Woody Vs Bo

Thu, Nov 25, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.

As a Buckeye, I am thrilled with our recent success against the team up north! However, over the last 84 years, our records are even @40-40-4. So this rivalry has given both sides bragging rights, at least until next year. But the story on which we are commenting is about the PLAYERS, not the coaches, and certainly not us. Of course, I want the Buckeyes to Beat Blue every year, but I cannot imagine how the UM players will feel after they loose to the Buckeyes again (assuming they do). Whoops, I think I can, only because we had a significant loosing streak in the 90's. I don't wish that pain on either side, only because I have great respect for Michigan, their fans, and their players. I found out about Bo's death as I was traveling from Massachusetts to Ohio the day before the 2006 game. I actually shed a few tears. At the tailgate the morning of the game, we had many a good conversation with UM fans while extending our condolences. I was the best tailgate I've ever experienced (of my 40+ years of attending games) before THE BEST football game I ever witnessed in my life. But Bo was all about the Rivalry. And that tradition continues today. About the wanna-be Bo, Rich Rod, I agree with many of the previous comments. He is not a Michigan Man. He should go. Of course, I hesitate in saying that given his record against OSU. But I put myself in the shoes of the typical UM fan, and I would want him gone. Just like I felt with Cooper, except he was a gentleman. So, I love this time of year, I love this rivalry, I love this game. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Macabre Sunset

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 11:01 p.m.

There are many good coaches who have implemented forms of a spread offense without suffering record-setting losses. If Martin had been told, before hiring the guy, that he would lose 11 home games and 18 conference games in his first three seasons, do you really think he would have continued with the hire?

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 3:33 p.m.

MichFan Texie...Actually it was much tougher to watch the Carr teams. They always had some talent but just didn't seem to care. Carr always coached 'not to lose' and it got pretty old at times. The teams that played well, did so, not because of Carr, but, in spite of Carr. 2006 and 1997 come to mind. Except for those years, weak defenses aren't anything new for UM fans. Ghost...This defense will improve, when RR recruits more talented players, and the existing kids gain experience. Apparently you think a guy that was brought in to change the offense, should recruit defensive kids before he recruits offensive kids. OK...sure! The talent level that was left behind by Carr was poor. I don't think he did much recruiting the last few years, and it showed. A few kids like Boren, and Mallett left because they felt 'entitled' to their spot, rather than earning them. Neither was a team player. We were better off when they left. But the culture of entitlement had to be changed when RR got here. Hence all the whinning about 'no family values'.

beanie wells

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.

yes, expect the LBs to crowd the line. i would expect hines to creep up as well and shadow denard. if denard can find roundtree and company deep a few times, the game could change a bit. if denard can't hit the open guy deep, then the game will go badly for michigan. if denard DOES hit guys open deep then michigan can hang in there... unless the michigan defense tackles like they normally do. tip: when osu lines up 5 wide, it's a QB draw right up the middle. that play hasn't worked all season, but bollman keeps calling it.

DonAZ

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : noon

Beanie: "we should be talking about the game" Okay, let's do that. If Michigan were at least a good team getting better, here's what I'd expect to see Saturday: o Time of possession no more than 5 minutes apart. o Michigan with no more than 1 turnover o No turnovers on kickoff/punt returns o No turnovers on short yardage carries o Net turnovers even or in Michigan's favor o Third down conversions made: over 50% o Third down conversions allowed: 50% or lower o Penalties: no more than 4, less than 50 yards o Robinson passing efficiency: over 60% Michigan can do all that and still lose. They could do that and win (provided OSU makes a few key mistakes). Point is, playing fundamental football keeps a team in the game. Here's a few statistics I do not want to see: o More than 3 turnovers for Michigan o 3 for 12 or worse on 3rd down conversions o Michigan allowing OSU to convert 3rd-and-long more than half the time o Time of possession favoring OSU by 10 minutes or more o Numbers that indicate Robinson is running too much for short gains OSU is going to load the line of scrimmage and force Robinson to pass. There should be open men, and Robinson should find them. If we see Robinson running for a lot of short yard gains and a few short yard losses, it means he's getting impatient and taking off with the ball.

beanie wells

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.

