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1. The Hatred
Andrew Weber - USA Today Sports
It dates back to 1835 when Michigan petitioned for statehood and discovered that through a land survey error, the “Toledo Strip” had been claimed by Ohio, which resulted in an intense border dispute ending with it being a part of Ohio.
Michigan getting a lot of their players from Ohio just adds to the hatred. Heisman winner Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson, among others, are Ohio natives that went to play for the Wolverines. Ohio State fans refer to these people as traitors. Many Ohio State fans follow Hayes’ example by not referring to Michigan by name, calling them “That Team Up North”. Children of Ohio State and Michigan fans are taught at a young age to hate the other team.
This rivalry goes deeper than just the game.