The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is one of the most storied and intense in all of college football. The two teams have been facing off on the gridiron for over a century, with their first meeting taking place in 1897. Since then, the Wolverines and Buckeyes have clashed a total of 118 times, with Michigan holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 59-51-6. The series has been marked by numerous memorable moments, including iconic games, legendary players, and coaching showdowns that have helped shape the landscape of college football.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the intensity of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is the proximity of the two schools. Located just a few hundred miles apart, the universities have long been natural rivals, competing not only on the football field but also in the classroom and in the recruitment of top students and athletes. The rivalry has also been fueled by the fact that the two teams have consistently been among the best in the Big Ten Conference, with both programs having won numerous conference championships and national titles over the years.
Key Points
- The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense in college football, with the two teams having first met in 1897.
- Michigan holds a slight edge in the all-time series, 59-51-6, but Ohio State has been the more dominant team in recent years.
- The rivalry has been marked by numerous memorable moments, including iconic games, legendary players, and coaching showdowns.
- The proximity of the two schools and their consistent excellence on the football field have contributed to the intensity of the rivalry.
- The series has significant implications for the Big Ten Conference and national championship picture, with the winner often earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Early Years: 1897-1940
The early years of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry were marked by a series of close, hard-fought games. The Wolverines dominated the series in the early going, winning 13 of the first 15 meetings between the two teams. However, the Buckeyes began to gain ground in the 1920s and 1930s, with legendary coach Francis Schmidt leading the team to several victories over Michigan. One of the most notable games of this era was the 1922 contest, which Michigan won 19-0 in a game that was marked by a fierce snowstorm.
Despite the intensity of the rivalry, the series was not without its interruptions. The two teams did not meet from 1913 to 1917 due to a dispute over recruiting practices, and again from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II. However, the series resumed in 1946, and the rivalry has been uninterrupted ever since.
The Ten-Year War: 1969-1978
The 1960s and 1970s are often referred to as the “Ten-Year War” between Michigan and Ohio State. During this period, the two teams were coached by two of the greatest minds in college football history: Bo Schembechler at Michigan and Woody Hayes at Ohio State. The series was marked by a series of intense, physical games, with the two teams combining for several national championships and numerous Big Ten titles. One of the most iconic games of this era was the 1973 contest, which Michigan won 10-10 in a game that was marked by a fierce defensive battle.
The Ten-Year War was not just about the games themselves, but also about the intense rivalry between Schembechler and Hayes. The two coaches were known for their fiery personalities and their willingness to do whatever it took to win. Their rivalry was fueled by their contrasting coaching styles, with Schembechler emphasizing discipline and fundamentals and Hayes focusing on aggressive, physical play.
| Year | Michigan Score | Ohio State Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 24 | 12 |
| 1970 | 20 | 9 |
| 1971 | 10 | 7 |
| 1972 | 14 | 11 |
| 1973 | 10 | 10 |
| 1974 | 12 | 10 |
| 1975 | 21 | 14 |
| 1976 | 22 | 0 |
| 1977 | 14 | 6 |
| 1978 | 14 | 3 |
The Modern Era: 1979-Present
The modern era of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry has been marked by a series of intense, competitive games. The two teams have continued to be among the best in the Big Ten Conference, with both programs having won numerous conference championships and national titles. One of the most notable games of this era was the 2003 contest, which Michigan won 35-21 in a game that was marked by a dominant performance by Wolverines quarterback John Navarre.
Despite the intensity of the rivalry, the series has not been without its controversies. In 2010, the Buckeyes were forced to vacate several wins, including a victory over Michigan, due to NCAA sanctions related to player compensation. The series has also been marked by several notable coaching changes, including the hiring of Jim Tressel at Ohio State in 2001 and the hiring of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan in 2015.
The Harbaugh Era: 2015-Present
The hiring of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan in 2015 marked a new era in the history of the rivalry. Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback, has been instrumental in revitalizing the Wolverines program, leading the team to several Big Ten championships and bowl victories. The series has been marked by a series of intense, competitive games, with the two teams combining for several memorable moments, including a 2016 contest that saw the Buckeyes win 30-27 in a game that was marked by a fierce defensive battle.
Despite the intensity of the rivalry, Harbaugh has been quick to acknowledge the respect he has for the Ohio State program and its coaching staff. The two teams have engaged in a series of intense recruiting battles, with both programs competing for some of the top talent in the country. The series has also been marked by several notable transfers, including the transfer of quarterback Justin Fields from Georgia to Ohio State in 2019.
What is the all-time series record between Michigan and Ohio State?
+Michigan holds a slight edge in the all-time series, 59-51-6.
Who are some of the most notable coaches in the history of the rivalry?
+Some of the most notable coaches in the history of the rivalry include Bo Schembechler, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Jim Harbaugh.
What is the significance of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry in the context of college football?
+The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in all of college football, with significant implications for the Big Ten Conference and national championship picture.
The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is a series that continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of fans. With its rich history, intense competition, and significant implications for the Big Ten Conference and national championship picture, the series remains one of the most compelling and enduring in all of college football. As the two teams continue to clash on the gridiron, fans can expect more memorable moments, iconic games, and legendary performances that will be etched in the annals of college football history.
