Michigan – Ohio State Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
TV: ABC
Weather: Hitting Weather
Line: OSU – 12.5

I have had a lot of time to think about what I was going to write about tomorrow’s game. I feel the same way the Big House Blog readers do. About half of them think it’s going to be a blow out and the other half feel it could be a close game or even a Michigan upset.

The half of my brain that has Michigan playing well; remembers the Cooper years when Ohio State clearly had the better team and left Ann Arbor with a loss. Ohio State has clinched the Big Ten Championship and a ticket to the Rose Bowl. The only thing they have to play for is bragging rights. There is also the Justin Boren and Terelle Pryor situations, both in different ways turned their backs on the Michigan program and surely will hear it from the fans and few select Wolverines on Saturday. It's been 40 years since the big upset in 1969. Michigan will take a little Karma and History on their side on Saturday.

The other half of my brain thinks the “Upset half” is crazy. OSU could throw one pass on Saturday and still beat the Wolverines. The threat of Pryor in the shot gun and watching him sail through Michigan safeties could cause this game to be over by half time. We also know as soon as OSU commits 100% to the run, there will be a Dan “Salamander” wide open down the middle for a touchdown. With that said, I haven’t even mentioned the Ohio State Defense, which is clearly the best in the Big Ten. How is Tate going to be able to move the ball on this talented defense without Brandon Minor at running back? Will he even have time to step back and throw? Will Denard get in a turn the ball over? Just way too many question marks on both sides of the ball for a Michigan win.

So which is it? A hungry Michigan team that has everything to play for? A bowl game and one last chance for the seniors to beat Ohio State. Or a talented Ohio State team that just grinds out the young Wolverines.

I think we will see a little bit of both on Saturday. I expect Michigan to start quickly and maybe even force a mistake by Pryor. But the bottom line in this game is: no matter how good Brandon Graham is the Michigan defense just can’t stop Ohio State offense for 4 quarters. It’s close at half time but gets away from the Wolverines in the second half. Michigan 20 OSU 42

Special note to the Michigan Seniors: You have had one hell of a ride at Michigan the last 4 years. You have seen the misery of App. State and the high of beating Florida in Florida. You have seen retirements, a new head coach and 3 defensive coordinators in 3 years. You gentlemen are loyal teammates, wonderful players, and Real Michigan Men. I know it might be hard to enjoy Saturday, but try to relish in the tradition of Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson and all the great Wolverines before you while you put on the winged helmet one last time. Saturday is your day. Win or lose, you are true champions for staying and playing hard for the Michigan Wolverines. Today and for the rest of your life you are true Michigan Men. Good Luck on Saturday and Go Blue!