Ryan Day sends clear can't-lose message to Michigan after Ohio State routs Rutgers 42-9

The Ohio State Buckeyes took care of business Saturday afternoon with a 42-9 win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, despite the Buckeyes being without their top receivers in Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith.

Coach Ryan Day has immediately shifted his focus to the biggest game of the season: Thanksgiving weekend in Ann Arbor Week 14. It's all that matters.

"They're always in the back of our mind in terms of what we're working toward," Day told reporters. "We know this is the last game of the year and what it means to everybody here. It doesn't take long in the fourth quarter once the game was in hand for everybody to start figuring out this thing is coming fast. There was just a good look in everybody's eye in the locker room, man. We're excited about this one."

Excitement is adamant. After all, should Ohio State finally break the Wolverines' stigma, the Buckeyes would be in the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis.

"Just need to focus on what really matters, and that's everybody doing their job and going on the road in what's gonna be a great environment and going to get it done. That will be the focus. We will continue to do all year: Have a great week, focus on that day. ... We got to be at our best," Day said.

Thankfully, the Wolverines are currently handling business as they maintain a 28-13 lead against the Maryland Terrapins late in the third quarter.

Let the anticipation for college football's rivalry week begin, even if it's a week early.

Kickoff is set for noon ET on Fox.