The stage is set for a critical clash as the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face the 15th-ranked Michigan Wolverines this Saturday at the Big House. This storied rivalry, known simply as “The Game,” has seen its fair share of upsets, notably last year”s shocking defeat when Michigan, as nearly 20-point underdogs, stunned Ohio State.
As Michigan seeks to secure a fifth consecutive victory in this historic matchup, it could result in one of the most significant upsets in recent memory, particularly given that the Wolverines opened as 10-point underdogs according to BetMGM Sportsbook. To understand the magnitude of potential upsets in this rivalry, let”s revisit some of the most notable surprises over the years.
One of the defining moments in this fierce competition occurred over 50 years ago when coach Bo Schembechler marked his inaugural season at Michigan by defeating his former mentor, Woody Hayes, and his top-ranked Buckeyes 24-12. This victory ignited what became known as the “Ten Year War,” during which Schembechler triumphed over Hayes five times, lost four encounters, and famously tied once. The intensity of this rivalry is encapsulated in the documentary “Tiebreaker,” which chronicles their legendary clashes.
In another unforgettable match-up, an undefeated and top-ranked Ohio State team faced off against an undefeated Michigan squad ranked fourth, resulting in a dramatic 10-10 tie. In a controversial decision, Big Ten officials chose Ohio State to represent the conference in the Rose Bowl, despite the tie, which ultimately spurred further changes in bowl eligibility rules.
Additionally, Michigan entered the 1995 game as a nine-point underdog but managed to stun the second-ranked Buckeyes with a 31-23 victory, largely thanks to the extraordinary performance of Tim Biakabutuka, who rushed for 313 yards and a touchdown. Although many of the most shocking upsets in this rivalry have favored Michigan, there have been exceptions, such as the 2001 game where Ohio State, under coach Jim Tressel in his debut season, overturned the odds as 8.5-point underdogs, leading 23-0 at halftime and eventually winning 26-20.
In more recent history, Michigan, as a 6.5-point underdog, broke a long losing streak against Ohio State, securing a pivotal 42-27 victory in 2021, which marked coach Jim Harbaugh“s first win against the Buckeyes after five attempts. Last year, the stakes reached new heights as Ohio State, favored by 19.5 points, suffered a shocking 13-10 defeat to an unranked Michigan team, further complicating coach Ryan Day”s standing in this rivalry.
With Saturday”s game on the horizon, the Buckeyes are keen to avoid the pitfalls of history as they prepare to face a determined Michigan team eager to extend their winning streak. The outcome could have lasting implications for both programs as they navigate the intense atmosphere of one of college football”s greatest rivalries.
