Tag: Ohio State vs. Michigan

WATCH: Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann previews Michigan hoops game

Ohio State and Michigan are set for a top-five battle Sunday. Buckeye head coach Chris Holtmann met with the media to preview the matchup.

Ohio State and Michigan are about to embark on one of the most anticipated regular-season basketball games in recent memory between the two programs. The rivalry may not be as heated and revered as the one on the football field, but anytime scarlet and gray meets maize and blue, even in tiddlywinks or euchre, the Buckeyes want to beat the Wolverines and vice versa. In fact with no football game this year, this may actually be known as The (one and only) Game.

There’s a lot on the line for the game on Sunday. It’s two top-five opponents, and a win would give one team an upper hand towards a regular-season Big Ten championship. There are still some big games to go, and Illinois will also have a say in it all, but there’s no understating how important this one is.

Head coach Chris Holtmann knows that. So do the players on both teams. The OSU head man met with the media on a Zoom call Friday to discuss what he sees from Michigan, the state of his team, and the buildup of this one.

In case you missed any of his comments, we’ve got the full press conference for your viewing pleasure. Click on the below link and head on over to our YouTube Channel to listen to it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AhsdWsLsqY

Ohio State and Michigan do battle on Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS. Sounds like a date with some pizza, your favorite beverage, and a DVR to me.

We’ll have more on this game through the next couple of days, so stay with us here at Buckeyes Wire.

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Michigan announces contract extension for head coach Jim Harbaugh

It finally happened. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has officially signed a contract extension to remain in Ann Arbor.

Pop the champaign Ohio State fans, Jim Harbaugh is staying on at Michigan as the head coach in Ann Arbor. That’s right, according to a release from the Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel Friday, Harbaugh has officially signed a contract extension.

Here’s the full release from those folks “up north:”

“I continue to believe that Jim is the right man to lead our program in pursuit of Big Ten and CFP championships,” said Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics in a statement. “Our program didn’t achieve at a level that anyone expected this year, but I know those setbacks will drive the coaches, players and staff moving forward. Jim is a tireless worker and competitor. Following the completion of the season we talked for many hours on what it will take for Jim to lead and get us back on the right trajectory.

“Jim loves the University of Michigan and this football program. He has been committed to this university, athletic department and football program since his days as a player and returning in 2015 as the head coach. He wants to do everything possible to build a championship football team while graduating our student-athletes. We all need to do our part to continue to help in that pursuit as it takes everyone pulling the same direction to have a championship level program.”

Jim Harbaugh also reacted with a statement of his own in the release.

“My thanks to Athletic Director Warde Manuel for the trust that he has shown in allowing me to continue to coach the University of Michigan football team, and to President Mark Schlissel and the Board of Regents for their on-going support,” said Harbaugh. “My additional thanks to Doug Gnodtke, our football staff and those departments on campus who continue to support our mission. Over the past few weeks, Warde and I had discussions that have been honest, open, insightful and constructive in moving our football program forward. Discussions that I look forward to continuing over the months and years ahead. We have a plan.

“There is work to be done and challenges to be addressed. These challenges are being addressed as we continue to strive for excellence in the classroom and championships on the field, a message that I hope is noted in the language of our agreed-upon contract.

“Thanks to our University of Michigan players and their families who have placed their trust in our program and our goals. All our energy and focus is directed toward laying an outstanding foundation for the 2021 football season.”

It’s no secret Harbaugh has an uphill climb to get the Wolverine program to where all those that put their confidence in him thought he’d take it. Under his lead, Michigan has just a 49-22 overall record, and a 34-16 record in the Big Ten. While that’s great for a lot of places, it’s not where many Michigan men would like things to be.

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Also noteworthy is the fact that Harbaugh is 0-5 against Ohio State, 3-3 against Michigan State, 1-4 in bowl games, and 1-8 against top ten teams.

In some ways, it’s refreshing to see a program continue to show faith in a process with a coach and give him a longer leash. On the flip side of the coin, it feels like the Wolverines have come to grips with the reality that they just aren’t able to do much better.

