By Darin 
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is arguably the fiercest in all of sports, but on November 18, 2006, it transcended rivalry and became a historical clash. For the first time ever, “The Game” featured the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams, creating a single-elimination playoff before the playoffs even existed. What unfolded in Columbus was an offensive masterpiece, a dramatic emotional struggle, and a contest that fans still debate almost two decades later.
The atmosphere was electric, yet also heavy with emotion. Just a day prior, legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler had passed away, adding a profound layer of grief and motivation to the high stakes. The winner would not only claim Big Ten supremacy and bragging rights but an automatic ticket to the BCS National Championship. Ohio State, led by Heisman-favorite quarterback Troy Smith, came out firing on all cylinders.
The Buckeyes’ offense proved unstoppable, accumulating a massive 503 total yards of offense. Smith delivered a Heisman-clinching performance, slicing through the Wolverines’ defense for four crucial touchdowns. While Ohio State held a commanding lead for much of the afternoon, Michigan fought back with heart, turning the contest into a tense, high-scoring affair. The Wolverines mounted a fierce late-game rally, nearly overcoming the deficit in a stunning display of resolve, but ultimately fell short. The final score: Ohio State 42, Michigan 39.
Ohio State’s Pittman run 2006 19 Nov 2006, Sun The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) Newspapers.com
The Buckeyes celebrated a monumental victory, securing their spot in the title game. But the drama didn’t end there. Because the Wolverines played so competitively, losing only by three points to the consensus No. 1 team, there was a strong public and internal argument from Ann Arbor that they deserved a rematch in the BCS National Championship. This call for a rematch was a testament to how excellent, dramatic, and closely contested this single game truly was, forever cementing the 2006 clash as a perfect, unforgettable encapsulation of college football’s greatest rivalry.