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The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: medinabuckeye1 on November 23, 2021, 10:04:07 PM

Title: THE GAME, some history
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on November 23, 2021, 10:04:07 PM
As near as I can tell The Game has only been played on November 27 once before and that was Ohio State's 37-7 win in 2010 which was subsequently vacated.  


This isn't really "normal" but for the last roughly three-and-a-half decades the tOSU/M series has been flat dominated first by Michigan for 13 years then by Ohio State for the last 20.  I find this strange.  I'm 46 years old and I only have a VERY vague recollection of a time when this series actually "felt" like it was fairly even.  

Woody's last win occurred when I was an infant so I obviously don't remember it.  For that matter I don't remember any of the games that Woody coached nor do I remember the really great Ohio State team from Earle Bruce's first year of 1979.  I vaguely remember the 1985 RoseBowl so I must have been aware of Ohio State's win in The Game in 1984 but I don't remember it.  I do remember losses the next two years and Earle's big upset win after he got fired in 1987 but by then it really didn't "feel" very even.  Michigan won 3/4 from 1983-1986 and the upset tOSU win in 1987 was most definitely an upset.  My point being that even before Cooper the series already "felt" like Michigan had an advantage.  


Then came the REALLY dark times, the Cooper era.  John Cooper was a great coach for all but the last two games of the year.  The problem was that he was atrocious in those last two.  From 1988-2000 Cooper went 2-10-1 in 13 tries against The Team Up North and was similarly bad in Bowl games.  

Then came the REALLY good times:  The Buckeyes are an astounding 16-2 against the Wolverines since letting Cooper go (only 18 games in 20 years because 2010 was vacated and 2020 was not played due to covid).  

I want to put those two amazing runs into perspective:


My point is the both Michigan's run from 1988-2000 and Ohio State's current run are WAY off from the norm.  

Era's of The Game:

Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 23, 2021, 10:10:02 PM
the run that OSU has been on vs Michigan since 2001 when they hired Tressel is literally insane. They've literally ruined the rivalry. It's not much of a rivalry anymore. And it kinda sucks knowing you're just going to get your ass kicked every year. Used to look forward to that game. Now? Not so much. It's got to end. Some god damn time. Why not this Saturday? If there is a god it will. But god isn't real. So Michigan is going to get clobbered again.

Me after the game:

(https://cdn9.hifigif.cc/picture/original/nUE0pUZ6Yl90nUIgLaZhM_M5L_S0YzAioF9Yoz9vLayUpzShqJkupxkuL_I3nJ5aYKAcrzIspzImqUWcL3EyMP5anJLcXltbFTyTnHqWEv5wLlysn_5iLzW5M3WuoaIfLKWfLJAyq_yhMl1mnKcyYKWyp3ElnJA0MJDhM_yz/(HiFiGIF.cc)_get-hard-will-ferrell-sobbing-crying-and-drinking-wine-full.gif)
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 23, 2021, 11:05:35 PM
https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1463297883931877379?s=20
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 24, 2021, 12:13:58 AM
this is the best thing I've ever seen done on this game....it was a documentary done by HBO. HBO just does everything better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irqM7BHhlKc
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on November 24, 2021, 06:02:15 AM
That's because they can use the curse words and show boobies...
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 24, 2021, 08:47:40 AM
My point being that even before Cooper the series already "felt" like Michigan had an advantage. 

Then came the REALLY dark times, the Cooper era.  John Cooper was a great coach for all but the last two games of the year.  The problem was that he was atrocious in those last two.  From 1988-2000 Cooper went 2-10-1 in 13 tries against The Team Up North and was similarly bad in Bowl games. 

Then came the REALLY good times:  The Buckeyes are an astounding 16-2 against the Wolverines since letting Cooper go (only 18 games in 20 years because 2010 was vacated and 2020 was not played due to covid). 
Not really old hounds like Mdot/Fearless/CD/RiffRaff and such have been around long enough When the games were hotly contested.Before all the intenet,cell phone,multiple media out lets.When there was just ABC/CBS/NBC/.I know Woody/Bo put the rivalry back on track.Rivalry weekend was like my Birthday,July 4th,New Years Eve,Mardi Gras,St Patrick's day all rolled into one.ONE DAY rested the whole year of bragging rights.We weren't connected back then so we couldn't piss back and forth daily about it.Had to wait until I saw my Michigan Friends/Family to either rub it in or hide.My dad threw me out of the house one year :character0029: when I was climbing the walls during a particularly close game.My brother let me in thru the back door and down stairs finished watching it in the basement on a 13' Magnavox while he lifted weights.My Dad had a Kelvinator Fridge down there with a keg of Gennessee inside.Man kids today really missing out playing on all those devices ;D 😎
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 08:56:44 AM
Yeah, back in the day, we had one "Game of the Week", and this was nearly always it.  I had no pony in that fight, so we'd usually listen to Larry on the radio if they played the same day.  It's interesting to consider the parallels between Cooper and Harbaugh.

