Ohio State 37, Michigan 7: A comprehensive guide to Saturday's coverage
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes celebrate their seventh straight win over rival Michigan Saturday in Columbus.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Ohio State's dominance of The Game has reached historic proportions.
The Buckeyes' 37-7 win over the Michigan football team on Saturday was its seventh straight, unprecedented in the 107-year history of the rivalry, and the second-most lopsided Ohio State victory since 1968.
The most lopsided? A 42-7 loss in 2008, the last time the Wolverines traveled to Columbus. Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is now 0-3 against the Buckeyes and his teams have been outscored 100-24 in those games.
As the Associated Press reported, it was enough to make even Ohio State coach Jim Tressel offer some consolation.
"You know, we all have our ups and downs," he said after improving to 9-1 against Michigan. "But Michigan will be back. You don't have to worry about that."
AnnArbor.com staff members were in Columbus to bring you pre-game to post-game coverage. Here's a compilation of what you can find on our site:
Post-Game Coverage • Scoring summary and boxscore.
• Big Ten standings.
• Pete Bigelow writes that Ohio State has the type of football program that athletic director Dave Brandon wants to build at Michigan.
• Rich Rodriguez says 'worst is behind us.'
• In his game story, Bigelow says the Ohio State fans' apathy showed just how lopsided the rivalry has become.
• Jeff Arnold compiled a notebook that includes short items on Denard Robinson's injury, Michigan's special team issues and much more.
• Arnold's report from the home team's locker room: Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, Buckeyes continue dominance over Michigan with seventh straight win.
• A 'ticked' Rich Rodriguez discusses the loss in this video from the post-game press conference.
• Our 'Game Balls' go to Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor and Dan Herron, and Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs.
• And more post-game video clips from Michigan players Mike Martin, Jordan Kovacs and Ryan Van Bergen.
• Breaking down the streak: A quick look at each of Ohio State's past seven wins over Michigan.
In-Game Updates • AnnArbor.com photographer Lon Horwedel came away from a day in Columbus with this slideshow full of images:
• AnnArbor.com staffers spread across the country -- Jeff Arnold in Columbus, Michael Rothstein in Atlantic City and Rich Rezler in AnnArbor -- hosted a live chat during the game. That transcript can be found here.
• Jim Knight provided live updates. Check them out here.
And a pre-game story to boot: Michigan punter Will Hagerup suspended for violating team rules.
Other coverage • Cleveland Plain Dealer: The worst fate for Michigan is Buckeyes' pity and ex-Wolverines' anger.
• Cleveland Plain Dealer: Rich Rodriguez admits 'frustration,' but says the worst is behind the Wolverines.
• ESPN.com: Status quo for Buckeyes and Wolverines.
• CBSSports.com: Buckeyes could regret latest humiliation of Michigan.
Around the Big Ten (click on score for complete game recap)
Michigan State 28, Penn State 22: Kirk Cousins threw two touchdown passes and the Spartans locked up a share of the Big Ten title at Beaver Stadium. Cousins was highly efficient, completing 17 of 22 passes for 152 yards without an interception for the Spartans (11-1, 7-1), who had gone 20 years without ending the regular season atop the conference standings. Matthew McGloin recorded 312 passing yards and two touchdowns for Penn State (7-5, 4-4), which ensured its worst season since going 4-7 in 2004.
(Find plenty more MSU coverage from our colleagues at MLive.com.)
Wisconsin 70, Northwestern 23: Montee Ball ran for four touchdowns and Scott Tolzien threw four touchdown passes for No. 5 Wisconsin, which claimed a share of the Big Ten title. Wisconsin (11-1, 7-1) has a good chance at advancing to the Rose Bowl as the Big Ten representative due to their high standing in the BCS rankings entering this week.
Minnesota 27, Iowa 24: Duane Bennett scored from six yards out with 4:31 left in the fourth quarter to lift the Golden Gophers over the 24th-ranked Hawkeyes. Bennett carried the ball 11 times for 63 yards for the Minnesota (3-9, 2-6), who won back-to-back games to finish the season. DeLeon Eskridge rushed for 95 yards on 21 carries and also scored once. Ricky Stanzi connected on 10 of 22 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns for the Hawkeyes (7-5, 4-4), who lost three straight to end the year.
Indiana 34, Purdue 31 (OT):: Mitch Ewald connected on a 31-yard field goal to lift the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten win in overtime at Ross-Ade Stadium. Ben Chappell completed 31 of 50 passes for 330 yards with three touchdowns for the Hoosiers (5-7, 1-7) and Terrance Turner hauled in 10 passes for 100 yards in the win. Rob Henry threw for 252 yards with three touchdowns for Purdue (4-8, 2-6).
Comments
Mary
Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:58 a.m.
2BlueBYU, I had a hard time reading your observations about "buck-toothed inbred truck-driving" OSU fans through the tears of laughter that were streaming down my face at yet another howler of a game. Ah, shall I ever forget the singular eloquence of Mike Hart following yet another OSU smack-down (poor little man never DID beat the Buckeyes, did he?), when he observed, "Their defense ain't nothin' special." This Ph.D., Lexus-driving OSU grad finds your pitiable little rationalizations to be most amusing. Please continue.
clarklaker
Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6:59 a.m.
Michigan is not a well coached team and it shows. Instead of hit lift and drive tackling,they choose to run and dive at people. No ball protection dropped passes a 3-3-5prevent defense that doesnt work and then not adjusting to try and stop someone. rebuild the team now.
mun
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 10:12 p.m.
Miami fired Randy Shannon after going 7-5 this year, 9-4 last year, and 7-6 in 2008. Think we can't fire Rich Rod? http://cfreference.net/cfr/school.s?id=1007
Blueman Rick
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 8:02 p.m.
Well, on the bright side, the thrashing OSU gave us wasn't as bad as the one in 2008 or 1968's 50-14 debacle. No offense to Bump. He was a great Michigan man.
iamcris
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 7:03 p.m.
Portland State (2-9), New Mexico (1-11), Tennessee (6-6) juggernauts right? Or how about Sacramento State (6-5), Wake Forrest (3-9), Notre Dame (7-5). That would be the top 2 teams in the Pac 10 and their non-conference schedules. Point being? Pac 10 is weak. Do not think for a minute that Harbaugh has accomplished anything coaching in a weak sisters of the poor type conference. Right on par with the Big East. Mediocrity hyped. Harbaugh would be a HUGE mistake, he has proven nothing @ Stanford. Heck, even the Stanford fan base knows there is better entertainment to be had elsewhere.
iamcris
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 6:57 p.m.
Pac 10 = Big East How is this you ask? Most likely each conference will not fill bowl tie ins... again. So for those screaming that Harbaugh and his amazing success @ Stanford really need to investigate how seriously weak the Pac 10 is. Comperable to the Big East with one exception...Oregon http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=9&year=2010 and then look at Oregon's schedule... http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/2483/oregon-ducks full of world beaters, inorite? So much misinformation amongst you it gives me extended El o EL's.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 5:53 p.m.
Or perform extremely well, far better than Diamond RichRod's bungling buffoons. What happened to the players Lloyd Carr left and those of RR's first two years? However, if you read the interviews with David Brandon I cited above, you'll see that he makes a very strong point of parroting RR's excuses on this score, and so you can conclude that RR needs to fail much more disastrously than he has to get the ax from DB. Maybe another year of dismal failure may change things, but don't count on it. RR's contract has three more years left in it.
OSUbeBetter
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 5:43 p.m.
Mick ".....OSU has 24 Srs leaving....." And they will replace them with Sophomores. And they will win a Seventh consecutive big ten championship next year.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 5:34 p.m.
And the job will continue, despite everything that has happened the past three years. See: brandon-already-decided on mgoblog.com And: Dave-Brandon-supports-coach-Rich-Rodriguez at freep.com As well as the issues Mick52 raises. Just because we want improvement doesn't mean it will happen. People, including commentors on this page, who claim to know otherwise do not.
Trouble
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.
After 3 years... No Defense No Kicker (for Div 1A, laughable) No Offense (only beats up on Highschool teams) No Wins over 3 Big Ten Co-Champs Conclusion: No Progress Congrats to Mary Sue and Bill ($1 yr. Martin) on Job Well Done
Mick52
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.
I'm with Saginaw on this. After yesterday's game I didn't give much of a hoot but I did hear the report yesterday after an interview with Brandon that he said he would wait until after the bowl games. Shane has been around a long time and he likely has key sources. Seem to me that a head coach would want to know now, to avoid wasting time on recruiting for a team he will not coach and not be recruiting for whatever team he will be on next year. And if we change coaches Michigan begins to look like MSU, change coaches every three years. Yup, I think their improvement up there is temporary. This puts a lot of pressure on Brandon. If he guts the coaching staff then expect another three bad years. Get only a good defensive coach and maybe next year is a banner team. Look at the roster. This team is loaded with underclassmen with lots of FRs and SOs. Wisc was loaded with five year Srs. OSU has 24 Srs leaving. You have to account for the overall experience of the teams. I really doubt any DI head coach could have done any better but there is no excuse for vast improvement next year, so yeah as painful as it is, it would be silly to change right now. But if there is going to be a change it should be announced this week to see as early as possible what problems will arise. Also, all this negativity and demands for perfection is going to result in a pot of gold for any incoming coach. To get someone here, Michigan will have to give away the farm in terms of number of years and guarantees, especially since the expectation will be to win the conference, beat OSU forever, and put MSU back in the playhouse for good.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.
