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No matter the record, no matter the history, no matter what is going on, every year the biggest game for Michigan is against Ohio State. The same goes for the Buckeyes as they treat it just as serious as the Wolverines, if not a step further.
Michigan has been on the losing end of the rivalry for the past 15 years, winning just once in 2011. Despite the lopsidedness in recent years, both teams still want to go out and win this game more than any other on their schedule. It’s the Superbowl for both teams and even if they ever both come into the game 0-11, that one win would mean even more knowing that it was against their rival and that 12th loss would sting more than the rest.
This year’s win could be a huge defining game for both teams. If Michigan wins, it’s easily their best win on the season as they would beat the best team in college football and have the Buckeyes only loss be to them would be something they could throw at them, even if they win the national championship.
If Ohio State wins the game, they go undefeated and secure a playoff spot for themselves and defeat another ranked team to boost their strength of schedule argument and once again proclaim that they own the Wolverines.
The players on Michigan know just how much of a season-defining game this can be for this team, and how important it is to their season every year.
“I believe this game is a big part of our season, put the icing on top of our season,” linebacker Khaleke Hudson said. “It’s huge for us. Feel like we don’t got nothing to lose, we’re going out there with just a dawg mentality. Just try to go out there and try to ruin anything they got planned on going while still staying to our task. Staying true to what we want to do for the rest of our season. Just going out there and trying to be the best team.”
“We always want to win the game, (go) against this team with a win,” wide receiver Nico Collins said. “This is probably the most important time of the year in November. Those are the ones you remember.
Not only do the players know it’s a big game for them, but they also know how important it is to Ohio State, their players and the coaching staff.
“Absolutely, I think this is a huge part of both of our programs, is this matchup,” offensive lineman Ben Bredeson said. “I think any time you beat Ohio State or they beat us, it’s considered a good season at the respective school. Obviously, there’s other games on the schedule, but we all know which one’s the most important.”
“Yeah, to me, I think it does, probably them, too,” tight end Nick Eubanks said. “It probably defines their season as well. We know what type of game this is. We know what we need in this game. We’re looking for the results on Saturday.”
What kind of results will be on the stat sheet when the clock it’s all zeros after the fourth quarter happens? Only time will tell on that answer but both teams will be hoping their team scored more after 60 minutes as their seasons could drastically change after this game, win or lose.
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