Here’s a list of the best individual performances in the history of “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan.
Since 1897, the route from Ann Arbor to Columbus has been a necessity. With solid roots in a heated football rivalry, Ohio State and Michigan have been the topic of discussion. So much so that it’s been coined one of the best rivalries in American sports but the rivalry doesn’t stop at football. In 2011, Michigan inducted men’s lacrosse into their athletic department to expand their out-of-state rivalry with Ohio State.
Rivalry Week in 2016 is going to be special, especially in Michigan’s case. Jim Harbaugh’s first experience with Urban Meyer in 2015 didn’t go as planned, as Michigan lost 42-13. Furthermore, Michigan’s been the innocent bystander in the rivalry. In the span of four seasons (2012-2015), Michigan’s been outscored by Ohio State, 103-152. By subtracting last year’s result, it’s a narrow margin considering that Michigan’s record has been 7-4 on average throughout those four seasons.
The 2016 version of “The Game” favors Ohio State more on paper and on offense, in general. This rivalry didn’t start out that way. Michigan would shutout Ohio State 11 times from 1897-1918. Overall, Michigan’s accomplished that feat 26 times — the last shutout was in 1993, when Michigan won 28-0. Ohio State, on the other hand, hasn’t restricted Michigan to zero points since 1962.
Win-loss records tossed aside, both schools have also seen their fair share of success stories. Before Jim Harbaugh, there was Fielding Yost, who coached the Wolverines for 23 years. Under Yost, Michigan went 16-3 against Ohio State. Meanwhile, Jim Tressel owns the best record against Michigan as an Ohio State coach, racking up nine wins to one loss.
The players are another integral part of the rivalry. Charles Woodson would be the marrow of the Michigan defense in the late-1990s. The Buckeyes would get their own centerpiece in RB Eddie George, who won the Heisman in 1995 after recording 23 touchdowns that season. Although Michigan hasn’t witnessed a first-round draft pick since 2008 (Jake Long), none of the metrics matter when you’re talking about Ohio State-Michigan. Individual performances, though, do matter in the outcome.
That said, let’s hop in the time machine and relive the five best performances in the history of “The Game”.
No. 5: 29 tackles vs. Michigan (1986)
Player: Ohio State LB Chris Spielman
Final Score: 26 Michigan, 24 Ohio State
Head Coaches: Bo Schembechler (Michigan), Earle Bruce (Ohio State)
W-L Record in 1986: 11-2 (Michigan), 10-3 (Ohio State)
Chris Spielman’s performance in this game was good enough to tie him for most tackles in a single game in school history. The other Buckeye to register that many tackles was Tom Cousineau in 1978. After serving as a starter for three years, Spielman would go on to be the record holder in terms of solo tackles (283).
Off the field, Spielman had just as much recognition. He earned All-Big Ten honors for three years and took home some hardware in 1987 with the Lombardi Trophy. Spielman would, however, succumb to a couple of foot injuries that sidelined him during his senior year. And despite being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1988, Spielman announced his retirement while he was with the Cleveland Browns.
Spielman’s love for football carried on in the preceeding years. In 1999, Spielman launched his broadcasting career, going back-and-forth with Fox Sports and ESPN. He would eventually settle down with Fox Sports, joining other commentators on NFL broadcasts.
Twenty three years after his 29-tackle game against Michigan, Chris Spielman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.