CBS Sports Analyst Josh Pate Raves About Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry, Shares Bold SEC Opinion
With college football still months away, excitement is already brewing for one of the sport’s most storied matchups—Ohio State vs. Michigan. This annual Thanksgiving weekend showdown, steeped in tradition and intensity, remains a focal point of college football’s identity. CBS Sports analyst Josh Pate recently took to his podcast to express his evolving perspective on this legendary rivalry, emphasizing why it deserves even more recognition as the pinnacle of college football, regardless of conference affiliation.
A Rivalry Built on Passion, Not Toxicity
Pate admitted that his views on the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry have shifted over time, now acknowledging its significance as one of the greatest spectacles in sports. He dismissed any notion that the rivalry is toxic, instead highlighting the raw passion and high stakes that make it so compelling.
“It isn’t too toxic… Even if it really does affect you emotionally, it’s supposed to! It’s, I’m told, the greatest rivalry in sports. It’s real; it’s not toxic. It’s intense, and that’s not a bad thing.”
Pate doubled down on his belief that heated moments, such as the infamous flag-planting incident, only add to the allure of the game. He argued that these displays of emotion and competitive fire strengthen the sport rather than detract from it, fueling engagement among fans.
“Time will tell on this,” Pate noted. “If we get to a point where things like that disappear, it’ll be another example of the College Football Playoff ruining what makes college football special. The best part of the sport isn’t the playoff—it’s the traditions, the Saturdays in the fall, and most importantly, rivalry Saturdays.”
Recent Dominance and the Stakes Involved
In the past four seasons, Michigan has held the upper hand in “The Game,” flipping the script on a rivalry historically dominated by Ohio State. However, Pate emphasized that even with the Buckeyes capturing a national championship, their fans still feel the sting of recent losses to Michigan.
“They believe winning the national championship softened the blow,” Pate said, “but no serious Ohio State fan believes that ‘The Game’ doesn’t matter anymore. Likewise, no serious Michigan fan would believe that if the situation were reversed.”
The rivalry isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about legacy, dominance, and historical significance. With college football constantly evolving due to realignment, expanded playoffs, and NIL deals, “The Game” remains one of the sport’s most consistent and deeply rooted traditions.
An SEC Perspective and a National Treasure
Having attended Ohio State-Michigan matchups in person, Pate acknowledged that the atmosphere is unlike anything else in college football. He noted that many SEC fans, while deeply invested in their own rivalries, might not fully grasp the magnitude of this Midwestern showdown.
While the SEC boasts intense battles like Alabama vs. Auburn or Georgia vs. Florida, Pate contended that Ohio State-Michigan is on a different level, transcending conference lines. It’s a game that symbolizes the essence of college football—a clash between two powerhouse programs with a century-long history of animosity, tradition, and championship aspirations.
Regardless of how the rivalry evolves in the future, one thing is certain—Ohio State vs. Michigan will always hold a special place in college football. It’s a game that demands attention, respect, and celebration, year after year.
