The game of the year in college football has yet another storyline – a sad one.

The first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between Ohio State and Michigan comes a day after the Wolverines lost their most celebrated leader, Bo Schembechler. The longtime coach, who played a starring role for two decades in the century-old grudge match, died Friday at age 77.

An Ohioan who became a Michigan icon, Schembechler cut across this rivalry and helped make it the biggest – and at times bitterest – feud in football. Now even his death will be forever linked with The Game.

“He will always be both a Buckeye and a Wolverine, and our thoughts are with all who grieve his loss,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said.

Now, the second-ranked Wolverines enter today’s showdown, with the Big Ten title, a spot (or two) in the national championship game and perhaps the Heisman Trophy at stake, with heavy hearts.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, a Schembechler protege, declined to speak with the media when he arrived with his team at Ohio Stadium on Friday.

Carr has drawn the ire of impatient Michigan fans for being on the short end too often against the hated Buckeyes.

It’s hardly fair considering these Buckeyes might be the most talented Tressel has coached, including the squad that won the 2002 national championship.

Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith directs one of the most explosive offenses in the country, and he’s been at his best against Michigan the last two seasons.

True, but no one is more responsible for that 2-0 against the Maize and Blue than the multitalented Smith.

He passed for 241 yards, ran for a career-high 145 and accounted for three TDs in Ohio State’s 37-21 upset of Michigan in Columbus two years ago. Last season, Smith threw for 300 yards, ran for a touchdown and led two long, late scoring drives to beat Michigan 25-21.

If Smith has another magical day against Michigan, the senior can all but wrap up the Heisman Trophy race. Smith has thrown 26 touchdown passes and only four interceptions while completing 66 percent of his throws.