Ohio State vs. Michigan is in 20 days. How did the Buckeyes do in 'The Game' 20 years ago?
Ohio State football's rivalry game against Michigan is in 20 days.
While the Buckeyes head home to face Indiana, their annual matchup with the Wolverines is in 20 days as Ohio State aims to respond after losing its first game against Michigan since 2011 last season in Ann Arbor.
With 20 days before the regular-season finale, here's a look at what Ohio State's matchup with Michigan looked like 20 years ago.
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Ohio State vs. Michigan 2002 secured a trip to the national championship
Ohio State had a lot on the line heading into its final regular-season game of the 2002 season, coming in as one of two undefeated teams remaining in college football, along with Miami, and playing for a chance at a national title berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
But it very nearly didn't come for the Buckeyes.
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After a two-yard run by running back Maurice Clarett in the first quarter, the Ohio State offense was shut out by Michigan's defense. The Wolverines used three field goals to take a 9-7 lead heading into the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.
Even with an offense that recorded only 264 yards of offense, the Buckeyes were able to step up at the end.
Led by Clarett and quarterback Craig Krenzel, Ohio State used a eight-play, 57-yard drive in 3:35 to take a lead it would never give up, scoring its second touchdown of the day with a three-yard run by Maurice Hall.
Michigan quarterback John Navarre tried to lead the Wolverines back, but had both of his final two drives end in turnovers after a strip sack by defensive end Darrion Scott and an interception by safety Will Allen.
Ohio State advanced to the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where it beat Miami in double-overtime 31-24 for the Buckeyes' seventh national championship.
Ohio State football's 2022 schedule
Sept. 3: Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10
Sept. 10: Ohio State 45, Arkansas State 12
Sept. 17: Ohio State 77, Toledo 21
Sept. 24: Ohio State 52, Wisconsin 21
Oct. 1: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 10
Oct. 8: Ohio State 49, Michigan State 20
Oct. 22: Ohio State 54, Iowa 10
Oct. 29: Ohio State 44, Penn State 31
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State vs. Michigan 2022 is 20 days away
