Michigan Finally Beats Ohio State

The Ohio State—Michigan rivalry is one of the top rivalries not only in the Big Ten but in all of college football. Like many traditional rivalries, this game is played on the last weekend of the regular season, usually with both teams in the Top 25 rankings, often with both in the Top 10, with high stakes, not just for bragging rights, but in determining the winner of the Big Ten East. Before the days of the two division conferences, the game would frequently determine the winner of the Big Ten, with that team going to the Rose Bowl. Between the 1968 and 1980 seasons, one of these two represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl every year.

Michigan led the all time series 59-51-6 going into the 117th game of the series on November 27th, 2021, but the Wolverines had last won in 2011, following that up with an eight game losing streak. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh took over in 2015 and had not beaten the Buckeyes, a definite sore spot for the Wolverine faithful (so much so that Harbaugh’s base pay was cut in his new contract, though he could make more in incentives for winning championships). Once again, the Big Ten East title was on the line, with both teams in the Top 10 (Ohio State at #2 and Michigan at #5, both with 10-1 records). The winner would play in the Big Ten championship game, and if it won that game, almost assuredly would be selected for the four team College Football Playoff championship field.

This year’s game was in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was close through the first half, with the Wolverines leading 14-13 at the intermission. But Michigan pulled away from their ancient rivals in the second half, outscoring the Buckeyes 28-14 for a 42-27 victory. Running back Hassan Haskins rushed for 169 yards and five touchdowns for the Wolverines.

Michigan will face Big Ten West champion Iowa for the Big Ten title in Indianapolis on December 4th. A victory will give the Wolverines their first Big Ten championship (and a big payday for Harbaugh) since 2004.