@PU: the defense IS bad. you certainly seem smart enough to see what is plainly in front of your face, so i'm not claiming that you're missing that. the point i'm arguing against is the "it's not richrod's fault" when it comes to the defense. many people continue to spew that falsehood. yes, there were some things out of his control, BUT there were PLENTY of things within his control or at least within his sphere of influence. the pattern seems to be: person A says "the defense is terrible", person B responds with "it's not richrod's fault. lloyd carr left the cupboard bare! the negative comments by fans are driving away recruits! the free press! rosenberg! sharp! the ncaa!" (did i miss any?) even as a buckeye fan, it saddens me to see such proud fans stick their fingers in the ears and say "la la la la la. i can't hear you!" we should be talking about the game... not the coach and the state of the program.

P U MSU

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.

Sunset, All of the coaches you names, did they take a pro-style team and turn it into a spread team? Nope. You are comparing apples to oranges. Bad hire to begin with. Any coach that makes this type of drastic change to a team deserves 4 years. Don't hire him otherwise. It would be unfair to RR and this team if he is fired. Stop being so selfish and think about the players on the field. I bet my life on the fact that they do not want a coaching change.

P U MSU

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 9:51 a.m.

Beanie, I have never denied the defense is bad. How could I. In pointing to injuries and youth of the defense, I am not implying that we would have a top 10 defense without them. I am not even implying a top 25 defense. I am saying that it is resonable to think we would be in the 50-60s. I truely think that this is all that would be needed to have a few more wins. Oregon is ranked in the middle of the pack and undefeated. A top 10 defense is not needed to win championships. With that said, someone is going to point out the fact that OSU beat oregon last year, so I will address that now. Oregon is averaging 20 more points a game and nearly 200 yards more than they did last year. Different year, different team.

I love Michigan Football

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.

I love how these people say that if you don't support Rich you are a fairweather fan. That just never gets old and makes absolutely no sense to me. A fairweather fan would've jumped ship along time ago. We are all debating on here because we love this football team and the tradition it brings with it. It is just too bad that this has to become a divided fan base. Hopefully that changes soon, that is why David Brandon was hired for this job. If he feels Rich gets another, I have to respect that, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

Macabre Sunset

Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 6:11 a.m.

The difference? Michigan was never.500 or below in the Big Ten under Schembechler, Moeller or Carr. Not once. Rodriguez has been 2-6, 1-7 and 3-4 (plus 17-point underdog status at OSU). Three more days until we can get a head coach in here who cares about both offense and defense.

newe82

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:20 p.m.

I can't wait for Saturday. I will be watching with my in laws who are all OSU fans. In the past we have had heated confrontations during the games, but over the last three years things have been very quite. Knowing Michigan has no shot against OSU makes the game easier to watch. Things will start to change Saturday after OSU wins by 4 touchdowns. If their is not a coaching change after the upcoming debacle I am done with this team until they get a new coach. All three phases of the game are going to get exposed this weekend. Offense will struggle, defense will be themselves, and special teams will continue to suck. The Michigan rebirth should start to take place about 3:30PM on Saturday. OSU 42 UM 10 Could be worse but Tressel won't run it up to bad in hopes of keeping RR around another year.

TFR

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:12 p.m.

Those winged helmets don't look nearly as cool when your losing... they start to look pretty silly chasing opponents into the end zone.

Mick52

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 9:55 p.m.

Lorain I think you make a lot of sense. It's been 35 years now for me as a Michigan fan and not only did "fans" turn on Carr, they did it to Bo too. Used to hear grumbling all the time and a lot wanted him out too. I think Michigan has been lucky for not having to go through bad years all teams experience. Even OSU. OSU had a period where their play suffered: OSU has not been dominant. Lets take a look going back some years. In 2004 they were 8-4. Since then good teams. 2001 7-5, 2000 8-4,1999 6-6, 1994 9-4, 1992 8-3, 1991 8-4, 1990 7-4, 1989 7-4, 1988 4-6, 1887 6-4. Mostly winning records, but not "stellar" seasons. OSU was 2-9 vs Michigan during a stretch. We are getting close to that, but not there yet. The reduction in scholarships evens out the talent. Sure this defense is bad and needs to turn around. Suppose RR goes 9-3 next year, is that a success? I see a lot of complaining here, but I still do not see anyone putting up some names of a new coach who would deliver a winning team next year, other than Jim Harbaugh and no one has any idea he would come here. I think college football is at a point where no team will rule year in and year out like M/OSU used to. Highly ranked teams are getting whooped too. Reading these posts reminds me of something Ben Franklin said. "Any fool can complain, criticize, and condemn, and most fools do." I think RR deserves at least one more year. Too risky to start all over again with a new system.

