M
Ohio State, for the fifth consecutive year, had its season altered by a school that starts with the letter “M”:
1996--Ohio State is 10-0 and ranked No. 2 when it loses to Michigan, 13-9, at Columbus. Buckeyes win in the Rose Bowl, but finish ranked No. 2.
1997--Ohio State is 10-1 and ranked No. 4 when it loses to top-ranked Michigan, 20-14. Buckeyes go to the Sugar Bowl, where a loss drops them to No. 12.
1998--Ohio State is 8-0 and ranked No. 1 when it loses to 17-point underdog Michigan State, 28-24. That loss costs the Buckeyes a berth in the national championship game, and they finish 11-1 and at No. 2.
1999--Ohio State loses its season opener to Miami, and is also beaten by Michigan State and Michigan in going 6-6.
2000--Ohio State is 5-0 and ranked No. 6 when it loses to Minnesota, 29-17, at Columbus.
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