Ohio State’s recent national championship victory has elicited a range of reactions from the Michigan community, encompassing players, alumni, and fans. Despite the Buckeyes’ 34-23 win over Notre Dame to secure the title, Michigan supporters find solace in their team’s fourth consecutive triumph over Ohio State during the regular season.
Player and Alumni Responses:
Derrick Moore, Michigan’s edge rusher, expressed indifference on social media, stating, “Nobody cares😂😂😂”
TJ Guy, another edge rusher, alluded to Michigan’s dominance, tweeting, “you know what it is when we link up😂”
Taylor Lewan, former Michigan left tackle, acknowledged the Buckeyes’ achievement while emphasizing the Big Ten’s strength, posting, “Congrats to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The National Championship stays in the Big Ten!!”
Jourdan Lewis, former Michigan cornerback, criticized the expanded playoff format, tweeting, “This 12 team playoff is a fail. It’s not because Ostate made it either.”
Fan Perspectives:
The Michigan fanbase exhibits mixed emotions regarding Ohio State’s success. Some fans, like Raj Vashi and Ben Freedman, express discontent, humorously suggesting a preference for a neutral outcome over either rival’s victory. Others, such as Chandler Simonds III, find comfort in Michigan’s recent wins against Ohio State, regardless of the Buckeyes’ national title.
Media Analysis:
The national media has highlighted the complexities of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry in light of the expanded College Football Playoff. A recent SB Nation Reacts survey revealed a nearly even split among fans on whether the 12-team playoff diminishes the significance of the rivalry, with 48% affirming it does. Despite this, the annual matchup remains a focal point for both programs.
In summary, while Ohio State’s national championship is a notable achievement, the Michigan community remains steadfast in its pride over recent victories against their archrival, underscoring the enduring intensity of this storied rivalry.
