THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 2021

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The fifth installment in this year’s series looking back at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry takes us to 1998. this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 2021. The first six years of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure as head football coach at Michigan had been less than satisfying, and some Michigan supporters wanted him replaced after the Covid-shortened 2020 season.

After careful consideration, Harbaugh was retained as Michigan’s head coach, and he displayed a renewed vigor as the 2021 season began. Michigan rumbled through the regular season schedule, with only a controversial loss to Michigan State preventing the Wolverines from entering the game against Ohio State with a perfect record.

Still, Ohio State had dominated Michigan for much of the previous two decades. Michigan fans and alumni could be forgiven for harboring some doubts about the Wolverines’ ability to beat the Buckeyes.

Once the game began, a common thread emerged: Michigan appeared to be more aggressive and confident than Ohio State, something that had been missing for many years. The Wolverines had the Buckeyes back on their heels, and it appeared that momentum had put on a blue jersey. Critics pointed out that Michigan didn’t score points in droves; the Wolverines responded by going back to basics, controlling the ball with a power running game. Michigan’s coaching staff had suspected all year that Ohio State was not physically tough, and this strategy reinforced that point. Michigan’s offensive line opened gaping holes in the Ohio State defense all game long; enabling Wolverine running backs to gash the Buckeye defense for significant gains. Treveyon Henderson scored for Ohio State to close the margin to 28-20 with more than 14 minutes remaining, but then Michigan slowy clamped down on the Buckeyes. A sack late in the game by David Ojabo put an exclamation point on a 42-27 Michigan victory that turned the tide in the rivalry. Michigan went on defeat Iowa to capture the Big Ten Conference championship. The Wolverines eventually lost to Georgia in the College Football Playoff, but that took nothing away from Michigan’s victory over Ohio State. Michigan reestablished itself as a national power–and just as important, a serious threat to Ohio State.

Thanks to YouTube and the Big Ten Network for the highlight video of this game. As always, we own nothing and we not profit from this content, which is provided strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1998

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The fourth installment in this year’s series looking back at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry takes us to 1998. The national economy was roaring, Michigan was coming off a perfect season and National Championship in 1997, and Michigan Stadium had just undergone a renovation that expanded the seating capacity by 5,000 seats. Life was good for the maize and blue.

However, the 1998 season didn’t start the way that Michigan fans and alumni would have wanted. Adversity hit the Wolverines like a Mack truck, placing a damper on many celebrations. Fortunately, the Wolverines responded with renewed determination, and Michigan roared into Columbus with a perfect record in Big Ten Conference play, something that appeared unlikely just two months earlier.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, Ohio State capitalized on its home field advantage in this game. The Buckeyes thoroughly outplayed the Wolverines in the first quarter, taking a 14-0 lead, and it could easily have been much worse. By halftime, Ohio State had expanded its lead to 21-0, and things were looking bleak for the Wolverines.

The Wolverines mustered up all their pride in the second half. Michigan scored 10 points in the third quarter to make the score respectable, but a touchdown pass from Joe Germaine to David Boston all but ended the drama. Ohio State won, 31-16, and advanced to the Rose Bowl. In a bizarre twist, Michigan played Hawaii to end the regular season, routing the Rainbow Warriors, 48-17. The Wolverines then defeated Arkansas in the Citrus Bowl, 45-31, to finish the season with a record of 10 wins and three losses.

Thanks to YouTube, ABC Sports, and YouTube poster College Football Historian for the video of this game. As always, we own nothing and we not profit from this content, which is provided strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

1998 Michigan @ Ohio State; The Game; ABC College

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Game 11 Northwestern Commentary and Ohio State Preview

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As Michigan gears up for its epic rivalry clash against Ohio State, the UM Go Blue podcast dives into the Wolverines’ chances of pulling off a season-defining victory. Hosts @pcallihan and @Clint_Derringer break down the team’s dominant 50-6 win over Northwestern, highlighting a balanced offensive resurgence and dominating defense. With bitter rival Ohio State looming, Michigan’s success hinges on limiting turnovers, capitalizing on their rushing attack, and their defense holding the Buckeyes in check. The podcast previews a gritty, close battle, offering fans hope that an upset is within reach. Don’t miss this deep dive into what could be Michigan’s defining moment—listen, share, and engage in the conversation!

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THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 2006

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The second installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us to 2006. After a few subpar seasons, Michigan’s junior class was finally meshing, and the Michigan football team was living up to its potential. Down in Columbus, the the Ohio State Buckeyes were also hitting on all cylinders, setting up a showdown for the ages.

Just days before the game, former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler passed away, changing the tone of the matchup. Suddenly, some Buckeyes were mildly sympathetic to Michigan. Michigan coach Lloyd Carr chose not to use Schembechler’s passing as a motivational tool to spark the Wolverines, a decision that could easily be debated. The atmosphere was already charged; both teams entered the game with perfect records. Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in both polls, and Michigan was ranked second. The pregame hype for the 2006 game surpassed any other meeting in the series history.

