Fans celebrate as Michigan football team holds off Ohio State, 40-34
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson celebrates with fans after the Wolverines 40-34 victory against Ohio State.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Updated 6:16 p.m.
For 2,926 days, the Michigan football program sat in agony.
But on Saturday, with 114,132 of their closest friends looking on, the Wolverines partied.
Finally.
Junior quarterback Denard Robinson accounted for 337 yards and five touchdowns as No. 17 Michigan snapped seven-game losing streak to rival Ohio State with a 40-34 victory at Michigan Stadium, sending fans streaming on the field, singing and dancing.
"We said, 'Beat Ohio' after almost every team meeting. We said, 'Beat Ohio' after almost every team breakdown," Michigan senior center David Molk said following the win. "This is what we wanted. We wanted to prove it.
"And we did it."
Michigan coach Brady Hoke became the program's first coach to win 10 games in his debut season since Fielding H. Yost in 1901.
Robinson finished 14-for-17 passing for 167 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 170 yards on 26 carries for two more scores, his third career five-score game.
Sophomore running back Fitzgerald Toussaint added 120 yards on 20 carries for the Wolverines (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten). Toussaint and Robinson both passed the 1,000-yard mark during the game, giving Michigan a pair of 1,000-yard rushers for the first time since 1975.
The Wolverines have 10 victories for the first time since 2006, went 8-0 at home for the first time in program history and finally claimed back bragging rights in one of the country's top rivalries.
"I love my team," Hoke said. "I love how they represent Michigan.
"I've got the best job in the world, I do. At 2:30 every day I (see) 115 guys and I get a chance to make a difference in their lives. What could be funner?"
The feeling for Ohio State was markedly different.
"We’ve never lost to Michigan," OSU senior receiver DeVier Posey said. "It’s just an eerie feeling, you know. It’s gives you a weird feeling in your stomach."
After both teams put up a combined 47 points in the first half, Michigan reclaimed a narrow lead midway through the third quarter when Robinson found Martavious Odoms over the middle for a 20-yard touchdown, making it 30-24.
The Wolverines appeared to be in control late in the frame, but a crucial dropped snap by punter Will Hagerup swung momentum, giving the Buckeyes the ball on the Michigan 32.
Ohio State would drive inside the 5-yard line, but the Michigan defense would hold, forcing a 21-yard field goal by Drew Basil to make it a 30-27 game with 12:50 to go.
The Wolverines seized control on the ensuing drive, as Robinson racked up his fifth touchdown of the game with a 4-yard toss to Kevin Koger to make it a 10-point game. But 83 seconds later, Ohio State responded, capping a lightning-quick 80-yard march with a 4-yard run from Dan Herron to make it 37-34 with 7:09 left.
Michigan appeared to put the game away five minutes later as Toussaint burst over the goal line for a 5-yard touchdown. The play was reviewed and Toussaint was ruled down at the 1-yard line.
Robinson scored on the following play, but again the touchdown was called back, this time for holding. Ohio State also got the benefit of a personal foul penalty on Michigan's Steve Watson, forcing the Wolverines to settle for a 43-yard field goal from Brendan Gibbons to make it 40-34 with 1:59 left.
"We feel like we let our offense down," Michigan senior defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen said. "Defensively, we've been excellent all year, and we really wanted to be able to let the offense hand the ball off to us, so to speak, and let us take this game in for them. We let them down once.
"And we said when we came to the bench, 'It's not happening again. No way.' "
The Buckeyes had one last gasp, and Miller just overthrew a wide open Posey down the Michigan sideline, but Courtney Avery intercepted a bobbled throw with 39 seconds to play — capping the win and starting a massive Wolverine celebration.
After soaking Hoke with a Gatorade bath, the Wolverines sprinted to the student section to sing "The Victors." Following that, the students mobbed midfield to celebrate the milestone victory.
"To be honest with you, I was numb," Michigan senior receiver Junior Hemingway said after the game. "I didn't know what to do."
In a wild first half that featured four lead changes, the Buckeyes struck first when Miller found Corey Brown for a 54-yard pass on the game's first possession, but Michigan would quickly answer.
Robinson sprinted 41 yards to the end zone two drives later to tie the game, on the ensuing possession, Ohio State was flagged for holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety and putting the Wolverines up 9-7. The lead would swell to 16-7 after Robinson found Hemingway from 26 yards out with 3:02 to go in the first quarter.
Michigan's 16 points in the opening frame were the most the team had scored against Ohio State since 2006.
The Buckeyes bounced back, though, getting a 45-yard field goal from Basil and a 19-yard touchdown run from Miller, aided by a Robinson fumble, to go back in front 17-16 midway through the second.
Robinson gave Michigan the lead back briefly on its next drive with a 6-yard scoring run, but Ohio State would take the edge into the half after Miller hit Posey on a 43-yard scoring pass with 1:21 to play in the second quarter.
Miller finished 14-for-25 for 235 yards and two scores. He ran 16 times for 100 yards and a score. As a team, Michigan out-gained Ohio State 444-372.
