7. November, 26, 2011
2011 was a big year for the Wolverines and new coach, Brady Hoke. The post-Rich Rodriguez experiment was canned in favor of the defensive-minded Hoke, and things were looking good. The squad, led by a dynamic Denard Robinson, won the first-ever night game at the Big House over Notre Dame and kept up the momentum all season. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, were struggling. Interim coach Luke Fickell was doing his best, but the winds of “goods exchanged with tattoo shop owners,” and the resignation of Jim Tressel still whistled through the Olentangy in a down key.
Michigan handed the Buckeyes their first loss in the rivalry since 2003—a 40-34 win for the 17th-ranked Wolverines. Although it was a loss for the Buckeyes, considering the turmoil and unranked-ness, it was actually a decent game.