Once the game began, Michigan drew first blood. Quarterback Chad Henne established a consistent connection with receiver Mario Manningham, and Mike Hart scored on a 1-yard run to give the Wolverines the first lead, much to the dismay of the vociferous throng in Ohio Stadium.

The battle raged back and forth over three hours. Ohio State took a significant lead, but Michigan fought back. Late in the game, Henne connected with tight end Tyler Ecker for a 16-yart touchdown pass, and then followed that with a completion to Steve Breaston for a 2-point conversion. Suddenly, Michigan trailed by only three points.

Unfortunately, the Wolverines never got any closer. The play that bothers Michigan fans to this day came with Ohio State leading, 35-31, with less than seven minutes remaining in the game. On 3rd down and 15, Michigan defensive end Shawn Crable was penalized for hitting Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith with his helmet during a tackle, extending an Ohio State drive. Crable’s infraction gave Ohio State new life in a matchup in which one mistake could easily alter the outcome.

The irony is that neither team ended up winning the National Championship that season. Ohio State fell to eventual champion Florida, while Michigan fell flat in the Rose Bowl, losing to USC, 32-18. Many of the stars from that Michigan team returned for their senior years in 2007, but the 2006 team was probably the final legitimate chance for Carr to win a second National Championship.

Thanks to YouTube, ESPN, and YouTube poster Dave R for the broadcast of this game. As always, we own nothing and this blog post is intended strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1973

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The first installment of this year’s series looking at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 1973. For Michigan, the 1973 season was akin to the Charles Dickens novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.” “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” could easily be applied to the 1973 campaign. In the eyes of Michigan fans, it was the worst of times because a group of athletic directors denied Michigan a trip to the Rose Bowl, and a chance at the National Championship. That was obvious to anyone who followed Michigan football, whether fan or alum.

Maybe more importantly, it was the best of times for several reasons. First, Michigan finished the season without a loss. Second, the college football world agreed with Michigan fans that the maize and blue weren’t treated fairly, and got the short end of the stick. It’s not often most college football observers sympathize with Michigan.

As for the game itself, it occurred during a volatile time in U.S. history. The Paris Peace Accords has just ended the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War. In May, televised hearings on the Watergate scandal began in the United States Senate. In March, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑑𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 won Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and Skylab, the United States’ first space station, was launched in May. The year began with CBS selling the New York Yankees to George Stainbrenner, a noted supporter of Ohio State.

In Big Ten college football, Michigan and Ohio State were right in the middle of “The Ten-Year War,” a 10-year period when Michigan was coached by Bo Schembechler, and Ohio State was coached by Woody Hayes. Tensions have always been high in this rivalry, and 1973 might just be one of the most significant moments in the series. Prior to the game, Hayes led Ohio State on to the field, and his players promptly tried to tear down the M GO BLUE banner, setting the tone for the day.

The game itself was the opposite of what modern football is. It was very exciting, but very old school. Both teams relied heavily on the run, and few strategic risks were taken. MIchigan’s defense initially seemed to grab the upper hand, and the Wolverines appeared to be in great shape when Gil Chapman returned a kickoff 72 yards to the Ohio State 28-yard line. Unfortunately, a clipping penalty negated the lengthy return and set the ball deep in Michigan territory, changing the complexion of the game. Now, Michigan was forced to climb out of a hole.

The first half ended with Ohio State leading, 10-0. But there were few routes in the Ten-Year War, and the 1973 Michigan team wasn’t about to go quietly. The score remained the same until the fourth quarter, when Michigan finally woke up. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Mike Lantry kicked a 30-yard field goal to trim Michigan’s deficit to seven points, and the drama had just begun. The fired-up Michigan defense forced Ohio State to go three plays and out, and Michigan received the ball in good field position. Ed Shuttlesworth pounded the Buckeye defense on several runs, and quarterback Dennis Franklin connected with tight end Paul Seal for a 21-yard gain. With a first down and goal at the 10-yard line, Franklin faked to Shuttlesworth and kept the ball, sprinting between shocked defenders into the end zone. Just like that, the score was tied, 10-10, and Michigan had all the momentum.

By now, we all know how it ended. Michigan dominated play for the remainder of the game, but Lantry missed a pair of field goals, and the game ended in a 10-10 tie. The next day, the athletic directors of the Big Ten Conference voted to send Ohio State to the Rose Bowl. Not only had Michigan controlled play for much of the game, but the 1973 Michigan team was actually built to beat USC, for once. Michigan ended the season with a record of 10 wins, 0 losses, and a tie. The Wolverines did not win the official National Championship, but both the National Championship Foundation and the Poling System recognized Michigan as a co-National Champion for the 1973 season.

Thanks to YouTube, the Big Ten Network, and YouTube poster Rxwolverine for the broadcast of this game. As always, we own nothing, and this blog post was intended strictly for the entertainment of readers.