Since the turn of the century, the Ohio State Buckeyes have beaten the Michigan Wolverines 17 times (one win was vacated). There have been some great wins in that period, and there have been some that were not quite as memorable –– at least to me. Every rivalry win is great, of course. But of those 17 wins, some stand out more than others. So, which five wins do I think were the best of the last 25 years? Let's break them down.
No. 5 - 2018: Ohio State 62, Michigan 39
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Parris Campbell Jr. (21) scores a rushing touchdown against Michigan Wolverines in the 4th quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 24, 2018.Michigan came into this game with a Big Ten Championship Game appearance and its first College Football Playoff bid on the line. Ohio State came in after an embarrassing loss to Purdue had ended its Playoff hopes. The Buckeyes, led by Dwayne Haskins, put up an offensive explosion that Michigan couldn't match in the second half, leading to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth. The Purdue loss ruined that season for Ohio State, but ruining Michigan's season in return made up for it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNo. 4 - 2001: Ohio State 26, Michigan 20
Ohio State's Jonathan Wells (28) scores a touchdown past University of Michigan's Anthony Jordan (L-28) and Cato June (2) in the first quarter November 24, 2001 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. REUTERS/John C. Hillery RC/SVThis game wasn't overly memorable as games go. Nor was the season. But it was an important signal of a new era. The John Cooper era ended after 13 seasons in which he only beat Michigan twice (and tied once). Jim Tressel was the new coach in town, and he got his tenure off to the right start. Buckeye fans knew that better times were coming when he upset a favored Michigan team in his first attempt.
No. 3 - 2013: Ohio State 42, Michigan 41
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) scores a running touchdown against Michigan Wolverines defensive back Raymon Taylor (6) in the 3rd quarter of their college football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 30, 2013.This one is always near the top of my list for two reasons: First of all, it was an incredible game. Frustrating for Buckeyes fans, blowing a huge lead in the fourth quarter, but as football games go, it was special. What makes it so memorable for me, though, is the reason the whole college football world forgot it. Later that evening, Auburn would upset Alabama in the "kick Six" game –– one of the all-time greatest endings to a college football contest. That was, objectively, a more entertaining ending. But the Buckeyes spent all season as the third undefeated team behind Florida State and Alabama.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAuburn winning that football game that evening opened up a spot for Ohio State in the national championship Game. The Buckeyes wouldn't get there, since they would lose to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game. But all I could think about while Chris Davis was running that kick back was that it was going to send the Buckeyes to the natty. And that only happened because Tyvus Powell picked off Devin Gardner a few hours prior.
No. 2 - 2016: Ohio State 30, Michigan 27 (2OT)
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines cornerback Channing Stribling (8) in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY SportsThe last two games on this list need no description, but I'll describe them anyway. Ohio State and Michigan came into this one fighting for a Playoff spot. And it took two overtimes to figure out which one it would be. Forget the whole game –– the second overtime alone had a lifetime of memorable moments. From J.T. Barrett barely converting 4th and 1 (don't tell Michigan fans about that) to Curtis Samuel's outstretched arms in the end zone, this game was an instant classic.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNo. 1 - 2006: Ohio State 42, Michigan 39
Nov 18, 2006; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back (25) Antonio Pittman runs against Michigan Wolverines cornerback (14) Morgan Trent at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes beat the Wolverines 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports © copyright Matthew EmmonsLike the game above it, this one was followed by a disappointing missed opportunity at a national championship. But the game itself more than made the season. The Buckeyes built a big lead in the second quarter and held onto it through a furious Michigan rally. Troy Smith got his third win over the Wolverines (at the time a rarity), and the Buckeyes went on to the BCS National Championship Game.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: 5 best Ohio State wins over Michigan this century
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