Goblue: Brandon made those comments 5 November, 23 DAYS ago, upon receipt of the findings of the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 3:31 p.m.
Don Shane has NO inside information. UM's offense is little better than its defense, as the OSU and Wisconsin games clearly showed. Since there was no improvement on either side of the ball against teams of that calibre in three years, there is no reason to believe things will change next year -- absent coaching replacement.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
Sherlock Brandon made those comments almost a year ago before he had all the information that he has now. Also, what was he going to say then? "I think this guy is a disgrace and needs to go even though I don't have all the information." Get real. He's saying what he has to say publicly and doing what needs to be done privately. There is no guarantee of full disclosure here. He doesn't owe us any thing other than clean, winning sports programs. What he tells the public means nothing and coaches know that. Brandon will work out the buyout, get some boosters w/deep pockets to pick it up and then make the announcements regarding RichRod's termination and the hiring of his replacement.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
Wish you were right Goblue, but you are wrong from statement one: The buyout IS relevant, as it forces UM to do something other than canning Diamond RichRod outright and is CENTRAL to the ugly mess in which it finds itself, including the issues you mentioned. And "Brandon said what he said" clearly implies deliberate falsehood, as he said, "Before I started this job in February,... I made it very clear that I did not feel anything had taken place here that should impact the status of our coach.... Where we stand today is in an even more positive position." To initiate a new era with deliberate and public lies would be a terrible mistake, a repetition of the behavior that got UM into its current mess. Who, other than another Diamond RR, would want to come to UM under such circumstances?
saginaw
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
I think that Don Shane has the inside info -- he says RR stays for one more year. Makes sense, as UM offense will be the best next year.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 3 p.m.
The buyout is irrelevant. A negotiated settlement will be worked out because of the NCAA violations. It will probably be something less than $2MM. Brandon said what he said because he wanted to keep the players heads in the game and he wanted to make sure he could contact the recruits and keep them in the fold. His statements were all about keeping a lid on things until he had the succession plan worked out. Once he's got that settled, the axe falls and our 3 year nightmare is finally over.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.
If Diamond RichRod is canned tomorrow, he reportedly would have to be paid a $4-million buyout, $2.5 million if he is axed after Jan. 1, the fourth year of his contract. Where are the issues of legacy, class and respect in any of that? Indeed, UM lost all of the above when it colluded with Diamond RR in trashing the contract he had with West Virginia and then having to be forced, by a court of law, through repeated orders, to honor that contract. To restore legacy, class, and respect, UM needs to break with its sordid Bill-Martin past and the scoundrel BM rustled from UWV. Failure to do so will perpetuate the mess in which UM now finds itself, where legacy, class, and respect no longer apply.
wolver4ever
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.
IF Brandon is going to wait until January to make a decision then I believe RichRod stays for another year and the defensive staff is gone. here is why: You would be hiring a new coach in the middle or late January which means your recruiting class that year is going to kill you especially if you are going to try to change to a new offense. result 2011 3-9. The next year you get your type of players in but they are all freshman 2012 5-7 Since you can't get everyone you need in one year, that means you are into recruiting second year. Now you are fielding Freshman and sophomores. 2013 7-5. IF Brandon does not make a move now then RichRod gets another year. You can't throw away a full year of recruiting and expect to win
RobbiesBoyfriend
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.
Sallyxyz Remember that michigan can Fire richrod Today and owe him Nothing. Actually they can probably Sue him for a pro rated portion of his 4M buyout from WVU. Rodriguez violated NCAA rules, 4 times guilty. that is grounds for termination, a fact that should not be overlooked by a University of Law.
Sallyxyz
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.
My error in the last post (can't edit): RR gets 1.5 million LESS if he is fired after Jan 1. In that case, he should hope his firing takes place tomorrow. Do it DB! 4 million buyout if fired before Jan. 1st 2.5 million buyout if fired on or after Jan. 1st Thanks for the info, D21. Unfortunately, this might change the timing of DB's announcement, but hopefully not the firing itself. Maybe Bill Martin should pay the difference since he negotiated this contract and hired this loser. Plus, the UM has a multi-billion dollar budget. Surely there is 1.5 million somewhere so RR can be fired Monday, and integrity restored to the football program.
Sallyxyz
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.
4 million buyout if fired before Jan. 1st 2.5 million buyout if fired on or after Jan. 1st Thanks for the info, D21. So, RR gets 1.5 million for working one more month, if he is not fired this week. Unbelievable. Unfortunately, this might change the timing of DB's announcement, but hopefully not the firing itself. Maybe Bill Martin should pay the difference since he negotiated this contract and hired this loser. Plus, the UM has a multi-billion dollar budget. Surely there is 1.5 million somewhere so RR can be fired Monday, and integrity restored to the football program.
Jaxon5
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 11:42 a.m.
