Let's face it: This rivalry is much better when both teams are good. It reached its apex with a #1 vs. #2 matchup two years ago at the Horseshoe.
By the way, a new Michigan joke was making its rounds less than 24 hours after the Wolverines lost a school-record eighth game:
Did you hear they had to cancel the game in Columbus?
No, why?
Because Michigan can't get past Toledo.
I admit, I love to see Michigan sputter and lose to Toledo, but this rivalry is so much more fun when Rose Bowls and BCS Title Game appearances await the winner, and both teams are playing at the top of their game. I think Michigan will be much better over the next two or three years, and Ohio State should continue to maintain their prominence near the top of the rankings. That's why this game is usually at the top of the games to watch during the regular season.
Ohio State is favored by 19, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but they better not look past Michigan. Nonetheless, I think Pryor, Beanie, and the Buckeyes prevail, 41-21.