The Wolverines will now play the waiting game to see where they land in the postseason bowl picture. Some analysts have slotted Michigan as a Bowl Championship Series at-large candidate.
Bowl possibilities weren't on the Wolverines' minds following the game, though.
They'd just beaten Ohio State.
Did anything else really matter?
"To gone through what we've gone through," said Molk, a fifth-year senior. "This is my third coach, my third offensive coordinator, my third O-line coach, my third strength coach. It was a rollercoaster that seemed like it would never get good. But we kept fighting.
"It's just like the old saying goes, 'Those who stay will be champions.' We all stayed, we all stayed together."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson races toward the end zone for the first of the five touchdowns he accounted for against Ohio State.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Comments
Polish Baby
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.
Does anyone know of a website that has a picture of the scoreboard from the game, where the countdown of days since UM last beat Ohio went to zero? I couldn't get my camera on my phone out fast enough and I loved that!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
Once a cheater, always a cheater. So I think it fair to say that every victory of the Tressel era is tainted. No doubt that we lost those games--to a team that cheats. So the last honest victory of the school down south over the UM came on November 21, 1998. 4747 days since that school down south beat the UM without cheating? Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Actually, I do re-check my posts to see if there are any intelligent replies. You wrote: I think Denard can pass. That is the statement taken at face value. TinC means a statement that cannot be taken at face value. The only way to read that comment, then, if you have your tongue planted in your cheek, is that you don't think he can pass. There is no other way to read your comment. I don't make anyone look stupid. I let people's words do that all by themselves. GN&GL
kti
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
Had to answer your drive by from an earlier thread, knew you wouldn't come back of your own volition: Tongue-in-cheek is a phrase used as a figure of speech to imply that a statement or other production is humorously intended and it should not be taken at face value" "So, if your comment was meant to be t in c, you are saying that Denard cannot throw the ball. Is that what you meant?"-Edward R. Murrow's Ghost The Way-kti: Like I said: I don't think "tongue in cheek" means what you think it means. The reason you guys don't get it is b/c you think "tongue in cheek" means "opposite" or "antithetical" which it doesn't. Look at your own definition, Ghost. My statement, clearly, was not meant to be taken seriously, but it does not have to be "opposite" as The Way erroneously believes. It can mean opposite, of course, but it does not have to mean that. Quick example, if I say it gets chilly" in Alaska in winter as a tongue in cheek reference, it does not mean it is actually warm in AK, as you two guys believe. It's a TIC statement not meant to be taken at face value b/c its an obvious understatement which any with casual knowledge can pick up on, which is EXACTLY what my original comment was as well, which was meant to poke fun at the, IMHO, nonsensical sentiments of those who questioned Denard and Borges. Speaking of nonsensical statements, when you guys try to make someone else look stupid next time, you might want to think it through completely. If you don't get it, or its over your head, fine, but I'm sure you are both bright enough to not have try to make someone else look dim, especially when its on a 9th grade level issue that you are clearly wrong about, no need to instigate :)
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
A charter member of the MCC wrote: "I'm glad we ran the offense Rich Rodriguez invented today (the spread option) Denard was fantastic, our defense has a long way to go..." Yeah, Denard under center, I formation, fullback trap was right out of the playbook of the WCiMFH. As was Denard under center, I formation, pass over the middle to the tight end. Tight end and fullback were two key positions in the WCiMFH, right? It was a formation used numerous times yesterday. Not to mention, as Brandstatter pointed out so clearly in the radio broadcast after one of Dileo's catches, the numerous passes out of the I formation opened up passing lanes. LBs and safeties had to be more conscious of the run due to the blocking potential of the FB, opening up cracks in the zone. Yeah, that offense yesterday was the offense that the WCiMFH ran. If, that is, the person making such a statement knows absolutely nothing about the game of football. And I continue to be struck by how the WCiMFH sycophants can't seem to let the object of their man crushes go. He's at Arizona now, boys and girls. Time to follow him out there. For the rest of us, this was a wonderful victory and a season that brought much joy. Too bad there are some who cannot enjoy it! Good Night and Good Luck
Mick
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
All great points as usual Ghost!
58-44-6
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 8:50 a.m.
I have to change my name to 58-44-6..
1bit
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.
I'd wait until we see exactly how many of those "losses" will stand. My guess is you'll be 58-43-6 but possibly also 58-41-6...
58-44-6
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 8:49 a.m.
I'm glad we ran the offense Rich Rodriguez invented today (the spread option) Denard was fantastic, our defense has a long way to go... Rodriguez is considered a pioneer of a no huddle, run-oriented version of the spread offense, although a pass-first version was already being implemented by others. He first developed this offensive approach at Glenville State and refined it during his stops at Tulane with Shaun King, at Clemson with Woodrow Dantzler, and at West Virginia most notably with dual-threat quarterback Pat White. This strategy features frequent use of the shotgun formation. Rodriguez is also credited for inventing the zone read play run out of the shotgun formati
chapmaja
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:42 a.m.
