The problem is how this philosophy manifests itself. When coach Sherrone Moore says the same verse, he means that UM is always watching its rival from the side, watching its progress or preparing another attack (Michigan’s best passing play on Saturday came when receiver Kendrick Bell targeted receiver Tyler Morris, who drew a pass interference penalty). Beat Ohio State.

When the Buckeyes say that, they think about all the pain Michigan has caused them. They remember stolen signs, a comment at third base and countless blood-curdling, bone-crushing runs from the last three seasons. Since 2021, when Michigan turned this rivalry around for the first time, it has rushed for 877 yards in The Game.

Ohio State has since tried to show its strength by both getting angry and running the ball (less than four yards per carry in three of four games). Bend, growl, fight, goes the thinking, and you’ll solve this Michigan problem.

Four years later, it’s time to try a new approach. The Buckeyes looked big, strong and ready to run through a brick wall during Saturday’s loss. They ran the ball a lot and literally hit, hoping to protect their home field.

But Michigan played better (if not bigger and stronger), holding Ohio State (again) to 76 rushing yards on 26 carries and taking Ohio State’s best hit, which came after the game.

Final score: Michigan 13, plus a few postgame highlights, Ohio State 10, plus all the guilt that follows a sore loser.

I’m sure the diehards will disagree. I bet they think Michigan started the fight by raising the flag. You might say I don’t get this rivalry anymore after suggesting OSU accept a loss.

But while I’m missing the point, the big, bad Buckeyes keep losing. They prove again and again – or try to prove – how tough they have become over the last four years, and in doing so they continually fail to understand the purpose of this winning streak (how ironic).

Michigan’s most recent victory, like the previous three, was based on more than just power and anger. The Wolverines also thrived on composure, balance and modulated motivation. And UM earned Saturday’s celebration for the same reason Ohio State cut it short.

“We talked about it all week, were disciplined and let our game do the talking,” said Michigan quarterback Davis Warren. “We had that one unsportsmanlike penalty (penalty) that will happen in games like this. But I think as a unit, as a team, we did a great job.

“I can’t say anything about what happened in the end. But we will win in your house and raise the flag. You should have done something about it.”

Something during the game, that is.