The rivalry between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan needs no further fuel to the fire. However, in case there was any doubt, Ohio’s governor further removed it on Tuesday.
For the second year in a row, Gov. John Kasich issued a lighthearted resolution encouraging all Ohioans to avoid using the letter “M” in honor of the state’s most anticipated football rivalry.
Kasich, a 1974 graduate of the university, tweeted the resolution at 10:12 a.m. on Friday, announcing a new group of honorary Ohioans. Specifically, the individuals listed are members of the College Football Playoff selection committee.
“WHEREAS, those individuals recognized as Honorary Ohioans include Barry Alvarez, Pat Haden, Tom Jernstedt, Tom Osborne, Dan Radakovich, Condoleezza Rice, Mike Tranghese, Steve Wieberg, Tyrone Willingham, and hopefully soon again, Archie Manning (get well soon, Archie),” read the fourth section of the resolution.
Ohio State, ranked no. 6, sits just two spots shy of being named to one of the four coveted College Playoff spots. A little bit of favor from the committee and a few key losses from the teams ahead will certainly be needed if the Buckeyes wish to add another national title to their trophy case.
Then, the re-elected governor followed with a second tweet and second annual ban of the letter “M.”
“NOW, THEREFORE, We, John R. Kasich and Mary Taylor, Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby recognize Saturday, November 29th, 2014 as SCARLET LETTER SATURDAY throughout Ohio and encourage all Ohioans to avoid using the letter M when possible, and to send positive Buckeye vibes to our Honorary Ohioans in the coming weeks,” read the resolution.
The letter is punctuated with a strikethrough, down to Lt. Governor Mary Taylor’s signature.
Individuals looking for a calm lead up to the rivalry may have already been disappointed. The Ohio State campus continued its tradition of striking out the letter in question on all the university’s signage.
Additionally, Ohio State’s The Lantern estimated that 14,000 students made their way to the center of campus on Tuesday. The throng gathered to the student’s annual to jump into frigid waters of Mirror Lake.
In an effort to curb any unnecessary portions of the rivalry, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer informed players that engaging in fighting, like the 2013 scrum, would receive an immediate dismissal from the team.
The stage is certainly set for the 111th meeting of the two teams. With additional seating added to Ohio Stadium earlier this year, attendance is likely to enter into the stadiums’ robust record books.
Kickoff for the game is at noon tomorrow, televised on ABC.
In preparation, our Ohio State readers can enjoy this video and any goose-bumps that happen to follow.
