5 most iconic Michigan vs. Ohio State matchups that fuelled their thrilling rivalry ft. 2006 Game of the Century
Michigan and Ohio State remain one of college football's evergreen rivalries. Michigan holds a 61-51-6 all-time edge in the series, but both teams have had their share of massive moments. Year in and year out, it's a rivalry battle that always delivers. Here are five particularly brilliant UM/OSU battles that delivered.
Top 5 most iconic Michigan/Ohio State matchups
#5. 1969
An unbeaten and top ranked Ohio State team faced No. 12 Michigan, which came in 7-2. Ohio State not only was No. 1 and was unbeaten, but they had a 22-game winning streak and had not trailed at any point in the 1969 season. Ohio State's closest game to date was a 27-point win. They were favored by 17 points against Michigan.
So of course, Michigan absolutely stunned the Buckeyes, winning 24-12. The Wolverines led by the final score at halftime. Seven Ohio State turnovers doomed the Buckeyes to an historic defeat.
#4. 1973
This game wasn't particularly pretty, but it did bring about a new level to the OSU/Michigan hatred. The two teams, both unbeaten and playing with a Rose Bowl berth on the line, reached a 13-13 tie. A secret ballot of Big Ten athletic directos awarded Ohio State the conference title and berth. Needless to say, Michigan was furious.
#3. 1950
This was the kind of game that doesn't happen anymore. Played in a horrific blizzard, the teams punted a total of 45 times in a 9-3 Michigan victory. Michigan scored its points off a pair of blocked punts, returning one for a touchdown and with the other going through the end zone for a safety. UM didn't gain a single first down or complete a pass in the game but somehow won.
#2. 2016
There are several things that made this game epic. It pitted No. 2 vs. No. 3, for one thing, with the No. 2 Buckeyes outlasting No. 3 Michigan 30-27 in double overtime. So it's the lone overtime UM/OSU battle.
Ohio State needed a last second field goal to reach overtime. After the teams traded touchdowns in overtime, Michigan kicked a field goal in the second overtime. Ohio State went for a 4th and 1 and may have been stopped short, but the play was spotted as a first down, and OSU soon scored a walk-off touchdown to end the game.
#1.2006
This was the only No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle between the teams. Top ranked Ohio State faced No. 2 Michigan in their annual matchup. Played at OSU, this was called "Game of the Century."
The game lived up to its billing. Ohio State jumped to an early 21-7 lead and Michigan fought valiant to catch up. While Michigan never did draw even, they pulled within 28-24, then 35-31, and finally the ultimate score of 42-39. Ohio State went on to win the national title.
What are your favorite Michigan/Ohio State moments? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!