Regardless of the season, Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore always considers “The Game” between Michigan and Ohio State, even if it takes place during the last week of the regular season.
Moore detailed the evolution of the rivalry since taking over for Jim Harbaugh after Harbaugh’s 2023 national championship season in an interview with On3’s Pete Nakos.
Moore stated, “We’re going to keep our attention on them.” “We’re always going to acknowledge and know that rivalry is different than anything in college football.”
The season ended with Michigan riding a three-game winning run into next fall when the slate is wiped clean. Michigan finished 8-5, including a 13-10 upset against then-ranked No. 2 Ohio State in November and a victory over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Moore is personally committed to upholding the rivalry’s more than 100-year-old norm of hard-nosed, physical, brutal football with no short cuts, and he wants to continue defeating Ohio State in order to further establish supremacy.
“That rivalry is the first thing you hear about when you come to Michigan,” Moore remarked. “If you hear Michigan and you’re not there, you might wonder who their enemy is. Ohio State comes to mind. Thus, things will always be that way.
The matchup this season is expected to be significant. As the best player in the country, Bryce Underwood has a chance to start at quarterback. With a title under his belt and a newly-vindicated coach, Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are trying to ride the wave, barring any unexpected events.
For the time being, it’s unclear if the Wolverines will win the rivalry or if the Buckeyes, who won all but one of their games from 2004 to 2020, will be able to end their four-game losing streak.
