The Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in all of college football. Every year, the eyes of the college football world turn to this matchup, as these two iconic programs battle it out for Big Ten supremacy and a chance at a national championship. In this article, we delve into the rich history of this rivalry and highlight 10 essential moments that define the Michigan-Ohio State matchup.
The Genesis of a Grudge: A Rivalry is Born
The roots of this bitter rivalry stretch back to the early 20th century. The first meeting between Michigan and Ohio State took place on October 10, 1918, with Michigan claiming a decisive 14-0 victory. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the rivalry truly began to heat up. The introduction of the AP Poll and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) added fuel to the fire, as both teams vied for national prominence and conference dominance.
Over the years, the rivalry has produced numerous iconic moments, from dramatic comebacks to controversial calls and everything in between. Let's dive into the top 10 moments that have defined this historic rivalry.
1. The 1969 Snow Bowl: A Battle in the Blizzard
On November 22, 1969, Michigan and Ohio State faced off in a game that would become legendary. A blizzard raged over Ohio Stadium, with snow falling relentlessly throughout the game. Michigan, led by quarterback Dennis Franklin, took an early lead, but Ohio State fought back, led by the legendary Archie Griffin. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
With the score tied at 12-12 in the fourth quarter, Michigan had a chance to win it. Kicker Mike Worwood stepped up to attempt a 33-yard field goal with just over a minute left. The kick was good, and Michigan held on for a 13-12 victory. The Snow Bowl remains one of the most iconic games in the history of the rivalry, with the harsh weather conditions adding an extra layer of drama to the contest.
2. The 1973 10-10 Game: A Tie for the Ages
In 1973, Michigan and Ohio State met in a game that would end in a rare tie. Both teams were undefeated and ranked in the top 10, making this matchup highly anticipated. The game lived up to the hype, with neither team willing to give an inch.
Ohio State, led by quarterback Cornelius Greene, took an early lead, but Michigan, with Dennis Franklin at the helm once again, fought back. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams' defenses stepping up to the challenge. With the score tied at 10-10 in the fourth quarter, neither team could find the winning score, and the game ended in a draw.
The 10-10 tie remains a unique moment in the rivalry's history, as it was the only tie in the series between 1944 and 2016. It stands as a testament to the fierce competitiveness and parity between these two powerhouses.
3. The 1986 Michigan Upset: A Stunning Victory
In 1986, Ohio State was the heavy favorite, ranked No. 1 in the nation and looking to secure a spot in the national championship game. Michigan, on the other hand, was having a disappointing season and was unranked. However, in a stunning turn of events, Michigan pulled off an upset victory.
Led by quarterback Jim Harbaugh and a strong defensive performance, Michigan dominated the game. Ohio State's vaunted offense, led by quarterback Jim Karsatos, struggled to find its rhythm. Michigan's defense held strong, and Harbaugh threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team to a 26-24 victory.
This upset not only handed Ohio State its only loss of the season but also secured Michigan's spot in the Rose Bowl, where they went on to defeat the Washington Huskies.
4. The 1991 Showdown: A Record-Breaking Performance
The 1991 matchup between Michigan and Ohio State was a highly anticipated affair, as both teams were vying for a spot in the national championship game. Ohio State, led by quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, had an explosive offense, while Michigan, under head coach Gary Moeller, boasted a strong defense.
The game turned into a shootout, with both teams trading blows. Ohio State's offense was on fire, but Michigan's defense stepped up and forced critical turnovers. The Wolverines' offense, led by quarterback Elvis Grbac, put up an impressive performance as well.
In the end, Michigan emerged victorious with a 34-31 win. The game set a new record for the most combined points scored in a Michigan-Ohio State matchup, with a total of 65 points. This record stood until 2016, highlighting the offensive fireworks on display in this classic game.
5. The 1995 Showdown: A Dominant Performance by Ohio State
In 1995, Ohio State was on a mission to reclaim its spot at the top of the Big Ten. Led by head coach John Cooper and a talented roster, the Buckeyes were determined to defeat Michigan and secure a Rose Bowl berth.
Ohio State dominated the game from start to finish. The Buckeyes' defense held Michigan's offense in check, while their own offense, led by quarterback Bobby Hoying, was nearly flawless. Hoying threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a 37-27 victory.
This win not only secured Ohio State's spot in the Rose Bowl but also marked the first time in 11 years that the Buckeyes had defeated Michigan. It was a dominant performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the conference.
