Ohio State vs Michigan: On the field at the Big House with a Former Buckeye 

Dear UM fans. My bad on the mis-pronunciation of coach Crisler. I’ll get it right next time!

The fact that two rivals can be good friends shows that we can all get along in this world. Such a heart warming video. Go human race!

Excellent work from an unassuming NFL ten year career plus All Pro TE. No TTUN or red X’s - just competitive respectful appreciative commentary getting field seats next to peer Jansen. And putting a human, college/pro perspective on an iconic game, situation, weather and result. Give this guy an ESPN backdrop, earpiece and similarly talented production team and Herbstreit gets sat down.

An A-MAIZE-ING video! Everything from the historic info to the in game video. Absolutely the most unique perspective I have seen about “THE GAME.” Thanks Ben GO BLUE!

By far the best osu/mich video I've seen on RU-vid. Thank you for sharing. Go Blue!

From the trivia barrel, the script Ohio routine was first performed by the Michigan marching band as a tribute to their cross border rival. From a time when sportsmanship ruled first over hype and hate. Thanks for the brief return to old school.

Normally I would see Ohio State and not give this the time of day. Glad I did! What a great video, great perspective of the field, great narrations. I really enjoyed it. We were in the stands! Second best game I have been to (1st night game against ND is still the best). Thanks for sharing!

I was a student at UM in the early 90s and have been an usher at the big house for several years. The Michigan OSU game has always been awesome. Of all the home games I've ever attended, this was the most exciting and absolutely electric. I loved this video, it was very well done. You taught me some things about my college that I never knew. Thank you for posting

VERY well-done video. This Buckeye alum clearly has his heart in a good place (a Michigan fan writes this). I enjoyed this as much, if not more than the official football highlights video, because it conveyed atmosphere. If you recall, atmosphere was remarked upon by a number of the media in attendance. Ben's summation of what CFB is at the end is absolutely spot-on. I hope that CFB does not become too NFL-like, although much of the landscape is trending in that direction. Post-TSIO victory celebrations used to mean a week of euphoria, while awaiting Rose Bowl ticket info by mail. Having the B1G title game to prep for just felt weird. That's probably why the M fan base is still celebrating the Ohio win. This video is an excellent primer for the CFB neophyte. That is perhaps the highest compliment that I can give it. LOVED the historical stuff, and the use of the various songs from both schools. As one who has entered the Big House from the tunnel, there was a lot of familiarity, in some of the shots. Seeing some of the big plays from a new angle did not hurt, either. This video is the perfect encore to the 2008 HBO special about The Rivalry. It leaves me wanting more, too. I second John Kluth's motion.

The work you did on this video, sharing your perspective and views, and also providing some historical content and information about the game, the rivalry you did an unbelievable job. Thank you

College football rules, nothing comes close. The passion, the tradition

OSU grad here. Fantastic vlog, Ben. I was at this game too and it was one of the funnest games I’ve ever been too. Even though we lost, it’s great for the rivalry and the Big House was absolutely ELECTRIC. Got to go with my five best friends from high school (3 of us went to OSU, the other 3 went to UM). Was happy to see all of them so happy. Also, you mentioned that 2002 game… That was my first one and haven’t missed one in Columbus since. I was five years old 😂.

Michigan grad here, awesome video, Ben. Much respect for your role as a player in this rivalry and now your role documenting this historic moment.

I'm a big Michigan fan but you're a cool guy and great video

Epic .. video. Thanks for taking us on your journey

Hi Ben just found your channel, I’m from your hometown of Chillicothe. And I wait on your uncle and father @ Harbor Freight in town were I work. Your the best love listening to your radio shows as well. Go Buckeyes!! God Bless you and all your work and family. My mom graduated with your aunt in high school. My ex-wife graduated from your high school as well. I went to Southeastern, so you know lol. Thanks a lot.✌🏻🇺🇸🎗

You might be the best thing to come out of Ohio State since Chris Spielman. This was really beautifully done. The commentary, the history, and the pure excitement you had gave this tremendous authenticity. Probably the closest I’ll ever get to being on the sideline so thank you!

This video is a masterpiece btw. Professional documentary level

Great video thanks for sharing enjoyed your experience in Ann Arbor!

