EAST LANSING – Ryan Day dominated Michigan State like few opposing coaches.

Following Ohio State’s 38-7 win over the Spartans on Saturday night at Spartan Stadium, Day is now 6-0 against the Spartans with a combined score of 267-59. The Spartans haven’t been closer than 24 points away from beating his Ohio State team since he took over in 2019.

But while the final result this year looked just as lopsided as in recent years, Day said he sees some differences in the Spartans’ program under new coach Jonathan Smith.

“I thought they came out and played really, really hard,” Day said. “I think Jonathan does a really good job of bringing his culture and his fingerprints into the program here. You can see it. I have great respect for him and his employees.”

Unlike other recent games against the Buckeyes, Michigan State at least withstood Ohio State’s onslaught for longer on Saturday. On the Buckeyes’ first five drives, they scored two touchdowns and a field goal. In each of the last three meetings, Ohio State scored at least five touchdowns in the first half.

The Spartans were within three points midway through the second quarter before Ohio State dominated the second half.

“They are a good team, well coached and have good players too,” Day said. “I thought we responded and made the changes appropriately and the game adjustments were solid.”

Despite a few early mistakes, Michigan State had a chance to go into halftime down two points – or even less – when it forced an Ohio State punt and took over with 1:47 left before halftime.

But a quick three-and-out, combined with two timeouts by Day and a rare 27-yard shank punt by Ryan Eckley, gave the Buckeyes the ball with 60 yards to go and 73 seconds left in the half.

That was all they needed to get an insurance score in the form of a one-handed catch by star freshman Jeremiah Smith.

“What an incredible catch,” Day said. “I couldn’t believe he caught it.”

When Day thought the game had truly turned around, however, it was shortly afterward. The Spartans gained just six yards on their first drive of the second half and then punted. Ohio State needed just 44 seconds to travel 60 yards for a touchdown and a familiar loss ensued.

“It turns the game around,” Day said. “I think that’s where the game turned.”

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