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Football fans around the Valley made their way to several local bars and restaurants Saturday to have lunch and watch the big Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry football game.
And this year, the game held a high level of importance, as both teams were playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff tournament.
Gino Yannucci, a lifelong Buckeyes fan, said he usually goes to Buena Vista Cafe in Warren to watch the big game. About Michigan football, Yannucci said "Well they cheated, so yeah they're going to win a few games," referring to the sign-stealing scandal at Michigan that is under investigation by the NCAA. "They got us for tattoos, right? They got us for tattoos, so I hope they pay. I always root for Ohio State, and I think they're going to win today. And I think our quarterback is getting better every week."
Yannuci predicted a score of 24-17, Ohio State. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes lost 30-24.
David Arnold played football for Michigan from 1985 to 1988, after graduating from Warren G. Harding High School. He went to Buena Vista Cafe to watch the game, and was one of only four Michigan fans in the bar, hoping for a win by his alma mater.
"It means the season," Arnold explained. "I mean, you prepare from the time you sign to go to school there, for this game. And it's something that, to this very day, you don't forget it. It's a rivalry that usually comes down to winning the Rose Bowl, back when I played, or getting a chance in the playoffs."
Only his second time going to Buena Vista for the game, Arnold said he usually travels to Ann Arbor, when the game is in Michigan, to watch. This year he said he gave his ticket to his son.
"It's the greatest rivalry in college football. Now it's been kind of flipped, where Michigan is on the winning side. Hopefully this will be year three of three wins in a row. I'd say the score will be 27-24, Michigan. I will never say that other team's name."
The former Wolverine also said that while he chose to attend Michigan over Ohio State, he could have played for either.
"I wanted an opportunity to play early," Arnold said. "I went 3-0 against the Buckeyes, so you know I have bragging rights. And as far as the sign stealing, if it happened, it happened. I don't think it was something that Harbaugh was a part of, or knew about. But they still have to go out and execute. McCarthy is not going to turn the ball over, and I think we're just going to play a good Michigan-style game."
Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Becker also was among those in the bar rooting for Ohio State. He predicted that his squad would win by a score of 41-30.
"This goes back to when I was probably 7 or 8 years old," he said. "I can remember Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, and watch on three TV channels with the rabit ears on the TV."
In terms of Michigan's subtle win streak against the Buckeyes, Becker said, "That's going to end today."
Nick Frankos, Buena Vista Cafe owner, said hosting people for the game every year means a lot to him.
"I have close ties to Ohio State, but I went to the University of Cincinnati," Frankos said. "But still, I follow the Buckeyes and I want them to win every game. Ohio State is close to my heart. And you gotta love the Michigan fans. There's usually about three or four that come in every year. All good people, all good football people. You know how this town is, it's a beautiful thing."
Frankos further explained, "I think Michigan has got a heck of a good football team this year. They're going to be hard to beat, there's no doubt about it. Very physical. But, Ohio State is pretty darn good too. It should be a good game. And I'm one of those guys who says 'just play.' I'm sure everybody does it (sign stealing) in some way. You've got three guys on the sidelines with quarterbacks, doing this and doing that, holding up signs. I mean, what's really hot?"
PRIMANTI BROS
Buckeye Bill, also known as William Baldwin, said he and his family go to Primanti Bros in Niles for most Ohio State games. He said it's a tradition, and that they're "always here."
A die-hard Buckeyes fan, Baldwin said, "I think we'll be all right today." He continued "My son graduated from there. He worked for Ohio State for nine years, and we were there in 2002 when they beat Miami. I can remember when Jerry Lucas played for the basketball team, so I'm a lifelong fan. If we don't win, (head coach Ryan) Day is in trouble."
Once Michigan scored its first touchdown, Baldwin's son Adam added, "If Ryan Day loses, he needs canned."
Tim Rounsley and his family sat at another table near the Baldwins. He said the game means "everything" to him. "You can go 11-0, but if you lose to Michigan, you lose your job," Rounsley said. He also said he believes most teams "steal signs." "I don't believe Harbaugh should have been suspended for it," he said. "I think that just gives Michigan more fuel for the fire."
Rounsley said he won't usually go to Primanti Bros to watch the game, but he has family in town who wanted to go there.
"We've had a fantastic time so we'll probably come back." He continued, "But I have to pick the Buckeyes, can't do the team up north." He predicted an Ohio State win in a score of 32-27.
YSU
Youngstown State University also hosted its usual tailgate for its football team, but added an LED jumbotron to the parking lot for fans to watch the Division I FBS game between the Buckeyes and Wolverines.
Chris Breznai, of Struthers, holds season tickets to both the Cleveland Browns and Youngstown State football teams. He said he usually goes to the tailgate lot for Penguins games, but the Ohio State vs. Michigan game added to the fun.
"The game is live or die," Breznai said. "It's everything, in or out." As a Buckeyes fan, Breznai said, "I don't think you can print that. Second best team in the Big Ten."
Breznai said the score would be 28-24, Ohio State.
Stacy Karis said she went to the tailgate for the YSU game later on in the day, but she's also an Ohio State fan. "To me, it's just a day to celebrate Ohio," Karis said.
Breznai's son, Brandon, said "I hate them," about Michigan. "I don't like them, they're a good football team. But Ohio State's just the better team. I've been a fan my entire life, 22 years, and this game is the biggest rivalry in all of sports. It's lifestyle, and Ohio State is going to be the team on top tonight, 31-24."