When fans see ‘The Game’ on their schedule, they know there’s a good chance that Ohio State vs. Michigan will be great. It also means a ton to both sides, no matter what the “an expanded playoff would make games meaningless” group says says.
We’ve seen several memorable games between these two, and we’re looking at the best matchups of this storied rivalry.
Best Michigan vs. Ohio State Games
Ohio State 42, Michigan 39 (2006)
It’s going to be tough to beat a game called “Game of the Century.” This game had everything. Both teams were ranked in the Top two when they faced off, and plenty of hype was built into this matchup. The actual gameplay itself didn’t disappoint.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith had his Heisman moment in this game, throwing for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns (he also finished his career 3-0 against Michigan). Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells combined for 195 yards rushing and 2 more scores.
Michigan was led by all-time great running back Mike Hart, who ran for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Wolverines pulled within three late in the game but couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick to give the Buckeyes the win.
Ohio State 30, Michigan 27 (2016)
One of the most controversial games in college football history. Just 10 years after the Game of the Century came the Debate of the Century. Was J.T. Barrett down? Michigan says yes, and Ohio State says no. It’s a debate that has raged on ever since the game ended and will always raise the blood pressure of the Wolverines faithful.
MORE: Michigan Gets to Win No. 1000
Michigan held a 10-7 halftime lead and even went up 17-7 halfway through the 3rd quarter. Ohio State stormed back at that point and got a field goal to tie it at 17 as time expired. Both teams scored in the first overtime to make the score 24-24, and that’s where the drama started.
Ohio State held Michigan to a field goal in the second overtime and faced a 4th-and-1 on their ensuing drive. J.T. Barrett kept the ball on the left side and the debate about whether or not he reached the first down rages on to this day. Ohio State scored on the very next play to win the game.
Michigan 31, Ohio State 23 (1995)
Sometimes rivalry games extract the best in players, and the 1995 game saw a career performance from Michigan’s Tim Biakabutuka. The Wolverines star ran all over Ohio State’s defense to the tune of 313 yards, the most yards the Buckeyes have allowed to a running back in its history.
The Buckeyes were undefeated heading into the game, and the loss effectively ended their chance to win a national championship.
Ohio State 14, Michigan 9 (2002)
This game gets added importance because of what came after it. Ohio State and Michigan came into this game in two very different places. Ohio State had its sights set on a national championship, while Michigan came in 9-2 and looking to play the role of spoiler.
A defensive battle ensued, and the Buckeyes held on to win the game. It put them into the BCS national championship game, where they dramatically beat Miami (with another controversy involved, too).
Michigan 20, Ohio State 14 (1997)
There have been a number of Heisman-worthy moments in these games, and the 1997 matchup wasn’t an exception. Michigan had a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line, and they had future Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson on their side.
Woodson did everything for the Wolverines. He returned a punt back for a touchdown, picked off a Buckeye pass in the redzone, and even made a big catch to lead the Wolverines to a 20-0 halftime lead.
Ohio State held Michigan in check for the second half while making a furious comeback. It wasn’t enough, however, and Michigan would go on to win the Rose Bowl and clinch a share of the national championship.