The long-standing rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is one of college football’s most celebrated traditions, steeped in history and intense competition. For decades, “The Game” has been a pinnacle moment for both teams and their fanbases. But something has shifted in recent years, and it’s starting to show.
Michigan has defeated Ohio State four times in a row—a feat that has stunned many and shaken the confidence of Buckeye supporters. This winning streak is more than just a series of games won or lost; it has become a psychological blow to Ohio State’s fanbase, one that is proving difficult to recover from.
Outside the stadiums, this shift is most visible in the reactions of Ohio State fans themselves. Instead of rallying and doubling down on their pride, some have taken to denial. Claims that “The Game doesn’t matter anymore” are cropping up, echoing from forums, social media, and message boards where Buckeye fans typically gather.
This is a remarkable turn of events because for years, “The Game” was more than just a rivalry; it was a defining moment of the season. But now, for some Ohio State supporters, it’s as if the rivalry has lost its meaning. This attitude, born from frustration and disappointment, reveals how deeply Michigan’s recent success has affected the fanbase.
One particularly telling example is a fan who crossed out every “M” in his username—a symbolic act of disdain—while simultaneously claiming the rivalry no longer holds significance. The contradiction is glaring: this fan clearly cares deeply, yet claims apathy, highlighting the internal conflict many feel.
Moreover, some Ohio State fans have fixated on Michigan’s potential national championship being vacated—a scenario that isn’t happening—rather than focusing on Ohio State’s own chances at winning it all in 2024. This misplaced focus suggests that denial isn’t just about avoiding loss; it’s about rewriting the narrative to cope with it.
Despite Ohio State’s national title win in recent years, the one thing they haven’t been able to do is beat Michigan. This fact, visible to all, is still hard for many Buckeyes to accept. It has created a rift between what fans want to believe and what the scoreboard shows.
The refusal to accept this reality and the resort to conspiracy theories and accusations of “cheating” from Michigan fans further underline the frustration. It’s a classic response when pride is wounded—a way to preserve dignity by discrediting the opponent rather than acknowledging their dominance.
However, denial is rarely sustainable. As the losses mount, it becomes increasingly difficult for Ohio State fans to ignore the truth. Michigan’s football program has not only won games but has also broken the spirit of their biggest rival’s supporters, at least for now.
There is hope, of course. Rivalries are cyclical, and the tides will shift again. Ohio State has a storied history of bouncing back from adversity. But until then, the current state of denial and frustration among Buckeye fans paints a stark picture of how deep Michigan’s impact has been.
Ultimately, this rivalry is about more than just football—it’s about pride, tradition, and identity. For now, Michigan holds the upper hand, and Ohio State fans must reckon with the reality that their beloved team’s supremacy in “The Game” is no longer guaranteed.
Until the Buckeyes can turn the tide, expect the denial, frustration, and bizarre narratives to continue. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s also a sign of just how much this rivalry still means—even when some fans say it doesn’t.