Ohio State vs. Michigan, Number 1 – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/22/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 22, 1999
In a section dedicated to The End Of The Century, ESPN.com has recently released a list of what they consider to be The 10 Greatest Rivalries. In this piece, many of the great long time sports rivalries, both individual and team, received recognition.
Thanks in part to the wonderful history dating all the way back to 1897, and the momentum built by great people such as Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, the rivalry between The Ohio State University and The University of Michigan appeared on this list.
While appearing on the list was a wonderful honor, ESPN.com took this rivalry one step further and listed it as the number one greatest rivalry of the century.
Tuesday, December 21
The 10 greatest rivalries
ESPN.com
1. Michigan vs. Ohio State
When Ohio Stadium opened in 1922, Michigan spoiled the party with a 22-0 victory. The rivalry was heated in the early days as both have been long-time college football powers. But it got even hotter in 1969, when Bo Schembechler took over as Michigan’s coach and upset Woody Hayes’ No. 1-ranked, undefeated Buckeyes. Four times in the next six years, both teams were ranked in the top five when they met. In 1970 and 1973, both were undefeated (they tied 10-10 in ’73). From 1970 through 1975, Michigan entered without a loss every year. The Wolverines won just once. Ohio State was 9-0-1 in 1993, 11-0 in 1995 and 10-0 in 1996. The Buckeyes lost each time. That is rivalry.
Check out ESPN.com’s 10 Greatest Rivalries!
