What I’ll remember from my first Ohio State vs. Michigan football experience: Stefan Krajisnik

Posted by author December 1, 2024 Football

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fans’ voices were echoing through the visiting tunnel as I made my way to the Ohio Stadium field last week.

Ohio State football was wrapping up its win against Indiana as I walked from the press box elevator to the turf. Typically in games already decided, that fourth-quarter stroll is accompanied by murmurs of fans making their way out of the stadium.

That wasn’t the case last week. Instead, the tune of the crowd singing in unison provided a soundtrack for the downhill walk.

We don’t give a damn for the whole state of Michigan…

The was my first, “Oh, snap” moment of the rivalry. A week before covering The Game for the first time, I got a glimpse into how quickly the focus in Columbus shifts to Michigan.

The Buckeyes were wrapping up a top-five win, but attention had already turned to rivalry week. It set the tone for Saturday – my first time experiencing The Game.

There’s no such thing as rent free in The Game

There’s this thing in rivalries that I hate: The term, “rent free.”

If a fan gets caught thinking or talking about their rival, they’re accused of letting that rival live rent free. Isn’t the point of a rivalry to hate the opponent and work to beat them?

That’s what I quickly learned to love about Ohio State vs. Michigan. Throughout the offseason and regular season, the Buckeyes weren’t ashamed to admit that they worked each day to eventually beat Michigan.

That’s real hate.

When game day arrived, the hatred was even more evident. Words were exchanged throughout the game. Fans in the student section were jawing at Michigan’s players – even kicker/punter Tommy Doman while he harmlessly went through his pregame warm-ups.

Ohio State and Michigan aren’t afraid to live rent free in each other’s heads. That makes for a strong rivalry.

Ohio State vs. Michigan did get ugly, though

The hatred got extreme after Michigan’s win – leading to an ugly scene. The Wolverines tried to plant a flag on Ohio State’s turf, and the Buckeyes weren’t happy about it.

Fights broke out and law enforcement got involved. On the concourse, fans were leaving the stadium in handcuffs.

While unacceptable, the emotions showed the deeper meaning embedded in the rivalry.

Ohio State’s hatred for Michigan isn’t simply about a scoreboard. It’s not only rooted in hate. It’s tied to each side identifying strongly with their school.

Michigan’s players wanted to cement themselves as the powerful program, and they wanted to do so by planting their flag. Ohio State’s players, even in defeat, felt a sense of pride for their side and wanted to defend their brand.

Did things escalate too far? Yes.

But it serves as an important reminder. No matter how much the college football landscape changes, Ohio State vs. Michigan will remain a powerful rivalry.