Around here, we call it simply, "The Game."
Thing is, over the last eight years it hasn't been much of a "game" and, as a result, the "rivalry" tag is an awkward fit. The Buckeyes are 7-1 against Michigan since Jim Tressel took the reins, giving the Wolverines a taste of the futility that Ohio State felt under coach John Cooper, who went 2-10-1 against "that team up north."A true rivalry requires a throw-out-the-records feeling, the kind of suspense that gives even the most rabid partisans pause. That hasn't been so since 2001, when a first-year coach -- on the day he was hired -- all but promised a win in Ann Arbor.
He delivered.
As much as I hate to say it, there's only one way for this ultimate rivalry to be restored: the underdog must defy the odds and win The Game -- Michigan (5-6) must beat Big Ten Champion Ohio State (9-2) this Saturday.
Yes, that's heresy, and no, it's not what I'll be cheering for. But any long-view Buckeye who loves OSU-Michigan and can put aside their rooting interest knows, deep-down, that it'd be all for the best.
There, I said it.
Now that I've purged myself of analysis, I want to say one more thing.
Screw the rivalry -- Beat Michigan!
