Ohio State and Michigan did not meet for the first time since 1917

The Ohio State Buckeyes did not face off against the Michigan Wolverines for the first time since 1917. The last time that the two teams did not play each other, it was because of World War I.

This year, COVID-19 was to blame. A handful of Michigan players tested positive for the disease. As a result of this, Michigan and its decision-makers decided that it would not be safe for a game to occur.

It appeared that this would be another classic installment in “The Game’s” legendary lore. In the preseason, it was reported that Buckeyes’ coach Ryan Day said that Ohio State would hang 100 points on Michigan this year.

This rivalry has some of the best histories out of any in all of college football. The first time that Ohio State and Michigan played against each other, the Wolverines took down the Buckeyes 34-0 on October 16, 1897.

Michigan would establish dominance in the rivalry early in its history. Having a record of 12-0-2 after the first 14 meetings. In fact, it was after a disheartening 86-0 loss to Michigan on a train ride home that the Buckeye players created what would become known as Carmen Ohio.

In 1917, The Game would be canceled due to World War I. The two would play once a year every year until 2020 would put an end to the 102-year streak.

Ohio State would not get their first victory in the series until 1918. This would give the Buckeyes a record of 1-13-2 in the series. Ohio State won their first game in school history against Michigan with a final score of 13-3.

So far in the rivalry, the longest winning streak for one team has been 9 consecutive wins. Which was accomplished by Michigan from 1901-1909. Ohio State had a chance to tie this 9 consecutive wins record this season if the game was to have occurred.

Since the last cancelation of The Game, Ohio State has led the series with a record of 51-46-4. This is a much better look than where the series currently stands. As of now, Michigan leads the series with a record of 58-51-6.

The rivalry began with pure dominance by Michigan. After around 1927, the games between the two became competitive almost every season. This lasted until around 2004. Since 2004, Ohio State has a record of 15-1 against Michigan.

It has gotten to the point of dominance for Ohio State that many have asked if it should even be considered a rivalry anymore. This is simply because Michigan has not been able to be on the same level as Ohio State in terms of football for the better part of two decades.

It is a shame that The Game could not have been rescheduled this season. However, with a year off, hopefully, it will revitalize the rivalry and Ohio State will be able to set the record of consecutive wins next season.