Ohio State came in undefeated and ranked first in the nation

Just a sophomore at the time, Simpkins recorded the third-most tackles in a single game in Michigan history at the time. Simpkins would finish his career as Michigan's all-time leading tackler, with 516, and played seven seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the greatest linebackers ever to play for Ohio State, Chris Spielman was a one man wrecking crew in 1986. Although Michigan won the game 26-24, it was not at the fault of Spielman, who recorded a school record 29 tackles. Ohio State entered the contest 7-0 and ranked seventh in the nation.

Michigan came in 6-1, needing a win to share the Big Ten title. Ohio State missed a field goal with 1:08 to play to spoil Spielman's career day. Spielman went on to enjoy 12 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns. Charles Woodson became the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1997, and his performance in the Ohio State game that year helped cement the trophy over Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning. Woodson intercepted a pass, caught a 37-yard pass to set up Michigan's only offensive touchdown of the game, and returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown. He also held Ohio State receiver David Boston in check, allowing just three receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown Woodson also picked off two passes against No 2 Ohio State in his freshman season in 1995. He became the fourth overall pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1998 and has 41 career interceptions (seven returned for touchdowns).

In the fourth quarter, Doss intercepted another John Navarre pass to set up a field goal. The interceptions were critical in helping Ohio State win its first game in Ann Arbor in 14 years. In Bo Schembechler's first season as Michigan head coach, the Wolverines entered the 1969 meeting ranked 12th in the nation.Ohio State came in undefeated and ranked first in the nation.Pierson picked off three passes in the game and also returned a punt 60 yards to the Ohio State three-yard line to set up a Michigan touchdown. His performance helped Michigan upset what many believe to be the greatest college football team of all time..