Why Ohio State Will Eventually Need Michigan to Get Back on Track

If you are any kind of college football fan, you know that it is a down for one of the most storied programs. That of course is Michigan. Not only are they coming off their worst season ever, but they also haven't beaten their most hated rival in Ohio State in a few years.

The good news for Michigan is that there is only one place for the program to go and that is up. The ironic thing is that Buckeye fans need Michigan to get back to the elite as much as Wolverine fans do. Here is why.

Every year Michigan and Ohio State play each other to end the regular season. It is a traditional rival that has historically been for the Big Ten title in most years. The winner then goes on to the BCS and possibly playing for a national title.

The reality is that rivalries are at their best when both teams are at the top of their game. Remember three years ago when Ohio State was No. 1 and Michigan was No. 2. This already huge game became even bigger that year. ESPN Classic was playing several of the games from previous years all week.

So yes, the Buckeyes won last year and in all likelihood will again this year. However, how much does it really mean? Yes it is still Michigan, but it can't even compare to the game three years ago.

Another reason is that the same thing that happened to USC last year will likely happen to Ohio State this year. Suppose the Buckeyes are a one loss team heading into the rival game. Ohio State wins, but doesn't get the nod to play in the title game because the win wasn't against a ranked Michigan team.

Last year USC had one loss and pounded rival Notre Dame. However, they didn't really get any props from the pollsters. If Notre Dame had been ranked anywhere in the top 10, USC would have likely played in the championship.

I know a Buckeye rooting for a Wolverine is generally unheard of. However, as much as these two schools hate each other, the reality is they need each other. I myself could never root for a Buckeye except in extreme circumstances. I rooted for them a couple times in the 90's when they were having an undefeated season. The reason was that I wanted Michigan to mess it up for them, nobody else.

So Buckeye fans, will you swallow the pride and hope Michigan can get going so that the rivalry once again will matter?