Joel Klatt’s Bold Take Reignites Rivalry Debate

Rivalry week is here, and it’s bringing extra excitement to college football fans. Alabama takes on Auburn in the Iron Bowl, and Ohio State faces Michigan in one of the biggest games of the year. With both matchups coming up, the argument about which rivalry is the biggest in the sport is back. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt joined the debate and didn’t hesitate to share his honest opinion.

Speaking on the Next Round Podcast, Klatt said, “The Iron Bowl is not in the hemisphere of Ohio State vs. Michigan.” His comment didn’t match what host Lance Taylor and others believed, as they argued that Alabama–Auburn is the better rivalry.

Joel Klatt didn’t deny that the Iron Bowl has produced some unforgettable moments — like the 1967 “Run in the Mud,” the 1972 “Punt Bama Punt,” and last year’s wild “Fourth-and-31.” But he believes the history behind Ohio State–Michigan puts it on top.

Others feel the same way he does. Back in 2000, ESPN named Ohio State vs. Michigan the best rivalry in all of North American sports. For decades, the game has often decided who wins the Big Ten. Since 1942, the teams have met as top-five AP teams fourteen times. The 2006 game, where No. 1 Ohio State beat No. 2 Michigan, is still talked about today.

Michigan enters this year’s matchup on a four-game winning streak against Ohio State, and each win came against a higher-ranked Buckeyes team. Michigan also leads the overall series 62-51-6. As for the Iron Bowl, Alabama leads 51-37-1 and has won five straight against Auburn.

The pressure is huge this week, especially on Ohio State coach Ryan Day. Last year, after another loss to Michigan, angry fans went after him online. Some even went so far as to threaten him and his family. Joel Klatt says the mental pressure on the Buckeyes is real.

Ohio State does not have any individual player who has ever defeated Michigan and neither does Michigan; any individual who has lost to Ohio State, said Joel Klatt.

On top of that, Ohio State has one more concern — the health of star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Jeremiah Smith Injury Update

Smith limped during warmups before the UCLA game but still played the first half and made four catches. He didn’t play the next week against Rutgers, which raised more questions. On the Downs 2 Business Podcast, Smith said he expects to play: “I’m feeling good… I should be good to go for Saturday.”

Still, fans are unsure how healthy he really is. And with Ohio State trying to avoid a fifth straight loss to Michigan, every player matters.

All eyes are now on Saturday. With high stakes and high emotions, this rivalry week could end up being one of the most dramatic yet.

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