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The greatest game of the greatest rivalry
Ohio State proves it is No. 1
By Mike Kennedy
Being the most anticipated game of the year, in arguably the most intense rivalry in any college sport, No. 2 Michigan at No. 1 Ohio State ended up being as great of a game as most would have expected, except that most people thought it would be a lower scoring game.
This would be the first time that the teams were ranked one and two in the country while playing each other in the 103-game history of the rivalry.
On top of that, Michigan coaching great Bo Schembechler died just a day before the game was played. Schembechler led Michigan to two Rose Bowl victories and 234 overall wins while at the school. The rivalry between him and Woody Hayes is one of the reasons why the battle between the two teams is so anticipated each season, no matter how good or bad either team is, it always ends up being close.
The famed “Ten Year War,” from 1969-78, between Hayes and Schembechler is considered by many, the greatest 10 years in Big Ten football history. Bo, being a protégé of Woody, would end up with the better record in the 10 years, 5-4-1.
The offensive battle between No. 1 and No. 2 was higher scoring than most expected. Two of the top defenses in the nation battled each other in what was an offensive battle.
The opening drive for each team resulted in a touchdown. With only one field goal in the game, touchdowns were the key.
Very few flags were thrown in the battle, which let the rivalry be played out just as all the 105,708 fans would have wanted — aggressively.
The Ohio State Buckeyes were granted the opportunity to play for a national championship with their win over the Wolverines. Still up for grabs is who their opponent will be.
In the running are Michigan, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Florida and Southern California. The last two weeks of the season should be very interesting as we find out who will get the chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the country in the Bowl Championship game.
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