The best weekend in college football is here. Rivalry weekend. Which is the best rivalry when it comes to Thanksgiving Weekend? That depends on who you talk to. One of the more intense ones is between a pair of Big Ten powerhouse programs.
Michigan and Ohio State are a rivalry that never fails to disappoint. In fact, it has given us the last two National Champions. Michigan won it two years ago before Ohio State claimed the National Championship last season.
This season, the Buckeyes are a big favorite to repeat, but they have some stiff competition standing in their way. Big Ten foe Indiana is also undefeated, but there is also Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Former Ohio State assistant coach Nick Saban knows how intense the rivalry is and spoke about it on Wednesday on the Pat McAfee Show. He didn’t hold back and fired a shot.
Nick Saban Fires Shot at Ohio State Fans
Let’s face it, everyone wants to win every game, and rivalry games are what make this upcoming weekend special. Michigan has had the upper hand over Ohio State recently. Saban didn’t beat around the bush when it came to Buckeye fans and beating the Wolverines.
“These Ohio State fans, they’re psychotic about this, man,” Saban said. “They all need to go see the doctor or some place. I’d rather win the national championship than beat Michigan. That’s just me. Although I’d love to beat Michigan, don’t get me wrong.”
Saban understands the rivalry from his time at Ohio State under Woody Hayes. However, that seems like a bit of an overreaction. This is ‘The Game‘.
“When I was at Ohio State, in the last year, we beat them,” Saban said. “Similar situation except in reverse. They were ranked really high, we had already lost two games. We had a terrible, negative week of practice. But Woody (Hayes) came and talked to the team and said ‘This is an opportunity for a great win.’ That was the difference in the mindset of how we played. They played tight, we played loose, and we played ass over tea kettle and won the game 14-9.”
Can Michigan Continue Recent Success?
This year’s edition will be played at Michigan on Saturday, and there is a lot on the line for both teams. Ohio State is looking to complete an undefeated regular season, while the Wolverines are looking for a signature win.
After winning the National Championship last season, there is a lot of pressure on Ryan Day to win this game. Yes, the title last year was great, and it eased the pain of another loss to Michigan in November, but eventually, Day is going to have to get over the hump and take down Michigan. He has the perfect opportunity to do it on the road on Saturday.
Ohio State and Michigan in The Game is always must-watch TV every Thanksgiving Weekend, and this year will be no different. It’s always a stepping stone for one team for the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. This year is no different.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Nick Saban Fires Massive Shot at Ohio State Fans Over Michigan Rivalry appeared first on Heavy Sports.