This win should get us to a BCS game. I've been looking through the results, and barring strange things like Georgia upsetting LSU (which could get a third SEC team in the BCS games), or UCLA beating Oregon in the Pac 12 game, Michigan likely will be selected for a BCS game. If everything goes according to plan, meaning LSU wins, Houston wins the C-USa Title Game, Oregon wins, Va Tech beats Clemson in the ACC title game, then Michigan likely will be in at-large comeptition with: Stanford, Boise St, Houston (must be selected for a game), the Oklahoma-OSU game loser (winner to the BCS Fiesta Bowl) if that team stays top 14), Kansas St, and possibly the Big Ten title game loser, as well as the Big LEast champ. The Sugar Bowl will have the first selection of those teams and that is likely where Michigan get's picked. I can't see any team from that list more attractive to the Sugar Bowl than Michigan. The Fiesta Bowl gets the next choice and likely would take 11-1 Stanford to play the Ok St-Oklahoma winner. The Sugar Bowl would then be left with a choice between Houston or the Big Least champ, both of whom are required to be selected. I think they take undefeated Houston over a possibly unranked Louisville, Cincy or WVU team. That leaves the Big Least champ to play the ACC champ, Va. Tech most likely) in the Orange Bowl. I can't see Boise St, Kansas St, or a 2 loss Oklahoma St team as a favored choice over Michigan for the Sugar Bowl. If Oklahoma or MSU is eligible then it is a slightly tougher choice, but I still think Michigan goes as a 2 loss team rather than a 3 loss Okie or Sparty group. I don't think Wisconsin would be eligible if they lose the Big Ten Title Game.
amazinblu
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:18 a.m.
Let's keep the champagne on ice. Facts are we didn't win the Big Ten. Heck, we aren't even playing in the first ever B1G championship game. And that was a very, very poor OSU team we beat. Probably the worst I've seen in a dozen years or more. You guys have certainly lowered your standards. The students rushing the field..? Jeez, let's have some pride. Bo would be ashamed. If you don't win the conference, you haven't done squat.
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:41 a.m.
booo
Dr. Vag
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
Are Those Buckeyes? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNyhnKLIEls" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNyhnKLIEls</a>
missionbrazil
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
Congrats to our team, especially for the seniors, who finally get to see what it is like to beat Ohio. Congrats to Coach Hoke and staff ... great job all year. Some great things about this turnaround season: * 10 wins ... better than most predicted * 6 B1G wins ... equals RR's 3 year B1G career * 2 1000-yard rushers on our team ... awesome * 3-1 record in October and November * a great win over Nebraska * the long awaited win over Ohio * huge improvement in the D and in the special teams * + 6 in turnover margin * we scored more points this year than last year * probable BCS bowl to top it all off * great 2012 recruiting class Go Blue ! Michigan is back !
Ron501
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.
Great Win....Hail to the victors. Hope Brady and Mattision have a heart to heart talk with the corner backs and safty's. Must play better for the bowl game and building on the future. Michigan is back and the arrows are now pointing at us. bring it on. GO BLUE
chapmaja
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 5:31 a.m.
In fairness, part of the problem was the scheme they were running based on what OSU had done passing all season. OSU ranked ahead of only NAVY and ARMY in passing offensce. Those teams rarely pass because they run the triple option. Some of Michigan's mistakes were based on the way they line up based on tendencies OSU had shown. OSU came out and did things they haven't done all year. Michigan's D did not play that well and did get lucky a few times though, so you are right about that.
MjC
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
It's GREAT to be a Michigan Wolverine! Congratulations!
vi4mi4
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Hail To the Victors! Go Blue! v
MRunner73
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
I was at the game and first off, ohio fans did not flood the stadium like they did 2 years ago. They did not clog our roads coming into town. I would guess that there were more Nebraska fans in town last week than buckeye fans today. Second: buckeye fans were not as cocky before and even during the game. Third: Michigan fans were vocal. The Maize pom-poms were flying in the air in the stadium and it was an impressive sight. When the game was over, nobody left for several minues. The fans filled the playing field after the game. Fourth: It took nearly 60 minutes to win this one and was a lot closer than I expected. A great win and am proud to be a Wolverine. Fifth: Michigan is 10 and 2 and now we can buzz and chat as to what bowl game we'll go to. Congrats to Coach Hoke, his staff, the team and especially the Seniors on the team...GO BLUE!!!
riverraisin
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.
MRunner.. The pom poms and noise were awesome on TV. You were lucky to be able to experience it in person. It's great to see fans rockin the stadium for a change.
rhewi
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
What a great win!! Can someone explain to me why the ball was placed so far away from the goal line after the review took away an obvious touchdown at the end? One view looked short, but the other looked good ... so how could they overrule it? Anyway, if he didn't make it, then the ball should have been placed INCHES from the goal line ... not two or three feet? How/why do they do that?
Mick
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
I was thinking the same darn things fellas, just ticked me off the whole game.
MRunner73
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
We were getting bad spots on where to place the ball practically the entire day. It was disgusting and pretty amazing for the home team.
MyBoyBlue
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
I look for the OSU players to have no more tatoos next year as they did this year -- no gold pants to trade in. Amazing what happens cheaters when you play by the same rules as everyone else.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
Great game. Great season. Proud of our team and of its coaching staff. Good Job, gentlemen!!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
ROFL!! Good Night and Good Luck
riverraisin
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.
