COLLEGE FOOTBALL

End Zone: OSU Buckeyes

OSU-UM rivalry as one-sided as ever

11/28/2013

I fully expect Ohio State will trample Michigan's spirit with a hide-the-children bloodletting of historic proportions. My prediction: OSU by ... two touchdowns.

Hold off on the predictions the Big Ten will mandate a running clock in the second half. Yes, I understand the urge. The rivalry is as one-sided as ever, with Gov. John Kasich telling Michigan this week, "When we beat you like a drum every single year, you better start looking for a new rival." And the gap between the teams has rarely been larger. OSU is a staggering 16-point favorite to beat UM for the 11th time in 13 years.

Yet Ohio State has not beaten Michigan by more than 11 points in Ann Arbor since a 50-20 thumping in 1961. When a game stays close long enough, strange things happen. The wind churns, momentum turns, and suddenly the unbeatable (1969, 1973, 1995) are beaten.

It is worth noting the five Michigan teams to spoil undefeated OSU seasons ranged from good to great — labels no one would assign this year's Wolverines. But the Buckeyes know the history, and if they have a say about it, vow to make their own Saturday. Whether they win by two scores or 22, it would be a rout for the ages.

Contact David Briggs at: dbriggs@theblade.com, 419-724-6084 or on Twitter @DBriggsBlade.