The Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in all of college football. This iconic matchup between two of the sport’s most historic programs has been a staple of the Big Ten Conference for over a century, with the two teams first meeting on the gridiron in 1897. The rivalry is fueled by a combination of factors, including geographic proximity, competitive balance, and cultural differences between the two states.
The two programs have combined for 19 national championships, with Ohio State claiming eight titles and Michigan earning 11. The series has been marked by numerous memorable games, including the 2003 matchup in which Ohio State defeated Michigan 14-9 to win the Big Ten championship and earn a berth in the Fiesta Bowl. The rivalry has also been marked by several notable coaching matchups, including the iconic clashes between Ohio State’s Woody Hayes and Michigan’s Bo Schembechler in the 1960s and 1970s.
The History of the Rivalry
The Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry has a rich and complex history that spans over a century. The two teams first met in 1897, with Michigan winning 34-0. The early years of the series were marked by Michigan’s dominance, with the Wolverines winning 13 of the first 15 meetings between the two teams. However, Ohio State began to gain ground in the series in the 1910s and 1920s, and the rivalry has been highly competitive ever since.
One of the most significant factors in the development of the rivalry was the hiring of Woody Hayes as Ohio State’s head coach in 1951. Hayes, a native Ohioan, was deeply passionate about the rivalry and viewed it as a matter of state pride. During his 28-year tenure as head coach, Hayes led the Buckeyes to 16 wins over Michigan, including a streak of 12 consecutive victories from 1968 to 1979.
The Ten Year War
The 1960s and 1970s are often referred to as the “Ten Year War” between Ohio State and Michigan, due to the intense and highly competitive nature of the series during this period. The two teams were coached by two of the greatest coaches in college football history, Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, and the series was marked by numerous memorable games and intense coaching matchups.The Ten Year War was marked by a series of epic battles between the two teams, including the 1968 game in which Ohio State defeated Michigan 50-14, and the 1973 game in which Michigan won 10-7. The series was also marked by several notable controversies, including a 1973 game in which Ohio State’s Archie Griffin was tackled out of bounds by Michigan’s Don Dufek, leading to a heated exchange between the two coaches.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Ohio State | 50-14 |
| 1973 | Michigan | 10-7 |
| 1975 | Ohio State | 21-14 |
| 1979 | Ohio State | 18-15 |
Key Points
- The Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in college football, with a history spanning over a century.
- The two programs have combined for 19 national championships, with Ohio State claiming eight titles and Michigan earning 11.
- The series has been marked by numerous memorable games, including the 2003 matchup in which Ohio State defeated Michigan 14-9 to win the Big Ten championship.
- The rivalry has also been marked by several notable coaching matchups, including the iconic clashes between Ohio State's Woody Hayes and Michigan's Bo Schembechler.
- The Ten Year War between Ohio State and Michigan, which spanned from 1968 to 1978, is widely regarded as one of the greatest periods in the history of the rivalry.
The Modern Era
In recent years, the Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry has continued to be one of the most intense and competitive in college football. The two teams have combined for several notable matchups, including the 2013 game in which Ohio State defeated Michigan 42-41, and the 2016 game in which Ohio State won 30-27 in double overtime.
The modern era of the rivalry has also been marked by several notable coaching matchups, including the clashes between Ohio State’s Urban Meyer and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh. The two coaches have a long and complex history, dating back to their days as coaches in the NFL and at other colleges.
One of the most significant factors in the modern era of the rivalry has been the emergence of Ohio State as a dominant force in college football. The Buckeyes have won eight Big Ten championships since 2002, including five consecutive titles from 2014 to 2018. Michigan, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain consistency, with the Wolverines winning only two Big Ten championships since 2004.
The Future of the Rivalry
As the Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry looks to the future, it’s clear that the series will continue to be one of the most intense and competitive in college football. The two teams have a long and storied history, and the rivalry is fueled by a deep-seated passion and intensity that is unmatched in the sport.One of the most significant factors that will shape the future of the rivalry is the ongoing coaching carousel in college football. The two teams have had several notable coaching changes in recent years, including the hiring of Ryan Day as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, and the hiring of Jim Harbaugh as Michigan’s head coach in 2015.
What is the history of the Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry?
+The Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry has a rich and complex history that spans over a century, with the two teams first meeting in 1897. The series has been marked by numerous memorable games, including the 2003 matchup in which Ohio State defeated Michigan 14-9 to win the Big Ten championship.
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 Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, who coached at Ohio State and Michigan, respectively, during the 1960s and 1970s. Other notable coaches include Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh, who have coached at Ohio State and Michigan, respectively, in the modern era.
What is the current state of the rivalry?
+The current state of the rivalry is highly competitive, with the two teams having combined for several notable matchups in recent years. Ohio State has emerged as a dominant force in college football, winning eight Big Ten championships since 2002. Michigan, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain consistency, with the Wolverines winning only two Big Ten championships since 2004.
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