And?????? What did you forget to add?
Terrin Bell
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
I agree with the person who says the Officials clearly don't know what the word indisputably means. That last touch down was called good by the on field officials. The camera covering the player with the ball's back looked like his knee was down before making it in. However, the camera on the same player's front (the camera you could actually see most of the ball) looked like the player made it in. That means the evidence wasn't indisputable. Horrible officiating not only this game, but in general. The Iowa game's officiating was even worst. Michigan won in the end, but the policies concerning reviews should be revisited. I think a representative from both teams should be sitting in the booth with the reviewing officials to 1) make their respective cases, and 2) at least be able to hear it directly from the officials why a certain call was made.
RudeJude
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.
I agree, if both camera angles were taken into account, the call stands as a TD, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. The refs had their fingerprints all over the end of the game. Very thankful Michigan's defense pulled through. I LOVED Spielman criticizing Michigan's D for not playing prevent on Ohio's last drive, only to see them succeed.
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
Love what Molk said at the end of this article. He felt like things would never get better in his career but then said, "Like the old saying goes, 'Those Who Stay Will Be Champions.'" How true. They may not have won the National or even the B10 championship, but he stayed long enough to win an equally large championship: The Game. Molk and all the seniors that stuck it out are now champions over Ohio and will take this with them throughout their lives, whatever they decide to do. Yo Adrian...they did it!
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
Good one. Let's not stop there, let's go on and win that Sugar Bowl !
Terry Star21
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
Great game.....no excuses, no berating and no bragging. A win is a win and we won. We can all enjoy a great season and relax and watch whisky pound msu next week - thus giving us a BCS Bowl and sparty no BCS Bowl. Someone mentioned 737 days since the buckeyes beat us, but I won't mention that (whoops). MgoBlueForTiM.......winning and filling the playing field with our faithful
bluenella
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:47 p.m.
How SWEET it is. What a Team effort by our Wolverines & Coaches! HAIL!
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.
I feel like a 1000 lb weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Go Blue!!
1st Down
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
10 wins. Wins over ND, Neb and Ohio. Possible BCS bowl. Thanks for the hire Dave Brandon. This is Michigan.
Mick
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:45 a.m.
Hey 10DZ, let... me... type.... this.... slowly... for... you....that's in their program history, I thought I was writing in a thread where most people are smart enough to figure that out.
7718
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 1:59 a.m.
AZ...but Harbaugh and Miles are Michigan Men. You don't think they would have instilled the same values and molded these players like Hoke? I would venture a guess that they would have.
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
1st down - I believe we are in a BCS (Sugar Bowl). msu plays whisky next week and the loser will have 3 losses (not eligible for BCS). Wouldn't it be a hoot if we got the BCS bid and msu did not !
RudeJude
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
Hear, hear.
10dz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:20 a.m.
wow they each have 800 wins this year????
Mick
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
Great call 1st Down, those 3 schools all have 800+ victories, quite impressive indeed
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
By the way, my 'well said' was for 1st Down. 7718...Miles or Harbaugh might have gotten only 8 or 9, too. No one knows, so it's a useless argument to make.
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.
Well said.
7718
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
harbaugh or miles might have gotten 11 or 12.
Stephen Landes
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
One more thing to be grateful for -- listening to the game on WTKA instead of having to listen to Spielman.
Chad Williams
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:14 p.m.
Great win for the players of the program, from 2007 til today have gone through so much, "those who stay will be champions". Im not getting into the RR vs Hoke debate because the victory would have been just as sweet with either coach. Besides it's not about them its about the team. Secondary lucked out from a guy who isnt that accurate if he was then boy what a way to lose against osu. Still a work in progress but ill take a 10 win team who can get a lot better anyday. Bowl game then bama and maybe just maybe the return to the top of the big ten. Next up on the things to do list is BEAT STATE.
riverraisin
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
Another observation about the game... I thought Michigan was playing the 'historic' UM-OSU conservative play calling game, while tohio was playing as if they had nothing to lose. tohio had some success...hence the high score...but Michigan prevailed with superior talent and a clean game. It's been a long time since I've been in a good mood after this game. I'm gonna savour it.
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
I thought the play calling was meant to both chew clock AND score points. 40 points is pretty darn good. If that's conservative, I wouldn't want to be the defense UM decided to open it up against.
NC Wolverine 20
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.
Good bye Adam Sandler / Luke Fickle. Hello Urban Meyer. I know about Michigan's bowl victory over Urban in the 2007 season. Did the Wolverines ever play another Urban Meyer team?
RudeJude
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.
Urban Meyer came to Utah the following year, the 10-7 Michigan win wasn't won against Meyer.
7718
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
I thought the same thing
kti
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
Yeah, the beat Utah 10-7 in '01, I think.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
Not to my knowledge. No bowl in 2008 or 2009. 2010 we played Mississippi State. Otherwise, our non-conference games are what we've seen -- WMU, ND, Toledo, Bowling Green, etc.
Mick
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10 p.m.
