If you’re an Ohio State fan — or Michigan fan for that matter — there’s a new documentary you won’t want to miss in the very near future. We all remember the HBO production “Michigan vs. Ohio State – The Rivalry,” and we’re sure a lot of you know that one well (I have a copy of it in my collection), but there are more than a few reasons to take RIVALS in as it comes from a different slant. It’s titled “Rivals: Ohio State vs. Michigan,” and it also dives into “The Game.”
Without spoiling anything for you, it does more than just dig into players and personalities from the storied rivalry (though there’s still plenty of that), it tries to answer what goes into creating and sustaining a rivalry with Ohio State vs. Michigan as the test case.
We got an advanced screening here at Buckeyes Wire of the fun and lively documentary from the Sinclair Broadcast Group and the Tennis Channel, in partnership with DLP Media Group, and can confirm that it’s well worth your time.
“Rivals: Ohio State vs. Michigan,” goes through the history of the rivalry by looking at how it was formed, the ebbs and flows of it, but then peels back the layers of an onion that’s part scarlet and gray, part maize and blue to look at the psychology of a rivalry and the different attributes that make up rivalries.
It’s all based on research, data, and findings from KnowRivarly.com which set out to use data derived from human behavior and surveys to define what a rivalry is. There’s even video and new information even the most committed and passionate Ohio State or Michigan fan probably hasn’t run across before.
The documentary is narrated by well-known Ohio State superfan J.K. Simmons, and also has Michigan fan and sports personality, Rich Eisen, kicking in commentary. There are also appearances from players like Archie Griffin and the Boren family, as well as media personalities that have covered the rivalry over the years from both sides.
So, when can you watch “Rivals: Ohio State vs. Michigan?” Well, before Ohio State and Michigan face each other later this month naturally. RIVALS will premiere Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET on Bally Sports Great Lakes and Bally Sports Ohio. The documentary will replay throughout the month on these platforms and will later be distributed among other media outlets including the Big Ten Network.
You can click on the link and type in your local zip code to confirm air dates and times: RivalsDocuseries.com.