Fansided

Michigan football looks for real, but can they beat Ohio State?

BySravan Gannavarapu|
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Cesar Ruiz #51 prepares to snap the ball during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 56-27 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Cesar Ruiz #51 prepares to snap the ball during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 56-27 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

So far, Michigan football seems to have found its groove, but is it enough for them to finally beat their rivals from Columbus?

The 2021  season has been kind so far to the Michigan Wolverines, as both their offense and defense are clicking on all cylinders. But any measure of success for Michigan football hinges on whether they can beat Ohio State.

Taking out Western Michigan, Washington and scoring at will against Northern Illinois is nice and all, but none of those teams are the caliber of Ohio State.

Forget the fact that Ohio State was upset by Oregon. In case anyone doesn’t recall, while the Wolverines lead the series 58-51-6, the Buckeyes have won the last eight meetings.

Michigan’s last win came in 2011, a 40-34 thriller thanks to the spectacular play of quarterback Denard Robinson, and during a year when the Buckeyes were not their usual selves. Nevertheless, the game was a thriller. Additionally, while this year’s matchup will take place in Ann Arbor after last year’s bout in Columbus was canceled due to COVID-19, the Wolverines last won against their rivals on the road in 2000 under quarterback Drew Henson.

Will Michigan finally be able to beat Ohio State?

In this case, you can only believe it when you see it. Furthermore, there’s still a long season ahead, and while Michigan may have a better record than Ohio State so far this year, the Buckeyes have the decided advantage in this rivalry.

In Michigan’s case, their offense is looking more solid than before. This group may be the best group that Jim Harbaugh has at his disposal, from quarterback play by Cade McNamara and a strong running game led by Blake Corum. In contrast, the Buckeye’s offense is still a strong core, but their defense has had several leaks, as evidenced by the Oregon game.

This may be the year that Michigan finally beats Ohio State, or it’ll be just another chapter of the Buckeyes beating their rivals and extending their winning streak to nine and tying the record for the longest winning streak between the two schools against each other (Michigan won nine straight from 1901-1909).

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.

Home/College Football