Urban Meyer shares his favorite memory of 'The Game'
Urban Meyer understands better than most exactly what makes “The Game” such a storied rivalry in college football. The former Ohio State coach was one the sidelines for seven rivalry grudge matches against Michigan, winning every single one.
With the Buckeyes and Wolverines set to meet on Saturday in a game where OSU can punch its ticket to the Big Ten Championship, Meyer reminisced on his favorite memory from the rivalry. He chose a 2016 double overtime matchup that receiver Curtis Samuel clinched with a touchdown.
“There’s two. One is when I’m on the sideline for the first time and I see the maize and blue across from me and I actually had a moment like, ‘What in the hell? You’re actually doing this,'” Meyer said on The Triple Option podcast. “But the greatest moment that I’ve ever experienced is when Curtis Samuel crossed the goal line in double overtime.
“That was the hardest game I ever coached. Their defense was loaded. That was the Jabrill Peppers group that had NFL players everywhere. It was rugged. We had to drive it the length of the field twice in the fourth quarter to tie that things up and make a chip shot field goal. Then we won in overtime. JT Barrett had the first down and Curtis Samuel scored. So that was a great moment.”
Ohio State kicked a field goal with one second left in regulation to force overtime in that game. It would go on finish 11-2 that season after losing in the Fiesta Bowl. However, its dominance of Michigan under Meyer is something that hasn’t been seen in the past few seasons.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Jim Larranaga
Miami HC set to step down
- 2New
CFP selection process
Urban Meyer predicts changes
- 3
National Championship odds
Updated odds are in
- 4
LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina QB signs NIL deal to return
- 5Hot
CFP home games
Steve Spurrier calls for change
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
In fact, the Buckeyes enter this game having lost each of the past three contests against the Wolverines. Ryan Day, who is Meyer’s successor, is only 1-3 in “The Game.”
Ohio State will have a chance to get its revenge for those losses and make the Big Ten Championship. Regardless of what happens, however, they seem to be a lock to earn a College Football Playoff bid at this point.
Kickoff between the Buckeyes and Wolverines is set for noon ET on Saturday and the game will be televised on FOX.