#1Football
The Game
"The Game"
Michigan
Big Ten Conference
VS
121 games
Ohio State
Big Ten
Michigan leads 62-52-6
Overview
The greatest rivalry in North American sports. Played final week of season with Big Ten title implications. Unmatched intensity and media coverage.
Began in 1897, evolved into a grudge match rooted in regional pride over 125+ years.
Impact & Significance
ESPN ranked it #1 North American sports rivalry (2000). National media coverage annually.
Notable Moments
- •Desmond Howard's Heisman pose (1991)
- •Michigan plants flag at Ohio Stadium 50-yard line (2000)
- •Ohio State blocks Michigan from NCG (2006)
- •Denard Robinson's final game (2012)
- •Woody Hayes vs. Bo Schembechler era (1970s-80s)
Legendary Players
Tom Harmon, Archie Griffin, Bo Jackson, Urban Meyer, Jim Harbaugh, Ryan Day
Traditions & Culture
Whiteout at Ohio Stadium, Michigan Stadium 100K+ capacity
Recruiting Impact
Top talent from across nation. Ohio dominance in recruiting has shifted games.
Quick Facts
First Game
1897
Total Games
121
Series Lead
Michigan leads 62-52-6
All-Time Records
Michigan: 62 wins, Ohio State: 52 wins, 6 ties
Conference
Big Ten
Related Topics
Michigan Ohio State football rivalryThe GameBig Ten championshipcollege football
