OOtners:
After a (65 degree) and sunny Thanksgiving day, the skies over Columbus have turned party grey and the temperatures are plummeting…heading toward the 20’s in the morning and below freezing at game time!—thank God NO ONE is coming to the game from someplace warm (Like say California)—or it would be ugly!…oh, see you soon Tom, Linda an TJ.
With all due respect to big rivalry games this weekend being played in Tucson- or LA- or Corvallis- or Alabama (And good luck to you all)—there is a reason this is called THE GAME!!—…and you know how you feel (Well let me rephrase that you know how I feel) it’s NOW Christmas Eve…and when we wake up tomorrow…It will be GAME TIME!
The atmosphere for those of you who live outside Columbus—It is ELECTRIC!! …The city is ready and I look for the stadium to be LOUD tomorrow…I’m heading to an Earle Bruce lunch this afternoon and hopefully that atmosphere will be awesome as well.
Ohio State (11-0) vs. Michigan (8-3)…
We know some of the stats…Since 1926, this series is DEAD EVEN…You think the home team has an advantage?—Well probably not as much as you might think…Home teams have won 54 games and the visitors have won 47…it doesn’t get much closer.
If Nebraska loses today the door will open for even more incentive for the Team Up North —a trip to the Big Ten Championship game should Michigan win tomorrow…
Here’s a look.
The Wolverines lead the nation in pass defense so throwing the ball will not be easy for the Buckeyes. We are assuming by listening to Urban talk this week—the Buckeyes will have some new wrinkles, look for some screens and at least a few times the Buckeyes need to throw it deep. Running the ball may be the way to go for Ohio State—with Miller & Hyde combining for 2000 yards rushing so far this season look for a steady dose of BIG BOY football!!
When Michigan has the ball…remember they now have two QB’s on the field much of the game—you think they might have some tricks up their sleeves?…The Ohio State defense getting better and healthier each week needs to be ready for just about anything.
Special teams always play a huge part…and just a week ago the Buckeyes took a punt back for a touchdown in Madison.
The CROWD…let’s be honest– with a first year quarterback playing for Michigan this could be a key—the best way I know to forget the cold weather is get off your ass and stand and cheer the entire game!—I have confidence the crowd WILL be ready! The 2002 National Championship team is being honored @ halftime and the Buckeyes are playing in their retro uniforms—WOW!!
Here’s a stat for you…we all know Jim Tressel “got it” as far as the rivalry and Michigan game—Remember since Urban took over the job last year he has constantly preached he IS FROM OHIO—He grew up idolizing WOODY—and he would NEVER entertain saying “Michigan” only the “Team Up North—HE GETS THE RIVALRY…check this out…At Utah & Florida, in rivalry games like Utah State & BYU…and then Florida State/Miami/Georgia…Urban is an amazing (24-5)!! He GETS the big rivalry games…
In the end…
The Buckeyes…in their final game of the season come out FIRED UP…they hit hard and often…the crowd stays in the game all the way…and Michigan (Which by the way STILL SUCKS!) can not stand the onslaught…
Buckeye’s- 37 —Michigan- 23!!!
Here’s to (12-0)…an UNDEFEATED SEASON..and stomping your rival!!
Proud to be a Buckeye!!…Go Bucks!!
Butch
