Ohio State’s journey to the top of college football culminated in a thrilling 34-23 victory over Notre Dame for the College Football Playoff national title. While this achievement is monumental, the emotional weight of the win feels somewhat overshadowed by the team’s recent rivalry struggles, particularly against Michigan.
The Rivalry with Michigan: A New Era
The storied rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has taken a turn in recent years. Under Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes enjoyed a dominant stretch, never losing to their arch-rivals. However, since Ryan Day took over, the tides have shifted. Ohio State has faced Michigan four times, suffering defeats in each encounter, including a surprising loss this season where the Buckeyes were favored by over three scores. This shift has raised questions about the significance of the rivalry moving forward.
Former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry, who played on the national championship team in 2014, expressed his concerns during a recent episode of “The Triple Option.” “It feels strange in this moment,” Perry said. “I’m not trying to take anything away from what this team just did. That was the most remarkable postseason run that I’ve ever seen, but it certainly feels now like that game lost a little bit of the consequence.” He pointed out that a loss to Michigan would typically disqualify a team from postseason contention, adding a layer of gravity to the rivalry that seems diminished now.
Reflections from a Champion
Meyer, now a Fox Sports analyst, remains impressed with the talent and coaching of the current Buckeyes squad. He emphasized that the team’s national championship should not be viewed as tainted due to their losses to Michigan. “The reality is you have three goals — you have to beat the Team Up North, win the Big 10, win the national championship,” Meyer stated. “That is truly one of the great teams I’ve ever seen play.”
This season, Ohio State showcased an impressive roster filled with standout talent, including new additions like tailback Quinshon Judkins and safety Caleb Downs. The depth and skill on this team suggest that many players will likely hear their names called during the upcoming NFL Draft, further solidifying the Buckeyes’ legacy.
The Importance of Tradition
Despite the shifting dynamics of the rivalry, Perry hopes that the essence of the Ohio State-Michigan game remains intact. “I hope that, for the players in that building, it’s still one of the program objectives,” he said. “I hope for fans that they still show up with the same intensity that they have every year before this, regardless of what the outcome of this year was.” He believes that the rivalry is the most special game in college football and fears it may lose its luster if the stakes are perceived to be lower.
The emotional connection that fans and players have with this rivalry is undeniable. It transcends wins and losses, creating a unique atmosphere that defines college football. As the Buckeyes look to build on their recent success, maintaining the intensity and passion of this rivalry will be crucial.
Looking Ahead
As Ohio State celebrates its national title, the focus will inevitably shift to the future. The Buckeyes will need to address their recent struggles against Michigan if they hope to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and beyond. The upcoming season presents a fresh opportunity to reclaim their place in the rivalry and restore the traditional stakes that have defined it for generations.
With a talented roster and a coaching staff committed to excellence, Ohio State is poised for another strong season. The question remains: Can they overcome their recent challenges against Michigan and reestablish their dominance in the rivalry? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure — the passion for college football runs deep in Columbus, and the Buckeyes will be ready to rise to the occasion.
In the end, Ohio State’s national championship is a testament to their resilience and determination. While the rivalry with Michigan may have shifted, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of greatness remain at the heart of the Buckeyes’ program. As they look to the future, fans can expect nothing less than a fierce commitment to excellence from this storied program.
