Don’t Take Michigan Lightly
November 21, 2008
It would be easy for an Ohio State fan to take a look at this
Saturday’s annual rivalry game against Michigan and presume it will end
in a Buckeye blowout.
There is a chance that happens. The Wolverines are in the middle of one
of their most challenging seasons in the program’s history. A change of
coaches, playing scheme, and the graduation of many long-time starters
has left our rivals with a 3-8 record.
With this in mind, it would be easy to take this game lightly. I caution you not to do so.
One thing I’ve learned in my years of playing and watching this game is
that when Ohio State and Michigan play, each team brings its best
effort to the field. Time and time again I’ve watched the favored team
lose because the underdog played its best game of the season.
I have no doubt whatsoever that Michigan is going to have its best game
of the season Saturday. I’m sure of it. Although they’ve had struggles
this year, this is still a team that possesses some nice talent. I
expect that talent to be on display against us on Saturday.
This will also be coach Rich Rodriquez’s first time participating in
this game. Coach Rodriquez is well known for being an innovative and
imaginative offensive coach, so I expect him to have a few tricks up
his sleeve against us. Defensively, Michigan has plenty of players back
from last year’s group that did a good job of slowing our offense in
Ann Arbor.
So while some may be looking at this game and thinking it doesn’t have
quite the cache as usual, I’d offer this: When Michigan and Ohio State
play, records matter little. This game will be a battle. You can bet on
it.
BOWL TOUR
One thing I did want to note is that once our game with Michigan ends
our plans for the Buckeye bowl game will start almost immediately. Our
staff will be hard at work over the next month getting our tour, Bowl
Bash, and other items ready for alumni.
If we beat Michigan and Michigan State beats Penn State, we will have
honed in on a shot at the Rose Bowl. In the event that we earn a Rose
Bowl bid on Saturday, we will start the pre-sale of our tour
immediately.
I’d encourage you to check our Bowl Tour headquarters Web site here: TOURS. Following this page will give you everything you need to know about how to join us for our always popular bowl tour.
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