Ohio State vs Michigan: 10 best games in “The Game” history
By Luke Norris
2. 2006
Final Score: Ohio State 42, Michigan 39
Ohio State vs Michigan. No. 1 vs No. 2. Not only was this billed “The Game” as it usually is, but also as “The Game of the Century” by some. In the long and storied history of this rivalry, these two powerhouses had never met as the top two teams in the country, meaning this particular matchup needed to be something special. And it certainly was that.
Both teams scored touchdowns on their first offensive possessions but Ohio State would take a 21-7 lead midway through the second quarter on an amazing play where quarterback Troy Smith faked a dive to Chris Wells and hid the ball behind his leg as Ted Ginn Jr. beat his man downfield to receive the 39-yard touchdown pass. Both teams would score again before halftime to make it 28-14 in favor of Ohio State at the break.
The Wolverines came out hot in the second half and would close the gap with a touchdown from Mike Hart and a field goal but Ohio State would not relinquish the lead and extended their lead once again on a touchdown run from Antonio Pittman. However, Michigan would get within four at 35-31 following another score by Hart but the Buckeyes would once again answer. A brilliant 8-yard catch by Brian Hartline on a key 3rd and 5 would set up Ohio State’s final score, a Troy Smith touchdown pass (his fourth of the day) to Brian Robiskie to give the home team a 42-31 lead.
Michigan would not give up though. They kept fighting and got within three following a late fourth quarter touchdown and two-point conversion to bring the score to 42-39, which would end up being the final after Ohio State recovered the ensuing onside kick. What a battle this was. The 81 combined points were the most in the series since Michigan won 86-0 all the way back in 1902.
But this night belonged to the Buckeyes and while there were many that thought a rematch for the BCS Championship was in order, it wasn’t to be as Ohio State played Florida for the national title and Michigan headed to Pasadena to face off with USC in the Rose Bowl. Both teams would lose. But any fan of Ohio State vs Michigan won on this special Saturday in 2006.