Why Ohio State’s Path to Breaking the Michigan Curse Is Simpler Than Anyone Realizes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — After three consecutive losses to Michigan and countless hours of analysis, the solution for Ohio State might be simpler than anyone thought: just win the damn game.

This straightforward conclusion emerged as the central theme of Monday’s Buckeye Talk podcast, where hosts Stephen Means and Stefan Krajisnik cut through the typical complex analysis to deliver a message that resonated with many frustrated Buckeye fans.

“I think you and I both watch that Northwestern game and our reaction was like just win the damn game. You’re better than them. Like let’s not overthink this, dude,” Krajisnik said bluntly on the podcast, referring to Michigan’s uninspiring performance against Northwestern the previous weekend.

This sentiment captures the mounting frustration within Buckeye Nation as the team prepares for its fourth attempt to overcome Michigan under head coach Ryan Day. After years of overthinking and falling short, the podcasters suggest the solution isn’t about intricate schemes but about executing and letting superior talent take over.

Means emphasized this isn’t dismissing the rivalry’s importance but acknowledging the straightforward reality of the situation: “It’s not that’s not flippant. That’s not dismissing the rivalry. It’s we’re just four years into this thing and this is the point we’ve reached of just go win the freaking game… But the conclusion at the end of every single thing we do is going to be this is all great. Just go win the freaking football game.”

The podcast hosts expressed optimism that all the pieces Ohio State has been developing throughout the season – from the emerging right guard rotation to the improving run game – could finally come together against Michigan. Means painted a hopeful picture of what that might look like: “Everything that we think this offense is finally comes all together in two weeks against Michigan. And it’s like, that’s the Ohio State offense we thought we were going to get this year. And they spent 12 weeks putting it together. Now they’re now they’re fully unloading it on Michigan and they never close the book again.”

This perspective shifts the conversation from “how can Ohio State beat Michigan?” to “Ohio State simply needs to play to its potential.” The hosts noted that over-analysis of Michigan’s weaknesses isn’t necessary when Ohio State clearly possesses superior talent at most positions.

The podcast touched on how the Buckeyes have methodically built their offense over 12 weeks with a mixture of veteran leadership and young talent. From Julian Sayin’s precise passing to the emergence of running backs like Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, plus receivers Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Innis, all the pieces appear to be in place.

For Ohio State fans tired of complicated explanations for the team’s struggles against Michigan, this straightforward message from the podcast offers a refreshing perspective: stop overthinking and just win the damn game.

Here’s the podcast for this week: