How Michigan win can save rivalry

The Game.

Known to many as the biggest rivalry in sports, but has it lost its reputation over the past decade? Unfortunately it has, and the reason why is Michigan’s lack of success on what is usually the final game of the regular season.

While Michigan does lead the overall series with a record of 58-44-6, the Buckeyes have closed the gap over the past ten years. Since 2003, Michigan has only won two of the past ten games, their most recent win coming back in 2011 while snapping a seven game losing streak to the Buckeyes in the process, even though one of those wins has been vacated.

Can a win by the Wolverines in 2013, however, save the rivalry? You bet it can. The Buckeyes haven’t lost a game since head coach Urban Meyer took over the program in 2012 which can make a win for the Wolverines even sweeter.

Michigan hasn’t had the most promising year after expectations were high for them after a win against Notre Dame earlier in the year. Devin Gardner has been struggling protecting the football, the offensive line has had trouble protecting him in the first place, and the defense has been sub-par compared to what they used to be. This all can’t change in a week, but adjustments can be made to give the Buckeyes everything they got and end the season on the greatest note possible.

Players and coaches will tell you that you could have a record of 0-11 going into “The Game,” but if you win the final game of the year against your biggest rival, you had a successful season. Michigan is trying to spoil the Buckeyes’ undefeated run and chances of a BCS title with a win this Saturday, but do they have the firepower to do so?