Do Better

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 9:50 p.m.

once again I am not a fan but since everyone once to come down on RR. I said what the heck and why not fight for the guy. So everyone says Michigan has never seen seasons like this before. Really??? 1993 8-4 and tied 4th place in the big ten 1994 8-4 and tied for 3rd in the big ten 1995 9-4 and tied for 3rd in the big ten 1996 8-4 and tied for 5th in the big ten Now can somebody tell me how you can have four mediocre years like that at Michigan? With a Michigan Man coaching the team and running a pro-style offense? I even once remember watching a special on the big ten network about Lloyd Carr. He said that before the 1997 season the media picked Michigan to finish 5th in the big ten and that the joke in the media was that the M stood for Mediocrity. Before anyone says anything about that NC that Michigan won remember it was a split championship. Stay thirsty my friends!!!!!!

MichFanTex

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:15 p.m.

For Ed Murrow's ghost, I thought Lord Carr had lost what fire he had in his belly sometime just after the 2003 season and I said as much then. I will admit, 2006 was a fun year but then Carr led his team true to his new form in 2007 and he had to go. However, it does not follow that I wanted the Snake Charmer from WV to set foot on the Michigan campus let alone coach the football team. That is some of the most sophomoric illogic out there. For Lorraine. Tell us how it feels to have supported Carr and his mediocrity and now to support Ricky Rod and his mediocrity.

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.

@PU: i think you're referencing my post from a different article, but no matter. i don't disagree that they shouldn't have 6 freshmen starting. i agree that the situation is neither optimal nor desirable. my point was that richrod complains that he is stuck with starting these freshmen... and he's right. BUT, didn't he at least PARTIALLY have a hand in his current predicament? again, sure, injuries have played a (big) part. but, doesn't he share in the blame when a kid leaves the program? i mean, it can't JUST be the kids. enough kids have left the program in the last few years that it might at least be a little bit because of richrod. also, he counted a little too heavily on a couple of guys who apparently couldn't come close to qualifying academically. whose fault is that? were these straight-A kids who just blew their standardized test? not likely. they HAD to have known that there was little chance these kids would make it in. so, to recap... 'tis a lamentable position he's in with the defense. but, please let us not pity poor richrod for his predicament. we (excuse my hubris... i meant you) should be holding his feet to the fire at least a little bit. am i getting through to any of you KADs (KoolAid Drinkers)!?!

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.

As far as I know, the only school records on offense set by Michigan under Rodriguez are rushing yardage by a quarterback and total yardage by a quarterback. It's exciting, but it's not consistent. Meanwhile, almost every record for defensive futility has been broken, again and again. And almost every record for losing has been set. Four more days until we can start the search for a real head coach, not a glorified offensive coordinator from a minor conference.

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.

Do any of these new Florida kids really care about "the game" if they have never tasted winning in it?

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.

unlike mr murrow, i am clearly not loyal to either the team nor the head coach. i do admit to still chuckling any time michigan loses. I mean, how could i not, right!?! anyone? wrong audience, i suppose. i suppose my "loyalty" is to tradition. in this case, what i was used to growing up. back and forth every year through the 70s and 80s. gaining the upper hand one year, only to lose it the next. as a kid i remember driving up to michigan to visit relatives (michigan fans) for thanksgiving. we brought roses just to rub it in. they would return in kind years later. bottom line, i miss that. i have no personal feelings about richrod one way or the other. it would make me perfectly happy if he was the one to return the program to prominence (especially since he's the one who removed it from prominence). but, i'm not seeing it. you "kool aid drinkers" (as mr murrow likes to call you) have yet to explain why you think richrod will be that guy. he did great at west virginia! ok, he did well in a crappy conference. the offense is one of the best in the nation! ok... but hasn't the big ten exposed it just a little? he'll get the defense back on track, just give him time! how do you KNOW this? please explain. happy to listen.

P U MSU

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:24 p.m.

