Having looked at The Egg Bowl, Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh, Lone Star Showdown and The Iron Bowl on different days this week, it feels appropriate to finish with the rivalry simply known as "The Game". Arguably the greatest rivalry in college football, and possibly all American sports, Michigan vs. Ohio State is one of the first games pencilled in on the college football calendar.
The History
The Ohio State-Michigan football rivalry is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in college sports. Dating back to 1897, this annual showdown has evolved into a cultural phenomenon drawing in fans and alumni across the United States and to a growing international audience.
The roots of the rivalry run deep. These two college football powerhouses, separated by just over 100 miles, have consistently battled for supremacy in the Big Ten Conference.
Michigan dominated the early years of the series, establishing its football tradition under legendary coach Fielding H. Yost. However, the dynamic shifted dramatically in the 1950s when Woody Hayes took over at Ohio State. Hayes’ fierce competitiveness set the tone for a new era of the rivalry, culminating in the famed "Ten-Year War" between Hayes and Michigan coach Bo Schembechler from 1969 to 1978. This stretch encapsulated the essence of the rivalry, as both teams frequently entered these games ranked among the nation's elite, with everything on the line.
In recent years, the rivalry seems to have increased in intensity, with both programs vying for national championship contention. Ohio State enjoyed a dominant stretch in the 21st century, under coaches Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day. However, Michigan were resurgent under Jim Harbaugh, breaking Ohio State’s winning streak in 2021 and going on to win three consecutive rivalry games, and their tenth national championship in January 2024.
The Trophy
Despite "The Game"'s stature as arguably the biggest rivalry in college football, there is no trophy. Often, this game has been played out knowing the winner would advance to the Big Ten championship game, and potentially national championship contention, or simply, bragging rights for another twelve months.
Memorable Games
Michigan Stuns No. 1 Ohio State: 1969
Bo Schembechler’s first year as Michigan’s head coach delivered one of the rivalry’s biggest upsets. The Wolverines defeated Woody Hayes’ top-ranked Buckeyes 24-12, ending Ohio State’s 22-game winning streak. This victory, part of the “Ten-Year War,” set the tone for the rivalry’s modern intensity and launched Michigan back into national prominence.
Tom Klaban’s Four Field Goals: 1974
In a defensive battle, Ohio State edged Michigan 12-10, thanks to kicker Tom Klaban’s clutch performance. Klaban hit four field goals in challenging conditions to secure the win and send Ohio State to the Rose Bowl, proving that special teams could define the rivalry.
No. 1 vs. No. 2 Showdown: 2006
Dubbed the “Game of the Century,” the 2006 matchup featured Ohio State and Michigan ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. The Buckeyes, led by Heisman winner Troy Smith, won a thrilling 42-39 shootout in Columbus.
Double Overtime Thriller: 2016
In one of the most controversial and exciting games, Ohio State beat Michigan 30-27 in double overtime. J.T. Barrett’s fourth-down conversion, upheld after a razor-thin replay review, set up Curtis Samuel’s game-winning touchdown. The game exemplified the rivalry’s drama and left Michigan fans fuming over the officiating.
Michigan Ends the Streak: 2021
After a decade of frustration, Michigan finally defeated Ohio State 42-27 in 2021. Running back Hassan Haskins starred with five touchdowns, and the Wolverines dominated in the trenches. The win secured Michigan’s first Big Ten Championship Game appearance and brought some parity to the rivalry after years of Buckeye dominance.
Looking Ahead...
This hype video nicely highlights the build up to and excitement of "The Game".
Having been beaten in the last three consecutive rivalry games by their bitter rivals, Ohio State, who invested heavily in the offseason, have all the pressure going into this weekend's match. Ranked No.2 currently by the College Football Playoff Committee. Ohio State still trails Oregon as top dog in the Big Ten. Victory against their old rivals could prime them for revenge against Oregon.
Michigan, the defending national champion, have been in transition this morning and enter the game as the clear underdog, but intriguingly with nothing to lose which makes them a dangerous opponent. Having struggled at the quarterback position following the departure of J.J. McCarthy to the NFL, the Wolverincs were delighted to flip the commitment of the top high school quarterback in the nation, Bryce Underwood, from LSU.
The future looks bright for both programs, who will emerge victorious this weekend?
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