Former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry, who was a junior on the Buckeyes’ 2014 national championship team, expressed concerns about how the evolution of college football might impact the intensity of the Buckeyes’ historic rivalry with Michigan. Speaking on “The Triple Option,” Perry reflected on how the rivalry has changed over the years.
“It feels strange in this moment,” Perry said. “I’m not trying to take anything away from what this team just did. That was the most remarkable postseason run that I’ve ever seen with the teams they had to beat to get to the title. But it certainly feels now like that game [against Michigan] lost a little bit of the consequence. Typically, that would be a loss that’s disqualifying to compete in the postseason.”
Perry expressed hope that the importance of the Michigan game remains intact for the players and fans. “I hope that, for the players in that building, it’s still one of the program objectives,” he continued. “I hope for fans that they still show up with the same intensity that they have every year before this, regardless of what the outcome of this year was. That is the most special game in college football, in my opinion, and I don’t want it to lose any of that feeling because it’s remarkable — especially when you’re on the winning side of it.”
The Rivalry’s Shifting Dynamics
Ohio State’s rivalry with Michigan has long been one of the most storied in college football. During Urban Meyer’s tenure as head coach, the Buckeyes never lost to Michigan, maintaining a dominant grip on the series. However, under current head coach Ryan Day, the rivalry has shifted. Ohio State has now lost four consecutive games to the Wolverines, including a recent matchup where the Buckeyes were heavily favored.
Despite this, Meyer, now a Fox Sports analyst and co-host of “The Triple Option,” praised the resilience of the current team and its success this season. He emphasized that the national championship win remains a remarkable achievement, even with the loss to Michigan.
“The reality is you have three goals — you have to beat the Team Up North, win the Big 10, and win the national championship,” Meyer explained. “That is truly one of the great teams I’ve ever seen play. Excellent coaching staff, great support staff, but, I mean, my gosh, the skill players on the offense and defensive line.”
A Championship Roster Built for Greatness
The Buckeyes showcased incredible talent this season, including standout players like Quinshon Judkins and Caleb Downs, who joined the team through off-season acquisitions. With a roster packed with NFL prospects, Ohio State’s championship run is sure to add another chapter to the program’s storied history.
While the national title cements Ohio State’s position as one of the premier programs in college football, the changing dynamics of their rivalry with Michigan and the evolving nature of postseason qualification have sparked conversation about the sport’s future. For many, preserving the intensity and tradition of college football’s greatest rivalries remains as important as the championships themselves.