Ohio State legend claims OSU will beat Michigan football in Ann Arbor this fall

Jim Tressel is widely regarded as an Ohio State legend, and rightfully so. When he assumed the role of head coach for the Ohio State football team, the OSU-UM rivalry seemed to be heavily favoring Michigan football. However, Tressel’s tenure witnessed a remarkable shift, with Ohio State emerging victorious in 17 of the next 19 matchups.

In recent years, Jim Harbaugh has made significant strides in reestablishing Michigan’s competitive edge, notably securing a pair of dominant wins over the Buckeyes in the past two seasons. These victories have undoubtedly swung the momentum in favor of the Wolverines.

It is important to acknowledge the dynamic nature of rivalries and the ebb and flow of success between teams. While Tressel’s era marked a period of dominance for Ohio State, Harbaugh’s recent accomplishments have contributed to Michigan’s resurgence in the rivalry. The evolving nature of this historic matchup continues to captivate fans and adds to the legacy of both coaches.

Ohio State legend says OSU will beat Michigan football in 2023

In a recent interview with the Toledo Blade, the Ohio State legend expressed some huge aspirations for his former program.

“There’s no question that I think the Buckeyes will make us proud in Ann Arbor,” he said. “I’ve really grown to be a believer, whether it’s a society, a family, or a football team, until you suffer a little bit, it’s hard to learn lessons,” Tressel said. “Now, we’ve suffered. I tell people all the time, the strength of our 2002 national championship team was that they were done suffering.

“They’d been 6-6, 8-4, 7-5. They’d had it. They weren’t going to lose. … Michigan might have suffered a long time, and maybe they felt like they’ve suffered enough. We’re all allowed to learn lessons. It’s not just the Buckeyes. Now I think you’re going to see a real square-off, and I’ve got confidence in the Buckeyes.”

Over the past two years, Michigan football has undeniably demonstrated their prowess with impressive victories over Ohio State, boasting 15 and 22-point leads. Additionally, they have achieved notable milestones such as securing a pair of Big Ten titles and making appearances in the College Football Playoff. With their current roster, the Wolverines appear to be stronger than ever, fueled by the desire to claim their first national title since 1997.

Conversely, the Ohio State program has experienced a slight regression in the past two seasons, posting 11-2 records without clinching any conference championships. While still maintaining their status among the elite teams, the Buckeyes recognize the importance of breaking their losing streak against Michigan to reaffirm their standing. This upcoming fall, they will face the Wolverines in the challenging environment of the Big House, adding another layer of difficulty to the task at hand.

Ryan Day’s fifth Ohio State team faces significant roster replacements, most notably filling the void left by CJ Stroud, an exceptional quarterback talent. Despite the challenges, Ohio State legend Jim Tressel exudes confidence in their ability to secure victory against the Wolverines in 2023.

As the showdown approaches, the anticipation builds, and both teams strive to leave their mark on this historic rivalry. The outcome of the game will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the legacy of both programs and will be eagerly watched by fans nationwide.

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