Beanie, Your right about the guys on the defensive side of the ball. They shouldn't be starting right now. NO program should be starting 6 freshman. OSU starts 7 seniors on the defensive side of the ball. If Michigan has 7 seniors, these kids wouldn't have to be playing right now. They would be able to develop behind upperclassmen.

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.

from chris spielman: "Everybody is saying, 'Well, they're all young, they're all coming back.' Well, yeah, they're all coming back. It's on the worst defense in the NCAA they're all coming back. Is that so exciting for you? It's bad. (Nose tackle Mike) Martin is the only guy that could start at Ohio State -- the only guy that could start. He would roll in there. He's a good player. But other than that, these guys would be excellent special teams guys. Very good on special teams." "They practice hard, they play hard, and they're tough, but it comes down to one thing when you're talking about playing at a high level like Michigan is used to playing at, and that's talent. And they have zero on defense. One kid, the Martin kid. Other than that, a lot of guys would be nice little subs at Indiana." ouch

DonAZ

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.

Two words: "Charlie" and "Weis"

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:09 p.m.

@Lorain Steelmen: what exactly has you convinced that richrod will get the defense straightened out? that's a serious question. i'm very curious because i've seen nothing that supports that argument.

Killroy

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.

Um, who cares? Ohio State is just simply superior and it is time to face the music Michigan. Michigan State as well. Just the way the cookie crumbles.

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.

ERM Ghost; Your premise is wrong. I support Rodriguez, and I supported Carr, when MANY, UM fans dumped on Carr. Looking back on it now, we know that Carr let this program slip badly! Sadly, Carr has not supported Rodriguez, and I have lost a lot of respect for the man. Meanwhile, Hanlon, Mo, and Rick Leach have supported our coach. Unlike some of the fair weather fans here, or closet Buckeyes and Spartans, I think RR, WILL be very successful here. Right now, he must play kids on defense that are not yet ready for D1 football, but he WILL get that fixed. On offense, the team is also very young, and WILL get better over the next several years. Brandon supports RR as well, and will help him turn this thing around. He is engaged, and understands the importance of this team. Frankly, I'm getting very sick of people who say that the answer is Harbaugh, or Miles, et al. No, the answer is to strengthen the defense...and that takes time! Certainly, nobody is happy with the team now, but RR was brought in to move UM into the 21st century and he will do exactly that! Anyone who doubts that, misreads Rodriguez AND Brandon. Dave is in 'CEO mode' now, and he'll support RR as long as he feels RR, has the right mindset to get this done. Everything looks easy when you are sitting up in row 73. It gets a lot tougher when you get down on the field! So, to all the detractors out there, get over yourselves, buckle it up, and support this team, and this program! Meanwhile, Go Blue! Beat Zero State!

OSUbeBetter

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.

Lloyd car was Fired (Enough already with the Retirement crud) for the same reason Cooper was fired. Both coaches were solid character guys, Coaches who made their universities proud, coaches whos players look back with joy and honor to have played for. But Cooper could not beat Michigan, and Lloyd could not beat Tressel. Both coaches had great winning records, Bowl games, B10 titles, everything you could ask from a coach, but at these two schools that's not enough. you have to beat your rival, or you're out!

DonAZ

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:37 p.m.

Edward R. Murrow's Ghost: "I don't see anyone WISHING for a defeat." I am. I want OSU to dominate Michigan in every facet of the game this Saturday. I wish it abundantly clear that Rodriguez does not have what it takes to be a head coach at a major college like Michigan. I don't want any doubt in Brandon's mind after Saturday's game. I am an avid Michigan fan, and I very much wanted Rodriguez and Michigan to do well this year. My standard of success was not based on wins but on quality and consistency of play. As I've stated elsewhere, I'd rather Michigan lose playing hard and clean than win playing loose and sloppy. A win is not a win. A team can't claim that until they've shown the strength of character to win with determination, not luck. Michigan could easily have lost the Notre Dame game and the U-Mass game. Ditto Indiana. The Illinois game was an embarrassment for both teams. Rodriguez does not understand the concept of hard work, discipline and fundamentals. That is clearly evident in the way his team plays. Tressel does. Bielema does. Harbaugh does. All the good coaches do. And the scheme doesn't matter -- pro style, spread, power -- they all say and do the same thing: play fundamentally sound football, don't make mistakes, play tough mentally and physically, and never let up. So yes, I want Michigan to lose. Badly. To eliminate doubt. And for Rodriguez to be gone.

