Perfection and The Game

Ohio State and Michigan first squared off in 1897, and have played each other every year (more or less) since 1918. But it wasn't until 1935 that The Game was moved to the end of each year's schedule and became the climax that would define each team's season. Whether the teams are ranked #1 and #2, like in 2006, or enter at 3-4-1 and 3-5, like in 1959, The Game is a one game season all its own.

In some years, however, The Game is the crown jewel topping an otherwise flawless season for one or both teams. And there's nothing more excruciating than seeing your rival kneecap you on the precipice of perfection. But what has The Game looked like for the Buckeye and Wolverine teams blessed with otherwise immaculate regular seasons? Apropos of nothing (as there is still plenty of meaningful football to be played between now and zero hour), let's take a look.

Since 1935, Michigan has put its perfect record on the line against Ohio State nine times, in 1947, 1948, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 (what a streak!), 1997, and 2006. The Wolverines are 4-4-1 in these games, including a 3-0-1 mark in Ann Arbor and a 1-4-0 record in Columbus. Notably, UM parlayed victories into national championships in 1947, 1948, and 1997 (kind of).

In the same timespan, Ohio State has brought a perfect record into the Michigan game fifteen times, in 1944, 1954, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, 1979, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2013, and 2019. The Buckeyes are 11-3-1 in these games, including a 7-1-0 mark in Columbus and a 4-2-1 record in Ann Arbor. OSU was able to ride wins over the Wolverines to national titles in 1954, 1968, 1970 (kind of), and 2002.

As you may have noticed, both teams entered The Game with perfect records on three separate occasions:

• 1970: #5 Ohio State defeated #4 Michigan 20-9
• 1973: #1 Ohio State tied #4 Michigan 10-10
• 2006: #1 Ohio State defeated #2 Michigan 42-39

The only road team to ever knock off an undefeated Ohio State or Michigan in The Game was the Wolverines, in their colossal 13-9 upset of #2 Ohio State in 1996.

Go Bucks. Beat Blue. Whether either team is undefeated or not.