Few football games can rival the intensity and stakes of the yearly Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines contest. “The Game,” as it is known to many regional fans, dates back to the Wolverines’ 34-0 blowout of the Buckeyes in 1897. The series between the two traditional Big Ten powerhouses has spanned 107 meetings, with Michigan leading 57 wins to Ohio State’s 43 (note: The Buckeyes’ 2010 win is not included in this total because it has been vacated by the NCAA).
With Ohio State still reeling from various scandals and Coach Jim Tressel’s ignominious departure, the Buckeyes are a disappointing 3-2. The Wolverines, on the other hand, are off to an impressive 5-0 start, including their tense 35-31 win week two over Notre Dame. With Ohio State out of the national limelight (or at least the top of the national polls), this year’s Ohio State vs. Michigan game might seem like an afterthought for players and fans. But here are three reasons that “the Game” will matter more than ever this season.
1. Michigan’s Record: If Michigan continues to roll and goes into its November 26 home game against Ohio State with an undefeated record, a national championship opportunity could be on the line. This, however, is stretching the boundaries of possibility. Michigan’s start has been impressive, but many of the wins have been blowouts against weaker competition, such as Eastern Michigan and San Diego State. Moreover, Michigan has enjoyed the luxury of five straight home games to start the season. Two tough road games against Illinois and Iowa directly precede the Wolverines’ tough final two matchups against Nebraska and Ohio State. This gauntlet will likely prove too much for the Wolverines. But if they escape unscathed, a BCS national championship chance could be at stake on November 26 in Ann Arbor.
2. Coaches’ Jobs: Both teams’ coaches are on the hot seat this year, and a win in one of the biggest rivalry games in all of sports could make or break each coach’s season. At Ohio State, interim head coach Luke Fickell is leading the Buckeyes after spending years as an assistant to Tressel. Fickell has proven himself confident and adaptable, showing no fear in starting true freshman quarterback Braxton Miller against Colorado after senior Joe Bauserman’s lackluster performance against Miami. But what fans in Columbus want is wins, and Fickell may struggle to post a winning record this year. Certainly Coach Tressel’s unexpected departure has contributed to the Buckeyes’ early-season troubles, but Fickell will be expected to right the ship in a hurry or step aside for someone who can. If Fickell can beat Michigan on the road this year, his chances of earning permanent head coach status will skyrocket. At Michigan, head coach Rich Rodriguez has also had his share of NCAA violations investigations and criticisms. After two below average seasons, Rodriguez probably won’t survive another sub-par campaign. Even if Michigan comes into the Ohio State game with a loss or two, a big win at home will go a long way toward securing Rodriguez’s job.
3. Nebraska: With the addition of Nebraska to the Big Ten conference this season, traditional powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan now have a serious competitor for the spotlight. This year’s big rivalry game will test the ability of the Big Ten to retain its traditions and loyalties in the face of changes to the conference. “The Game” survived the addition of Penn State to the conference, but Nebraska threatens to be a competitor for the league title every year. If November 26 brings tense, tough football typical of the teams’ prior meetings, Ohio State and Michigan can expect to continue to be the standard bearers for the league. If the game is sloppy or lopsided, expect Nebraska’s rising star to detract from the game’s luster.
For both teams’ rabid fans, “the Game” means more than a bowl victory-or even a BCS championship. And, most likely, this year will be no different.