I for one root for Michigan to get its act back together so that things build back into a frenzy for the rivalry with Ohio State, but it’s hard to see any momentum towards that with this news. Harbaugh is currently in the process of making wholesale changes on his staff, so we’ll keep an eye on that as well.

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LOOK. Ohio State subtly trolls rumors about Jim Harbaugh pending contract extension on Twitter

The Ohio State football Twitter account subtly dunked on Michigan and Jim Harbaugh on pending contract extension news.

It’s been quite the week for the Ohio State football team. It finally got the Clemson monkey off its back in a semifinal of the College Football Playoff in the Sugar Bowl, and now is prepping for the national championship game against Alabama.

In addition to that though, news seems to be swirling about Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh being close to a contract extension in Ann Arbor. And why is that good news? You and I both know why. Harbaugh has yet to beat Ohio State in five tries, and in fact, the divide seems to be growing with each of the last two games begin of the blowout variety. Many believe that as long as he’s at Michigan, the Buckeyes will continue to have the upper hand on their arch-rival.

And it’s hard to disagree with that. Especially seeing how Harbaugh was hired as the savior of the program and has absolutely nothing to believe the program is on track to be anywhere close to equal footing with OSU. The lack of wins against top-ten opponents, bowl games, and big games are well-chronicled.

So, it should be no surprise then that when the news of a continuing this marriage was shared by a tweet from Bleacher Report, the Ohio State Football Twitter account gave it a like.

There is in your face overt trolling, and then there is an under the covers covert troll. Consider this the latter. It’s a well-done, and well-timed dunk on the Wolverines yet again.

We’ll be on top of any official word on making this official, and we’ll also be watching for the reaction from Buckeye Nation because you can bet your bottom dollar it’ll be a celebratory moment on the banks of the Olentangy.

 

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Ohio State punter Drue Chrisman has some fun at Michigan’s expense

Ohio State punter Drue Chrisman had a hilarious and master troll level response to a proposed punt off with Michigan in lieu of The Game.

We were all disappointed at the news that The Game between Ohio State and Michigan was canceled. This will be the first time in over a hundred years that the annual rivalry game won’t be played. And the fans aren’t the only ones disappointed.

Ohio State punter, Drue Chrisman, has long been a fan favorite on Twitter for his viral videos and witty tweets. After finding out the game was canceled, Chrisman lamented about needing that “fifth pair” referring to the gold pants Ohio State players are given upon beating Michigan. Chrisman who is a fifth-year senior already has four pairs of gold pants in his trophy cabinet.

Michigan punter Brad Robbins caught wind of Chrisman’s tweet and jokingly challenged him to a “punt-off”. Never one to miss an opportunity to troll the Wolverines, Chrisman responded in kind.

“Probably wasn’t getting a chance to punt this weekend so ya I’m down,” Chrisman tweeted.

What a great response! Ohio State fans will definitely miss Drue Chrisman’s pinpoint accuracy in burying opposing teams inside the five-yard line, but thankfully his social media presence will live on.

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Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel believes Ohio State should be in the Big Ten Championship Game

Michigan AD Warde Manuel campaigned for Ohio State Tuesday. He believes OSU should be allowed to play in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Even Ohio State football’s arch-nemesis believes the Buckeyes should be able to represent the Big Ten’s East division in the conference championship game.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel spoke to the media after ‘The Game’ was officially canceled and actually campaigned publicly for Ohio State on several fronts. He believes that this year, moreso than any other, the confernece should remain flexible and be willing to re-address things that were decided months ago in the face of the pandemic. That would of course include allowing the Buckeyes to compete in the Big Ten Championship Game despite falling one-game short of the six-game minimum to be eligible to go to Indy.

“We made decisions months ago now about six-out-of-eight games, not knowing where this pandemic would take us,” Manuel said. “We were all hoping to play all eight games. And like we have done on the medical subcommittee, which I sit on, and throughout this process, we have discussed, we have adjusted, we have changed.”

“I don’t believe that anybody — Ohio State or any other team — should just be punished for decisions we made by looking at eight games and saying we should play six, and not knowing the effects of what happens to them and their team versus what others because of what happens to our team affects them. I would be open, and I think the conference would be open, to having a discussion about whether or not we should make adjustments, whether or not schedules should be adjusted to get Ohio State enough games to play six, or to play the championship with five.

