If Ohio State Wins a National Title, It Might Have to Thank Michigan

In college football, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in all of sports. The Buckeyes and the Wolverines have battled on the field for over a century, with each game being marked by fierce competition, high stakes, and an unrelenting desire to outdo one another. This rivalry, often referred to as “The Game,” has defined college football for generations of fans, players, and coaches. The mere mention of Ohio State and Michigan is enough to ignite passions on both sides, creating an atmosphere that is often unlike anything else in the sport. For both teams, winning this game is considered paramount—often even more important than competing for national championships.

However, the reality of college football is that success is often intertwined with a broader context. While Ohio State’s win over Michigan is undeniably one of the defining moments of its season, the Buckeyes may also owe their national championship aspirations to their bitter rival in a roundabout, yet significant way. If Ohio State were to win a national title, they might have to thank Michigan—not necessarily for providing them with easy victories, but for pushing them to be better and creating a path for the Buckeyes to capitalize on. Let’s explore how Michigan, by simply doing what it does best, could help propel Ohio State to a national title.

The Rivalry Creates a Competitive Edge

First, it’s important to recognize how intense the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan elevates the competition within both programs. When a team is faced with a bitter rival, there is no room for complacency. The emotions that come with this rivalry are more than just fuel for the players; they are a fundamental part of the preparation and mental fortitude needed to succeed. For Ohio State, the challenge posed by Michigan forces them to maintain a level of focus and discipline that might not exist if they were playing a less emotionally charged opponent.

When Michigan is at its best, it forces Ohio State to raise its game. The Buckeyes are accustomed to playing at a high level due to their history of success, but facing Michigan every season in an all-or-nothing showdown provides an extra sense of urgency. The stakes are higher. The pressure is greater. The motivation to avoid losing to Michigan compels Ohio State to work harder in every facet of the game. Whether it’s improving their offense, defense, or special teams, Ohio State is constantly looking for ways to outdo Michigan, often refining their strategies and tactics to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of their archrival’s game.

This need to consistently outperform Michigan builds a culture of excellence at Ohio State. The Buckeyes learn how to adapt under pressure, make adjustments in the heat of competition, and play with the kind of intensity that would be difficult to maintain in a less challenging rivalry. For Ohio State to win a national championship, they must be prepared for the biggest games on the biggest stages. This mental toughness and ability to elevate their play, forged in the furnace of Michigan’s challenges, could be a critical factor in their potential title run.

A Wake-Up Call for Ohio State’s Weaknesses

In addition to pushing Ohio State to be more competitive, Michigan’s success—or even its close contests with Ohio State—can serve as a wake-up call to the Buckeyes’ weaknesses. A rivalry game is often more than just about who wins and who loses; it highlights areas of improvement that might not be obvious during less significant matchups. For instance, when Michigan outperforms expectations or challenges Ohio State in a close game, it can reveal gaps in the Buckeyes’ game plan, roster, or execution.

Consider the 2021 season, for example, when Michigan finally broke Ohio State’s five-year win streak. That loss exposed a number of weaknesses in Ohio State’s defensive strategy, their inability to contain Michigan’s running game, and their struggles against an opponent that exploited Ohio State’s vulnerabilities. While this loss was a devastating blow to the Buckeyes’ national title hopes that season, it also forced them to reassess their approach. Ohio State then entered the offseason with a sense of urgency, retooling its defense and focusing on improving areas that had been exploited by Michigan.

This kind of loss is exactly the type of adversity that can turn a team from a great one into a championship-caliber team. By failing to live up to their usual standards in the Michigan game, the Buckeyes were able to address their weaknesses, making adjustments that could ultimately help them become a more well-rounded team in subsequent seasons. If Ohio State goes on to win a national title in the future, they may look back at that Michigan loss as the event that led them to make key changes that pushed them over the top.

Michigan’s Impact on Ohio State’s Strength of Schedule

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee places a significant emphasis on the strength of schedule when determining which teams deserve to be in the playoff picture. A team’s schedule, and the quality of its opponents, can make all the difference in the eyes of the committee, especially when comparing teams with similar records. In this respect, Michigan’s position as one of the top teams in the Big Ten can actually help Ohio State’s case for a playoff berth.

When Michigan performs well during the regular season, it helps to elevate the profile of the Big Ten Conference as a whole. A high-ranking Michigan team means that Ohio State’s victory over the Wolverines becomes more impressive, as the Buckeyes are able to demonstrate that they beat a top-tier opponent. If Michigan is ranked highly and remains a contender for a playoff spot themselves, it bolsters the resume of Ohio State by association. Additionally, if Michigan is considered a legitimate national title contender, Ohio State’s win over the Wolverines could be the key victory that pushes them into the playoff.

Moreover, a win over Michigan in a competitive and meaningful game could propel Ohio State into a higher playoff position. With the rivalry game often acting as the final hurdle before the Big Ten Championship, a win over Michigan could clinch Ohio State’s place in the conference title game, and consequently, a spot in the College Football Playoff. In essence, Ohio State’s ability to claim the national title could be aided by Michigan’s own success in helping to shape Ohio State’s strength of schedule and pushing them to the brink of perfection.

The Ripple Effect: Michigan’s Influence on Other Big Ten Teams

Michigan’s dominance can also have a ripple effect across the Big Ten, indirectly benefiting Ohio State. If Michigan is a perennial powerhouse, it creates a more competitive environment within the conference. Teams across the Big Ten are forced to raise their level of play to keep up with the Wolverines, and by extension, with Ohio State. The overall competitiveness of the Big Ten raises the bar for all its programs, which means that Ohio State is regularly tested by teams that are improving due to Michigan’s success. This helps Ohio State prepare for the intensity and level of competition they will face in the playoff.

As other Big Ten teams sharpen their skills and build their programs to compete with Michigan, the resulting rise in talent and competitiveness across the conference ensures that Ohio State remains battle-tested throughout the season. In many cases, the Buckeyes’ toughest games are not only against Michigan, but also against teams like Penn State, Wisconsin, and Iowa, which are motivated by Michigan’s strong play. For Ohio State, this heightened level of competition serves as excellent preparation for the playoffs, where they are likely to face equally competitive teams.

Conclusion

While it might seem strange to suggest that Ohio State might have to thank Michigan if they win a national title, the influence of their archrival on the Buckeyes’ success is undeniable. Michigan’s success forces Ohio State to remain sharp, competitive, and focused. The rivalry highlights Ohio State’s weaknesses and pushes them to improve. It strengthens their schedule and provides a chance for the Buckeyes to earn signature wins that boost their playoff chances. And finally, Michigan’s dominance creates a stronger overall Big Ten, making Ohio State more prepared for national title contention.

If Ohio State were to win a national championship in the near future, the Buckeyes might look back on their annual clash with Michigan as a key factor that propelled them to greatness. In the end, the rivalry’s impact is much more than just a game—it could very well be the catalyst for Ohio State’s success on the biggest stage of college football.