Run the ball and win The Game.
Even with all the variables — lucky and unlucky bounces, personnel and schematic advantages, good and bad coaching — the simple notion of winning the rushing battle has proven to be a remarkable indicator of whether its Ohio State or Michigan winning on the scoreboard.
Dating back to 2002, the team who enforced its will and gained the rushing advantage has won college football's greatest rivalry game.
| Year | OSU Rush Yds | UM Rush Yds | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 226 | 100 | OSU 31, UM 20 |
| 2016 | 206 | 91 | OSU 30, UM 27 |
| 2015 | 369 | 57 | OSU 42, UM 13 |
| 2014 | 233 | 121 | OSU 42, UM 28 |
| 2013 | 393 | 152 | OSU 42, UM 41 |
| 2012 | 207 | 108 | OSU 26, UM 21 |
| 2011 | 137 | 277 | OSU 34, UM 40 |
| 2010 | 258 | 182 | OSU 37, UM 7 |
| 2009 | 251 | 80 | OSU 21, UM 10 |
| 2008 | 232 | 111 | OSU 42, UM 7 |
| 2007 | 229 | 15 | OSU 14, UM 3 |
| 2006 | 187 | 130 | OSU 42, UM 39 |
| 2005 | 118 | 32 | OSU 25, UM 21 |
| 2004 | 205 | 71 | OSU 37, UM 21 |
| 2003 | 54 | 170 | OSU 21, UM 35 |
| 2002 | 140 | 121 | OSU 14, UM 9 |
The 2007 line (Mike Hart's final game against Ohio State) Is hilariously not a typo.