“But I don’t think we should just hunker down and say, ‘Well, we said six, so that should be it,’ Manuel continued. “I think they deserve, the conversation deserves to happen, to see if we could have any adjustments made. Because this is unprecedented times for everybody, and we need to make sure that we are flexible and able to move and make decisions based off the data that we have.”

Manuel went further and even categorized Ohio State as one of the four best teams in the country and believes that Michigan’s decision to cancel the game this weekend shouldn’t have a bearing on the Buckeyes’ inclusion in the College Football Playoff.

“I just want to make it clear: I think Ohio State is one of the top four teams in this country, deserves the opportunity and the conversation about their success this season, and would be a great representative to the College Football Playoff, if they are chosen,” Manuel said. “So it is, for me, that’s where I stand, and I’m gonna work with my colleagues in the Big Ten and Commissioner Warren to help make the best decision for us moving forward.”

So there you have it. Even Michigan wants Ohio State to have a shot at winning some hardware in 2020. If the Wolverines are in this camp, who can be against the Buckeyes? Well, we can think of one team, Indiana. Right now, under the current policy, the Hoosiers would represent the East in Indianapolis despite losing to OSU a few weeks ago. But even that has few legs to stand on.

If you’re keeping score, so far two athletic directors have come to the aid publicly for Ohio State when it comes to changing the eligibility policy. Barry Alvarez of Wisconsin, and now Manuel at Michigan.

It probably won’t take long to hear something on this either. The Big Ten has already released a statement that seems to be open to adjusting things for the Buckeyes, and there is a meeting scheduled for tomorrrow morning that was already on the books between Big Ten athletic directors. You can bet this topic will come up, and be addressed fairly quickly.

Stay tuned to Buckeyes Wire and we’ll have anything that comes out of that meeting in the morning.

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Big Ten statement on Ohio State vs. Michigan cancellation provides a glimmer of hope

The Big Ten issued a statement on the cancellation of Ohio State vs. Michigan. It seemed to open the door to some flexibility for OSU.

By now, you are fully aware that we won’t be able to watch the artistry of college football that is the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. It has been officially canceled because of rising positive coronavirus results within the Wolverine program, and it means the Buckeyes will be idle this week unless there is a shell game of sorts that can somehow get OSU into another game at the eleventh hour.

If not, it’s going to be up to the Big Ten to change the policy of a team needing to play six games to be eligible for the Big Ten Championship Game.

On that note, the Big Ten released a statement acknowledging the cancellation and what it means going forward. I would take it as an encouraging sign, with the knowledge that there’s still some work to do with the conference’s athletic directors and other suits.

From the Big Ten:

“We are aware of the cancellation of the football game between the University of Michigan and The Ohio State University this weekend.”

“The decision was made today by the University of Michigan because of an increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and student-athletes in quarantine over the past week. Michigan made its determination after conversations with medical experts, health department officials, and university administration.”

“We are in unprecedented times. The health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, campuses and the surrounding communities remains the number one priority of the conference and its member institutions.”

“The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most important rivalries in all of sports. The conference shares the disappointment of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, partners and fans. The conference is committed to transparency and will continue to collaborate with its member institution stakeholders to determine Big Ten Football Championship Game participation requirements as well as tiebreakers.”

I would stay tuned on this. It sure sounds like the conference is going to try and make this right for the benefit of its best team to have a shot to play in the Big Ten Championship Game, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

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Ohio State releases Michigan trailer despite game being canceled

Instead of holding the trailer for the Michigan game, the Ohio State creative team released it on the tails of The Game being canceled.

The Game between Ohio State and Michigan has been shelved for the first time since 1918 because of a coronavirus outbreak within the Wolverine program. One of the greatest rivalries in all of American Sport, and an event that typically transcends life itself is a product of where things are with a pandemic that has gripped this country and is still causing tragedy and chaos around the globe.

