TheEasiestRivalryInTheCountry: Ohio State vs. Michigan

The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most iconic and intense in college football. Every year, these two powerhouses from the Big Ten Conference face off, with the winner earning bragging rights and potentially a trip to the College Football Playoff. But this rivalry is about more than just a game – it's about tradition, history, and the sense of pride that comes with being part of a long and storied legacy.

For Ohio State, the Michigan game is more than just a chance to prove itself against a rival. It's a chance to continue its tradition of excellence, one that dates back to the early 20th century. The Buckeyes have won 39 of the last 42 meetings between the two teams, including four Big Ten championships and a national title in 2014. But Michigan is no slouch, with eight national championships of its own and a roster full of talented players.

The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is often referred to as the "Battle for the Buckeye" or the "Big House Showdown." But whatever you call it, one thing is certain – it's a game that will be remembered for years to come.

History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan dates back to 1897, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. Over the years, the two teams have played each other 115 times, with Ohio State holding a slight edge in the win column. But the rivalry has been marked by some epic battles, including a 1993 game that was played in snow and ice, with Ohio State winning 28-0.

In 2010, the two teams played a game that will be remembered for years to come. Michigan's Denard Robinson ran for 244 yards and threw for 139 yards, leading the Wolverines to a 31-24 victory over the Buckeyes. The game was marked by a series of back-and-forth touchdowns, with each team trading scores in a thrilling contest.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

• 1968: Ohio State wins its first national title under coach Woody Hayes, defeating Michigan 21-0 in Ann Arbor.
• 1978: Michigan wins its first Big Ten championship under coach Bo Schembechler, defeating Ohio State 23-17 in Columbus.
• 1997: Ohio State wins its first Big Ten championship under coach Jim Tressel, defeating Michigan 24-10 in Ann Arbor.
• 2006: Michigan wins its first Big Ten championship under coach Lloyd Carr, defeating Ohio State 43-14 in Columbus.
• 2011: Ohio State wins its first Big Ten championship under coach Urban Meyer, defeating Michigan 35-21 in Ann Arbor.

The Significance of the Game

The significance of the game goes beyond just the two teams competing. It's about the sense of pride and tradition that comes with being part of a long and storied legacy. For Ohio State, the game is a chance to prove itself against a rival and continue its tradition of excellence. For Michigan, the game is a chance to prove itself and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The game is also significant because it's one of the most-watched games of the season. The two teams are consistently ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll, and the game is always a national story. Whether it's a thrashing of a weaker opponent or a hard-fought win over a top-ranked team, the Ohio State-Michigan game is always a must-watch.

Facts and Figures

• Ohio State has won 39 of the last 42 meetings between the two teams.
• Michigan has won eight national championships, while Ohio State has won 39.
• The two teams have played each other 115 times, with Ohio State holding a slight edge in the win column.
• The average attendance for the two teams is over 100,000, making it one of the most-watched games of the season.
• The two teams have produced some of the greatest players in college football history, including Archie Griffin, Desmond Howard, and Jim Brown.

The Impact on College Football

The Ohio State-Michigan game has a significant impact on college football as a whole. The two teams are consistently ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll, and the game is always a national story. Whether it's a thrashing of a weaker opponent or a hard-fought win over a top-ranked team, the Ohio State-Michigan game is always a must-watch.

The game also has a significant impact on the Big Ten Conference, which is often referred to as the "power conference" of college football. The game is a determining factor in the conference standings, and the winner of the game is often the one that goes on to win the conference championship.

The Consequences of Defeat

• 2011: Michigan loses to Ohio State 35-21, which costs the Wolverines a spot in the Big Ten championship game.
• 2012: Ohio State loses to Michigan 42-41, which costs the Buckeyes a spot in the Big Ten championship game.
• 2013: Michigan loses to Ohio State 42-28, which costs the Wolverines a spot in the Big Ten championship game.
• 2014: Ohio State loses to Michigan 42-41, which costs the Buckeyes a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Future of the Rivalry

The future of the rivalry is uncertain, but one thing is certain – it will continue to be one of the most iconic and intense in college football. The two teams will continue to face off against each other, with the winner earning bragging rights and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The rivalry will also continue to evolve