Round 2 of the Ten Year War. The Buckeyes were still coping with a crushing loss to the Wolverines from the year before in a game that tipped off the war itself. This game was also extremely important to the history and legacy of the Ten Year War because, without an OSU victory, it is possible that the series could have been too much of a one-sided affair to be called a "war." Fortunately, at least for the sake of this tremendous piece of history, the Buckeyes picked up their first win in the Ten Year War, though it wasn't so fortunate for Michigan fans.
Background:
The rivalry was really kicked into gear heading into the 1970 season because of the huge upset the Wolverines were able to pull off the previous year against OSU. This was a Wolverine team that went into the 1970 season with a lot of hype under 2nd year coach Bo Schembechler. Michigan simply dominated their opponents all the way up to their November 21st meeting with the Buckeyes, outscoring opponents 279-70.
The beginning of the Ten Year War. This is the game that not only changed the rivalry, but also changed Michigan football forever. This was certainly not the most hyped game in the Ten Year War or the closest, but it was probably the most important because of what it created and changed. Without this game, there might have never been a Ten Year War, Michigan football's dominance in the decades following, or the great legacy of Bo Schembechler.
Background:
To say Michigan had been struggling before the 1969 season would really be an understatement, especially if one is looking at the team's performance against Ohio State. Over the last nine games against OSU, Michigan had won just twice. The Wolverines had also only beaten Buckeye teams coached by Woody Hayes a total of six times in eighteen seasons. That gave Hayes a 67% winning percentage against Michigan. Very impressive for such a long tenure. The rivalry in the preceding years had been fun for Buckeye fans, but had been horrible for Michigan fans.
Round 2 of the Ten Year War. The Buckeyes were still coping with a crushing loss to the Wolverines from the year before in a game that tipped off the war itself. This game was also extremely important to the history and legacy of the Ten Year War because, without an OSU victory, it is possible that the series could have been too much of a one-sided affair to be called a "war." Fortunately, at least for the sake of this tremendous piece of history, the Buckeyes picked up their first win in the Ten Year War, though it wasn't so fortunate for Michigan fans.
