Winless Against Michigan: Former Buckeye Admits He’ll Have to Live With It Forever
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in all of college sports. For over a century, the two teams have clashed on the football field, with both sides harboring deep animosities and passionate fanbases. The competition between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines is not just about wins and losses; it’s about pride, tradition, and a fierce desire to be the best. In this rivalry, a victory means more than just a win on the scoreboard – it signifies supremacy over your biggest rival, something that can define a season, a career, or even a legacy.
For Ohio State, the Michigan game is always circled on the calendar. It’s the one game that every Buckeye fan and player wants to win above all others. However, there have been some Buckeyes who, despite their incredible talents and contributions to the team, never got the chance to experience the sweet taste of victory against Michigan. These individuals, who gave their all to the program, found themselves on the losing side of this fierce rivalry for all four years of their careers. For them, the haunting reality of being winless against Michigan is something they will carry with them forever.
One such former Buckeye is Chris Olave, a wide receiver who emerged as one of the most talented players in Ohio State history during his tenure. Olave’s story is one of excellence and heartbreak, as he was never able to secure a victory against Michigan, a blemish that will forever remain on his college football resume. Despite setting numerous records and cementing himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the nation, Olave’s inability to beat Michigan is something he can’t escape – a ghost that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
The Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry: A High Stakes Game
Before diving into Olave’s personal experience, it’s essential to understand the significance of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. The history between these two programs stretches back to 1897, making it one of the longest-running rivalries in college football. Over the years, the rivalry has grown into something more than just a football game. It has become a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond the confines of the gridiron.
For Ohio State, Michigan represents the ultimate challenge. The rivalry reaches its peak each year when the two teams face off in late November, usually with high stakes on the line. Whether it’s a spot in the Big Ten Championship, the College Football Playoff, or simply bragging rights for another year, the Ohio State-Michigan game always carries immense pressure. For many players, winning this game is the pinnacle of their college football career.
On the other hand, Michigan views the Buckeyes with equal disdain. The Wolverines have long prided themselves on their tradition and success, but for much of the 21st century, Ohio State has dominated the rivalry. This dominance, particularly during the tenure of head coach Urban Meyer, has made it all the more frustrating for Michigan fans, who are desperate to reclaim their place at the top of the Big Ten.
Chris Olave’s Ohio State Journey
Chris Olave’s journey to Ohio State was one filled with high expectations. The California native was a highly sought-after recruit, known for his explosive speed, precise route running, and ability to make spectacular catches. Olave was a perfect fit for Ohio State’s high-powered offense, which had become known for producing elite wide receivers. He arrived in Columbus as part of the 2018 recruiting class, joining a group of talented players eager to make their mark on the program.
Olave quickly became a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ offense, earning playing time as a true freshman. His ability to make big plays in critical moments earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates. By the end of his freshman year, Olave had established himself as one of the team’s top receivers, with a penchant for making spectacular catches and showcasing his deep-threat ability.
Throughout his career, Olave continued to shine on the field, solidifying his place among Ohio State’s all-time greats. He became a go-to target for quarterbacks Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and CJ Stroud, earning numerous accolades along the way. Olave was a key player on multiple Big Ten Championship teams and helped lead Ohio State to the College Football Playoff. Despite these successes, however, there was one thing that eluded him: a win against Michigan.
The Michigan Struggles
As Olave’s career progressed, the stakes for the Michigan game only increased. His freshman season (2018) ended with a loss to the Wolverines, but at the time, Ohio State was still a strong team, and there was optimism for the future. However, the Buckeyes would lose to Michigan again in 2019, 2020, and 2021, despite having some of the most talented rosters in the country.
For a player like Olave, who had experienced so much success on the field and achieved so much individually, losing to Michigan year after year was a bitter pill to swallow. While he certainly wasn’t alone in this struggle – many of his teammates also failed to get a win against Michigan during their careers – the fact that he was never able to beat the Wolverines became a defining aspect of his time at Ohio State.
Olave’s losses to Michigan were not due to a lack of effort or skill. In fact, he played some of his best games against the Wolverines, showcasing his ability to make spectacular plays in clutch moments. However, despite his individual brilliance, the Buckeyes came up short each time.
The losses were especially painful for Olave because of the expectations placed on him. He came to Ohio State with dreams of winning Big Ten Championships, making the College Football Playoff, and, of course, beating Michigan. As the years went on, the sting of each loss grew more intense. Olave and his teammates would enter the rivalry game with the hope that this would be the year they could finally overcome Michigan, but each year brought more frustration and disappointment.
The Weight of the Rivalry
As a player, Olave was no stranger to the pressure of the Michigan game. Every year, the media hyped up the rivalry, fans filled the stadium with anticipation, and the weight of the game seemed to grow heavier with each passing season. The intensity of the rivalry is unlike any other in college football. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s on the field; it’s about pride, history, and the legacy of the programs.
For Olave, the rivalry took on a personal dimension. He grew up watching college football, aware of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and the pride that came with beating the Wolverines. To be part of that tradition, to wear the scarlet and gray and represent Ohio State, meant everything to him. However, as the losses mounted, so did the pressure. With each defeat, the weight of the rivalry became more pronounced, and Olave began to feel the frustration and disappointment more deeply.
There were moments when he doubted himself, wondering if he would ever be able to overcome Michigan. For a player as talented as Olave, it seemed almost unfathomable that he could leave Ohio State without a victory against the Wolverines. Yet, as the seasons went by, that became his reality.
A Legacy Defined by One Loss
Despite the heartbreak and disappointment of not beating Michigan, Olave’s legacy at Ohio State is still defined by his incredible accomplishments. He is remembered as one of the most talented wide receivers to ever play for the Buckeyes, and his contributions to the program are undeniable. Olave set numerous records, including breaking the all-time career receiving touchdowns record, and was a key player on multiple Big Ten Championship teams.
However, there will always be one question that follows him: Why couldn’t you beat Michigan? Olave has acknowledged that this will be a part of his legacy, something he will have to live with forever. In interviews and reflections on his career, Olave has expressed regret over the losses, but he also understands that the rivalry is bigger than any one player. He knows that despite his individual success, the inability to beat Michigan will always be part of his story.
“I’ve given everything I could for this program,” Olave said in an emotional interview. “But at the end of the day, the Michigan game is the one that defines your career. And I didn’t get it done. That’s something I’ll have to live with forever.”
While Olave may never get the chance to erase the stain of his winless record against Michigan, his impact on Ohio State football is undeniable. He was a key part of some of the best teams in school history and played a vital role in the program’s success. The losses to Michigan will always sting, but they will never overshadow the greatness of his career.
The Final Word
Chris Olave’s story is a reminder of the complexities of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. For some players, the rivalry provides a sense of fulfillment and glory, while for others, it leaves a lingering sense of unfinished business. Olave’s career at Ohio State was filled with incredible achievements, but it was also defined by the one thing he could never achieve: a win against Michigan.
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most intense and fiercely contested in sports, and for Olave, it was a challenge that he could never overcome. Despite all of his individual success, he will always be remembered as a Buckeye who came up short when it mattered most. The Michigan game, the one game that defined his college football career, will forever be a part of his legacy – a legacy that will live on in the hearts of O