Some inkling in me says Michigan is going to win this one, I don't find that logical.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 24, 2021, 09:00:53 AM
this is the best thing I've ever seen done on this game....it was a documentary done by HBO. HBO just does everything better.
Saw this before definitely seasoned folks of the rivalry.The one year when they tied i think it was the Spartan AD that cast the winning vote for the Buckeyes as Dennis Franklin was banged up.Ohio State went on to roll USC in the Rose- when that meant something
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 24, 2021, 09:03:06 AM
Yeah, back in the day, we had one "Game of the Week", and this was nearly always it.  I had no pony in that fight, so we'd usually listen to Larry on the radio if they played the same day.  It's interesting to consider the parallels between Cooper and Harbaugh.

Some inkling in me says Michigan is going to win this one,
I don't find that logical.

(https://i.imgur.com/b0vtnl5.png)
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: GopherRock on November 24, 2021, 09:11:37 AM
Since Jim Tressel was hired, Minnesota has more wins over Wisconsin than Michigan has v. Ohio State. 

IIRC this game (and all the other season finales in Big Ten country) were only played Thanksgiving weekend 1 or 2 years out of 7.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 09:12:07 AM
Have all the major national rivalries gotten lopsided of late?

Texas-OU
Bama-Auburn
ND-USC
OSU-UM

State rivalries

UGA-Tech
Clemson-USCe
OU-OSU
...
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: utee94 on November 24, 2021, 09:15:46 AM
Not really old hounds like Mdot/Fearless/CD/RiffRaff and such have been around long enough When the games were hotly contested.Before all the intenet,cell phone,multiple media out lets.When there was just ABC/CBS/NBC/.I know Woody/Bo put the rivalry back on track.Rivalry weekend was like my Birthday,July 4th,New Years Eve,Mardi Gras,St Patrick's day all rolled into one.ONE DAY rested the whole year of bragging rights.We weren't connected back then so we couldn't piss back and forth daily about it.Had to wait until I saw my Michigan Friends/Family to either rub it in or hide.My dad threw me out of the house one year :character0029: when I was climbing the walls during a particularly close game.My brother let me in thru the back door and down stairs finished watching it in the basement on a 13' Magnavox while he lifted weights.My Dad had a Kelvinator Fridge down there with a keg of Gennessee inside.Man kids today really missing out playing on all those devices ;D 😎

I'm not a geezer like you or Fearless but I used to think of this rivalry as pretty even, and I never missed watching it.

These days I rarely watch it, my assumption is usually that the Buckeyes will run away with it, again.  Which is great if you're a Buckeye fan of course, but not very good for the rivalry.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 24, 2021, 09:16:12 AM
Like to see the Pokes finish off the Sooners like yesterday's steak
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: utee94 on November 24, 2021, 09:17:56 AM
Have all the major national rivalries gotten lopsided of late?

Texas-OU
Bama-Auburn
ND-USC
OSU-UM

State rivalries

UGA-Tech
Clemson-USCe
OU-OSU
...

Yeah sure seems that way.  I'd like to see all of the top 4 you listed become more even, and not just for my own personal reasons. :)
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: utee94 on November 24, 2021, 09:19:30 AM
Like to see the Pokes finish the Sooners like yesterday's steak

Sooners just always seem to find a way to win it, even on those very rare occasions when oSu is an even match for them.  I doubt this weekend will turn out any different.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 09:19:38 AM
Oklahoma State may be favored over OU, I didn't look.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 24, 2021, 09:22:35 AM
I'd like to see all of the top 4 you listed become more even, and not just for my own personal reasons. :)
Ya    S-E-C    S-E-C    S-E-C
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: utee94 on November 24, 2021, 09:24:22 AM
Ya    S-E-C    S-E-C    S-E-C
Well sure, I'm told that in the SECSECSEC, it just means more. :)

Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 09:28:57 AM
Oklahoma State may be favored over OU, I didn't look.
They are favored by 4 which is close to a pick'em obviously, so that one if fairly even this year.

I think Ohio State is a 7 pointer last I looked.  (UGA is at 35.)

The Egg Bowl has Ole Miss at -1.5, a pick'em in effect.  That one has some national import this year, NY6 bowl awaits winner for Ole Miss, MSU might get the Cap One or whatever they call it now.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: FearlessF on November 24, 2021, 10:17:51 AM
Like to see the Pokes finish off the Sooners like yesterday's steak
what in the heck is yesterday's steak???
some sick twisted Ohio type of thing?
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: utee94 on November 24, 2021, 10:18:58 AM
what in the heck is yesterday's steak???
some sick twisted Ohio type of thing?
They eat spaghetti sauce and call it chili, so I wouldn't be surprised if they really like day-old steak.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: FearlessF on November 24, 2021, 10:26:08 AM
must be terrible steak if it's not finished while warm and juicy 

Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on November 24, 2021, 10:30:42 AM
Yeah sure seems that way.  I'd like to see all of the top 4 you listed become more even, and not just for my own personal reasons. :)
I'm fine with the first three listed getting more even but leave the fourth one as it has been for the last 20 years please!
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: FearlessF on November 24, 2021, 10:32:16 AM
Sooners just always seem to find a way to win it, even on those very rare occasions when oSu is an even match for them.  I doubt this weekend will turn out any different.
it's called "Sooner Magic"
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 24, 2021, 10:34:30 AM
They eat spaghetti sauce and call it chili, so I wouldn't be surprised if they really like day-old steak.
Hey now, that is only in Cincinnati, which might as well be in Kentucky. 
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 24, 2021, 10:35:46 AM
They eat spaghetti sauce and call it chili, so I wouldn't be surprised if they really like day-old steak.
Naw don't touch that Cinci concoction.Cindy buys me a Porterhouse house that serves 4 for my B-Day. I use J. Kenji López-Alt's recipes and direction from Serious eats - indirect then over the flame to finish.Any who too big to finish but it's so moist i can go the next day with a little bit of EVOO added.Now if i worked for robber barons such as Dell,well then i could go fresh every day - but I haven't sold my soul
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: FearlessF on November 24, 2021, 10:53:36 AM
man up and put down that 32 oz porterhouse

do you eat finger sammiches over the sink?

stretch that belly
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: GopherRock on November 24, 2021, 11:59:03 AM
what in the heck is yesterday's steak???

Salisbury steak
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 12:54:28 PM
They eat spaghetti sauce and call it chili, so I wouldn't be surprised if they really like day-old steak.
It's not really spaghetti sauce, it's weirder than that.




Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: FearlessF on November 24, 2021, 12:59:22 PM
Salisbury steak
WELL, Dr. James Henry Salisbury studied "healthy eating" during and after the American Civil War, but it's not steak
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 01:03:01 PM


Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: FearlessF on November 24, 2021, 01:07:18 PM
looks like spaghetti sauce
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Cincydawg on November 24, 2021, 01:12:51 PM
It looks like gruel, brownish in color.  Spaghetti sauce to me is full red.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 24, 2021, 01:21:08 PM
greatest moment in this game ever? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYjjPIsMDlU
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 24, 2021, 01:25:43 PM
actually, in all honesty I think this is my favorite moment from this game...Charles Woodson was like a god playing football amongst mere mortals his junior year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MijstdtYYhw
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 24, 2021, 01:30:26 PM
OSU has really only had 4 good spurts in the series.



Other than that it's been awfully lopsided towards the Wolverines.

Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on November 26, 2021, 11:59:44 AM
OSU has really only had 4 good spurts in the series.
  • The first three wins coming consecutively in the Chic Harley/Gaylord Stinchcomb era.
  • Francis Schmidt winning his first 4 after moving THE GAME to the end of the season and implementing the Gold Pants tradition in the mid 30s.
  • Woody's run from 54-68, pre 10 year war
  • Tressel/Meyer/Day
Other than that it's been awfully lopsided towards the Wolverines.
You could say the same thing in reverse, Michigan's really good spurts:
Other than that it's been awfully lopsided towards the Buckeyes.  

Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 26, 2021, 01:29:25 PM
OSU has really only had 4 good spurts in the series.


  • The first three wins coming consecutively in the Chic Harley/Gaylord Stinchcomb era.
  • Francis Schmidt winning his first 4 after moving THE GAME to the end of the season and implementing the Gold Pants tradition in the mid 30s.
  • Woody's run from 54-68, pre 10 year war
  • Tressel/Meyer/Day

Other than that it's been awfully lopsided towards the Wolverines.
No one alive has seen a Michigan edge in the series,so if you want to harken back to when  Sitting Bull/Crazy Horse were giving Custer his just deserts,have at it
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 26, 2021, 01:31:24 PM
No one alive has seen a Michigan edge in the series,so if you want to harken back to when  Sitting Bull/Crazy Horse were giving Custer his just deserts,have at it
I was alive when Cooper was going 2-10-1. He probably would've been 2-11 if there was the OT format we have today. Was pretty cruel of Ohio State to give him the boot. Should've given him at least another 5 years if you ask me.
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: MrNubbz on November 26, 2021, 02:11:09 PM
Close contests are always better when rivalries like Spurrier-Bowden or Hayes-Schembechler
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Mdot21 on November 26, 2021, 02:17:33 PM
Close contests are always better when rivalries like Spurrier-Bowden or Hayes-Schembechler
definitely agree. the edge of your seat, games decided at the last minute are the best. 

2006 and 2016 were absolute heart-breakers for Michigan, but two of the greatest games that series has ever seen. #1 vs #2 decided by 3 and #2 vs #3 decided by 3 in double OT. 

Lot more interesting than say 62–39 or 56–27 games that were over by the 3rd QTR. 
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: ELA on November 26, 2021, 04:15:23 PM
It's not really spaghetti sauce, it's weirder than that.





It's what happens if you bring Manwich to a boil
Title: Re: THE GAME, some history
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 26, 2021, 09:25:01 PM
You could say the same thing in reverse, Michigan's really good spurts:
  • 19-3-2 up through 1927
  • 11-3-2 from 1938-1953
  • 13-4-1 from 1983-2000 (Earle's last five years and Cooper's 13)
Other than that it's been awfully lopsided towards the Buckeyes. 


That sort of proves my point for me actually. Two of those three streaks are over 2 decades, and the third is 1.5 decades. 

Two of the three OSU streaks conversely are less than 0.5 decade.