CFB: Revenge; It's A Timing Thing

Ohio State vs Michigan. THE Game. A rivalry so intense it doesn’t need some little pet nickname like; The Iron Bowl, the Red River Rivalry, or The Backyard Brawl. Just simply put, it’s “The Game.” The Ohio State Buckeyes were running off one of the best stretches in the rivalry’s history, then the Michigan Wolverines surprised everyone but themselves a few years ago and pulled the upset. Then they did it again this past year. The only good thing about this happening on the OSU side of things is they can say that the rivalry is FINALLY back, and that is good for the sport. There is however a second good thing that can come from this losing to UM, and that is a word every sports player, coach, or fan knows all too well. REVENGE.

If you ask me, I’d say the best time for the Buckeyes to get revenge for the past two seasons would be this year’s upcoming game between the two Big Ten rivals. Why specifically this year? Everything you need for the best type of revenge is in place on both sides of the line. Ohio State has to start a new Quarterback this season as CJ Stroud has moved on to the NFL. One of their best playmakers in Jaxson Smith-Njigba has also moved on to the next level. On the other side of the field that would make this the perfect time to get revenge is the place that the Wolverines are in for the first time since Lord knows when. Michigan has all their major pieces returning to a team that beat Ohio State again last year, made it to the College Football Playoffs, and could very well be one of the favorites to make a real run at their first outright National Title since the late 1940’s. Not to mention this year’s game is in Ann Arbor and there is no better time to strike than when the rival is at home and sitting on their highest potential is a very long time.

The recipe is there for the Ohio State Buckeyes to construct one of the most epic revenge moments in rivalry history. OSU having to start a brand new QB, UM getting most of their key positions back, their highest potential in decades, playing at home, and one of the favorites to make a real run at the trophy. What better way to end it all by being the reason it ends before the engine starts. Of course a lot of things have to fall into place during the season for that to be the case. Ohio State knows first hand that you can lose to your rival and still have a better shot and showing in the playoffs, but the story is there to be written, better this season than almost any other in the last few. Revenge eventually happens to everyone, but sometimes the best revenge can happen because of timing.