This month, Michigan football's Sherrone Moore took the stage alongside program spokesman Dave Ablauf for their weekly news conference. A seemingly insignificant moment occurred when they faced a reporter in a polo shirt with a company logo. The issue wasn't with the reporter or the logo but the color - "We don't wear red in here," Ablauf quipped half-jokingly.

The Rivalry's Lingering Impact

As the head coach finished his Q&A, he couldn't resist teasing the red-clad reporter, saying, "We gotta get you a new one of those." This interaction showcases the Wolverines' deep feelings towards Ohio State. Quinten Johnson's answer further emphasizes this, stating that he no longer owns red clothing since high school due to the intensity of the rivalry. 1: Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) is set to face No. 2 Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The rivalry has a long history, with the Wolverines having a tough time against Ohio State in the past. A blowout loss in 2019 and a canceled contest in 2020 gave Ohio State the upper hand. But since then, Michigan has turned the tables with three consecutive victories. 2: These victories are not just about the final scores. They represent a shift in the momentum of the rivalry. The 2022 win in Columbus was particularly significant as it was Michigan's last upset win. Now, the Wolverines enter this game with newfound confidence and a desire to continue their winning streak.

Preparing for the Big Game

Quarterback Davis Warren believes Michigan is playing its best football. He emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and not getting distracted by external factors like betting odds. He said, "Can't control our opponent. It's just our job to do the most preparation we can during the week. We're going in there with full confidence we can come out with a win." 1: Michigan's coaching staff is also focused on ensuring the team is ready for the challenge. They are pumping in extra crowd noise during indoor work to simulate the atmosphere of Ohio Stadium and making sure the team is prepared for potentially slick conditions. 2: For the current senior class, this game is about more than just winning. It's about achieving a perfect 4-0 sweep against Ohio State, something the Wolverines haven't done since 1988-91. Almost all of the roster, including the captains, is undefeated against Ohio State, adding to the pressure and motivation.

The Underdog Mentality

The Wolverines embrace the underdog role and use it as motivation. Johnson said, "Being able to go into Columbus and embrace that villain role, embrace being the underdog in a moment like this is something that is very motivating. It's something that every guy in the locker room can look at and look up to." 1: This mindset gives the team an edge as they prepare to face the Buckeyes. They know they have the talent and resources to compete, and they are determined to silence the crowd. 2: The rivalry is not just about football; it's about pride and history. Michigan players have a deep-seated hatred for Ohio State and are eager to prove themselves on the field. This passion will fuel their performance on Saturday.