For 118 years a war has been fought at the border. In year 119, the road between the two states, Ohio and Michigan, has been no less lined with gas and fire. Today, Michigan seized the day as it outlasted Ohio State 30-24.
With it, Michigan’s hope of a second national title playoff run is still alive. Ohio State, much like previous Michigan teams, is left to not only wonder about a shot at the final 4, but its very soul as it contemplates another off-season answering questions about a game that slipped away.
With this year’s win, Michigan can now claim the tide has officially changed. In year one of this three-year run over OSU, Michigan was much like Rocky Balboa, guts with some luck as they stunned the Buckeyes in 2021.
However, Michigan may have had a moment, but would they be able to win the following year on the road?
Year two’s campaign was much more impressive seeing the Wolverines soundly win on the road in “the Shoe”. After the game it was clear that the tide of “The Game” was changing.
A second win ushered in thoughts of the guard changing, with Michigan going on to win the B1G Ten Championship and making it to the College Football Playoff.
Mike Barnett, a fifth-year linebacker was asked after the game about the impact of the win replied, “I would say yes for now” (Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press). Buckeye Nation was left scratching its head as it now began to question its play, its coaching led by Ryan Day, and now its direction, as the toll was now two straight wins home and away.
Year three has solidified this rivalry as an official blood war again. Florida State-Miami no longer has an impact on the national title scene.
Alabama-Georgia has the implications but still smacks more of a regional brawl lacking however the intense national passion that the “Game” has become.
Much of that is due in major part to the scandals under coach Harbaugh’s tenure, which were believed to be pushed by Buckeye coach Day. The match today between the #2 and #3 teams in the country, with the playoffs and the B1G Ten Championship on the line was a chance for both teams to put their stamp on the reemerging blood war.
After the game Michigan countered with a statement to fans on both sides of the rivalry. WE ARE BACK! And today was personal.
Familiar names such as JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards had huge impacts today as they outshined the likes of Marvin Harrison, who had a whopping 13 NFL scouts in attendance.
Today the Wolverines defended their coach’s honor. The butt of many Buckeye jokes and used to explain away previous loses, the sign stealing scandal took this game and the rivalry to another stratosphere.
Only time will tell what fruits the Wolverines will gain from this victory, but the logs have been placed on the growing fire for next year’s game in Columbus.
Quote courtesy of Tony Garcia at apgarcia@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @realtonygarcia.
-David Mitchell
images courtesy of Fox sports, and X.com
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