We appreciate the view from the other side of things! Go Blue! ✌🏾

From a lifelong Michigan fan...major props for a great video showing an aspect many of us never get to see. Outstanding work.

Thank you! That was incredible.

Someone give this guy his own show doing this exact thing, plus a camera man, even if he is a buckeye :)

Thanks for sharing this Ben! Nice views of Ann Arbor, nice views from the big House! Go Blue!

From a wolverine - amazing job sharing about the game day experience and what makes this rivalry so great. Awesome to see and hear your thoughts, views, and perspective. Go blue! Love listening to you on Sirius XM as well!

I was nice to hear an OSU alum show what the best rivalry in college football is all about.

As a Michigan fan, this was a super humbling and great video to watch. 30 minutes well spent. Thank you for being as gracious with this one as possible.

What a great guy that Ben Hartsock is. So upbeat and appreciative and kind. His team (OSU) got beat but he was totally open and objective and appreciative of the whole experience in Ann Arbor. So impressed by his generosity as a human being.

A game for the ages.

Love it! Your red hat in the sea of blue at the end made me giggle!

Great vid...i can't believe Jon didn't put you up at his place....go blue!

Great job Ben. Watching this on TV (UM fan), did no justice to the atmosphere that your video captured, especially in the stadium. As a Buckeye, your knowledge of the history of Michigan football makes me want to study the tradition and history of Ohio State Football. Great job again! You were definitely one of the standouts on those early 2000’s Buckeye teams. Go Blue!

@BenHartsock - a lifelong Buckeye fan, student, administrator came to Honolulu and became the AD for our UH program and we became pals! I have so much respect for him and he fought hard for the program and took a lot of criticism from the public. But he took it in stride because he always had the collective, the community....the ohana in mind. We gave each other friendly jabs over the rivalry but loved each other. I loved your objectivity in the recording and mixing of the video. A true testament to the class of a Buckeye who played in THE Game. People see the sometimes ugliness of the rivalry but that often comes with fanbases. But people who were part of both programs learn to compete with and respect the other. Sorry for rambling, your video just brought up so many emotions of when I made the trek from Honolulu to Ann Arbor in 2013 and 2016. I tip my winged hat to ya! God bless!

Ben said it best at the end....football is America! I love the rivalry, I love "The Game", I love all the fans that make games and seasons like this so special. It was a long 10 years between victories so, Buckeye fans, give us some space to enjoy this one. Good luck in the Rose Bowl....Michigan, go kick some Georgia ass, and GO BLUE!!!

The last thing I want is another osu alum in the media, but you did an amazingly unbiased video, and you are clearly very talented. Hope a network notices you soon, you deserve it. Go Blue!!

Thanks Ben! As a Wolverine living in Ohio, it's been rough. Great video, and perspective.

What a great video Ben awesome job loved it. Thank you for sharing it you're nothing but class.

College football is supreme Americana. Great job with the histories of the schools. Will definitely tune in for more!

It’s such a better rivalry when both teams win once in a while

The best tailgating at Michigan is on the golf course across the street from Michigan Stadium. It is such a gorgeous wide open space and looks awesome with the cars parked under huge trees as they're lined up and down the rolling fairways. I've been to away games at a fair number of other schools and two bowl games (MSU, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Rose Bowl, Citrus Bowl and a handful MAC venues) and visited their pregame tailgating locales and the golf course is still the top dog in my book. Though the San Gabriel mountains on New Year's Day make an amazing backdrop. I would love to one day make it to all the Big Ten schools for a game. If not all of them maybe the actual Ten in the Big Ten. Nothing like college football!

Thanks for sharing. Go Blue!

What a nice video sir. As a Ann arbor fan and a Michigan fan you did a great job on showing our stadium and City and our atmosphere to your friends and family and whoever else watches this. May God bless you and your family and may God bless Michigan and Ohio State with a great rivalry for a long long long time. I'm Michigan fan go blue but you sir are very cool and I just wanted to say that. Tim from Michigan

Excellent work Ben!

Thanks for sharing this video from a Buckeye's perspective. Definitely one of the very best I have even seen about THE GAME on RU-vid.

As a west coast based Michigan alum ('85) who hasn't been back to the Big House in decades, this was truly an awesome gameday and Ann Arbor video to watch. It made me feel nostalgic for my time there, and the entire game day experience. Respectful, classy, funny, and full of great info (I finally learned what the gold pants were about!). Cheers to the best rivalry in all of sports. Go Blue!

