Both Ohio State and Michigan have plenty to play for Saturday when they take the gridiron for their annual rivalry. The Buckeyes have already clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game next week, but need to win both of their remaining games to maintain a chance at the four-team playoff. For Michigan, a win means bowl eligibility, and Brady Hoke would bring his record against the Buckeyes up to 2-2. With the future of the fourth-year coach still uncertain, Michigan could be entering a scenario that Ohio State has faced in the past.

In 1987, then-head coach Earle Bruce was fired the Monday before Ohio State traveled to Ann Arbor. Wearing headbands with “Earle” written across, the Buckeyes upset the heavily-favored Wolverines 23-20. It would be their last road win in the rivalry for 14 years.

As of Friday morning, Hoke has not been officially fired, but many fans believe that with athletic director Dave Brandon resigning earlier this year, Hoke’s time with the Wolverines won’t last much longer. The last time Michigan won a game in Columbus was 14 years ago, when Lloyd Carr and John Cooper were the head coaches. Since then, Michigan has only won this game twice; in 2003 (35-21) and 2011 (40-34).

This rivalry has produced some great drama over the last three years. When these two teams met last November, the Buckeyes and Wolverines had an offensive shootout that nearly resulted in an upset. The Big Ten Network produced this montage of the 2013 meeting, using audio from both schools’ radio networks.

It’s very clear from the video that even with the deep respect each team has for the opponent, this is the kind of rivalry where a win can make or break a season. With that being exactly the case for both squads come Saturday, emotions will be high, and should make for an exciting afternoon in Columbus.

Interesting notes on “The Game:”

-ABC will air the game nationally, with kickoff at noon. It has traditionally started at noon, with two recent exceptions in 2005 (1:00 ET) and 2006 (3:30 ET).

-Dave Pasch and former Michigan quarterback Brian Griese are the television commentators. Pasch and former Buckeye LB Chris Spielman called the 2011 encounter. Griese played in three consecutive Michigan wins from 1995-97, starting two of them.

-Urban Meyer could be the first Ohio State coach to win his first three games against Michigan since Francis Schmidt, the man who created the “gold pants” tradition.