Ohio State fans didn't lack for enthusiasm in 2014-15

Clemson fans don't appear to be thrilled with Ohio State mascot Brutus at the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, FL, January 3, 2014. (Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer)

(Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer)

When you're playing for all the marbles, being a fan is easy. But when the opponent resides 2,450 miles away, it's best to bring in reinforcements.

And if we here in the whole state of Michigan are experts in anything, it's hating on Ohio State. The Wolverines have beaten the Buckeyes more than any other school in the nation (58 times to be exact).

Shoot, the whole thing started with an actual war.

Picture the vitriol between you and the Oregon State Beavers. Now multiply that by 1,000 and give it an 'R' rating. That's how Wolverines feel about Buckeyes.

So in an effort to help you, the Oregon Ducks fans, learn how to really root against Ohio State, the school up north is here to help.

We asked Michigan fans to help us compile a guide if you will, four simple reasons to hate on Ohio State. Hope this helps.

1. They're obsessed with spelling

As Bob Ufer said, Ohio is still a four-letter word. But that doesn't stop Buckeyes fans from reminding each other how to spell it every opportunity they get. Be prepared on the streets of Dallas to hear this exercise carried out routinely. They're also really into parts of speech, accentuating the "the" before Ohio State University despite — as one Michigan fan pointed out — being just one of 14 public universities in the state. In fact, the Buckeyes are so proud of their grammatical prowess, they've dedicated a pregame ceremony to literally dotting an i. The whole fixation is strange, especially considering they ain't come to play school.

2. They're nuts

No, seriously, their mascot is a nut. One that Michigan fans like to point out, has no hair. But that's not all. The buckeye nut contains a glycoside, or tannic acid, that when combined with moisture — as in your stomach — produces poison. Pigs, horses, sheep and children have been poisoned by the buckeye, with symptoms including inflammation of the mucous membranes, vomiting, twitching and paralysis. This fact unfortunately leads one to the unavoidable question, why does Ohio State hate children? If you're ever East of the Mississippi, a rule of thumb, the buckeye nut doesn't fall far from the buckeye tree.

3. Because, these guys.

4. Urban Meyer

Michigan fans would like to remind you how this all went down. Meyer "retires" from coaching college football, stepping down (for a second time) at the University of Florida following the 2010 season (cough, following an 8-5 season, cough). While at Florida, Meyer won two national titles and only saw 31 of his players get arrested. Totally worth it! During his year off he

spends the whole time with family because "it's all about family"

works for ESPN as a college football analyst. In November 2011, feeling well rested, he accepts a job at Ohio State, where, you know, burnout can't happen because there's no pressure like at Florida.

But hey, I'm sure it will end well for Meyer at Ohio State. Just ask Buckeyes coaching legends Jim Tressel and Woody Hayes.

-- Gillian Van Stratt, MLive Media Group