Hail Hoke, Hail to the Victors!!! Some observations: -It took Hoke just 8 B1G Games to win 6....WCIMFH took 24 Games to win 6 -Refs kept that game in doubt, just makes you wonder, what with U-M being a 7.5 pt favorite, there must've been more money on M. -Denard, to me, had his best and most significant game and win. Despite the fumble, he persevered and played tough. -Borges called an excellent game, the only thing I would've changed was that last drive on 3rd down, just give it to Hopkins or back to Fitz. -We are now 58-44-6 against ohio and by the time next years game start and you factor in leap year.......well, it will have been 730 days since ohio beat us and didn't cheat either. Go Blue, BCS here we come!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
LOL, Mick. But thanks! GN&GL
Mick
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
Mr. Ghost, I accept your correction and defer to you my friend, as usual, you show that you are quite the sage! GN & GL & GB
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
One small disagreement, Mick. Once a cheater, always a cheater. I therefore think it fair to say that the last clean victory tosu had over UM was John Cooper's last victory, which was on November 28, 1998. So it has been 4747 days since tosu beat UM without cheating. GNGL
D21
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
I am waiting for RR to compliment the fine job Hoke and his staff has done for the UM team this season. Why you ask? Because prior to the start of the season, RR butted in and tried to steal "future" credit away from Hoke instead of following Carr's dignity. If not for the conference championship, it would be another 3 way tie for B1G champs; MSU, UM and either Wiscy or PSU
MRunner73
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.
To DonAZ: Re- A 2011 Rich Rod team: WMU-L ND-L EMU-W SDSU (Hoke?)-L MN-W NW-L MSU-L Purdue-W IA-L IL-W NE-L OH-L A 4 and 8 drubbing in my book...bad dream, waking up to the present: 10 and 2!
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
Don: I agree with your comments about former coach. But he would never give anybody else credit (It would probably give me a heart attack if he would say, wow, these guys really played well this year and I'm so happy for them, and I learned something from those coaches that I will use on my next team).
7718
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
He probably will, although you'll never hear about it in the media. RR has respect for Hoke and doesn't harbor any I'll feelings toward him. I wonder if Hoke will give a thank you to RR for recruiting the athletes who helped Make this season successful?
D21
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.
inexperienceness
D21
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:51 p.m.
DonAZ, +1 JohnnyA2, The reason is State lucked out due to Ohio suspending 5 players (including Herron and DeVier) from their game and the blatant inexperience of their QB's (Braxton has come quite a way).
johnnya2
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
Huh? Are you sure about that? MSU is 7-1. UM is 6-2. PSU is 6-1 (could be 7-1 or 6-2). Wisconsin at best will be 6-2. It would be a three way tie for second place if Wisconsin keeps beating up on PSU, with MSU winning the title outright.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
I read a comment by him talking about how proud he was of "his players" doing so well this year at Michigan. He will try to claim credit ... that's his nature. I really wish I had a fool-proof "what if" machine to see what that other coach would have done this year had he stayed. I don't think better than 7-5. And I'm dead serious.
iamcris
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
With respect to the return of the rivalry I'll offer a few things. #1 (and most important) the contest today WAS a RIVALRY game. The Michigan/Ohio game should be played like today's game encompassed. Not the trash the fans (of both teams) were subjected to the last three years. #2 While the media attention in Columbus will shift to the "next head coach/sexy hire Urban Meyer" I for one think Coach Fickle handled himself as a man should this season. Fickle is a great ambassador for THE Ohio football program and University. He kept the focus about the team and the game and the players. The poor guy never had a chance this year. If you consider the amount of distractions and damage caused by the PRIOR (pun intended) regime it definitely had an effect. The suspensions, negative press, the investigation, it just wouldn't go away. I think Ohio should be honored to have such a man coaching their team and I am of the opinion Coach Fickle deserves another opportunity to coach at the FBS level. It's just going to be a crime if/when Ohio lets him go. #3 Hoke vs Fickle version 1.0 was an absolute gem, fans of BOTH should feel good about the game becoming a RIVALRY again. #4 much respect to Ohio for their best effort and congratulations to Michigan team #132, words will fail your efforts and the ability to play for each other as a TEAM. I am so very proud to support you TEAM #132. VERY proud. *as always thank you for your time. Go Blue! beat Houston. Houston? yeah Houston.
J. A. Pieper
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:17 p.m.
Iamchris, do I know you?
Terrin Bell
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.
Well said. Fickle did an excellent job this year considering the mess handed him. This game was definitely played like a rivalry game, and regardless what anybody says, people didn't know who has going to win until the last 40 seconds. I second Fickle being given another year chance. His brought his players ready to play.
GettingBluer
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
Urban Meyer? Will the uniforms say "UM's Buckeyes"???
Mick
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.
hilarious!
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.
Do you know what was REALLY great about this game ... aside from beating Ohio State? No marketing gimmicks. Regular Michigan uniforms, noon game ... as it should be. :-)
7718
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
Bo preferred the 1:00 start times
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
And it was played at 12:00 pm on a Saturday (Bo).
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
+10
D21
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
+1
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.
