“The Rivalry” Matches the Game itself
The finest rivalry in American sport--some would debate Yankees/Red Sox or Army/Navy. After watching “Michigan vs Ohio State: The Rivalry” the argument looks weak. The game touches all aspects of society. The young and old, across all the lines that divide us, the game unites us. That’s the theme of HBO’s effort, and for a solid hour that message hits home.
I saw the premiere Tuesday night on OSU’s campus with hundreds of Buckeye fans, former players and coaches. Some sections of the piece drew huge cheers and laughter from the crowd. It begins with footage from last year’s epic meeting in Columbus. HBO producer/editor George Roy told me he’d never experienced anything quite like that day in Ohio Stadium---and he spent the next 8 months of his life devoted to getting the story right.
The narration runs chronologically through the history of the series… the most stirring moments, as expected, come duing the Ten Year War. The antics of Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler remain legendary---and the stories told about the two men (including Bo himself, a short time before he passed away last year) are hysterical.
I found the most interesting and emotional section near the end… where we see the impact of the rivalry on families and the two communities. The shots of grandfathers teaching their grandkids to say “Go Bucks” or “Go Blue,” the pictures of jubilation and depression as the game wears on, the way people of all ages and races and backgrounds unite on each side---that’s what makes the game bigger than just a football game. The producers do an incredible job of weaving those elements together.
The documentary premieres November 13th, and I highly recommend it. The images are vivid, the sounds capitivating and the subject matter intense--all the makings for great drama.
