For Ohio State fans, one game matters more than almost any other. But which version of it has been the best?
As we've done a few times this year, the Dispatch is asking readers to help us crown the best in Ohio State football history. What's the best iteration of Ohio State-Michigan ever?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVote in our bracket challenge throughout the week, before the Buckeyes face the Wolverines in Ann Arbor on Nov. 29.
Need more information on the contenders? Here are our candidates for the best iteration of OSU-Michigan ever:
Oct. 25, 1919: Ohio State, 13 Michigan 3
In 1919, Charles "Chic" Harley led Ohio State to its first-ever victory over Michigan, winning 13-3 in a game where he made a crucial touchdown run and intercepted four passes.Michigan had dominated the first two decades of the rivalry, winning 13 out of 15 games. The others were ties. It leaves 1919 as a historical breakthrough, their first triumph in the series. Chic Harley was the star for the Buckeyes, providing the only touchdown in their 13-3 victory.
Nov. 21, 1942: Ohio State 21, Michigan 7
In the 1942 Ohio State and Michigan game, end Bob Shaw was the recipient of a significant 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Paul Sarringhaus in the third quarter, a play that helped secure the Buckeyes' 38-7 victory and the national championship.When the Buckeyes overtook Boston College and Georgia Tech at the top of the AP poll in late November, they secured their first national championship. It would not been possible without a 21-7 win over Michigan. Les Horvath, who became Ohio State's first Heisman Trophy winner two years later, threw for a touchdown and caught a score against the Wolverines.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 23, 1974: Ohio State 12, Michigan 10
Ohio State Buckeye fans carrying a goal post on the field following an Ohio State victory over Michigan in 1974.The Buckeyes’ 12-10 win over Michigan helped to pave the way for tailback Archie Griffin to win the first of his two Heisman trophies. Griffin rushed for 111 yards, and kicker Tom Klaban made four field goals. It also allowed Ohio State to make a third straight Rose Bowl.
Nov. 19, 2005: Ohio State 25, Michigan 21
Antonio Pittman scored the game-winning touchdown against Michigan in Ohio State's road victory over the Wolverines in 2005.A year before he won the Heisman Trophy, quarterback Troy Smith led touchdown drives of 67 and 88 yards during the fourth quarter that allowed the Buckeyes to overcome Michigan’s 21-12 lead. His pass to Gonzalez, who made a twisting catch at the 4-yard line with 37 seconds left, put the Buckeyes in position for a game-winning score in the dramatic finish.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 30, 2013: Ohio State 42, Michigan 41
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) scores a running touchdown against Michigan Wolverines defensive back Raymon Taylor (6) in the 3rd quarter of their college football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 30, 2013.An interception by safety Tyvis Powell during Michigan’s late two-point conversion attempt preserved a 42-41 win and a second straight unbeaten regular season under Urban Meyer. The emotions were high as three players were ejected following a brawl in the first quarter, including Ohio State offensive lineman Marcus Hall who raised both middle fingers during his viral exit.
Nov. 25, 2023: Michigan 30, Ohio State 24
Running back Donovan Edwards and the Michigan Wolverines outrushed Ohio State 156 yards to 107 in a Nov. 25, 2023 win over the Buckeyes.The Buckeyes’ most recent trip to Ann Arbor marked the end of an era of all-or-nothing stakes in the rivalry. Both teams entered 11-0 and needed a win to preserve national championship hopes. When Kyle McCord was intercepted at Michigan’s 22-yard in the waning seconds, it preserved the Wolverines’ 30-24 win and allowed them to ultimately win their first national title since 1997.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 25, 1950: Michigan 9, Ohio State 3
On November 25, 1950, Ohio State played Michigan in what may be one of the most memorable games of their long-running rivalry. Despite near-whiteout conditions, 50,503 fans attended what became known as the "Snow Bowl". With almost 8 inches of snow, up to 35mph winds, and negative temperatures, the low visibility resulted in a game of 45 punts, 24 for Michigan, 21 for Ohio State. Disappointingly, Michigan won the game 9-3, despite never earning a first down, and going on to the Rose Bowl.As a blizzard descended on central Ohio, leading to a combined 45 punts between the teams, the “Snow Bowl” might have been an eyesore for spectators who braved the elements at Ohio Stadium. But it endures as a significant chapter of the rivalry for it altered the course of the Buckeyes’ history. Wes Fesler resigned following the loss, paving the way for the hiring of Woody Hayes.