Denard showed us a lot today. Maybe he can adapt to more changes in the offense. It was a pretty good offense this year - scored more per game than any team since 2006. And it didn't fall to pieces against the better Big Ten defenses. Today, the offense picked us up when the defense failed (for the first time since Notre Dame). Congrats on a well-earned ten-win season.
Terrin Bell
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:20 p.m.
It doesn't really seem fair to say the defense failed when 1) the defense scheme called for Michigan to play Ohio close (which involves some risk) , 2) the Offense allowed dangerous turn overs twice, and 3) the defense kept one of those turn overs to only 3 points on an impressive end zone stand. Did the defense play perfectly. No. But failed. That seems a bit of a stretch. As far as the Offense not falling apart against the better Big Team defenses, perhaps you didn't see the Michigan State game.
zimmats
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
borges called a great game. the offense was unbelievable. i think we would beat msu hands down at this point because the players seem so much more comfortable with the scheme and denard looks 100% healthy. fitz hadn't quite come into his own yet when we played msu either.
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
Averaged 42.5 against Nebraska and ohio. I would say not only did this offense 'not fail' against the better B10 defenses...it excelled.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:49 p.m.
If Denard (a) commits to muscle memory the techniques of throwing, and (b) gets a little better at throwing on the sweep run, and (c) learns to judge the run/no-run decision consistently ... he will be a terror. He ran a lot today ... he got popped pretty hard several times. He could not stand that kind of punishment game after game. But for this last game of the regular season it was worth the risk to unleash him. Still, he did well. As did Touissant. And Koger. And Hemmingway. And the O-Line.
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
It kinda did fall to pieces against MSU and Iowa.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
Time of possession -- OSU 24:50, Michigan 35:10 Rushing -- Michigan 50 attempts, 277 yards, 5.5 per carry Robinson -- 26 carries, 170 yards, 6.5/carry ... why the difference from last year? Because ... Toussaint -- 20 carries, 120 yards, 6.0/carry ... two credible threats makes a difference. I am REALLY liking Toussaint. What a stud. Did you see how he ripped and dragged defenders? Niiiice.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.
@ zimmats - "dignified badass" I could not have come up with a better way to put that. Excellent! That's EXACTLY what I was trying to get at. +1 !!
zimmats
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
i completely agree about toussaint. i love the way he runs - the cutbacks, the effort, power running through tight seams. he also has that ineffable quality of being a dignified badass. the close-ups on his and the other players faces at the end of the game said it all. there is no other game like this in college football. also hopefully the victory will convince brionte dunn to come to michigan so we can have two stud backs. hopkins to fullback was a great move earlier in the season too. hail.
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:47 p.m.
It's nice to have a healthy Toussaint, indeed.
happyguy1
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
Great win! Although I can't help but feel that we all but tried to give the game away, I'm happy we came out on top. Denard played very well today (except for fumbling the ball at a most inopportune time). Give Denard another month of practice and a whole winter, spring and summer of getting more comfortable with the pro style offense, and we should be a very dangerous team next year. Go Blue!
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
Hey, at least it was a "both arms on the ball but it still got knocked out" fumble and not a "running with the ball in my throwing hand... WHOOPS, JUST DROPPED IT FOR NO REASON" fumble like Tate had two years ago.
NC Wolverine 20
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
I hate to admit it, but Kirk Herbstreit perfectly predicted the game: OSU, disrespected and us-against-the-world attitude, would play lights out, but Michigan would still be too much. Good call, Mr. Kirk of 4034 Herb Street.
Mick
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
Funny one NC
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
I actually think Luke Fickell would be a fine choice as head coach, and I would go that way if I was in charge at OSU. Urban Meyer??? Though his results have been good, I think he is not someone I'd want. Kirk did get this one right, and the other Ohio guy Spielman, called a passionate fair game.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
Oh, and did you catch his comments about joining Meyer on the OSU coaching staff -- "I have the best job in the world with EPSN, I'd be crazy to leave it." I knew that part of the rumor wasn't true. The Meyer-to-OSU rumor probably will turn out to be true. But ... I'll bet Meyer is really weighing this decision. If he gets into the role and determines he can't hack the pressure, then his credibility really takes a hit. Not because he can't take the pressure, but because he'd be seen as waffling ... quit, come back, then quit again at Florida. Then in at OSU, then ... out?
garrisondyer
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
First off, GO BLUE! Second, and I realize this isn't 100% on topic, but what the heck is up with the Big Ten replay officials this year? They need to have a retreat this off-season and get trained on what "indisputable" means. I have been livid at least three times this year, and generally ticked off a handful of other times this season, and I've only watched Michigan and MSU games. Well, I've watched Wisconsin, but not closely, except when they got jobbed at Spartan Stadium due in part to the officials' inability to understand the word "indisputable".
Mick
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:42 p.m.
Yeah no kidding, count me in the livid category, what a bunch of baloney! the line was 7.5 btw
Terrin Bell
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
Agreed. You have two cameras that seem to show the opposite result. The camera actually showing the whole ball seemed to show the ball crossing the end zone. Yet, the ruling on the field of touch down is overturned based on the farther away camera showing the players back and less of the ball. The fact the camera views showed conflicting information means there wasn't indisputable evidence.
truebluefan
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.
