College Football: 25 most unforgettable games of the 21st century
By Phil Poling
No. 19: Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 18, 2006
With a rivalry that’s simply referred to as, “The Game,” the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes sure do have a handful of classics to flip through just in the 21st century. In their 2006 matchup, both teams entered the game with identical 11-0 records and a trip to a BCS National Championship on the line. Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in the country; Michigan was No. 2.
Each team scored on their opening possession, Michigan on the ground and Ohio State through the air. But then, the second quarter happened. Other than an Adrian Arrington touchdown catch, the only thing Michigan offense could do was punt the ball. Ohio State capitalized on the created possessions, scoring three second-quarter touchdowns to push its halftime lead to 28-14.
Mike Hart continued to rumble for Michigan, adding two more goal-line touchdowns in the second half, to go along with his earlier score. The Wolverines’ defense turned the Buckeyes over three times in the second half, too, but Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith and the Buckeyes’ running game were just too much to handle.
Michigan got within three points after a touchdown and two-point conversion, but a failed onside kick attempt and allowing a first down sealed the Buckeyes’ ticket to the 2007 BCS National Championship.
Smith led the way for the Buckeyes with 316 yards and four touchdowns on 29 completions. Running backs Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells combined for nearly 200 rushing yards, in addition to their one touchdown apiece. This win pitted Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes in the BCS National Championship against Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators.