There are few things in life guaranteed. But one thing that is not in doubt, is that the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State remains the most historic and reveled game of the college football season. It is respectfully called "The Game" and without giving it, the proper respect, means that you are amiss of what a true college football rivalry is.
It is the dog days of the summer. The middle of July. Football is still weeks away but one of the biggest talking points surrounding the Wolverines, besides the anticipation of Bryce Underwood, is the next chapter in the Ohio State rivalry.
Most people could look at Michigan's win against the Buckeyes, in Ohio, as one where Sherrone Moore salvaged what could have been a lost season in his first year as the Wolverines' head coach. The 13-10 victory sent a shockwave through college football. Mainly because, the eventual national champion, could not get the maize and blue hurdle off their back. If the victory wasn't enough to leave a bad taste in the Buckeyes' mouth, the Wolverines attempting to plant the flag at midfield left an even worse after taste. Already a rivalry entrenched with bitterness, the ending of that game just added to it. Jim Harbaugh's turn of the tide in 2021 has rattled off four straight victories for Michigan. It seems Michigan now has a leg up...or a flag down.
Coming off a national championship, the Buckeyes fans are probably still living in a state of elation. But even with the win, the memory of last season still lingers. No matter the records for both teams, on the eve of that November game, it will still hold its weight in the landscape of college football. Will the Buckeyes players attempt to plant their flag midfield in the Big House? Will the Wolverines players attempt another spontaneous celebration? Nobody will know until the sun sets on the horizon in Ann Arbor.
Sherrone Moore will be in his second season as the Michigan head coach. Numerous questions beckon about what the Wolverines will be and where they will fit into the College Football Playoff, if at all.
All questions aside, if Moore finds another victory against Ohio State, his days as head coach will extend well beyond the 2026 season. If Ryan Day finds himself on the side of another loss, his days will be numbered in Columbus. Yes, he won a national championship, but to Ohio State fans, "The Game" is the pulse of who the Buckeyes are, and Michigan is holding the stethoscope.
There is a huge opportunity for Michigan to gain a chokehold on the rivalry this season and if last season proved anything, no matter the state of the Wolverines, they will be up for the challenge.
Even in the long days of a July summer, the memory of this rivalry still lingers.