And while we won’t see scarlet and gray mixed in with maize and blue with the backdrop of a gray sky in the Midwest chill this year, it didn’t stop the Ohio State football team from dropping the trailer it put together for this year’s grudge match.

All of these trailers the OSU creative team puts together are well worth the short watch, but this one is especially gripping and heart-pumping. If you haven’t seen it, we’ve got it for you thanks to the Ohio State football Twitter account.

Click on the below and get ready to feel this thing pulse through your veins.

We can’t wait to see Ohio State and Michigan matchup again next year.

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BREAKING: The Game between Ohio State and Michigan canceled

The Game between Ohio State and Michigan has officially been canceled because of the Michigan program’s status with its coronavirus outbreak.

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“The Game” this Saturday between Ohio State and Michigan has been canceled according to an official release from the University of Michigan Tuesday.

There was growing optimism that one of the greatest rivalries in all of American sports would be able to be played as Michigan returned to the practice field in a limited scope on Monday, but it does not appear as though the Wolverines program will be in good enough shape with its coronavirus outbreak to be able to travel to Columbus to participate in the traditional game that transcends American sports culture.

For Ohio State, this now puts its eligibility for the Big Ten Championship in peril. It will only have played five games, one game short of the six-game policy to be eligible to head to Indianapolis outlined by the conference in its return to play plan.

“The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days,” said Warde Manuel, U-M’s Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics in a statement. “We have not been cleared to participate in practice at this time. Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close-contact individuals. This decision is disappointing for our team and coaches but their health and safety is paramount, and it will always come first in our decision-making.”

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This will be the first time since 1918 that Ohio State and Michigan will not meet during the regular season, truly signaling a sign of where things are with a global pandemic.

We’ll have more on this developing story as it is made available.

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Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

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Ohio State vs. Michigan Enemy Territory preview. Get to know the Wolverines

Ohio State hosts Michigan this Saturday and the Wolverines are having a tough year. Here’s all you need to know about That Team Up North.

Before every game, we provide a preview of Ohio State football’s opponent for the upcoming week. It’s only originally an eight-game slate to the regular season, but we’ve seen the coronavirus wreak havoc on that as well, so the best OSU can do is six-games. Still, there’s plenty to talk about, especially since The Game is on the doorstep.

We try to refrain from typing the name of that team that shall not be mentioned, but it’s an article and our journalistic integrity says we have to type it from time to time. Nevertheless, we toss all of that aside and can at least cross out all the m‘s in this piece.

So, if you want to impress your friends while watching The Game, we’ve got your cheat code right here. We do the research, you drop nuggets. You win on Saturdays. It’s as simple as that.

Ohio State’s sixth (we hope) game of the year is against a That Team Up North, a team that looked pretty impressive in a blowout win over Minnesota in Week 1, but since then has remembered it is indeed the Michigan program of today.

Here’s all you need to know about Michigan, the sad but true 2020 version.

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Next … Michigan all-time vitals

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6

Ohio State vs. Michigan Enemy Territory preview. Get to know the Wolverines

Ohio State hosts Michigan this Saturday and the Wolverines are having a tough year. Here’s all you need to know about That Team Up North.

Before every game, we provide a preview of Ohio State football’s opponent for the upcoming week. It’s only originally an eight-game slate to the regular season, but we’ve seen the coronavirus wreak havoc on that as well, so the best OSU can do is six-games. Still, there’s plenty to talk about, especially since The Game is on the doorstep.

We try to refrain from typing the name of that team that shall not be mentioned, but it’s an article and our journalistic integrity says we have to type it from time to time. Nevertheless, we toss all of that aside and can at least cross out all the m‘s in this piece.

So, if you want to impress your friends while watching The Game, we’ve got your cheat code right here. We do the research, you drop nuggets. You win on Saturdays. It’s as simple as that.

Ohio State’s sixth (we hope) game of the year is against a That Team Up North, a team that looked pretty impressive in a blowout win over Minnesota in Week 1, but since then has remembered it is indeed the Michigan program of today.

Here’s all you need to know about Michigan, the sad but true 2020 version.

[lawrence-related id=41885]

Next … Michigan all-time vitals

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6