New UM-OSU Documentary Out!

Submitted by JWG Wolverine on November 21st, 2022 at 1:11 PM

Sinclair and Tennis Channel studios just premiered their first episode of a new docu-series called "RIVALS" last night, and there was only one game they could start with:

Re-airs on BTN Wednesday at 11am ET and Thursday 8pm ET. Will probably also re-air on Sinclair-owned regional sports networks so check your listings.

It's got all the names and faces you love (including some indirect glimpses of mine and fellow MMB members). It also feels fresh and new though, not only because it is the first full film to go past 2006 (including 2021) — but it takes this non-linear thematic-based structure and intellectual-yet-fun tone that should be right up any MGoBlogger's alley!

Perkis-Size Me

November 21st, 2022 at 1:28 PM ^

I may check it out, but I hope it takes a more balanced approach than the last UM/OSU documentary they did, where they showed highlights of the 2006 game. With that one, it seemed like after they went into the origins of the rivalry, they placed A LOT of emphasis on OSU's history, and sidestepped Michigan a bit. 

Obviously I'm biased, but it didn't seem like a very balanced documentary as far as the content was concerned. 

Yostal

November 22nd, 2022 at 8:13 AM ^

Honestly, JK Simmons being allowed to break the fourth wall for his Ohio State fandom and do some back-and-forth friendly jawing with Rich Eisen makes the rest of his narration very good.

Really enjoyed the whole thing and the use of the Know Rivalry framework to explain why Michigan/Ohio State matters.

BTB grad

November 21st, 2022 at 1:45 PM ^

I thought it was pretty well balanced. They go into the science and psychology of a rivalry and what elements create a rivalry over time. They go through the ups and downs of the rivalry throughout the history of it. The last 5-10 minutes are about Michigan kicking OSU’s ass in 2021 so nice ending.

Harbone IV

November 21st, 2022 at 1:51 PM ^

I liked how this documentary had a very "academic" approach to rivalries more generally, but it's really just about the Michigan-OSU rivalry. Makes you feel like you're learning something while you're being entertained and getting pumped up for The Game. I do recommend it. At the very least, it gives you some tips that help when you're trying to explain the significance of the game to your relatives this weekend.

Papabearblue2

November 21st, 2022 at 6:11 PM ^

This isn't really a documentary about Michigan/OSU, it's a documentary about "Rivals", it just uses M/OSU as the example.

That said, super fun watch. It's so M/OSU driven that it might as well be about "that".

My not-from-Michigan SO of 10 years had a ton of fun watching it and she seems to have a new bigger interest in M Football.

I think understanding the Rivalry and what makes Michigan "tick" really helped her process some of my fanatic interests.