P U MSU

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:34 p.m.

Edward, Didn't we already ride this mery-go-round. Look at what we are bringing to the table this year and tell me you didn't expect to lose to wisconsin. A dismantled defensive backfield. A first-year starting quarterback. Less than 100% Mike Martin and Mouton. Playing a #7 ranked team who is playing the their best ball of the year and starting a 3rd-year starting senior quarterback. Of course the loss was expected. To say otherwise is ignorant. The expectations for the team will increase next year as they should. This team has met pre-season expectations. Would it have been nice to exceed those expectations - of course. Right now they are playing to their abilities. As they mature and develop they we get better. You continue to lump me in with the rest of the "RR lovers" in which I continue to say otherwise. I am a man of logic. I have never once came on here and said RR is King or God or the savior of Michigan. I have never said that I hated or wished for Llyod to leave. I will say this once again and hope that you finally read and retain what I say, history has proven otherwise but I can always hope. RR was a bad hire. This is a Bill Martin problem, not a RR problem. You simply do not forget to coach football. RR has had success at every program he has coached at. The success has not come overnight at any program. You continue to state that he took over a good program and tore it up. Duh. When I ever disputed this. He is doing exactly what he was hired to do. He took over a pro-style team and is implementing a spread offense. He was hired for his offense. Again, this was a bad hire to begin with. If your frustrations are with the defense, I agree. There needs to be changes with the defense. I assume we will have a new coordinator. If DB brings RR back it will be with a new DC. You cannot deny the fact that there has been a lot of factors that go into this bad defense. Injuries, problem with recruited players, and early departures. Yes these things happen with other teams, however there was a lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball, especially the defensive backfield. You cannot deny this. You can dispute it, but you would simply be wrong. What has happened to this team has been expected since day RR was hired. It was a bad hire - A Bill Martin issue. I said from day one that it was take 4 years to recover. The team has increased in wins since the first bad year. Admittingly it wasn't too hard to improve on a 3 win season. We sit here at a crossroads. The first actual class recruited by RR are true sophmores. The offense has destroyed the record books. (Yes- the defense has also destroyed records in a bad way too.) We graduate 4 relevant players - total. It does not make any sence whatsoever to get rid of RR when he is returning nearly the entire team. Who in their right mind would want this? If RR cannot improve this team and bring 9-10 wins next year, I will lead you and the rest of the group in getting RR out of town. To the people who think that Harbaugh is the answer - give me a break. Why in the world would this NFL bound coach come to Michigan. Sure he is a "Michigan Man" but this does not make sence one bit. He runs a power, run-it-dow-your-throat offense. Michigan does not have a players to run his offense. Coming to Michigan would only hurt his stock as a coach. I, as a fan of Harbough, would not want him to do that. Look, the man is a great coach, it simply makes no sence for him to take the Michigan job. Historically, Michigan does not pay a ton of money for coaches. They would never compete with the NFL pay. Good luck boys to the in blue, I hope you can make some magic happen this weekend and get us a win.

Papabear151

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:56 p.m.

Anyone else remember when S. Vest tried to warn us about him and his snake oil prior to his first season at M? I will say this, I wouldn't say it was snake oil as much as getting in over his head and simply not being as good of a coach as the B10 requires. In the end I believe the irony is that Tressel cared enough about the rivalry to warn Michigan and the B10 about RR yet RR cares so little about it that he barely knows what it is. Tressel cares more about Michigan than RR... think about that for a moment.

P U MSU

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:22 p.m.

You people are depressing. It no wonder every other fan base is loving that Michigan is down right now. Most of the "fans" are crybabies. Asking to be blown out? - how sad.

mercury69

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:11 p.m.

Michigan Fans are getting exactly what they deserve and asked for. Lloyd wasn't good enough, 10 win seasons wasn't good enough, having a program with HONOR AND INTEGRITY wasn't good enough. We now have the John Calipari of the College Football world minus the wins. OSU probably will totally dominate michigan in every way.

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:08 p.m.

Well, RR was brought into Michigan for one purpose and one purpose only. Unfortunately, we are still trying to figure out that one.

J. Dean

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.

