Remembering the Last Time Michigan Actually Beat Ohio State

You might be surprised to realize that Michigan is currently winning its all-time football series against Ohio State 56-51-6. If you've only watched the last two decades of this bitter Big Ten clash, you've seen the Wolverines struggle to find any way past the Buckeyes. In fact, they've only won a single games against OSU since 2003.

That lone win came back on November 26, 2011. So, what happened in that game that allowed for Michigan's lone win in almost 20 years?

When you look back at the 2011 meeting in Ann Arbor, one name stands out: Denard Robinson. The standout UM quarterback threw for 167 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 passes. On the ground, he ran for 170 yards and two scores on 26 carries, accounting for accounted for 30 points in a 40-34 victory for the Maize and Blue.

Right on cue, that's the kind of dynamic play Michigan has lacked when the gmaes have mattered most.

Devotees will remember that this game took place following controversy surrounding former Buckeye head coach Jim Tressel and a number of standout players. Tressel had been notified of some of his athletes selling memorabilia, but did not act on this information in accordance with NCAA rules. He resigned in May of 2011 after almost 10 years with the team, and interim coach Luke Fickell was forced to take over.

Ohio State limped to a 6-7 finish.

Michigan has really struggled against their biggest rival so far this century, and only managed to outslug their bitterest opponent at a time in which Columbus was in turmoil. As things stand, Ohio State is firmly in the driver's seat in this rivalry, and there's no sign that's going to change.