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The annual showdown between Ohio State and Michigan is appointment television each season. Bragging rights among the Big Ten powerhouses is always enough of a prize, but the winner of this year’s game will clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game and have the inside track on heading to the College Football Playoff.
There’s a little more on the line on Saturday too, at least for the two head coaches: a hefty contract bonus.
According to Steve Berkowitz of USA TODAY, both Jim Harbaugh and Ryan Day have a lot of money on the line with Saturday’s game. Harbaugh will receive a $500,000 bonus if Michigan wins the Big Ten East division title, which is on the line when the Wolverines face the Buckeyes. He would also have a chance to secure a $1 million bonus for winning the Big Ten championship and an additional $500,000 for making the College Football Playoff.
For Day, the potential payouts aren’t quite as hefty, but still considerable. He’d get $50,000 for winning the Big Ten East, $100,000 for winning the conference title and $250,000 for making the CFP field.
The two coaches have plenty more to think about in preparing for a top-three matchup besides performance bonuses. But if and when the eventual winner realizes the financial implications of the result, it’s sure to put an extra smile on his face.
