Josh Ross dismisses idea Michigan avoided Ohio State in 2020

The Game returns on Saturday after it was called off last year due to COVID-19 returns. The annual Big Ten rivalry game between Michigan and Ohio State is one of the most storied in college football. After the game was canceled last year due to COVID-19 issues within Michigan’s program, Wolverines linebacker Josh Ross has shut down the idea of Michigan dodging Ohio State.

“It’s BS to be honest with you,” Ross said of the talk about Michigan “dodging” Ohio State last year. “That’s the game we always have circled on our calendar, always want to play. And as a Michigan Wolverine, that’s a game you would die for. Honestly, BS, and it honestly doesn’t matter. This year is what matters and now is what matters.

“Not playing last year sucked, to be honest with you. It wasn’t good not playing last year. But at the end of the day, it’s now – the time is now. And last year is last year and all that’s over. It’s about right now.”

Ross: ‘We want to play that game’

Not being able to play Ohio State was frustrating for Ross and Michigan. But there is enough intrigue surrounding this year’s matchup to make up for it. Ohio State enters the weekend ranked No. 2 in the latest AP Poll, while Michigan comes in at No. 6.

The winner of ‘The Game’ will earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship, where Wisconsin awaits. But more importantly, the winner on Saturday will likely all but lock up a spot in the College Football Playoff. Both teams enter the weekend with a 10-1 record. Ohio State is 8-0 against Big Ten opponents while Michigan is 7-1.

“It definitely was frustration, for sure,” Ross said. “We want to play that game – we always want to play that game. That’s a game that’s always circled on the calendar for us as players, as coaches, and as a program. But, at the end of the day, last year’s over, that’s done. And to be honest, as players, we’re tired of talking – we’re ready to just do it. We’re ready to have a great week of preparation going into this week – attack it, have great days leading to this game, and have a great game.”

The importance surrounding this year’s game is substantial. College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit incredibly described what ‘The Game’ means to both programs this season.

“It’s like you’re sitting around and gambling or playing Blackjack,” Herbstreit said. “You put all of your chips in the middle of the table and both teams are doing that. So that’s what makes this rivalry so great when both teams are playing to get to a championship. That’s what this tradition was built on and we’re going to get a chance to see that on Saturday.”

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 12 noon ET in Ann Arbor.