6. The 2000 Snow Game: A Classic Battle in the Elements
The 2000 Michigan-Ohio State game was played in a blizzard, reminiscent of the legendary Snow Bowl of 1969. The conditions were brutal, with snow and wind making it difficult for both teams to execute their game plans.
Despite the challenging conditions, the game was a back-and-forth affair. Ohio State, led by quarterback Steve Bellisari, took an early lead, but Michigan fought back, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Drew Henson and running back Anthony Thomas.
With the score tied at 24-24 in the fourth quarter, the game entered overtime. In a thrilling overtime period, Michigan's defense stepped up, forcing a critical turnover. Anthony Thomas then scored the game-winning touchdown, giving Michigan a 31-24 victory in the snow.
7. The 2006 Classic: A Last-Second Heroics
The 2006 Michigan-Ohio State game was a highly anticipated matchup, as both teams were undefeated and ranked in the top 5. The game lived up to the hype, with a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Ohio State, led by quarterback Troy Smith, took an early lead, but Michigan, under head coach Lloyd Carr, fought back. The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams trading field goals.
With the score tied at 13-13 in the fourth quarter, Michigan had one last chance to win it. Kicker Garrett Rivas stepped up to attempt a 37-yard field goal as time expired. The kick was good, and Michigan secured a 14-13 victory. This dramatic last-second victory propelled Michigan to the top of the Big Ten and set up a highly anticipated national championship game against the USC Trojans.
8. The 2013 Showdown: A Dominant Ohio State Performance
In 2013, Ohio State was on a mission to prove its dominance in the Big Ten. Led by head coach Urban Meyer and quarterback Braxton Miller, the Buckeyes were undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the nation.
Ohio State dominated the game from the opening kickoff. The Buckeyes' offense was nearly unstoppable, with Braxton Miller throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 189 yards and two more scores. Ohio State's defense also stepped up, holding Michigan's offense to just 10 points.
Ohio State's 42-41 victory not only secured their spot in the Big Ten Championship game but also extended their winning streak against Michigan to seven games, the longest such streak in the rivalry's history.
9. The 2016 Shootout: A Record-Breaking Offensive Display
The 2016 Michigan-Ohio State game was a highly anticipated matchup, as both teams were ranked in the top 5 and vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The game did not disappoint, as it turned into an offensive spectacle.
Ohio State, led by quarterback J.T. Barrett, put up an impressive performance, with Barrett throwing for 325 yards and four touchdowns. However, Michigan, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, had an answer for every Ohio State score. Quarterback Wilton Speight threw for 363 yards and four touchdowns, while running back De'Veon Smith added 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In the end, Ohio State emerged victorious with a 30-27 win. The game set a new record for the most combined points scored in a Michigan-Ohio State matchup, with a total of 74 points. This record-breaking performance showcased the offensive prowess of both teams and left fans in awe of the offensive fireworks on display.
10. The 2018 Double Overtime Thriller: A Wild Finish
The 2018 Michigan-Ohio State game was a thrilling affair, with the outcome in doubt until the very end. Ohio State, led by quarterback Dwayne Haskins, took an early lead, but Michigan fought back, led by quarterback Shea Patterson and a strong defensive performance.
The game went into overtime tied at 21-21. In the first overtime, both teams scored touchdowns, sending the game into a second overtime. In the second overtime, Michigan's defense stepped up, forcing a turnover on downs. Michigan then scored a touchdown, but Ohio State responded with a touchdown of their own.
With the score tied at 31-31, the game entered a third overtime. Michigan's defense once again came up big, forcing another turnover on downs. Michigan then scored a touchdown, and this time, Ohio State's offense couldn't answer. Michigan emerged victorious with a 39-31 win in a thrilling triple-overtime game.
How often do Michigan and Ohio State meet on the football field?
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Michigan and Ohio State have met annually since 1918, with the exception of 1919, 1942-1944, and 1946. This long-standing tradition makes their rivalry one of the most historic in college football.
Who has the most wins in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry?
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Ohio State holds the edge in the all-time series, with 59 wins to Michigan’s 52. However, Michigan has had its fair share of success, including several upset victories over the Buckeyes.
What is the significance of the Michigan-Ohio State game in the Big Ten race?
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The Michigan-Ohio State game is often a de facto Big Ten Championship game, as the winner typically goes on to represent the conference in the College Football Playoff or a major bowl game. It is a crucial matchup with significant implications for both teams’ postseason aspirations.
