Ohio State VS Michigan College Football Odds November 25, 2023

The Background of Ohio State VS Michigan

History

Everyone knows that two teams can play against each other without creating a bitter rivalry.

But that’s certainly not the case for Ohio State and Michigan when we say the word rivalry, we mean a feud that dates back to their first match on October 16, 1897. 

The first game between the Buckeyes (Ohio State) and Wolverines (Michigan) was certainly history for football enthusiasts. In this game, the Wolverines won victoriously and began their years-long winning streak against all the teams they were put up against. 

In response to the Wolverines successes, the Buckeyes hired Paul Brown in the 1940s. This single act resulted in the Buckeyes’ first national title and win against the Wolverines.

Ten years later, Michigan regained control of the matchup with Woody Hayes added to the coaching staff. 

The two teams made history between 1969 and 1978. In this decade, they were constantly put up against each other through a series of intense close fights. This ended when the Wolverines slightly edged over the Buckeyes. 

This was later known as the “Ten-Year War,” which is embedded in Football history. 

Statistics

On November 17, 2006, Ohio’s Buckeyes were ranked No. 1, while Michigan’s Wolverines came second. 

The two teams have earned 170+ All-Americans, 10 Heisman Trophies, 80+ Conference championships, and 20 National titles. 

Still, the Michigan Wolverines have more national championships than Ohio State and are coming off one after the 2023-24 season. 

Best Games

November 25, 1944

This date symbolizes one of Ohio State’s most significant marks in history. Not only did they win over Michigan, but they also had their first undefeated season. 

The match ended with the Buckeyes ahead by four points over the Wolverines. This was one of their closest games, with a final score of 18-14. 

November 25, 1972

On this day, the Buckeyes have once again proved how much control they have over the football field. What made this match mark in history was the intense turnout that no one expected.

The Ohio State found themselves 7 points behind Michigan within the first rounds of the game. But their defense did not let them down. Instead, it allowed them to win back the 7 points and go another three points ahead of Michigan. 

The game ended with a 14-11 score in favor of the Ohio Buckeyes.

November 21, 1987 

If you paid attention to our short history recap earlier, you would know that Ohio is known to bring in new people to the team and make a great win right after.

But in this game, it was the exact opposite.

Their coach, Earle Bruce, was fired a few days just before the said game, but by his request, he still got to coach the game for the last time.

The game started with Michigan heavily ahead, but Ohio paid tribute to their coach by winning with a score of 23-20. 

November 24, 2001

This historical date marks the Ohio Buckeye’s 14-year losing streak break. 

After losing to the Wolverines for that many years, they knew they had to step up their game. And that is exactly what they did in 2001: They won 6 points ahead of Michigan with a score of 26-20.

November 18, 2006

As we mentioned earlier, this year, the two teams were alongside each other in the overall rankings. The Buckeyes were No.1, while the Wolverines were No.2. 

And the Buckeyes proved just how deserving they were of this award by winning a match with a 42-39 ending score. This marked history so strongly that it was later known as the “Game of the Century.”

November 25, 2023

On the game’s final drive, Michigan secured an interception on then-Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord to not only finish the regular season going undefeated but also set them up for a Big Ten Conference Championship and National Championship win. After restoring Michigan to greatness, McCord transferred to Nebraska, and head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.