Ohio State Football: 2012 Big Game vs. Michigan Will Be Explosive

In the past year, things have changed drastically for the Ohio State and Michigan football programs.

Ohio State saw a scandal erupt in 2010-2011, with several players being suspended for receiving improper benefits while longtime head coach Jim Tressel resigned amid the wreckage.

Michigan returned to prominence behind new coach Brady Hoke and the sensational Denard Robinson, going 11-2 and winning the Sugar Bowl.

In "The Big Game" last year, the Wolverines knocked off the Buckeyes, 40-34, snapping a seven-game losing streak against their archrival.

This year has already started off in style. The Buckeyes landed Urban Meyer to replace Tressel and he responded by landing a top-10 recruiting class.

Hoke, meanwhile, stood toe-to-toe with Meyer, landing the No. 7 recruiting class in the nation, according to ESPNU.

Obviously the Buckeyes have a little more work to do than the Wolverines headed into the season, but one fact remains: The Big Game is sure to be competitive.

Despite being unranked last year, Ohio State lost by just a touchdown against then-No. 15 Michigan. The Wolverines were leading by just a field goal with seven minutes remaining. This was despite Robinson accounting for five touchdowns.

The Buckeyes and Wolverines have already gotten into a recruiting battle. Imagine Meyer and Hoke lined up opposite each other this season. It could prove to be one of the most exciting clashes between the two programs in years.

Here's to another epic battle in the Big Game.