It seems the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry never takes an offseason. While all eyes are on the NBA Playoffs, a certain heated moment in the Cleveland Cavaliers-Detroit Pistons playoff series is igniting debate in the college football world. How? Former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions has blamed Ryan Day for it.
Why Connor Stalions Blamed Ryan Day for Cleveland Fans’ Playoff Reaction
The controversy stems from an intense second-quarter sequence during a recent playoff matchup between the central rivals. Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson was caught in a highly physical sequence, shoving Cleveland’s Sam Merrill forcefully to the ground. As the stadium screens replayed the aggressive push, the atmosphere inside the arena turned volatile.
Over 19,000 raucous Cleveland fans rose to their feet, filling the venue with deafening chants of “Throw him out!” While Thompson remained in the game, the hostile crowd reaction became the definitive talking point of the night.
Stalions viewed it as a cultural symptom of the state of Ohio, one he believes was cultivated directly by Ryan Day. He wrote on his X account, “Look at what precedent Ryan Day started. All of Cleveland now chanting “throw him out!” over a little foul. It’s the only way that soft state can win – do whatever it takes to ensure your rival isn’t at full strength. Very sad.”
By labeling Ohio as a “soft state,” Stalions invoked the exact terminology that Michigan players and coaches have used to mock the Buckeyes throughout their recent dominance in “The Game.” So, in his eyes, demanding Ausar Thompson be thrown out for a routine playoff shove is a direct echo of Ryan Day’s perceived complaints regarding Michigan’s program over the last few seasons.
With the Cavaliers and Pistons locked in a fierce postseason battle and the college football offseason dragging through May, Stalions has successfully ensured that the bitter animosity between the two states remains at a boiling point.
But both programs enter the 2026 season on different footing. While Ohio State is one of the early favorites this season, Michigan is looking at a rebuild under new coach Kyle Whittingham. In addition, Ohio State will benefit from the return of Julian Sayin, who was a Heisman finalist in his sophomore season, compared to Bryce Underwood, who will have to acclimate himself to a new offensive system under Jason Beck.
Currently, PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter gives the Buckeyes a 68% chance to make the playoffs, compared to just 35% for the Wolverines.
