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THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 2003

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

By the early 2000s, the landscape had changed in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Ohio State had suddenly claimed a National Championship, and reversing the Buckeyes’ momentum would be a tall order.

Enter John Navarre. Standing every bit of 6 feet, 6 inches, Navarre possessed a quiet persona, and had excellent leadership qualities. The other leader was running back Chris Perry, who fought through plenty of adversity during his time in Ann Arbor. At one point, head coach Lloyd Carr advised him to transfer, but a heart-to-heart conversation with his mother convinced Perry that his best move was perseverance. Perry matured significantly in the 2002 season, and by 2003, he was ready to produce serious results.

The fifth and final installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 2003 for the 100th game in the series. Despite the Wolverines’ offensive firepower, it was their defense that established the tone. Michigan safety Ernest Shazor’s tackle of Ohio State tight end Ben Hartsock prevented an easy first down, forcing the Buckeyes to punt. Then the Michigan offensive line seized the momentum. Perry gashed the Ohio State defensive line for sizable gains, and suddenly the Wolverines were at the Ohio State 3-yard line, facing a 3rd down and goal to go. Steve Breaston, usually a receiver, lined up at quarterback and scored a 3-yard touchdown to give the Wolverines the early lead. The Wolverines extended that lead when Navarre connected with Braylon Edwards for a 64-yard touchdown pass highlighted by a broken tackle. Once Edwards freed himself from the defender, he went all the way for the touchdown to give Michigan a two-score lead. Navarre and Edwards connected for a 23-yard touchdown pass later in the second quarter to give Michigan a 21-0 lead. The Wolverines had a comfortable cushion, or so they thought.

Ohio State kept plugging away, and after Lydell Ross scored on a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter, the Wolverines’ lead was only a touchdown. Undaunted, Michigan went back to basics. Perry completed a drive that lasted almost four minutes by scoring on a 15-yard run to make the final score Michigan 35, Ohio State 21. After another eight minutes, Michigan claimed victory over the Buckeyes, along with the 2003 Big Ten championship. For his efforts, Perry was named to both the All-America team and the All-Big Ten team. He was joined on the All-Big Ten team by Navarre, Edwards and offensive lineman Tony Pape.

The next season, the Wolverines welcomed a bumper crop of recruits, including running back Mike Hart, quarterback Chad Henne and offensive tackle Jake Long. But, for now, it was enough to revel in the 2003 Big Ten championship, a hard-earned victory that reestablished Michigan as the ultimate power in the Big Ten. Thank you to ABC Sports, WJR, and YouTube poster Jordan Swavel for the broadcast of this game. As always, we own nothing and we do not profit from this blog post, which is provided strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

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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 of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 1998. The late 1990s became the modern “golden era” of Michigan football, punctuated by Michigan’s victory over Washington State in the Rose Bowl, clinching a perfect season and the AP National Championship. On top of that, Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy and the regents chose to add 5,000 seats to Michigan Stadium, reestablishing it as the largest collegiate stadium in the country.

Unfortunately, problems frequently develop when celebrations last too long. The hunger that fueled the relentless drive Michigan felt the previous season was replaced by a dangerous feeling of satisfaction.

Michigan had suffered the usual departures due to graduation, and Charles Woodson left to continue his football journey in the NFL. The 1997 team had achieved impressive success, but it was a very different team that began the 1998 season.

The Wolverines opened the 1998 campaign with a pair of losses, but Ray returned by midseason, and dominant victories over Penn State and Wisconsin proved that Michigan was playing solid football again, just in time for the trip to Columbus.

The Wolverines were greeted by a typically ornery crowd at Ohio Stadium, to put it kindly. Ohio State jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdowns by Michael Wiley and Dee Miller, putting Michigan in a deep hole. The Wolverines fought back gamely in the second quarter as Jay Feely kicked a 27-yard field goal and Tom Brady connected with Tai Streets for a 3-yard touchdown pass, but Michigan trailed at halftime, 21-10. Ultimately, Michigan lost, 31-16. A season that appeared to hold so much promise provided Michigan with a sobering reality: Glory is fleeting.

Still, there was reason for Michigan to be proud of its performance, even in defeat. After starting the season with two losses, the Wolverines rededicated themselves and persevered, producing some impressive victories along the way. The season ended with a 45-31 win over Arkansas in the Florida Citrus Bowl, the first of four consecutive wins over SEC opponents in bowl games. As the 1998 campaign ended, hopes were restored, and the following year would, once again, begin with considerable promise.

Thanks to ABC Sports, YouTube, and YouTube poster SteelBuck 6 for the highlight video of this game. We claim no ownership and do not profit from the video on this blog post.

