On both sides, the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is considered the best in college football

For five seasons it has been the same in late November. Joy in Columbus. Anger in Ann Arbor.

Yet while all of the current Ohio State and Michigan players have experienced the OSU-Michigan game as a one-sided outcome as Ohio State has won five in a row, the acknowledgement remains on both sides.

They simply consider it the best rivalry in the country.

"The rivalry is as strong as ever, I believe," Ohio State defensive tackle Doug Worthington said. "Michigan is one play, one game away of confidence to be back at the top of the Big Ten. With that historic program and tradition, Rich Rodriguez, I met him and he shook my hand. He's a great guy and I'm sure he has great guys and leaders to pick up that team, (Brandon) Minor and (Nick) Sheridan, and young guys that's going to come in and push some older guys.

"So that program and that rivalry is as hard as it's going to be."

Worthington is borderline obsessed with it. The Athol Springs, N.Y. native has all of the Ohio State-Michigan games on tape or DVD. And he believes Michigan is on the verge of returning to past prominence.

"They know that they have everyone looking at them as far as the rivalry and making sure that they do better," Worthington said. "They are ready. They are waiting in the wings for the game.

"It's the biggest rivalry in college football."

It didn't get any bigger - at least in recent history - than in 2006 when No. 1 Ohio State held off No. 2 Michigan, 42-39. Worthington called that game his fondest OSU-UM memory, even though he mostly a non-factor in the game.

Even on the other side, Michigan players recognize it as an unmatched game.

"Greatest game to play in," Michigan safety/linebacker Stevie Brown said.

His description of it is a little different. He made it seem like much of a player's college career is wrapped into their record against Michigan or Ohio State.

And to some extent, he's right and he already knows he'll have to give a fairly negative answer after his eligibility runs out following the 2009 season.

"O-State alums ask, Michigan alums ask 'How many times did you beat Ohio? How many times did you beat Michigan," Brown said. "That's what it is. You always want to come out with a positive record.

"Unfortunately, I can't get that, but I would still like to win here."

Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for annarbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558 or at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com.