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Ohio State vs. Michigan: Why Beating the Wolverines Matters More

Ohio, USATue Jul 08 2025

Ohio State and Michigan share a football rivalry that stands out as the best in sports. This isn't just about winning games; it's about pride, history, and something deeper than championships. The pressure to beat Michigan is immense, and it's not just about the head coach's job security. It's about legacy.

A Rivalry Beyond Championships

The rivalry is so intense that even winning a national title doesn't ease the pressure to beat Michigan. This is unique to college football, where rivalries often matter more than conference or national titles. The head coach at Ohio State knows this well. Beating Michigan is his most important role, above all else.

Players Feel the Pressure Too

Players feel this pressure too. New recruits are already vowing to beat Michigan every year they play. This isn't just about football; it's personal. The hatred for the rival team runs deep, and players take it seriously.

Urban Meyer's Perspective

Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State coach, once said he'd rather step on a rusty nail than take a job meeting with agents of 17 or 18-year-olds. This shows how much he values his time and priorities. It's a humorous way to say he'd rather do anything than that.

A Rivalry Hard to Explain

The rivalry is so big that it's hard to explain to people who don't understand college football. To casual fans, it might seem crazy to prioritize a rivalry game over a national title. But in this world, that's just how it is.

questions

    How does the outcome of a rivalry game impact the perception of a coach's success or failure?
    Could the ranking of college football rivalries be manipulated to favor certain teams or conferences?
    How do the principles used to rank rivalries reflect the values and priorities of college football as a whole?

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