Ohio State has had tremendous success in beating Michigan in this millennium-- only losing twice since Tressel took over, in 2003 and 2011. And there is one surprising statistic that correlates perfectly with Ohio State winning: better success than Michigan in running the ball as measured by rushing yards per carry. Go figure.
Were JK Dobbins and Mike Weber as important as Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields?
Were the Ohio State defenses just as critical in holding down the Michigan running attack?
| Yards per carry | OSU | UM | Result |
| 2019 | 5.3 | 3.5 | Win |
| 2018 | 4.8 | 4.0 | Win |
| 2017 | 4.7 | 2.8 | Win |
| 2016 | 4.1 | 2.1 | Win |
| 2015 | 6.8 | 2.3 | Win |
| 2014 | 6.0 | 3.2 | Win |
| 2013 | 8.5 | 4.3 | Win |
| 2012 | 4.0 | 4.0 | Win |
| 2011 | 4.4 | 5.5 | Loss |
| 2010 | 5.7 | 4.4 | Win |
| 2009 | 4.7 | 2.6 | Win |
| 2008 | 5.4 | 2.7 | Win |
| 2007 | 3.9 | 0.6 | Win |
| 2006 | 6.4 | 4.3 | Win |
| 2005 | 3.4 | 1.3 | Win |
| 2004 | 4.4 | 3.2 | Win |
| 2003 | 2.2 | 4.2 | Loss |
| 2002 | 4.1 | 3.0 | Win |