The refs obviously had a lot of money on OSU +7. Worst replay reversal I have ever seen. Michigan won 44-34.
riverraisin
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.
The old insult "the ref needs contacts to see past his glasses" may be appropriate in the B1G.
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.
I think the worse response was their judgement of the catch earlier in the game when Odom's hand was clearly under the ball and the ball clearly didn't move, yet the call wasn't "confirmed" but rather "stood".
#58ontheroster
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:21 p.m.
See what happens when Ohio only plays eligible players!!!
Papa K
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
It has now been 737 days Since Ohio State officially beat Michigan. (Last year's game does not count, since it was officially Not Played.)
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
I really hope this shuts some people up and we don't have to hear about how Denard can't play QB this whole offseason. Denard just did something Chad Henne never did. And he did it as much with his arm as he did with his legs.
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
Who cares if it's Tressel? ...Can't control that. Going back to winning a few in a row, or every now and then is ¡great! ....Every 7 years: Not Great. ...And it started today. The reason it was great is this: just go ahead and imagine the alternative = Opposite of great.
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
Terrin Bell: Go ask the seniors if this win is somehow less gratifying because Tressel wasn't on the other sideline.
Terrin Bell
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
Denard played great today. Almost as good as last week. Yet, it hardly seems fair to compare Denard's win against a badly deflated Ohio team, to Henne's losses to an Ohio team that was competing for National Championships. I suspect beating Tressel would be more gratifying.
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
You can see how Denard developed as a QB in the last half of this season. This team in November really elevated its play and is a different team than the team that got beaten by MSU a few weeks ago. I expect that Denard next year will be that much better after another set of bowl practices, spring practices and fall practices with this coaching staff. He is beginning to see the field, and you can tell.
truebluefan
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.
I can't disagree that getting Fitz going has really helped the offense. Rich built a rushing juggernaut and Borges has done a good job of unleashing its potential. Good win today although the D was a bit disappointing. But they came up big when it mattered most. Thank the refs for Michigan not covering the spread. What a hack job on that replay, huh?
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.
Maybe the "protecting Denard" thing was overplayed, but the 'make him more effective' thing certainly wasn't. Having a pounding ground game with Fitz made all the difference in the world. Teams could not focus on just stopping Denard like they did for the past 3 years, and that made this offense 5 times more dangerous (based on the fact UM scored 5 times their average of 8 per game against OSU under the previous coach). Also, 30 carries fewer this season IS actually significant. That's basically two games worth of carries...two games less wear and tear. Helped him be super effective in the last two games against our two best opponents.
truebluefan
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
Denard maybe had 30 fewer carries this season than last season. After the performance today, why would you limit his carries to a specific number? All this talk about protecting Denard is just that. Talk. Denard gets his rushes because Borges isn't stupid.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
Denard is a dangerous weapon as a quarterback when he has a balanced arsenal of threats around him. That was Borge's point all year. All year. Which is why Borges stuck to his guns ... kept Robinson from running too much, and all the while developing his passing game and Toussaint as key back. The 2010 Robinson wasn't that dangerous against defenses who'd figured it out.
10dz
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
the losers will jump on Denard the next time he makes a mistake. The people who know football, see what a dangerous weapon he is as a QUARTERBACK!!!!!!
EightySeven
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
Dang- just when I thought Hoke was going to play the "Cupboards bare" card! I hope you saw that huge smile he gave as the horn sounded.
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
Don: I don't know if it's fair to call these guys "average" talent. When I look around, I see a bunch of guys who are pretty darned good, quick. What they suffered from was "way below average" coaching!!! Now they have good coaching and what a difference it makes. Same coaching staff as last year on this team? I figure no better than 7-5 and no way do they win that game today.
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:49 p.m.
The great thing is, this team will only get better under Hoke. 10-2 in year one! That's incredible.
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
That's why Hoke is a coach and his predecessor wasn't. He would never play that card, win or lose.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
Hoke did a remarkable thing this year -- he took a squad of average talent and he focused them on fundamentals, execution and goals. This team could have folded at several point this season but did not. Hoke was a rock-solid anchor point for this team all year long. He never wavered. The team responded. The result is what you see.
tulsatom
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
It is great for U-M to finally get the monkey off their backs and beat OSU. OSU gave U-M its best shot and played their best game of the year, but Denard and U-M would not be denied this time. Denard had one of his best games and came through in the clutch in a big way. The Good: Denard's passing was as good as I've seen it. the offensive play-calling was very solid the whole game. The defense got a stop at the end when it needed one the most and helped redeem itself from an otherwise lackluster game. The Bad: The defense got burned too many times on pass plays but came up big in the end when they stopped OSU on 4th down and when they held OSU to a field goal after OSU got the ball to the 2 yard line on 2nd down. It's a good thing the OSU overthrew an open receiver near the end because he was wide open. Hargerup bobbling the one punt wasn't a source of pride, either. The Bottom Line: U-M won and that's all that matters. Maybe a BCS bowl awaits.
