It is known as “The Game.” The Ohio State University Buckeyes versus the University of Michigan Wolverines is one of the most watched games in college football. The two schools have a long-standing rivalry against one another. This is the best rivalry in North American sports with how long it has been around and the game’s implications for the teams.
The rivalry can be traced back to the Toledo War in 1835when Michigan and Ohio had a land dispute over the area of Toledo. The dispute only had one victim and ended in 1836, when former President Andrew Jackson offered Michigan statehood if it gave up its claim to the land. Even with the conflict settled, the two states still carried animosity to one another. In 1897, the first OSU vs. Michigan game was played solidifying the rivalry between the two states.
In the first game, Michigan defeated OSU with a score of 34-0. Michigan has won against Ohio State 61 times in the regular college football season. Ohio State has only won 52 times, and the two teams have tied six times.
The battle between the two is so intense that OSU fans say “the team up north” instead of the Michigan Wolverines during so-called “hate week.” This rivalry doesn’t stop at players and students, it extends to coaches as well. In 1968, the Buckeyes were beating the Wolverines 50-14, and the Ohio State head coach decided to go for a two-point conversion, even though it wasn’t needed. When asked why the team went for two instead of settling for the singular extra point, coach Woody Hayes said “Because I couldn't go for three.”
OSU’s head coach Ryan Day has to win the game against Michigan this year. Day has been excellent for the Buckeyes against any opponent other than Michigan. Under Day, the Buckeyes have only won one game against the Wolverines and lost three games straight in the past three years. Because of Day's lack of success against the Wolverines, his job is in jeopardy. Day could win the National Championship this season, but that means nothing if he loses to Michigan for the fourth year in a row.
This year marks the 120th time these two teams are meeting. While in previous years the historic rivalry game held championship implications, it does not have as much weight this year. Rather this game is about pride, with the Buckeyes not winning against their rivals in recent years.
Last year, Michigan had a great season going undefeated and winning the College Football National Championship. This year, the Buckeyes are favored to win. On Fanduel, Ohio State is a 23.5-betting favorite to win the game. This is because the Wolverines aren’t the same team they were last year. Michigan lost its head coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, along with many key starters.
If you like sports or not, you know about The Ohio State University’s rivalry with the University of Michigan. The intensity of the game every year, the implications it can carry and the longevity of the rivalry make this the best rivalry in North American sports.
Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
