The Michigan/Ohio State rivalry is known best for its battles in the “Horseshoe” and “The Big House.” But just as important are the battles off the field, in the living rooms of high school stars in the Midwest and all over the United States of America.
Both Urban Meyer and Brady Hoke know the most important pieces to beating their hated rival are the recruits they get and in turn keep away from the other.
Hoke has Michigan on an upswing on the field after going 11-2 last season and winning a BCS Bowl. This season his Wolverines are 8-3 and their only losses have come against the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 14 teams in the BCS rankings. Somewhat surprisingly Hoke has been just as successful, if not more successful, in the recruiting arena.
Meanwhile in his first season at Ohio State, Meyer has the Buckeyes 11-0 and one win away from an undefeated season. Likewise, Meyer is once again cleaning up in recruiting. Despite being hired three months before National Letter of Intent signing day, Meyer secured one of the top five recruiting classes in the country.
Both have been able to build on their success in recruiting this season, but I suspect as the years go along Meyer will start to pull away from Hoke on the recruiting trail and leave Michigan in the dust.
Continue reading at Bleacher Report – Big Ten Football
