U-M--OSU: Fans of 'The Game' Should Ace This Exam

Despite losing eight of the last 10 meetings to the Buckeyes, Michigan fans still cherish any win over Ohio State. Defeating the school down south is much more important than victories over Notre Dame and especially Michigan State. Ohio State fans feel the same way.

That’s why “The Game“ has been called the Greatest Rivalry in American Sports.

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The 111th edition is scheduled for noon this Saturday (Nov. 29) at the Horseshoe in Columbus before nearly 107,000 fans.

Michigan 20-point underdogs

Should Michigan (5-6, 3-4) lose to the 20-point favorite Buckeyes (10-1, 7-0), it would complete its worst season since 2009 and only its second sub-.500 campaign since 1967. If Michigan wins (and it’s extremely doubtful), the Wolverines would qualify for a low-tiered bowl game.

Meanwhile, Ohio State already clinched a berth in the Big Ten title game (Dec. 6).

Nov 22, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is looking for his first victory over Michigan as a starter. Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

A win over Michigan would keep the Buckeyes’ hopes alive for a spot in the national semifinals (Jan. 1). So Michigan plays the role of spoiler Saturday.

Troy Smith unstoppable

While “The Game” has often decided the Big Ten title, only once —in 2006—did the two teams enter the game ranked No. 1 and No. 2. Before the usual packed house in Columbus, OSU quarterback Troy Smith outdueled Michigan’s Chad Henne in an exciting 42-39 Buckeye victory.

For Michigan fans who need a dose of good karma, listen to the following poem—it should remind you of better times.

http://www.ufer.org/sounds/Woody_Hayes_Poem.mp3

Now, let’s test your knowledge of the rivalry with a few simple questions. Feel free to post your answers in the comment section, and we’ll publicize the best score afterwards:

1.True or False: This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the 1950 “Snow Bowl” won by Michigan 9-3 in blizzard-like conditions at the Horseshoe. The Wolverines, who were held to 27 total yards and only one first down, earned the outright Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

2. True or False: Before the 1969 game, Ohio State’s defense was so tough, it was compared to the Minnesota Vikings.

3. True or False: Ohio State running back Archie Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974, 75). None of his teams (1972-75) lost to Michigan.

4.True or False: According to the QS World University Rankings for 2010, Michigan is No. 23 and Ohio State No. 109.

5. Multiple Choice: The “Ten-Year War” was fought by:

A. Ali and Norton

B. Yankees and Red Sox

C. Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler

D.Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers

6. True or False: Before the 2004 game, Michigan’s entrance into Ohio Stadium was delayed nearly 15 minutes while police and police dogs searched the bags of each player and coach.

7. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a college rivalry?

A. Holy War

B. Backyard Brawl

C. Rust Bowl Rivarly

D. The Game

8. True or False: Bo Schembechler had a winning record against Earle Bruce.

9. True or False. Before the 1970 game, OSU officials turned off the water in Michigan’s hotel, just before midnight.

10. True or False: Despite the recent record, Michigan has “the upper hand.”

11. True or False: Quarterback Brian Griese was on Michigan’s campus from 1973 through 1997. The Wolverines won all three games against Ohio State in which he quarterbacked.

Scroll down to record you answers in the comments section below.

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Michigan vs. Ohio State: every fan of ‘The Game’ should ace this exam

By Joel Greer | Nov 29, 2014