The Game: Ohio State - Michigan Preview

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Roger l. McNamara

The Rivalry.  The stage is all trimmed, decorated and now awaits the unfolding drama. For only the fourth meeting in a rivalry stretching back to nearly a Century and a Quarter, the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes will on Saturday November 23 collide on the gridiron with each powerhouse taking the field with an unbeaten season record.  The table is set with identical 11-0 slates in 2022.  This year’s event entails a Noon Eastern Time kickoff at The 106,000 seating capacity Horseshoe, home of the Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio.   Current weather forecasts seem ordained by the spirit of Amos Alonzo Stagg --- a mix of clouds and sun, temperatures in the low 50’s, dry skies overhead.   

A Brief History of Time.  Populations of neighboring Great Lakes region States have a certain history of mutual antagonism.  They nearly went to War with each other in 1835 over the City of Toledo.  Happily that dispute was resolved without gunfire, and each side contributed positively to the Union cause during the American Civil War.  The threat of organized armed conflict between Michigan and Ohio eventually yielded to an annual matchup in a game which derives much of its imagery and vocabulary from warfare --- football.   The Schools first met on the gridiron in 1897 in Ann Arbor, and have maintained its station as the regular season finale for each side every year since.   Legendary strength and power of Michigan’s Turn of the 20th Century  “Point A Minute” squads under guidance of the incomparable Fielding Yost handed the Wolverines early and decisive advantage.  In one year succumbing by an 86-0 (!) final score, it was not until 1919 that OSU nailed its first triumph.  The series has progressed on essentially even terms ever since as it alternates the playing venue between Ann Arbor and Columbus. 

The Bad.  Among the winningest ---- and simultaneously disrespected --- head football coaches at any level was Wayne Woodrow Hayes, who in 1968 completed his 17th season as skipper on the Buckeye sideline.  He led an All-American laden squad  --- and eventual Rose Bowl and mythical National Championship --- against Michigan.  An OSU touchdown with under 3 minutes remaining in the 4th Quarter pushed OSU’s lead to 48-14.  Hayes ordered a two point conversion attempt, which succeeded.  When asked in the aftermath why he went for two under the circumstances he tartly replied, “Because I couldn’t go for three.”  The man was often lacking in both sportsmanship and overall class. 

The Good.  Among the more memorable stages in recent decades was the November 18, 2006 meeting between a pair of unbeatens, played one day following the passing of renowned Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler.  Each side had its offensive arsenal in high gear, with the home field Buckeyes  surviving a 25 point Wolverine 2nd Half to eke out a 42-39 victory.  OSU Quarterback and runaway Heisman Award Winner Troy Smith would thus guide his undefeated unit into the National Title Game, where it Arizona it was annihilated 41-14 by the University of Florida. 

This Year.  The Buckeyes have been installed as an early 7-7.5 betting line favorite.  Neither side will take the field with a shortage of All-American caliber talent, on both sides of the ball.  Saturday’s winner advances to the Big 10 Championship Game in which it will be heavily favored over most likely either Iowa or Purdue.  The loser will take an 11-1 mark into, again most likely, a New Year’s Day Bowl.  Then there are always the bragging rights. A summary account of the 2022 Game of the Year will be provided for inclusion on the Yinzer platform early next week.