There is one small comfort I take in losing this Saturday-it prevents the Spartans from getting into a BCS Bowl. The loss will hurt, but I'll have something to smile about come bowl season :D

OSUbeBetter

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.

Those who think Trssel or the team will somehow Overlook Michigan or not take this game seriously are in for a surprise. Go watch "Tressel talks Michigan" on the dispatch site, and youll know that tresel was brought into Ohio for a single purpose, and that purpose is happening this week. He knows it, his players know it, and i firmly believe there has been at least one day a week spent on Michigan all year long.

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:02 p.m.

@1989NCAACHAMPS: sadly, you just described my nightmare. damn you john cooper and your ever-lingering specter of doubt!!!

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.

For you that think we do have a shot this Saturday, my heart goes out to you and yours. This is a sad time for Michigan football, hopefully the winds of change are gonna blow soon.

NoBowl4Blue

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.

The vest understands you have to have a defense to win, Rich Rod doesn't.

heartbreakM

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:27 p.m.

2 things: 1. Using Jansen's example, I guess these players will have a lot to forget which is good news. Unfortunately, they will have as many losses to only MSU and OSU as Jansen had in 4 years. But at least the players won't remember any of them. LOL 2. Brandstatter sounds more passionate about the OSU game and its meaning than our fine coach. Pretty sad. Perhaps Brandy would not mind putting on a whistle, a cap, and using that ruler to whup our players a la Bo. And a third: Does anybody know what happened to Thomas Gordon? He had a decent first half of season but I haven't heard from him since.

J. Dean

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.

I'm not really worried about Pryor. It's the Buck defense that worries me. They're good, and they should be getting more credit for the wins this year than they actually are.

GoBucks

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.

OSU will take all their frustrations of this season out on Michigan. Sure, we lost to Wisconsin and dropped in the polls, but when Old Blue comes to town, it's time to rumble. GO BUCKS!!!

Todd

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.

On behalf of Spartan fans everywhere, "Go Blue!" :)

timeatwork

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.

well thats too bad. they won't be within 30 points...another embarrassment.

The OSU

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.

I seriously doubt RR can lead the UM FB-team to restore the importantance of the greatest rivalry in sports. Frankly, he just doesn't seem to "get it." We had the same problem with Cooper. You guys may laugh at "the Vest" but I assure you Buckeye players are schooled on the importance of beating "the school up north" from Day 1. Hey old-timers: Here's some OSU/UM trivia. Back in the mid-1970's, during the "War of the Roses" only the Big 10 champion went to a bowl game (Rose Bowl). The other 9 teams stayed home. Annually, the Rose Bowl was determined by the OSU/UM games. In Columbus, the local McDonalds would take a full page ad in the OSU newspaper, the Lantern. McDonalds would offer Bo a fully paid trip with tickets to the Rose Bowl, since that would be the only way Bo would have a chance to see the Rose Bowl after we defeated Michigan. The fine print would then say that if Bo didn't claim the trip a drawing would be held to award the trip to an OSU student and we should go to McDs to sign up. Interesting marketing campaign. I've always wondered, was the same thing happening in reverse in Ann Arbor. Anybody remember? It was around 1973-79.

loves_fall

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.

I'd like a million dollars, but I don't see that happening between now and next week either. Fourth time's the charm?

Ben

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.

We will win this game. It will be like the Illinois game. A shoot out till the bitter end (100 OTs)

J. Dean

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.

I hope that the Michigan fans here, regardless of their feelings toward the coach, are mature enough to hope for a win for the sake of the kids playing football. Never underestimate the power of the upset, folks.

ShadowManager

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.

I heard Mike Hart is gonna be available after the game for grief counselling and sharing.

1989NCAACHAMPS

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.

Ohio States Special Teams Problems will show up again in this game like they did when they played Miami and Wisconsin. Michigan will play just well enough on defense early in the game to allow the Michigan offense to get ahead 10-14 points. Ohio State will not be able to keep up and will feel pressure to throw the ball, which is not there strength. Michigan defense will still struggle and give up big plays, but they will make just enough plays to allow the Michigan offense to shine!! I hope ABC gets some great camera shots of Jim Tressal and Staff because they will look very confused!! Signature victory for Michigan! Go Blue!! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone in Big Blue Nation!!!!