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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — The Big One that Matters More – Game 12 Ohio State Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Ohio State – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With RB Blake Corum, QB J.J. McCarthy, OL Trevor Keegan, OL Zak Zinter, LB Michael Barrett, DL Kris Jenkins, and Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes game.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines prepare for season-defining game against Ohio State Buckeyes.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan are excited for the Michigan-Ohio State game, with both teams undefeated and a lot on the line.
    • The game is special for both teams, with Michigan having won the last two and Ohio State struggling in recent years.
    • Zak Zinter and Mike Sainristil reflect on their team’s 2021 loss to Ohio State and their determination to prove themselves in 2022.
    • Clint Derringer predicts a more balanced offensive game plan for Michigan in 2023, building on the success of 2021 while avoiding the long runs of 2022.
  • Ohio State Buckeyes’ impressive season and upcoming matchup with Michigan Wolverines.7:53
    • Michigan is favored in the upcoming game against Ohio State by 6.1 points, with a 64% win probability.
    • Michigan’s defense is strong, but they’ll need to contain Ohio State’s superstar offense.
  • Michigan-Ohio State rivalry and allegations of program misconduct.12:13
    • Michigan and Ohio State’s obsession with each other’s distractions is mutual, despite Jim Harbaugh’s absence.
    • Clint Derringer suggests that Ohio State is involved in leaking information to the media to create a PR firestorm, despite being right in the middle of it themselves.
    • Ryan Day’s job security is at risk if he loses to Michigan for the third time in three years, with a significant portion of the Buckeyes fan base ready to move on from him.
  • Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and coach Ryan Day’s pressure.17:08
    • Michigan players tend to perform better under pressure than Ohio State players.
    • Phil Callihan observes that Ohio State coach Ryan Day is under pressure to perform against Michigan, particularly after his team’s close win over Notre Dame.
    • Callihan notes that Day’s emotional response to the win was unexpected, given his reputation as a great coach, and suggests that he should act more confident and composed in big moments.
    • Phil Callihan expresses frustration with Ryan Day’s perceived whining and lack of accountability as Michigan’s coach.
    • Callihan predicts that Day will face pressure from the media and fans if Michigan wins on Saturday.
  • Ohio State-Michigan football game with analysis of players and strategies.24:19
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan’s defense will be able to contain Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. but may struggle with stopping Blake Corum.
    • Derringer thinks JJ McCarthy is more likely to make positive plays than Kyle McCord, and Donovan Edwards provides a versatile weapon for Michigan’s offense.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s strong performances against common opponents, while Phil Callihan and Kris Jenkins discuss the potential impact of the home crowd on the game.
  • Michigan football team’s chances against Ohio State.29:38
    • Blake Corum is excited to play in his last game at the Big House, where he’ll be facing Michigan’s rival team, with his brothers and best coaches.
    • Phil Callihan is concerned about the team’s ability to beat their opponent three times in a row, despite their preparation and the JJ factor.
    • Phil Callihan believes Michigan has the advantage heading into the game due to their starting 11 on each side of the ball.
    • Ohio State fan questions program’s elite status after close calls and inconsistent play.
  • Ohio State-Michigan football game with analysis of key players and matchups.36:13
    • Clint Derringer believes Ohio State is lethal when they get out in front of their opponents, but their confidence can waver when the game is close.
    • Ryan Day is focusing on highlighting to his team that they are capable of winning tough games, despite recent struggles in close contests.
    • Michigan’s interior defensive line is expected to cause problems for Ohio State’s offensive line, particularly in the third and fourth quarters.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Marvin Harrison Jr. as the key matchup for Michigan’s defense.
  • Michigan Wolverines football game against Ohio State Buckeyes.43:34
    • Phil Callihan expresses concerns about Michigan’s special teams and the impact on the game.
    • Michigan will win by 6 points, with their defense sealing the victory.
    • Sharon Moore’s coaching abilities are being considered for Coach of the Year, given his success as offensive line coach and play caller for Michigan.
  • Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and upcoming game.49:29
    • Trevor Keegan: Respect between Ohio State and Michigan creates high stakes and excitement for the rivalry game.
  • Preparation for a championship football game.50:30
    • Michigan Wolverines focus on preparation for championship game.
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By the Numbers: Game 12 vs. Ohio State

LAST WEEK RECAP

Michigan was able to survive and advance in the annual pre-OSU trap game.  The Wolverines held on to beat the Maryland Terrapins 31-24 after shifting into cruise control far too early.

NEXT UP: vs. Ohio State: SP+ 3rd, 27.8

PREGAME SP+: Michigan by 6.1, Michigan Win Probability 64%

Michigan stayed firm atop the SP+ rankings where they’ve been going back to Week 5.  But, the Wolverines regressed back to the pack during the Jim Harbaugh suspension.  Ohio State remains 3rd overall as well.  Surprisingly, the 1st ranked defense leads the Buckeyes SP+ rating strength, not the 19th ranked offense.