Terrin Bell
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
I think the defense played pretty well considering the offensive gave up the ball twice in dangerous territory (once with the failed punt). Moreover, although the defense didn't play great against long passes today, much of that has to do with the defense scheme called.
kti
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
I'm sure the RR groupies will find major fault, but I thought the offense looked pretty good. More points against Ohio than the last 4 games combined. Not bad. I think Denard should still be the starter. (tongue in cheek). I think Denard can pass the ball. (tongue firmly in cheek) I think Al Borges knows what he's doing. (tongue so far in cheek I'm swallowing it) Big win, have to feel great for the seniors, particularly those from Ohio like Koger. So, is it 367 days since Ohio beat Michigan? And counting, of course....
arborani
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
Oh my. ERMG, if it was I who confused you - "Biting my tongue" was my knee-jerk reaction to the *original* misuse of "tongue in cheek." The LAST thing I'm likely to be is critical of Denard and/or Borges. Now my head hurts.
Mick
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
Ghost, agreed, I don't know what the heck is going on and that's not tongue in cheek!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.
OK, now I'm really confused. One bites one's tongue when someone has something bad to say about someone but doesn't. So are you saying that you want to be critical of Denard and/or Borges, but won't? GN&GL
Mick
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
hey ohio beat Michigan, nah wait a minute, that was just tongue in cheek
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
kti: Like I said: I don't think "tongue in cheek" means what you think it means.
arborani
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
Thank you, ERMG, for pointing out so nicely what I was biting my tongue (but not in cheek) to avoid saying less diplomatically.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
"Tongue-in-cheek is a phrase used as a figure of speech to imply that a statement or other production is humorously intended and it should not be taken at face value" Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue-in-cheek" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue-in-cheek</a> So, if your comment was meant to be t in c, you are saying that Denard cannot throw the ball. Is that what you meant? Good Night and Good Luck
kti
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
'I don't think "tongue in cheek" means what you think it means' -The Way Uh, yeah it does. You might want to read your own post and do some introspection. (Of course, you probably don't think "introspection" means what I think it means) Sarcasm is no fun when you have to 'splain it!
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
I don't think "tongue in cheek" means what you think it means.
BornInA2
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
ZERO days. Kiss it tsio and Spewman. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
If you go to the columbus dispatch, they don't have the "How many days since Michigan's last win" thing. Now it says "364 Days Until The Game." Of course, we know buy then it will be 728 days since ohio's last win over UM!
Nick Pirce
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
Congrats to Brady Hoke on 10 win first season as coach
#58ontheroster
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
HAIL TO THE VICTORS VALIANT!!!! It's a long ride back to Columbus when they're losers!!! Thank God we don't have to make that drive. Bring on Urban Meyer. Michigan will force him into another early retirement. Query: Why would Ohio hire a coach with the initials "UM?" Think of the irony in that...
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
There will be a new book in a few years coming out, "Three and Done"...about the leave of absence and two retirements at osucks for Mr. meyer. And long ride back to columbus - bet our troopers don't ticket them like their's use to us years ago after wins.
#58ontheroster
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
See what happens to Ohio when they only play eligible players!!!
#58ontheroster
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
There is no irony in the fact that an Urban Meyer team has never beaten Michigan. That includes Florida with it's All-Universe qb, Tim Teabow. UM is 0-3 against The University of Michigan. Get ready Ohio fans for the John Cooper years to return.
TheWay
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
I think the irony is how hard you're reaching.
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
Yeah. The pressure is no less at ohio than Florida...if not more. If he left FL because of stress, he's in for a world of it coming up. By the way, didn't he go 7-5 after Tebow left?
Michigan Man
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
Anybody still miss RR?
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
He keeps making the news; last week he said; "it (watching UM) was painful to watch - those are my guys" Stop, seriously - move on.
Susie Q
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
Why cloud a great victory with the drama of the last 3 years. RR brought in a great bunch of kids and they sent the seniors out in style. Enjoy the moment without making someone else look bad.
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
That's a trick question!! Did anyone EVER miss WCiMFH?
7718
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.
I am glad that he brought many of these athletes to Michigan. They are good, solid kids who stayed with the program when their coach was let go. They had a chance to leave but stayed...it shows what kind of character they have.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
Who? Good Night and Good Luck
riverraisin
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.
I miss him like I miss an itchy rash in the center of my back!
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
10dz...you a bucknut?
10dz
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:21 p.m.
I do.
garrisondyer
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
Did I ever? Nope!
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
Rail Road?
azwolverine
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 9 p.m.
The Gorilla is off our backs! Bring on Meyer, we'll whip his butt, too! Go Blue!!!!!!!!!
zimmats
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.
skeezy osu players, skeezy calls by the refs, skeezy osu fans: NONE OF IT MATTERED. hail to the friggin victors!
zeeba
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.
How nice for U-M. Of course, a win between this two is like a Special Olympics championship. What do you bet both teams got a trophy? Now let's see if Denard can show us how to eat his ice cream cone.
Kubrick66
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
Bad officials, big plays, turnovers... In the end the win is all that matters. GO BLUE!