COLUMBUS, OH — With the Ohio State Buckeyes making quick work of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the defending national champions can now finally turn their attention up north and prepare for the one team that has had their number the last four years, Michigan.
If you’ve been a suffering Buckeyes fan over the last four years, despite winning the 2024 CFP National Championship vs. Notre Dame, their 13-10 loss at home as a historic double-digit favorite, stings you to the core.
For all the glory that came in claiming the school’s ninth national title—and third this millennium—losing to the hated Wolverines left a Big House-sized hole and a maize and blue taint on their latest title.
Yes, it’s hard to call a program that has the second most successful CFP title history after Alabama suffering, but when it comes to Ohio State losing to the hated Wolverines four years in a row, suffering isn’t the proper word to describe it.
It’s sad that for all of head coach Ryan Day’s success at Ohio State ongoing 81-10 with a national title, but in Columbus, his 1-4 mark vs. That Team Up North, is a giant proverbial asterisk in an otherwise brilliant resume.
Yet, somehow, this year seems and feels different for the Scsrlet and Gray.
Unlike years last, where the Buckeyes had tons of first round talent and a questionable defense, this year, Ohio State boasts the top ranked defense in the country, and a added sense of mental and physical toughness not seen in a long time.
Make no mistake, while Ohio State can outtalent teams in the past, Michigan’s secret to success vs. Ohio State was running the ball and being physical, and pushing the softer Buckeyes all over the field.
Not to sound critical, but the Buckeyes have been bullied by the Wolverines due to their lack of me risk and physical toughness.
This year, it just seems different. For the sake of Day, and his legacy, the Buckeyes need this game.
In the last 21 straight games, the team that has rushed for the most yards on the ground has won. This is where Michigan can ground Ohio State’s high-flying offense and make it into a nasty, cold and ugly game.
This is where Ohio State needs to establish itself, their running back stable of James Peoples, CJ Donaldson Jr. and freshman running back Bo Jackson to get tough yards and white-knuckle Michigan right in the mouth.
With snow expected in Ann Arbor, and the weight of “The Streak” on their shoulders, the Buckeyes need to go back to old-school Big Ten-style football and grind out tough yards, play field position and be selective in big plays.
That is honestly, how this latest chapter of “The Game” is shaping up, and for Ohio State to win, they have to, need this game and play with a scene of desperation and finally slay the bully that has pushed them around long enough.
PHOTO: Robert D. Cobb | INSC Media & PHOTO for INSCMagazine