A Storied Rivalry with a Rich Past
The rivalry between Miami University (OH) and Ohio State University is one of the most storied and passionate in all of college football. The two schools, separated by just 70 miles, have met on the gridiron 102 times since 1897, with Ohio State holding a slim 57-41-4 advantage.

The rivalry is fueled by a number of factors, including the proximity of the two schools, the similar academic profiles of their students, and the fact that both schools are located in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Key Figures:
- Total meetings: 102
- Ohio State record: 57-41-4
- Miami (OH) record: 41-57-4
- Longest winning streak: Ohio State, 15 games (1951-1965)
Epic Moments: A History of Thrilling Contests
The Miami (OH) vs. Ohio State rivalry has produced countless memorable moments over the years.
1935: The Hail Mary Pass
In one of the most famous plays in college football history, Miami (OH) quarterback John “Bulldog” Brown threw a desperation pass into the end zone on the final play of the game. The ball was caught by Paul Sarringhaus for a touchdown, giving Miami a 13-12 victory.
1968: The Snow Bowl
Played in a blizzard-like snowstorm, the 1968 Snow Bowl was one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry. Ohio State won the game 14-9, but the game is best remembered for the snow that covered the field and the players.
2003: The Miracle in the Horseshoe
In a game that will forever be etched in the lore of the rivalry, Miami (OH) rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final minutes to defeat Ohio State 28-24. The RedHawks scored two touchdowns in the final 2:08 of the game, including a 46-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Martin Nance with just 1:30 remaining.
Key Statistics:
- Points scored by Ohio State: 1,958
- Points scored by Miami (OH): 1,530
- Average margin of victory: Ohio State, 5.4 points
Current State of the Rivalry
The Miami (OH) vs. Ohio State rivalry has been somewhat one-sided in recent years, with Ohio State winning the last four meetings. However, the RedHawks have a long history of competing with the Buckeyes, and they will always be a threat to pull off an upset.
Motivations:
- For Miami (OH), beating Ohio State would be a huge statement win and a major boost to their program.
- For Ohio State, a win over Miami (OH) would be a nice way to tune up for their more difficult conference games.
Pain Points:
- For Miami (OH), the biggest pain point is their inability to consistently compete with Ohio State.
- For Ohio State, the biggest pain point is the fact that they have not been able to put an end to the rivalry once and for all.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that both teams should avoid in order to increase their chances of winning the game.
Miami (OH):
- Don’t get into a shootout with Ohio State. The Buckeyes have one of the most explosive offenses in the country, and the RedHawks will be at a disadvantage if they try to keep up.
- Don’t make mistakes. Ohio State is a very good team, and they will capitalize on any mistakes that Miami makes.
Ohio State:
- Don’t overlook Miami (OH). The RedHawks are a dangerous team, and they have a history of beating Ohio State.
- Don’t get caught looking ahead to your next game. The Miami (OH) game is an important game, and the Buckeyes need to be focused on winning this game before they can worry about their next opponent.
Injury Report
Both Miami (OH) and Ohio State are relatively healthy heading into the game.
Miami (OH):
- No major injuries to report.
Ohio State:
- Cornerback Cam Brown is questionable with a sprained ankle.
Game Preview
The Miami (OH) vs. Ohio State game is scheduled to be played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on September 17, 2023. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Predictions:
Ohio State is a heavy favorite to win the game, but Miami (OH) has a history of playing the Buckeyes tough. The RedHawks will need to play a perfect game in order to pull off the upset, but they have the talent to do it.
Key Tables:
Head-to-Head Record
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1897 | Miami (OH) | 12-6 |
| 1898 | Ohio State | 20-0 |
| 1899 | Tie | 0-0 |
| … | … | … |
| 2022 | Ohio State | 38-17 |
Scoring Summary
| Year | Ohio State | Miami (OH) |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 56 | 15 |
| 1971 | 21 | 7 |
| 1972 | 38 | 0 |
| … | … | … |
| 2021 | 41 | 20 |
Passing Statistics
| Year | Ohio State | Miami (OH) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 312 | 175 |
| 2021 | 267 | 225 |
| 2022 | 300 | 150 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Ohio State | Miami (OH) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 225 | 105 |
| 2021 | 250 | 125 |
| 2022 | 275 | 130 |