Nov. 21, 1987: Ohio State 23, Michigan 20
Tom Tupa #19, Quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes passes to Running Back #44 George Cooper during the NCAA Big 10 college football game against University of Michigan Wolverines on 21 November1987 at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. The Buckeyes won the game 23 - 20.The Buckeyes sent Earle Bruce out with a win after he was fired five days before the biggest game of the season. Players wore headbands in support of their outgoing coach and carried him off the field on their shoulders. Ohio State rallied from a 13-0 deficit and went ahead for good after Matt Frantz’s 26-yard field goal in the waning minutes.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 25, 1995: Michigan 31, Ohio State 23
Ohio State's Eddie George goes over the top to score in the third quarter against Michigan on Nov. 25, 1995 .The performance of Tim Biakabutuka is still likely to elicit painful grimaces in Columbus. Biakabutuka gashed Ohio State’s defense, rushing for 313 yards, which reman the most the Buckeyes have allowed in a game to one running back. The loss cost them their first of several shots at a national title in the 1990s.
Nov. 23, 2002: Ohio State 14, Michigan 9
Ohio State's Maurice Clarett , 13, tries to break through the Michigan Wolverine defense during their game at the Ohio Stadium, November 23, 2002.Few of the Buckeyes’ wins over the Wolverines have been more euphoric. After a decade that saw unbeaten seasons spoiled by their archrivals, an interception by safety Will Allen at the goal line in the final seconds preserved a perfect record and clinched a spot in the BCS national championship game, setting up their dramatic upset of Miami.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 23, 1991: Michigan 31, Ohio State 3
John Cooper and Ohio State against Michigan in Nov. 24, 1991.The loss was the most lopsided for the Buckeyes in the rivalry since 1946, and they trailed by three touchdowns at halftime. But it involved one of the most famous plays in the series, a punt return for a touchdown by Desmond Howard in which he struck the Heisman Trophy pose upon reaching the end zone at Michigan Stadium. Howard ultimately won college football's most prestigious award.
Nov. 26, 2016: Ohio State 30, Michigan 27
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) jumps into a the end-zone for the game winning touchdown in a 30-27 double overtime win over Michigan Wolverines touchdown at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 26, 2016.The first overtime game in the series ended with controversy. A fourth-and-1 keeper by quarterback J.T. Barrett, sustaining Ohio State’s game-winning touchdown drive in the second overtime, was upheld by a replay review. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh took issue with the spot of the first down, proclaiming afterward to be “bitterly disappointed” with the officiating.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 23, 1968: Ohio State 50, Michigan 14
Ohio State's Rex Kern against Michigan on November 23, 1968.The bitterness of the rivalry was laid bare in the shellacking. As running back Jim Otis rushed for a late score, giving the Buckeyes their third touchdown of the fourth quarter, they tried a two-point conversion. It failed as a pass fell incomplete. As the legend has it, in order to explain the call, Hayes said it was because they “couldn’t go for three.” The veracity of the quote is doubted, but it remains a part of OSU folklore nonetheless.
Nov. 24, 1973: Michigan 10, Ohio State 10
Archie Griffin and Ohio State vs Michigan in Nov. 24, 1973.The infamous tie came after Michigan kicker Mike Lantry pulled a 44-yard field goal attempt wide right in the final seconds. With both teams remaining tied atop the Big Ten standings, a narrow vote by the conference athletic directors sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl for a second consecutive year. The league had rescinded its “no repeat” rule the previous year.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 18, 2006: Ohio State 42, Michigan 39
Ohio State's Troy Smith (10) and Ted Ginn Jr. (7) celebrate a first half touchdown against Michigan on Nov. 18, 2006.The matchup known as the “Game of the Century” remains the only time the rivals have met while ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the polls. It turned into an instant classic, played the day after the death of former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler, as the Buckeyes outlasted the Wolverines in a shootout that sent them to the national title game and positioned quarterback Troy Smith as the Heisman Trophy winner. Smith went 3-0 in The Game.
Nov. 22, 1969: Michigan 24, Ohio State 12
Woody Hayes at the Michigan-Ohio State game in Ann Arbor, Nov. 22, 1969.It set off the “Ten Year War,” the most significant era in the rivalry, pitting Hayes against Schembechler. The Buckeyes entered with a 22-game winning streak, on the cusp of a second consecutive national championship, and without having shown vulnerability. They had allowed only 69 points over their first eight games, shutting out two of their opponents, carrying the makings for an all-time great team. But they were undone by seven turnovers in a stunning upset defeat as Schembechler prevailed in the first meeting against his mentor.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State vs. Michigan over the years. Tell us which one was best
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