Michigan vs. Ohio State: Upcoming Game Info and Rivalry History

The History of the Rivalry

One of the reasons the Michigan and Ohio rivalry is so strong is because it’s been going on for so long. The two teams first met on the field in 1897, less than three decades after Ohio State was founded in 1870. 

The teams faced off every year starting in 1918 until the COVID-19 pandemic paused sporting events. In 2000, ESPN called the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio the greatest sports rivalry matchup in North America.

The rivalry between Michigan vs. Ohio may be about college football and national championships today, but it started out because of something much bigger. As the country was finding its footing, border wars and the recent Toledo war weighed heavily on the relationship between the two schools, Michigan and Ohio found themselves going head-to-head more and more as the century came to a close. 

The second game they played was in 1900, and in 1912, Ohio State joined the Big Ten. Michigan rejoined after a 10-year leave in 1917, and it was in the following year that they faced off within the conference for the first time.

In the early days, the rivalry included the building of impressive football stadiums and trading victories and defeats for years. Later on, contestation followed surrounding head coaches, some of which lasted over a decade. 

The rivalry has been downplayed and emphasized, depending on who is in charge at the time, but there’s no denying that Michigan-Ohio State fans are passionate, excited, and more than supportive of the teams they love and the way they play the game. 

Top Games

Michigan and Ohio State football have been battling it out for a long time, meeting on the field over 115 times. Their first game in 1897 led to a resounding Michigan football win of 34 to 0, and Michigan currently leads the rivalry between the two with 60 wins. 

Michigan also has the largest victory of 86 to 0 (in 1902), the longest winning streak of nine games (from the start of the 20th century), and a current win streak of two back-to-back games. Over the years, the rivalry has become more evenly matched, and Ohio has proved a significant competition for Michigan.

There are a few important games that stand out from the history of the rivalry, even up to today. The 1940 Michigan State team is considered one of the best in the team’s history, and they beat Ohio 40-0. Another standout game from the history of the rivalry is referred to as the Snow Bowl and took place in 1950. 

Rather than cancel the game against Michigan, the Buckeyes, who were leading the Big Ten for the season, opted to play through one of the worst blizzards in the history of the state. Some of the top plays of the rivalry were made during that blizzard game, and Michigan walked away with the win, scoring 9 to 3.

The period between 1969 and 1978 was referred to as the Ten Year War and was considered some of the strongest and most evenly matched playing between the two teams. Under the leadership of Bo Schembechler at Michigan and Woody Hayes at Ohio, another rivalry formed. Schembechler had actually served as the assistant coach under Hayes at Ohio before making the jump to Michigan, amplifying the rivalry moving forward. In those ten years, the teams shared six Big Ten titles. 

Upcoming Games

Michigan and Ohio have an impressive rivalry and have played some significant games over the course of their long and storied history. Still, what does the future hold for these two record-breaking franchises, and what can we expect to see the next time they go head-to-head out on the field?

As of summer 2023, the two teams are neck-in-neck in the preseason lineup. The Georgia Bulldogs currently hold the top spot, but Michigan has secured second, and Ohio has taken third. 

Notable Players and Coaches 

According to the experts, Michigan has a slight lead over Ohio, with a 5% to 10% higher chance of winning. It’s the first time within the last decade that the Wolverines are ranked higher in preseason predictions than the Buckeyes, but Michigan is replete with talented athletes that are expected to move onto the NFL in future years, including running back Blake Corum, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson, and running back Donovan Edwards. 

Meanwhile, 2022 was Ohio’s quarterback CJ Stroud’s last year with the team, who now plays for the Houston Texans, while Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy is the most bet-on player to receive the 2023 Heisman Trophy. Other high-profile players include wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., tight end Colston Loveland, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Expectations are that Michigan may struggle to find a way to give both players the time they need out on the field, but the possibilities are high for what they can do with that time.

During this year’s game, we’ll see the influence of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh in his ninth season with the team and Ohio State Coach Ryan Day in his fifth season with Ohio State. Even with a significant past between the two teams and two coaches, there’s no telling what this year will bring for these rivalrous teams. 

Plan College Football Game Days with TickPick

College football rivalries are a surefire way to add a little excitement to the game, and there are few, if any, football rivalries that come close to that of Mich and OSU. For more than 100 years, the teams have been duking it out for their position at the top, and they are often equally matched, making every victory hard-won. 

Neither of these teams backs down from a challenge, even when it comes in the form of a historic blizzard, and there’s guaranteed excitement in the upcoming game between the tour’s rivalrous teams this fall. From the first kickoff to the last touchdown, fans know there’s no predicting when these teams will end up in the end zone.

If you want to be there to watch it all happen, TickPick is here to help. Check out our interactive seating charts for Michigan Stadium and Ohio Stadium to find the best seats. We have the scoop on all the college football teams, college football playoffs, regular season rankings, and affordable ticket prices on your favorite seats.

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