Wow, what a video. It’s awesome even as a former buckeye player you’re still amazed by the view, the sounds, and excitement in the air the whole day by both fan bases even in enemy territory. I think the game this year will be much more intense and the shoe is going to be absolutely insane. If you’re able to make a video this year from your home field I’d look forward to watching. I hate osu a little less with your kind hearted attitude which is much better than seeing middle fingers and F bombs everywhere. I wish you the best in whatever you do. Take care brother. Go Blue.

Love how an osu guy is telling Michigan History that some of our fan base does not even know.

Super late to the party…and even with the loss still a fantastic video. Nice work, and thank you!! GO BUCKS!

Great vid with an amazing perspective. Thanks for sharing your experience!

I appreciate your perspective on the game. Honest, healthy and showed good sportsmanship. As a former Ohioan who now resides in Michigan, I get the importance of this game from both sides. I wish the fan base and tone could be more respectful towards each other.....as shown by you, a former OSU player hanging out with your Michigan buddy. Uplifting...your perspective lives beyond the game. Thank you

Ben you are a class act and a terrific guy. I'm a Michigan fan and I totally respect you for your outstanding, objective reporting. Great job.

Awesome BH! Mad Respect for you! Love you on Sirius Radio also!

Jansen is one of the Michigan GOATs.

Why is Michigan special? It's the Great Lakes, Beaches, Dunes, Woods, Automotive everything, Outdoor sports, and U of M! BTW - Thank you very much for posting this and with class and a wonderful perspective, nothing like it, well done Ben!

I think sometimes people forget that without the other team it's not much of a sport or rival. We love to hate y'all as y'all do the same, but without y'all it wouldn't be THE GAME. I enjoyed this video, mad respect for you man! 👏

Those birds are there all the time. It’s what I wake up to in the morning. It’s so normal to me now that I feel weird when I go outside in the cold mornings and I don’t hear them. It’s way too quiet without them.

Awesome video! Great historical facts! Regardless of who are you root for this is how it’s done! Go blue

Very cool historical breakdown on this!! Cool vlog....but this history makes it next level!!

Great video, love the heart. All of college football can appreciate your feelings. Thank you.

This was so great. Thanks for making this video.

I have many Ohio State fans as friends. Most would agree that this video shows the true nature of Big 10 Football. The rivals, the compassion, and the respect for the greatest team sport in the world. Many thanks Ben for doing this. It shows your are not only a former player, but truly understand the meaning of sportsmanship. Great video👍👍👍

Back here to chime in that I really hope you create more content this season, particularly at The Game. As a Michigan grad, I really enjoy your style and humor and authentic affection for the game.

This was AMAZING! Thank you! And you're right.. College Football is special. As amazing as this game was, the other games you mentioned going on at the same time, Alabama/Auburn/ Ok/OkSt, etc are all just as amazing. It truly is the best spectacle out there

Great video. Glad you had a good time but not too good 😊. Keep up the good work!

Great video! Thanks for sharing! GO BLUE!

Great job Ben. So nice to get an opposing players perspective of 'THE" game. I can only imagine what it was like to play in it. Thanks again for your candid and warm thoughts regarding the experience.

Thanks for the video. Really well made. Watched everything from start to finish. Appreciate all your effort.

one of the best and most comprehensive gameday related video from a fan/former player. thanks for sharing PS - thanks for showing the JSN juggling catch on 4th down. they never showed a replay on TV, and I thought for sure it was incomplete, but your video has convinced me it was good go blue!

Down here in Southern Michigan we had a flock of tens of thousands of those blackbirds migrate through here this year at around that time too. It was kind of scary being around them. They almost blocked out the sun.

great video! Was the best game I have been to in so long ... running out on that field was epic

Great video, thank you so much. Great to see people who still love their school but respect their rivals and the tradition of " The Game" !! Will be subscribing to your channel as a Michigan fan !!

Crows were there in anticipation for all the buckeye corpses laying all over the field

Probably the coolest video ive seen of this day. Very awesome work. Thanks for coming.

one of the best documentation of this game, thank you.

Enjoyed your video, glad you brought it to us! Hope your time in Ann Arbor was memorable.

