Ohio State Michigan Rivalry is Bitter but Often Lopsided
Ohio State vs. Michigan…”The Game”
The Big Ten Network re-aired its documentary ‘Tiebreaker’ on June 14. The documentary highlights the controversy surrounding the vote made by the Big Ten Athletic Directors sending Ohio State to the Rose Bowl over Michigan after the teams tied in 1973.
Watching it brought back memories of an era when both teams were equally matched and the outcome was usually in doubt.
I am wondering when the Ohio State Michigan rivalry is going to really heat up again? Teams like Penn State, Michigan State and even Wisconsin punch the Buckeyes in the mouth occasionally, but no team drives hatred more than the Wolverines.
Any fan older than 30 can appreciate the streak that Ohio State is on right now. 14-2 since 2001 is a whole lot better than 2-10-1 in the John Cooper years.
Funny thing about this series is it tends to go through lopsided streaks where one team is dominant for extended periods of time.
The only back and forth era was 1969-1987 when the series was deadlocked at 9-9-1. The score differential was also 10 points or less in 13 out of the 19 games.
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The Michigan administration and alumni were tired of the losing to Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer so they rolled out the Brink’s Truck for Jim Harbaugh in 2015. He was supposed to tip the scale back in Michigan’s favor, or at least get closer to it.
Year one was a colossal dud as the Buckeyes won decisively 42-13.
Year two was ripe for the Wolverines to grab its second win this decade. Veteran team playing a flawed Buckeye squad, but mistakes on the field and the inability to control his temper cost Harbaugh an opportunity to put a stake in the ground that Michigan is now on par with Ohio State.
I suspect Michigan’s day is coming, sooner than most Buckeyes’ fans want to admit. Farther than most Wolverines’ fans desire. That day is not this year as the Buckeyes are loaded, but Michigan’s coaching staff and recruiting are dramatically improved compared to the last decade. Success will play out on the field eventually.
Next: Write about the Ohio State Buckeyes for Scarlet and Game
Until then, Buckeye Nation can gloat and likely watch Urban Meyer deliver a couple more championships.