Michigan Offense (6th) vs. Ohio State Defense (1st) 

This matchup embodies the strength-on-strength clash in this rivalry game.  Ohio State clamped down on big plays in 2023 after explosives proved to be the achilles heel for coordinator Jim Knowles in 2022.  I expect the Buckeyes to deploy a more structurally sound defensive approach in The Game this year.  Keeping the Michigan ground attack under wraps will still be top priority, but I don’t think Ohio State believes they need to commit 9 or 10 players to the line of scrimmage to accomplish that.  Michigan fans can expect a rushing attack that looks much more like 2021 (5-6 yards a pop) than the 2022 explosion.

In my eyes, Saturday’s two most critical performances take place up front where Ladarius Henderson expects to return at left tackle, and Karsen Barnhart looks to bounce back in pass protection at right tackle.  Henderson & Barnhart will be the point of attack blockers on Michigan runs.  Most importantly, they must keep JJ McCarthy clean against JT Tuimoloau and the Buckeyes’ pass rush.  Ideally, JJ’s health is no longer a concern and we’ll see him escape the pocket to create down field opportunities.  At the minimum, the Michigan running backs should serve as quick outlet valves if Ohio State is bringing pressure.  

Michigan Defense (2nd) vs. Ohio State Offense (19th)

For the third consecutive year, the Wolverines’ defense will attempt to execute a game plan meant to minimize explosive pass plays.  In 2021 & 2022, impacting quarterback CJ Stroud posed the primary challenge.  Now the Buckeyes are led by Kyle McCord.  McCord is a good passer, but not on the same level as Stroud.  I expect Michigan to utilize extra safeties over the top of Heisman Trophy candidate Marvin Harrison Jr., while relying on the front four plus LB Mike Barrett to generate pressure.  If the Wolverines successfully contain Harrison with extra defenders, the wild card will be Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace against #2 receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Verbally, this season represents a new commitment to running the ball for Ohio State.  TreVeyon Henderson and Chip Trayanum combine into a formidable challenge.  However, the Buckeyes’ offensive line still falters when trying to get to their second level blocks.  And, when Ohio State faces a high leverage situation, Ryan Day remains highly likely to turn away from his running backs and favor his wide receivers.  Jesse Minter will keep his coverage guys back, daring Ryan Day to run the ball consistently and repeatedly.  The most critical plays in the game will be 3rd down plays with 2-4 yards to go for Ohio State.  The Buckeye coaching staff will tell you that they want to run the ball in those spots, but Minter and the rest of the Wolverine faithful all know these are the times to tighten up outside in coverage.

PREDICTION: The SP+ model would favor Michigan over Ohio State by 3.6 points on a neutral field, and Bill Connely’s system adds 2.5 points for home field advantage, resulting in a 6.1 point tilt toward the Wolverines.  My preseason pick was Michigan by 6, and I am going to keep that same margin.  The teams will trade blows back-and-forth for the first 50-75% of the game.  Marvin Harrison Jr. and Blake Corum will each score early touchdowns.  But, this game boils down to which players step up in the fourth quarter once each team adjusts to the opponent’s game plan.  I think the Michigan defense will seal it late by pressuring McCord into a key mistake.
Michigan 34 Ohio State 28 (PRESEASON Michigan 39 Ohio State 33)

MICHIGAN RESUME UPDATE 11/21/23, 11-0

  • SP+ Overall: 1st (same), 31.4
    • SP+ Offense: 6th (↑1), 38.5
    • SP+ Defense: 2nd (↓1), 9.0
    • SP+ Special Teams: 7th (↓1), 1.9
  • AP Poll: 3rd (↓1), 1440
  • Coaches’ Poll: 3rd (↓1), 1458
  • CFP Rank: 3rd (same)
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THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1991

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

The third installmenf of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 1991. By this time, Bo Schembechler had retired, turning the reins over to trusted lieutenant Gary Moeller. In one of his final seasons, Schembechler was asked who would replace some of the tremendous receivers he had, and he mentioned the name Desmond Howard.

In the late 1980s, high school football recruiting had yet to become an obsession, and Howard wasn’t a household name. His performance against Ohio State crushed the spirit of the Buckeyes, and made him an icon in college football lore.

Any drama in this game ended after the opening kickoff. Michigan won, 31-3, punctuated by Desmond Howard’s 93-yard punt return for a touchdown, ending with Howard’s famous “Heisman Pose.” Keith Jackson bellowed “Hello Heisman!” and Howard became a legend for the ages.

In hindsight, the 1991 team never received the proper amount of adulation from Michigan fans. The Wolverines absolutely dominated the Buckeyes. They beat Notre Dame in dramatic fashion, courtesy of an amazing touchdown by Howard. They beat Michigan State comfortably. Howard was joined by linebacker Erick Anderson and linemen Greg Skrepenak and Matt Elliott on the All-America team. Maybe the most important point of all, the Wolverines went undefeated in the Big Ten, winning all eight conference games and capturing the Big Ten championship. It’s fair to say a season of that magnitude would satisfy many Michigan supporters.

Thanks to ABC Sports, YouTube, and YouTube poster RXwolverine for the broadcast of this game. I own nothing and we do not profit off this blog post, which is published strictly for the enjoyment of readers.