By Darin 
The 1971 installment of “The Game” in Ann Arbor was more than just a clash of titans; it was a high-stakes chapter in the burgeoning “Ten Year War.” No. 3 Michigan entered the rivalry undefeated, aiming for their first unblemished regular season since 1948. Facing an underdog Ohio State team led by the fiery Woody Hayes, the game unfolded as a defensive grind, defined by sudden momentum swings and one of the most dramatic final minutes in college football history. This low-scoring affair, a 10-7 battle, remains a perfect snapshot of the intense rivalry that defined the 1970s Big Ten landscape.
The Game
The scoreboard held tight, with neither powerhouse giving an inch, until the third quarter, when Ohio State stunned the massive crowd. Buckeyes returner Tom Campana electrified Michigan Stadium, sprinting 85 yards for a spectacular punt return touchdown, giving the visitors a precarious 7-3 lead. Time began to run out on Michigan’s perfect season, but the Wolverines, led by coach Bo Schembechler, mounted a desperate drive in the fourth quarter.
With just 2:07 left on the clock, running back Bill Taylor took a pitch on a key play and scampered 21 yards into the end zone. The crucial touchdown gave Michigan a 10-7 lead and capped an 11-play, 72-yard drive that sealed their fate as the Big Ten champions.
The dramatic conclusion, however, was cemented not by a touchdown but by a tirade. Michigan’s Tom Darden secured the game-clinching interception, a play that sent Woody Hayes into a now-infamous sideline meltdown. Hayes earned two 15-yard penalties and, in a fit of rage, tore a down marker to shreds on the field, adding unforgettable bedlam to an already emotional victory. The Wolverines finished 11-0 in the regular season, a feat only achievable through heart and late-game heroics.
Conclusion
The 1971 Michigan victory over Ohio State is remembered not just for the perfect 10-0 regular season it delivered for the Wolverines, but for the sheer spectacle of the rivalry’s passion. Billy Taylor’s late heroics and Thom Darden’s sealing interception delivered the Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. At the same time, Woody Hayes’ sideline antics became the lasting visual footnote of a rivalry that rarely disappoints. It stands as a pivotal win and a true Michigan classic.
Article from Nov 21, 1971 Springfield News-Sun (Springfield, Ohio)