Ohio State Football: Will rivalry with UM become balanced again?
Ohio State has dominated Michigan during the 21st century. Can Jim Harbaugh get his Wolverines back on par with the Buckeyes.
I was in a conversation this week with some younger Ohio State fans about the rivalry with Michigan. Some had the audacity to think Penn State was the true rival right now.
I understand their position with how the two teams have battled in recent years, but that opinion is absurd.
For the senior and middle-aged crew in Buckeye Nation, memories are filled with moments when Ohio State was in Michigan’s present-day position. Misery and angst watching good and even elite Buckeye teams failing to beat that team up North.
Basking in the joy of Ohio State’s accomplishments over the last 18 seasons against the hated rival has become an off-season treasure for many fans, but no one should take for granted the recent success.
I vividly remember the 1993, 1995 and 1996 teams, all three filled with talent equal to what the program has today, crash and burn against the Wolverines. Of course I realize John Cooper’s teams typically played not to lose, often looking like they were carrying a 1000-pound weight on their shoulders.
The heavy burden of the game never fazed Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer. Their DNA was laced with grit fully understanding that winning the last game of the regular season would define their legacy and tenure.
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Still, legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce were a combined 21-15-1 against Michigan. The most heated rivalry, historically speaking, is typically not one-sided.
Times have changed, especially regarding money and population shifts. Given its recent dominance, one would think Ohio State had a sizable advantage in these areas over Michigan.
The Buckeyes don’t, so maybe this current run is more indicative that the balance of power resides with them more because they play a modern game.
That brings me to the point. Will Jim Harbaugh really give his offensive coordinator, Josh Gattis, full autonomy to run an offense that looks like it was built after 1985?
Anyone watching last year witnessed a Wolverine offense that was slow and predictable and that won’t cut it against elite teams.
If Harbaugh can check his ego at the door, and adapt and evolve his preferred style of play, I suspect the rivalry will be less one-sided. I am skeptical he can do it. He seems too stubborn to change.
Tight ends ready for new season. dark. Next
Ohio State plays Penn State the week before traveling to Ann Arbor this year. If the Wolverines can’t break the streak with those advantages, Harbaugh may never beat the Buckeyes.