Gene Smith wanting Michigan wins vs. Ohio State to receive an asterisk is laughable

The rivalry truly never sleeps.

42-27.

45-23.

30-24.

The final scores from the last three Michigan vs. Ohio State games.

Three Michigan wins in a row.

At this point nearly everyone from coast to coast realizes Michigan’s been the better team compared to Ohio State in recent years — three consecutive Big Ten Championships, college football playoff appearances, wins over Ohio State, and one national championship since 2021 indicate Michigan’s had the better team and coaching staff. Just don’t tell that to Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith.

In an interview on “All Sides with Anna Staver,” Smith was asked if Michigan should receive an asterisk for at least two of their wins over Ohio State because of alleged sign-stealing by former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions.

“Yeah, of course I do,” Smith said. “Of course I do. The rules are in place to protect the integrity of the game and try your best to create a level playing field. When those rules are violated it affects those principles. We have to keep that in perspective.”

What Smith should keep in perspective is why Ohio State hasn’t won in recent years — Michigan’s been the more physical team, not because someone was recording hand signals in the stands from an iPhone.

Maybe Smith should think more about the actual reasons why Ohio State can’t get over the hump and beat Michigan instead of talking about asterisks.

• Why the Buckeyes allowed long touchdown runs by Donovan Edwards.
• Why Aidan Hutchinson was able to throw around Ohio State offensive linemen like a Tickle Me Elmo doll.
• Why Kyle McCord decided to throw interceptions to Will Johnson and Rod Moore
• Why Michigan was able to beat Ryan Day and OSU with an interim coach in Sherrone Moore.

Smith can hope Michigan receives an asterisk or gets wins vacated, but he shouldn’t hold his breath. The likelihood of either occurring is slim to none. His comments are to fire up an Ohio State bubble when the reality of the matter is far different than what he’s stirring up.

Expect more of this type of chatter from Ohio State pundits, players, and coaches in the months leading up to Michigan at Ohio State on November 30.