“The Game”

The+Game

For most schools “The Game” probably means just any game on their schedule, but for Michigan and Ohio State, this is the most highly anticipated game on their respective schedules. This year’s meeting marked the 113 meeting in the historic rivalry that dates back to 1903, and the first in the rivalry’s history to go into overtime. This is widely considered one of the best rivalries in college football, and this game lived up to the hype.

Heading into the matchup there was a lot of talk about the to masterminds behind their team’s success: Jim Harbaugh, head coach for Michigan and Urban Meyer for Ohio State. With both of their teams vying for one last playoff push, the Buckeyes ultimately ended up adding a win to their already impressive playoff resume with a 30-27 double overtime thriller that left Jim Harbaugh very upset with the officiating of the game. JT Barrett, who was recently named Big 10 Quarterback of the Year, proved his worth as he went 15 for 32 for 124 yards in the air, and 30 carries for 125 rushing yards on the ground, but let’s not forget about the hero of the day for the Buckeyes as Curtis Samuel weaved his way through the stifling Michigan defense for the game winning touchdown in the second overtime. At the end of the day both teams are still in contention for the College Football Playoff in the top heavy Big Ten.

Heading into the conference championship games both teams will have a week of rest as they wait for the playoff committee to release the final four for the college football landscape. This game clearly had an impact on how they viewed the two teams, as Michigan dropped out of the top four (No. 5) as they were previously ranked number 3 in the rankings in the weeks leading up to “The Game.”  These are two very talented teams, and if somehow both teams end up in the playoff, do not be surprised if either of these teams make some waves.