Ohio State Vs. Michigan: A Rivalry Renewed With High Stakes

College football matchups don’t get much bigger than "The Game." The anticipation surrounding this year's Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is palpable, with both teams entering the game undefeated. This clash will not only determine bragging rights for the year but also has significant implications for the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff landscape.

As the No. 3 Wolverines prepare to host the No. 2 Buckeyes at noon ET on Saturday, both teams come into the game with an impressive 11-0 record. The stakes couldn't be higher: the winner claims a coveted spot in the Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa and takes a giant leap toward securing a place in the College Football Playoff. The pressure is on, but the excitement is even greater.

Michigan's head coach, Jim Harbaugh, won't be on the sidelines due to a suspension stemming from a sign-stealing investigation. Instead, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore will lead the Wolverines against Ohio State's Ryan Day. This game, broadcasted live from the "Big House," is more than just a contest; it’s a showcase of college football’s fiercest rivalry filled with rich history and unforgettable moments.

To highlight just how significant this matchup is, let's take a look at some standout statistics from the storied series before kickoff.

Rare Undefeated OSU-Michigan Matchup

These two schools have met only four times since 1970 with both teams undefeated and untied, making this match a rare occasion. This is the second consecutive year such an instance has occurred.

In the last encounter, Michigan emerged victorious, while Ohio State triumphed in 2006 with a close score of 42-39. The two schools have also tied when they met as undefeated teams in 1973, adding to the historical significance of their matchups.

"When you’re a little kid, you dream of moments like this," Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord said this week. "You can’t draw it up any better than that." His passion reflects the excitement that surrounds this legendary rivalry.

Wolverines Hold All-Time Edge in 'The Game'

The first football game between Ohio State and Michigan dates back to 1897, where the Wolverines took the win. Currently, Michigan leads the all-time series with a record of 60-51-6.

However, since 2000, Ohio State has held a strong record of 16-5 against Michigan, excluding one vacated win. Interestingly, the Wolverines have secured victories in the last two meetings after a long stretch of defeats.

Ohio State's History in Ann Arbor

Historically, Michigan has a 32-24-4 advantage against Ohio State in Ann Arbor. This includes a notable 24-22-3 record at Michigan Stadium, where the Buckeyes will face a daunting crowd of over 100,000 fans.

This week, Ryan Day emphasized the importance of maintaining emotional control during such a high-stakes game. "You can’t let emotion play with you," Day stated, highlighting the challenge of managing pressure in such a monumental matchup.