COLUMBUS, Ohio — Keeping with tradition, The Ohio State University is preparing campus ahead of 'The Game' against the ❌ichigan Wolverines this week.
Saturday's regular season finale game between the two undefeated teams is highly anticipated by both sides as the winner of the matchup will go on to the Big Ten Championship.
Part of the preparation for the annual game is using tape to cross out the letter "M" around campus. From billboards to plaques to buildings, students say it's tradition to cover the letter, and it helps them get in the spirit for the heated rivalry.
The rivalry between the two teams originated in 1897 after they clashed on the field. Since then, both Ohio State and That Team Up North (TTUN) have seen their fair share of wins and losses to each other.
Last year, the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 45-23.
In addition to signs on campus, the Columbus community is joining in on festivities. The Central Ohio Transit Authority is showing support for the team by putting a message reading, "BEAT XICHIGAN" on approximately 300 buses.
The buses will carry the message now through Saturday night.
The Columbus Crew is also showing support for the college football team by putting a red "X" over the Lower.com Field.
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