Why Ohio State’s Run to the National Championship Game Doesn’t Happen Without Michigan

The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, often referred to simply as “The Game,” is one of the most celebrated and intense rivalries in all of sports. Rooted in more than a century of competition, it transcends football, embodying cultural, geographic, and ideological divides between two proud states and their flagship universities. Yet, what often goes unspoken is how this rivalry, particularly Michigan’s role within it, has shaped and propelled Ohio State to greatness, including its runs to national championships.

Ohio State’s most recent run to the national championship game stands as a testament to how Michigan has fueled the Buckeyes’ rise. From sharpening their edge in preparation to the emotional and strategic lessons gleaned from the rivalry, Michigan’s influence permeates Ohio State’s success. This essay explores why Ohio State’s journey to the national championship game does not happen without Michigan and “The Game.”

The Rivalry as the Crucible of Excellence

Iron Sharpens Iron

Ohio State’s sustained dominance in college football cannot be separated from its intense focus on beating Michigan. As legendary coach Woody Hayes once said, “Nothing that comes easy is worth a dime.” That ethos has defined Ohio State’s preparation for Michigan each season. The rivalry’s magnitude forces both programs to elevate their play, creating an environment where mediocrity is not tolerated.

For Ohio State, Michigan has historically been the ultimate benchmark. The Wolverines’ history of success, boasting numerous conference championships and national titles, set a standard that Ohio State had to strive to match and surpass. Particularly in the 20th century, Michigan’s dominance under coaches like Fielding Yost and Bo Schembechler compelled Ohio State to innovate and recruit aggressively.

The result? A football factory at Ohio State that thrives on preparing for Michigan. The Buckeyes’ relentless focus on winning “The Game” translates into rigorous preparation, a competitive mindset, and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence—all of which are essential traits for a national title contender.

Rivalry Week as a Playoff Primer

Rivalry games are often unpredictable, and “The Game” is no exception. Year after year, the stakes of Ohio State-Michigan are akin to a playoff atmosphere, regardless of the teams’ records. This crucible of pressure simulates what Ohio State will face in the national spotlight, serving as a critical dress rehearsal for championship contention.

For example, in 2014, Ohio State’s thrilling win over Michigan was pivotal in solidifying the Buckeyes’ playoff résumé. The Wolverines pushed Ohio State to its limits, and the game’s intensity galvanized the team, preparing them for the challenges of the inaugural College Football Playoff. Without the crucible of “The Game,” Ohio State might not have been battle-tested enough to defeat Alabama and Oregon en route to the national championship.

Recruiting and the Michigan Factor

Beating Michigan on and off the Field

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and Ohio State’s ability to consistently attract top-tier talent owes much to its rivalry with Michigan. The lure of playing in “The Game” and the tradition surrounding it is a significant selling point for recruits. Players know that suiting up for Ohio State means participating in one of the most-watched and emotionally charged games in sports.

Moreover, Ohio State’s recruiting dominance has often come at Michigan’s expense. The Buckeyes have plucked elite talent not only from Ohio but also from Michigan’s backyard and other contested regions. This recruiting edge is a direct result of the program’s superior performance in the rivalry, as top recruits gravitate toward the winning side. The Wolverines’ inability to consistently beat Ohio State has hindered their recruiting efforts, further tilting the scales in the Buckeyes’ favor.

Michigan’s Role in Shaping Ohio State’s Identity

Ohio State’s recruiting philosophy is deeply intertwined with its rivalry with Michigan. Coaches like Hayes, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day have emphasized the importance of building teams that can beat Michigan. This focus influences every aspect of the program, from the types of players recruited to the schemes implemented on the field.

For example, Ohio State’s recent shift toward explosive offenses, driven by elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, was partly motivated by a need to counter Michigan’s traditionally strong defenses. By constantly adapting to outmaneuver their rival, the Buckeyes have built teams capable of competing at the national level.

Emotional Fuel: Michigan as Motivation

Turning Adversity into Triumph

Ohio State’s losses to Michigan have historically served as turning points for the program. The pain of defeat in “The Game” has often sparked introspection and change, fueling the Buckeyes’ determination to improve. One need look no further than the infamous “Ten-Year War” between Hayes and Schembechler. Michigan’s success during this period forced Ohio State to reevaluate its approach, ultimately laying the groundwork for future dominance.

In modern times, Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh has reinvigorated the rivalry, providing Ohio State with a renewed sense of urgency. The Wolverines’ back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022 served as wake-up calls for the Buckeyes, highlighting areas of weakness and prompting strategic adjustments. These moments of adversity are crucial for a program’s growth, as they ensure complacency does not set in.

The Power of Tradition

The emotional weight of “The Game” cannot be overstated. For Ohio State players, coaches, and fans, beating Michigan is not just a goal—it is an expectation. This deeply ingrained tradition fosters a level of commitment and intensity that few programs can match. The passion surrounding the rivalry provides Ohio State with a competitive edge, as players are motivated not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to uphold the legacy of those who came before them.

Michigan as a Mirror

Learning from the Wolverines

While Ohio State has often been the dominant force in the rivalry, it has also learned valuable lessons from Michigan. The Wolverines’ emphasis on academics, integrity, and tradition has inspired Ohio State to strive for excellence beyond the football field. Additionally, Michigan’s tactical innovations over the years have forced Ohio State to adapt and evolve, ensuring the Buckeyes remain at the forefront of the sport.

For instance, Michigan’s physical, run-first approach under Harbaugh has challenged Ohio State to bolster its defensive front and develop more balanced offensive strategies. By pushing each other to improve, the two programs elevate not only themselves but also the Big Ten as a whole.

The National Stage: Michigan’s Indirect Impact

Strength of Schedule and Conference Prestige

Michigan’s success—or even its potential for success—enhances the Big Ten’s reputation, which benefits Ohio State on the national stage. A strong Michigan team makes the rivalry more meaningful and elevates the conference’s profile, boosting Ohio State’s strength of schedule. This dynamic was evident in 2016 when both teams entered “The Game” ranked in the top three nationally, drawing immense media attention and bolstering the Big Ten’s credibility.

Setting the Standard

Ultimately, Michigan’s presence provides Ohio State with a constant reminder of what is at stake. The Wolverines’ rich history and commitment to excellence serve as a benchmark, ensuring the Buckeyes never rest on their laurels. This relentless pursuit of greatness is what propels Ohio State to national prominence.