One fan decided having a college football crossover moment alongside the WWE would be a good idea. This unique blend of sports and entertainment unfolded during WWE’s “Monday Night Raw,” which kicked off its 2025 schedule exclusively on Netflix.
Ohio State vs. Michigan: A Rivalry Like No Other
The spotlight of this crossover moment shone brightly on the storied rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, affectionately known as “The Game.” The Athletic’s Chris Vannini quickly picked up on a sign that captured the essence of this fierce competition. It read, “1,864 days since OSU beat Michigan.” This message from a passionate fan, who appeared to have Michigan allegiances, served as a stark reminder of the Buckeyes’ recent struggles against their arch-rivals.
In recent years, particularly over the last four seasons, the Wolverines have taken control of this historic matchup. Their most recent victory—a nail-biting 13-10 upset in Columbus last November—ignited a firestorm of controversy. A flag-planting incident after the game led to a heated scuffle between the two teams, prompting the Big Ten Conference to implement sportsmanship penalties.
Ohio State’s Focus: The Cotton Bowl
Despite the lingering tension from their rivalry with Michigan, Ohio State’s current focus is on the upcoming Cotton Bowl matchup against Texas this Friday. With a coveted spot in the national championship on the line, the Buckeyes are determined to put their best foot forward.
Head coach Ryan Day understands the weight of expectations. He was candid after the loss to Michigan, taking full responsibility for the team’s performance. “It’s hard for me to say something like that [the loss to Michigan helped the team],” Day told reporters. He emphasized that every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to a team’s growth. “You gotta grow, and you gotta build, and you gotta make sure you’re focusing on your strengths,” he added.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Ohio State’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. While they have enjoyed significant victories, the sting of their losses, particularly to Michigan, has been hard to shake off. Yet, as Day pointed out, these experiences are crucial for development. The team must learn from their setbacks and harness their strengths to propel them forward.
If the Buckeyes continue to win, there’s a strong chance that the criticisms surrounding Day will begin to fade. However, nothing is guaranteed in college football, especially as they aim to end a decade-long title drought. The pressure is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Anticipating More Rivalry Drama
As for Michigan, they are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this intense rivalry. The Wolverines will be looking to build on their recent success and maintain their dominance over Ohio State. The anticipation for their next clash is palpable, as fans on both sides gear up for what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
In college football, rivalries like Ohio State vs. Michigan are what make the sport so electrifying. The passion, the history, and the fierce competition create an atmosphere that is unmatched. Fans live for these moments, and the drama that unfolds on the field only adds to the allure.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
As the Buckeyes prepare for their Cotton Bowl showdown against Texas, they must channel the lessons learned from their past. The team has shown resilience throughout the season, and now is the time to capitalize on that strength. With a national championship opportunity at stake, the Buckeyes will need to bring their A-game.
The road ahead may be challenging, but Ohio State has the talent and determination to make a run. The players are ready to rise to the occasion, and the coaching staff is committed to guiding them through this critical juncture.
In the world of college football, every game counts, and every moment matters. The Buckeyes are poised to make their mark, and fans are eager to see how this season unfolds. Will they overcome their recent struggles and secure a spot in the national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement is building, and college football fans are in for a thrilling ride.
