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The biggest game of the year is here.
Unfortunately, “The Game” also tends to bring disappointment every year. Michigan has not beaten Ohio State since 2011, and has lost 16 of the last 18 games between the two storied programs.
Since Michigan won in 2000, the Wolverines only other victory besides 2011 came in 2003.
Despite the lopsided rivalry in recent years, Michigan does still hold the all-time advantage, 58-50-6.
It’s the first game for Ryan Day as OSU’s head coach in this rivalry and is in Ann Arbor, providing some level of hope despite Ohio State’s No. 1 ranking.
There is plenty of reason to be optimistic about this weekend’s game given how well Michigan is playing, but there’s no denying how talented Ohio State is.
Jim Harbaugh is 0-4 in the series. Here’s a look at those four games:
2018: Ohio State 62, Michigan 39 in Columbus
This was supposed to be the big victory for Michigan. Entering the game ranked higher than OSU and a spot in the College Football Playoff on the line, it was a total flop.
It was close until halftime, as OSU took a 24-19 lead into the break. Michigan couldn’t stop the Buckeyes in the second half though, as Dwayne Haskins threw for 396 yards and six touchdowns.
Mike Weber led the Buckeyes with 96 yards and a score on the ground.
Shea Patterson threw three touchdown passes in his rivalry debut.
2017: Ohio State 31, Michigan 20 in Ann Arbor
Michigan slumped into this game but put up a surprisingly good fight in this one, leading until late in the third quarter. When Dwayne Haskins came in a led OSU to a comeback win.
With about two and a half minutes remaining with U-M trailing by four, John O’Korn had a chance to lead Michigan down the field on a game-winning drive. Instead, he threw an interception on the first play.
2016: Ohio State 30, Michigan 27 in 2OT in Columbus
The game that will live on forever in infamy.
JT was short.
However, that’s not how it officially went down, as the Buckeyes beat Michigan in double overtime in another game where Michigan just had to win to make the playoff. The Wolverines largely shut down JT Barrett through the air, but allowed him to rush for 125 yards on the ground. Wilton Speight threw two touchdowns and two costly picks.
At one point in the third quarter, Michigan held a 17-7 lead.
2015: Ohio State 42, Michigan 13 in Ann Arbor
This game was also close until halftime, (14-10 OSU) but Michigan fell apart quickly in the second half.
Jake Rudock threw for 263 yards and a touchdown, but the Wolverines couldn’t get the running game going at all.
On the other side, Zeke Elliott ran for 214 yards and two touchdowns and JT Barrett added 139 and three scores on the ground. Barrett also passed for 113 yards and a score.