about some wild prospects on this rivalry. The groups may meet in a Huge Ten Championship Recreation rematch and even 3 times in any season going ahead in the event that they each make it to the Faculty Soccer Playoff. 

With convention divisions going away and the CFP increasing, it is even doable the Buckeyes may lose the Michigan recreation, nonetheless win the league and in addition make the 12-team playoff area.

In that sense, the Michigan recreation issues, simply perhaps not as a lot … a minimum of within the common followers’ eyes. Strive explaining that to an Ohio State fan over 50. 

In the meantime, that stress continues to beat down on the Buckeyes. The roster is loaded, nevertheless it’s been loaded most years underneath Day. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has that monster unit. However, that protection was good final yr till giving up a season-high 30 factors to Michigan. 

The receiving room is as soon as once more stocked. Day may need the perfect set of tailbacks within the nation, too, beginning with TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss switch Quinshon Judkins. Kansas State switch quarterback Will Howard might not be a C.J. Stroud, however as lengthy he is not a Kyle McCord, the Buckeyes can accomplish their objectives.

The planets are aligning. Ohio State most likely might be favored over Michigan, maybe by rather a lot, within the subsequent assembly on Nov. 24 in Columbus. 

“This rivalry goes forwards and backwards,” Egbuka stated.

He is proper. Earlier than Michigan received three in a row, Ohio State received eight in a row. Solely the Wolverines from 1901-1909 received extra consecutively within the sequence. 

“They discovered a method to bounce again. It is the identical method we’ll discover a method to bounce again,” Egbuka added. 

Day will get it. His group will get it. The faculty soccer world will get it. 

Hope you do not thoughts, although, if all of us pull up a chair and watch. Harbaugh’s gone. The Pac-4 have arrived. However the Huge Ten’s greatest custom endures even when the maths nonetheless does not add up.