 In 1952, however, Hayes continued his transformation of the team, playing Howard "Hopalong" Cassady as a freshman and installing a split-T offense.The Buckeyes nearly doubled their point production, improved to 6–3, and recorded their first victory over Michigan in eight years, 27–7.The 1953 team was expected to improve further but also finished 6–3 when they were shut out by Michigan, and critics called for the replacement of Hayes.