Kirk Herbstreit was raised to pull for Michigan, but not against Ohio State

Kirk Herbstreit knows just how much ‘The Game’ between Ohio State and Michigan means. This year, the game is especially important as the result will have major impacts on the postseason picture. Growing up, Herbstreit was taught to cheer for Michigan on every Saturday except the one where they faced Ohio State. The Game brings back many memories for Herbstreit.

Herbstreit played college football at Ohio State, while his father also served on Ohio State’s coaching staff when he was growing up.

“The game itself, you feel the tradition when you’re playing,” Herbstreit said of the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. “The stadium is electric. There’s certain things about certain games, like for me USC and UCLA. I know it’s not a game for today’s generation. But there’s something about seeing those uniforms on the field together. It just brings back memories. And that’s how it is for Ohio State and Michigan. You see Ohio State in this case come out in their white tops and their silver pants and you just get this feeling of just, ‘Wow, here they are, on the road, here comes Michigan, they hit the banner, fight song.’ It’s like here we go.

“And when I grew up, my dad trained me to always cheer for Michigan except one Saturday out of the year and we’re (Ohio State) going to go kick the hell out of them for those 60 minutes. For me, it can’t get any better than 2006 when it was No. 1 vs. No. 2. This game, not just because of Ohio State and the playoff, but Michigan. Michigan and Jim Harbaugh at home despite the fact he hasn’t beaten Ohio State yet. Forget all that. It’s right now, this year.”

Herbstreit: Michigan, Ohio State can each go to the College Football Playoff with a win

Saturday’s game will be a pivotal one for both Ohio State and Michigan. The winner will likely be in a great position to make the College Football Playoff. Both teams enter the matchup with a 10-1 overall record. Ohio State is a perfect 8-0 in Big Ten play, while Michigan is 7-1.

“If Michigan wins, they’re going to Indianapolis,” Herbstreit said of the importance of Ohio State-Michigan this year. “They haven’t been to Indianapolis since we started doing this division thing. They’ve not been to play for the Big Ten Championship. So they have so much at stake as well. And if they win against Ohio State, they can go to the playoff potentially if they beat Wisconsin (in Indianapolis).

“It’s like you’re sitting around and gambling or playing Blackjack. 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.”