The Game

This week’s game needs only two words to describe who is playing:  The Game.  Sure other sports teams will make claims to having the greatest rivalry in sports: Yankees/Red Sox, Lakers/Celtics, Auburn/Alabama, but everyone knows that the greatest rivalry in sport has always been and always will be Michigan and Ohio State.  Naysayers will poo poo the significance because of Ohio State’s dominance of late - and that is a fact that cannot be ignored.  Michigan has been dreadful in the last 15 years against the Buckeyes.  And if you’re a Michigan fan and you’re less than enthusiastic about the game this week you probably are not alone.  

The Wolverines have lost their three (3) biggest games of the year so far:  Michigan State, Penn State, and Wisconsin.  Michigan has already lost two (2) quarterbacks and all signs point to a likely return of John O’Korn to the starting lineup.  Aside from a chase of brilliance against Purdue, O’Korn has been unable to produce any offense this season under center.  Michigan’s running game, which was dominant against the doormats of the Big Ten, was completely shutdown by the Badgers in Madison on Saturday.  

Perhaps the area of most concern for Michigan fans is not an individual player on the field - but the coaches on the sideline.  Michigan seems to be completely unable to make any second-half adjustments to compete with top-tier teams.  In both the Penn State and Wisconsin games, Michigan finished the first half trailing by only a single score.  However, in the second half, both the Nittany Lions and Badgers made adjustments which resulted in dominant wins for both teams.  Michigan has not been able to match the adjustments and as a result have looked dreadful in the second half against their best opponents.  Jim Harbaugh has said in the past that Michigan has, “the best minds in football.”  Unfortunately, the results on the field and lack of adjustments don’t support his assertion.  If Michigan is to have any shot of beating the Buckeyes on Saturday, the coaches are going to have to be ready to open up the playbook, throw in new wrinkles, and change things up in the second half.  Otherwise, Michigan is staring at an 8-4 season.  

This very much has the feeling of being a “must win” game.  Michigan needs a win in this rivalry.  It would be incredibly disheartening to see Buckeye fans and players celebrate another win inside Michigan Stadium.  Next year, Michigan has road games against Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Ohio State.  Yes Michigan will be a far more seasoned team next season, but road wins in college football are very difficult.  In order for Michigan to win Saturday, the defense has to come up with their best performance of the year (and at least two turnovers) and the offense has to find a way to put touchdowns on the board.  If Michigan’s offense can find a way to hang at least 24 on Ohio State, then the Wolverine defense should be strong enough to hold on.  

This will always be the best rivalry in sports - it would just be a little bit better if Michigan could come away with a win.