OH - IO.....

Oh. We don't give a damn
about the whole state of Michigan,
the whole state of Michigan,
the whole state of Michigan.
We don't give a damn about
the whole state of Michigan
'cuz we're from O-HI-O !

The rivalry between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan goes well beyond football. It goes well beyond sports. It goes way beyond a college rivalry. This rivalry is not only the greatest in college football, it may be the greatest in sports!

But how did that happen? Why do otherwise normal people get involved when this game is played? Could more than football be involved? It could be that a little known armed conflict between Ohio and Michigan are the genesis of the rivalry.

Back in 1835 there was a dispute between the two states about the border that led to the Toledo War. Both sides claimed sovereignty over an area known as the Toledo Strip. The States raised militias and sent them to the banks of the Maumee River. This led to insults and taunting between the two sides. (Actually, the taunting and insults continue to this day.) Shots were fired into the air, but there were no casualties. In 1835 Congress proposed a solution where Toledo was given to Ohio, and in return the Upper Peninsula was given to Michigan. At first Michigan resisted, but President Andrew Jackson applied the pressure and an agreement was reached.

For years people have debated which state got the better deal. The UP was a great source of timber and minerals. But not very many people live there even today. In fact, There was a movement for the UP to secede from Michigan and join Wisconsin.

Maybe bitter feelings about this conflict run deep. How else can you explain the strength of this rivalry. The two schools have met 112 times with Michigan having the edge 58-48-6. For the last few decades the two football programs have been among the best in the Big 10 Conference, and the nation.

Bo and Woody
Legendary coaches have fueled the rivalry. Ohio's Woody Hayes reportedly ran out of gas on a recruiting trip inside Michigan, but refused to buy gas until he crossed the state line. He and Michigan coach Bo Schembechler waged a 10 year war for dominance. No Michigan player under Bo left the school without at least one championship ring.

Other coaches have felt the pressure, and were found wanting. Former OSU coach John Cooper was a fine coach that had a poor record against UM. Sorry, John. Michigan recently has employed numerous coaches trying to regain dominance against OSU. So far, no luck.



Brutus rides on Buckeye Nation.
Presently, the Ohio State coach is Urban Meyer, a master recruiter and leader, He has won multiple national championships. He refuses to even say the word Michigan. He refers to them as "The Team Up North", or TTUN. The U of M now employes the neurotic Jim Harbaugh as coach. A UM alum, he has improved the program, but so far no luck against OSU.

Yesterday the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines 30-27 in double overtime. An instant classic. Over 110,000 witnessed it at the Horseshoe in Columbus. So the last 5 games have gone to Ohio.

Maybe the Toledo War is long over and settled. But people in this area still fight for bragging rights.

By the way. do you know how to compliment a girl from Michigan?
Just tell her, "Nice tooth!"

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