Excellent video. It really does give you a glimpse of how big a game this is. I got all tingly watching it and need to re-watch the game. Thanks for sharing. Go Blue!!!

I truly enjoyed that... Thank you for sharing your perspective and being such a good sport!!

Thanks for the video. Nicely done. As a Michigan fan watching games for many years back to my student days, I remember your contributions to the rivalry. Much respect.

Excellent work. I can’t believe how fast the game looks from field level. Good commentary and gracious view toward the outcome. Thanks for sharing.

Oh man, what a game!!!! Thanks for the great video edit. Super professional!

Great video! Thanks for sharing

Awesome video! Really well done. Appreciate all the respect you showed to your bitter rivals on that day. It’s great to see two bitter rivals come together and create special moments like this. Can’t believe you were there to witness it first hand.

Hey Ben, Thanks for making this. As a U of M fan we have had lean years, and the game was amazing. The atmosphere, and your coverage of it was top notch. I hope you do more videos like this. I can really appreciate how you did this with a lot of class, objectivity, while maintaining you being an Ohio State Alum. I hope this turns into something much larger for you. Take care, and hope to see more of these from other schools and other rivalries.

As a Mich alum that was visceral. I didn't want it to end. Thank you!

VERY well done by a classy buckeye

Awesome video man! Thanks for showing us what it looks like from down on the field! Go Blue!!

Props man, this was cool to watch. Very well done.

Wow I gotta say this is really good stuff Ben! As a Michigan fan this is by far one of the better videos I’ve seen surrounding this game, loved seeing your experience. Thank you for sharing!

I came from WolverinesWire and I had to post this. Utmost respect to this great person, but you actually were able to witness 2 murders that beautiful weekend! The first was the dark foreshadowing of what was to come that weekend, and then when the Michigan defensive line bludgeoned the offensive line of pOSU. Lol, all in good, respectful fun. Thank you for letting us spend the weekend with you! Godspeed and may your chosen deity bless you as well!

Thanks for posting this Ben As a dyed in the wool Michigan fan I can appreciate your perspective from the other side(line). Also it's absolutely awesome to see some of those highlights from where you were watching the game!!

Cool video! Go blue. Love the insight and hope you had a good time besides the outcome

This was a pretty great view from the other side! Very well done. Best of luck to you in the future. Go Blue!

Good footage.im a michigan fan but man you have a look of class and positive vibes make me love this rivalry. If only we all can be good hearted as you bro go blue respect to ostate. We forever be a fan of your bro

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this video. As always GO BLUE!

Kudos to you for embedding in enemy territory. If you want to know from a Michigan alum what makes Michigan special, it's the combination of academic excellence embraced by everyone at the university combined with a storied football history that, in recent years, hasn't been at the level we expect. But this year was a return to the leadership and winning on the field that we're proud of. As for game day traditions, going to Revelli Hall for the step show and drum line, and then marching alongside the band into the stadium is probably my favorite. I graduated over 30 years ago but going to a game, walking down Hoover with 100,000 other fans, hearing the theme from Bullwinkle and the Slippery Rock score -- it's still as great as it ever was.

Excellent video, loved to see that you can be a competitor and a rival but still be respectful

HAIL YEAH! I just found myself on your video @ 28:00! Absolutely amazing experience that I'll never forget!

Great video sir! I subscribed just for the fact I saw you took the time to reply to almost every comment here. Attended my first game at The Big House while in 7th grade in 1979 and fell in love with it. While I was never good enough to play there I did attend school there and never missed a single game. I still make it back for at least a few games a year. This years game was hands down the best ever after the beating OSU has put on us the past 10 years. Was rather funny 79 gave up a sack right after you commented about his size. I’m glad we gave up Toledo to gain one of the most beautiful places in the country in the UP. I’m a Big 10 fan all the way and will even root for OSU in bowls games! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Thanks for posting. It was nice reliving it. We were in pretty much the same part of the field albeit 49 rows up. Go Blue!

I didn't think I would enjoy this being a Michigan fan, but such an unbiased true college football fan/player having fun, it was amazing, I'm subscribed now, keep the great GameDay events coming. Go Blue! And just for your great video, Go Bucks... I'm from eastern Ohio and that's still hard to say 🤣