Michigan Wolverines football: ‘The Game’ in 2023 could mean even more

Every season, college football fans eagerly anticipate one particular game: “The Game,” a legendary and enduring clash between the Michigan Wolverines football team and the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the past two seasons, the Maize and Blue have emerged victorious over Ohio State in a commanding fashion. As the 2023 season approaches, Michigan is once again favored to win. However, this year’s matchup holds even greater significance for the Wolverines.

Michigan Wolverines football could claim 1,000th win against Ohio State in 2023

‘The Game’ is always the top priority for both the Michigan Wolverines football team and the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, in 2023, it holds even greater significance for the Maize and Blue. Currently, Michigan is just 11 games away from becoming the first program in college football history to reach 1,000 all-time wins.

If the Wolverines happen to lose a game before their Week 13 matchup against Ohio State in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes could potentially claim Michigan’s 1,000th win.

In addition to this monumental achievement for the Maize and Blue, ‘The Game’ is likely to have significant implications for both teams, as it often does. Almost every year, the winner of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game advances to the Big Ten title game, and often, it has implications for the College Football Playoff as well.

As we witnessed in 2021 and 2022, defeating Ohio State is the key to securing a conference championship and a berth in the CFP. Conversely, as fans have seen in previous years, a loss to Ohio State can effectively eliminate Michigan from both the conference title race and the playoff contention.

Road games leave some question marks

In 2022, the Michigan Wolverines achieved an impressive 11-0 record heading into their matchup in Columbus, securing their 12th win of the year against Ohio State. However, the upcoming 2023 season presents more challenges.

As observed last year, the non-conference schedule may not be particularly noteworthy. Nevertheless, difficult road games against Minnesota, Nebraska, Michigan State, Maryland, and Penn State make this year’s slate more formidable than the previous one. Even if Jim Harbaugh’s team happens to lose a game before the Ohio State matchup, the Wolverines still have a chance to contend for the Big Ten title game and the national title as long as they defeat the Buckeyes in Week 13.

If the Michigan Wolverines football team in 2023 drops a game prior to ‘The Game,’ there is no need to panic, as it could set the stage for a remarkable achievement of securing their 1,000th all-time win against Ohio State to conclude the regular season.

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