Do you think that if Bo Schembechler & Woody Hayes never coached OSU & Michigan, that the rival wouldnt be...?

Question

as big?

Sorry...would be as big*

Answer 1

well...seeming that those two men basically wrote the book on the greatness that is big ten football, i think it would have been a rivally, but not as big of one.

Can't wait for that game...it's going to be awesome.

Answer 2

I think that honor goes to Joe Paterno. Coaches Paterno and Bowden have now surpassed Coach Bear Bryant in career victories. Both Coach Paterno and Coach Bowden have won two national championships. But I give the edge to Paterno for the following reasons: Paterno has defeated Bowden 7-1 in head to head matchups; Bowden has 3 or 4 more coaching victories but a number of those wins weren't Division I caliber teams so that edge is under some controversy; Paterno has several more teams who were undefeated in years he didn't win the national championship; and finally the Brown University educated Paterno has tied Amos Alonzo Stagg for most years coaching football at one place and most importantly has never suffered scandal or NCAA probation at Penn State. He's most deserving of his upcoming induction into the college football hall of fame and is arguably the greatest college football coach of all time.

Answer 3

The rivalry exists because of the players too. There are many Ohio schooled players on the Michigan team and "the" game is one way to demonstrate they made the right choice of schools. Lots of these guys played with or against each other in high school too.

Answer 4

No I dont think it would be as big as it is today without Woody & Bo because they were really into it and it meant everything to them!

Answer 5

If not for the two coaches it would be as big as the backyard brawl is for Pitt and WVa.