Claiming 2024 Ohio State Could Beat 2023 Michigan is Pure Fantasy
Some Ohio State fans have suggested that their 2024 national championship team could have defeated Michigan’s 2023 squad, but that argument doesn’t hold up. While the Buckeyes had a strong playoff run, comparing their title-winning season to Michigan’s undefeated championship campaign the year before is a stretch.
Michigan’s Title Was More Impressive
The Wolverines dominated in 2023, winning “The Game,” securing the Big Ten title, and finishing a perfect 15-0. Ohio State, in contrast, did none of those things. The Buckeyes even lost to a 6-5 Michigan team at home that season, yet some still argue they could have beaten the Wolverines from the year before.
Ohio State fans might insist their 2024 team was superior, but they couldn’t even beat the 2024 version of Michigan. The Wolverines, despite struggles in their passing game, still outplayed the Buckeyes with dominant defense and a strong rushing attack.
Michigan’s 2023 Roster Had the Edge
That Michigan team featured some of the best players in school history, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, standout defenders like Mike Sainristil and Will Johnson, and offensive playmakers such as Blake Corum and Roman Wilson. If Michigan’s 2024 offense was able to rush for nearly 200 yards without a strong passing game, imagine what the 2023 version—with a better offensive line and a more balanced attack—could have done against Ohio State.
Ohio State fans can celebrate their national title, but suggesting their 2024 squad was stronger than Michigan’s 2023 team is nothing more than wishful thinking. The Buckeyes may have won it all, but they couldn’t even get past Michigan this past season—let alone a better version from the
year before.