The following 2 scenarios have an equal probability of winning games in 2011. 1. Allow RR to stay. 2. Have all Michigan players fall to the ground on each play and hope it terribly confuses the opponent.
walker101
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.
Wait, I hear a $5M extension for RR for the next 2 years, he'll turnaround this program, maybe?
Huron_River
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 10:18 a.m.
Michigan has lost, at least temporarily, its legacy, class and respect in football fields. That is clear. Michigan should not lose its legacy class and respect in handling the coaches of the program. How should we go about it? Is the immediate firing of the entire coaching staff the way to show what Michigan has stood for? I would like to hear from you Michigan loyalists.
Stephenb1707
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 9:11 a.m.
Notre Dame fired their coach last year and went 7-5 this year. It is time for Mr. Brandon to fire RR before he also becomes questionable. I have been a fan since Bump and see no reason to keep this unorganized man another year. He is not a leader and has no respect for M traditions or rules. I will chip in to help pay off his contract and a one way bus ticket. Go Blue in 2011. PS: All of his first year schedule cards that stated "The Tradition Continues" have to be burned.
2bluebyu
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
Great post Blu-N-Tpa...........we're going to know the scoop on RR fairly soon. I don't think Brandon will wait very long on this one, we'll know this week. I thought the throwbacks looked pretty decent.......not bad for a bunch of buck toothed, truck driving inbreds. LOL. GO BLUE!!!
Jim Pryce
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 9:02 a.m.
This game is quickly becoming just another game on the schedule. There was no passion, or smacktalk on the radio this week. SAD
tommyf0412
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.
Ok, I grew up watching michigan football when the likes of Bo, Gary and Lloyd were coaching. This is not Michigan Football. What this I have seen would make Bo turn over in his grave. I am embarrassed for this team and for this University. Last night Randy Shannon from Miami was fired for going 7-5 after losing to a rival? What is it going to take to get rid of this idiot? His record is 7-5, he has lost to almost every rival we have had, this team is worst now then it was in week one! Attention Dave Brandon, why wait until the bowl game is over to evaluate the football program? You have 12 games NCAA infractions and a worthless coach who makes excuses and say's that he see's improvement, where? What a joke! I would have fired him 2 seconds after arriving back in Ann Arbor. Pack your bag's and take that worthless defensive staff with you. I e-mailed a letter to Dave Brandon this morning saying that i could no longer support RR anymore, and that I will not spend another dime at U of M until he was gone. Well im not the only one, three friends of mine who are alumni wrote the same letter and will contact other alum's to start the process for getting rid of this idiot. They are so sick of watching this team this year that two of them refuse to watch and the other get's sick to his stomach everytime he watches them play. Remember RR see's improvement, the only improvement I can see is if he was fired today or just plain resigned. Time for new leadership, bring on Coach Harbaugh, he can recruit, he has toughness to him and best of all he doesn't make excusses. it would be a breathe of fresh air. GO BLUE!!!
Blu-n-Tpa
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 6:08 a.m.
Life rarely offers this easy of a choice. The overall record, the record vs winning Big Ten teams, the level of play vs all B-10 opponets, special teams, defense, and the lack of improvement from game to game and season to season, all point to a simple decision. Certain coaches haven't faced the media or fans most or all season. Instead players, some still kids, have been pushed in front of post game cameras to take the heat for disappointing losses. Not any more. Now is the time for the leaders of the University to fill the void and state that they recognize how far the football program has declined and will address that soon. That way no one is left hanging, and people can start making decisions for the future. I am personally proud of every player on this year's football team. Now it's time for them to decide if they came to Michigan to play football or did they come to play a system that was being used at UM. My hope is they came to Michigan. Time will tell. Go Blue
mcflies
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 2:02 a.m.
If Miami can fire Randy Shannon Michigan can fire Rich Rod, right? Right? Please tell me they can.
trigg7
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 12:43 a.m.
EASY $$$, I said OSU 31 UM 10,gave um to much credit. bla,bla,bla, I said Denard is not a BIG TEN qb when it comes to real teams and he proved it once again. Funny how all the big mouths just vanished.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 12:16 a.m.
Hey 3 and Out, How sick did you get watching Michigan get raped by Ohio State in one of the worst Michigan games I've ever seen? Did you enjoy Roy Roundtree dropping five perfectly thrown passes? Did it please you when the Buckeyes ran that kickoff return for a touchdown? How about when Michigan's first offense play coming out in the second half was a horrible pick from Tate Forcier? Did you enjoy the punting debacle of Seth Broekhuizen? I ask this because you finally got what you were wishing for all year, popular opinion.
3 And Out
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 11:58 p.m.
those thowbacks are the ugliest ever seen and that tierra dance is sickening to see...
Huron_River
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 11:55 p.m.
Our loyalty to Michigan is unrelated to its football success. We would like to hear a good plan to restore it. Is it too much to ask?