The Game

Ohio State vs. Michigan

The Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry, also referred to as “The Game,” is a highly anticipated annual clash between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes, known for significantly influencing the Big Ten Conference crown, Rose Bowl Game matchups, and College Football Playoff selections. The rivalry dates back to 1897 and was played uninterrupted from 1918 until 2020. The 2020 game was not held due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Michigan’s football team. Traditionally, this matchup has been the final regular-season game for both teams since 1935, with few exceptions. The game alternates locations between Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio.

Through 2010, Ohio State and Michigan had decided the Big Ten Conference championship between themselves 22 times and influenced the title determination 27 times. As of 2023, Michigan leads the all-time series 61–51–6. ESPN ranked this rivalry as the greatest North American sports rivalry in 2000.