The Game does not need much of an explanation as to why it is so special. It is a rivalry that is rooted in excellence, passion, enthusiasm, and good old-fashioned dislike.
These two programs have been playing each other for over 125 years and have seen countless epic moments and memorable performances. The Game is always played in the last week of the regular season and almost always has significant implications for the postseason.
The magic surrounding this rivalry is something that is hard to put into words. If you have stepped foot in The Big House or The Horseshoe on a gameday, you know there is a feeling in the air that is unmatched to any other sporting event in the world. This series has remained pretty even throughout the years, but Michigan football holds the overall edge.
It has been a series of runs as both teams have gone long stretches where they have experienced success over their rival. Currently, the Wolverines have beaten the Buckeyes four years in a row. Let's take a look back at the numbers, one dominating win in Columbus for Michigan, and what the future holds for these two blue-blood Big Ten programs.
All-time record: Michigan leads 62-51-6
Most recent meeting: Michigan won 13-10 in 2024
First meeting: Michigan won 34-0 in 1897
Largest margin of victory: Michigan 86-0 in 1902, Ohio State 38-0 in 1935
Favorite game from the series: Michigan won 45-23 in 2022
The Game in 2022 featured two teams that were 11-0. Ohio State was ranked #2 and Michigan was ranked #3. Michigan was trying to get their first win in Columbus since 2000. The animosity between Jim Harbaugh and Ryan Day going into the game was palpable.
The entire program and fanbases were at each other's necks all week. Everything was on the line when the Wolverines and Buckeyes met on the field on this late November day. Michigan entered the game dealing with a crushing blow the week before when Blake Corum injured his knee. He tried to give it a go early on, but it was clear that he was not healthy enough.
The game started with Ohio State driving right down the field for a touchdown on its opening drive. I remember thinking to myself that it could be a long day. Michigan football answered with a field goal on its opening drive. The Michigan offense couldn't get much going until the 7:37 mark when JJ McCarthy hit Cornelius Johnson on a 3rd and 9, and Johnson took it to the house for a touchdown.
The momentum had shifted, and it felt like the Michigan team really started to believe at that point. Ohio State answered with a field goal to make the score 13-10. The next play sent a lightning bolt of electricity through the entire Michigan fan base. JJ hit Cornelius Johnson for a 75-yard touchdown. Johnson ran a corner-post and left the Ohio State defensive back in the dust. A perfect route and a perfect ball put the Wolverines up 17-13. This play also gave birth to Gus Johnson's famous call of "THEY SAID THE KID COULDN'T THROW THE DEEP BALL".
Ohio State would score once more, and the score was 20-17 Buckeyes heading into the locker room for halftime. Michigan got the ball to start the half and converted a key fourth down from their own 35-yard line on the opening drive of the half. The drive ended with a Colston Loveland 45-yard touchdown catch. Michigan took the 24-20 lead, and The Horseshoe became very tense all of a sudden. The Michigan defense would stop Ohio State on its next drive and get the ball back. A trick play of Kalel Mullings taking a handoff and throwing to Luke Schoonmaker would set up Michigan inside the Ohio State 25-yard line. This drive was finished off by JJ plowing over Buckeye defenders en route to the endzone to give Michigan a 31-20 lead. Michigan was bullying Ohio State, and it was clear the Buckeyes could not match the physicality of the Wolverines.
Ohio State would drive down the field, and it looked as if they were going to add another touchdown to the board. Mikey Sainristil had other ideas. Cade Stover was ready to haul in a touchdown pass, but Sainristil made one of the best plays I have ever seen from a defensive back and played through Stover's hands to knock the ball out for an incompletion. Ohio State would have to settle for a field goal. The next two possessions for Michigan are two of the most memorable plays from this rivalry's history. Donovan Edwards went 75 yards for a touchdown on the very first play of the drive to put Michigan ahead 38-23. After forcing a CJ Stroud interception, Donovan took another handoff 85 yards to put the nail in the coffin and give the Wolverines a 45-23 victory. The perfect ending to a physically dominating performance by Michigan.
Future outlook
Michigan will host Ohio State on November 29th in Ann Arbor this season. Michigan football has won four games in a row vs the Buckeyes. These are the last two national champions, and both are hoping to make another title run this season. There doesn't need to be any extra hype for this rivalry to be a big game, but the recent success of both teams will only make this game even bigger. Ohio State will have a new starting quarterback this year, and it looks like it will be Julian Sayin.
Michigan will have Bryce Underwood starting, so both guys are going to get their first taste of the rivalry this season. Michigan clearly holds the mental edge right now, and until Ryan Day proves he has what it takes to beat Michigan, they will continue to hold that edge. Both teams will look a little different this year, but one thing will never change... The Game is the greatest rivalry in all of sports. Go Blue!