A Champaign Toast

The game last night was very interesting from whichever fan base you sit in. Michigan played with out it's leader and the nation's #1 rusher. Illinois did everything they needed to win except taking way too many silly penalties and not capitalizing on Michigan's turnovers.

In a game where I thought maybe all Michigan All Americans were going to get knocked out to having Chad Henne come back twice from the locker room to save the game. This game had more twists then a Hardy Boys mystery (do they sell those books anymore?). Mike Hart was in street clothes (not good!), we give up a huge kickoff return and a quick touchdown pass, Chad throws a ball behind Mario which is picked, and Illinois is in business again in Michigan territory and it looks like it's going to be a long night for the Wolverines against another spread offense. If you read my preview below it was time to "open the bar". Michigan found itself down 14-3 with it's Freshmen QB in the game and no Hart. Time to open your best bottle of Kentucky Whisky!

Well, something funny happened on the way to this loss. Michigan on both side of the ball decided that September was behind them and it was time to open up the play book and make a few stops on defense. Chad comes back "like the spirit of 76" and leads Michigan to 2 first half touchdowns and a slim 17-14 lead at half.

Then for a reason only the coaches know, they play Mallett to start the second half. Ryan moves the offensive but makes two major mistakes when it was time to score. One fumbled snap and one very bad pick on the 5 yard line. I like what Ryan will bring to next year's team, but if Michigan is going to win the Big Ten they need a healthy #7.

Latest news is that Henne headed to the team bus with his arm in a sling. The good news is that Michigan has the "Golden Gophers" on deck and most likely could win that game with Chad and Mike in street clothes.

When Chad came back in the 4th quarter it made all the difference. Deboring decided to open up the play book, play from the shot gun and try to win this thing. With help from a gift from the Illinois punt return fumble, Michigan used some "tricker-ation" to win this game. It also made a 40 yard field goal to put the game away. Yes, a made field goal. Alert the Press!

"Cheers"

• Chad for being "brass". Playing through pain and winning this game


• Mario for stepping up and making big plays


• The un-song hero award goes to Carlos Brown. He had 113 yards in replacing Hart. This was game ball worthy


• The Defense got hit early but didn't go down and won the fight in a decision


• Mike Debord for finally trying to win a game instead of "not losing" one


• KC and the Sunshine band for making two field goals

"Jeers"

• 3 Fumbled Snaps. This is something that should happen once a year and it happened 3 times in one game. This has to be fixed.


• Ryan Mallett gave away two scoring opportunities due to turn overs


• The 3rd Quarter Strategy - we did want to win this one right?


• We shouldn't need penalties and a late turn over to win this game - but a win is a win.


• Kick off coverage

"Up Next"

The Little Brown Jug. I wonder who will start this one?

Look for the Buckeye Update from Buckeye John on Monday.