OSU - Michigan Wrapup

Before we can go over the game, we must discuss those hideous uniforms. But do not take fashion advice from me, so I wont write about about how bad they looked. I felt like it was gimmick, something more suitable for a program like Oregon, not the tradition rich Buckeyes (ask Georgia coach Mark Richt what he thinks about those gimmick black uniforms - they have gotten blown out each of the last 2 seasons while their non- traditional Black uniforms). Where were the Buckeye Leaves on the helmets? How could I cheer for Ohio State when I seriously thought it was NC State playing? I also felt like it was disrespectful to the rivalry, this gimmick is something that you can do against Toledo not your most hated rival. Michigan even though they are down right now, is still an elite program. This was nothing more than a cash grab by the richest athletic department in the NCAA. Thanks for ruining the OSU-UM game, Gene Smith.

To the action on the field, OSU scored a defensive touchdown early and kept the pressure up all game. The offensive line has come together in the month of November, as Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, and Terrelle Pryor ran the ball very well. A Devon Torrence interception in the endzone pretty much sealed the deal. I felt like Michigan did some good things, but Rich Rodriguez and Tate Forcier outsmarted themselves as they tried to do too much. To anybody saying that this is no longer a rivalry, I say this: 50 years from now, nobody will care that Ohio St went to the Rose Bowl (unless it is some miracle game such as the 1997 Rose Bowl) they will remember Ohio State has won 6 straight against Michigan for the 1st time. Michigan ruined so many OSU seasons during the Cooper era, we have a long way to go to pay them back. This game may not matter as much nationally, and I am fine with that. Any supporter of Ohio State and Michigan knows that this is the most important game each year. By the way, after 6 straight wins Ohio State still trails Michigan in the total rivalry 57-43-6. Jim Tressel may continue to lose games against top 10 opponents and BCS games, but he is 8-1 against Michigan and he will have a job as long as he wants as Ohio States head coach as long as his football teams continue to beat Michigan.

As for Michigan, where do you go from here? No bowl game for 2 straight seasons. Good program, good coach, wrong fit. For a program not used to losing, they have to give RichRod patience as he builds his program. However, anything less than 9-3 and a win in Columbus next year and I believe he is gone. The thing I do not understand is, what happened to all of the talented players? Its not like he left the cupboard bare. This is Michigan, they have talent. In my opinion, that is the head coach just being too stubborn and trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Michigan needs to get back to being an elite program to save the reputation of the Big 11.

The Buckeyes Rose Bowl trip is certain, but the opponent is yet to be determined. I have to be honest, I am nervous about the prospects of playing Oregon. Certainly, Ohio State will be the best defense Oregon will face but an offense that good will score points. If we hold Oregon in the 20s, Ohio State can win, but if Oregon scores 30 or more we will lose with Tressel's conservative style of coaching.