#2 Michigan vs #1 Ohio State

[DUDE 2]

Well guys it is here!!! The game is just under a week away, and both teams looked like they ment business today. Nobody looked past there games today. Now let the fun begin. With Auburn and California going down today, and Florida needing to block 2 kicks to stay in the hunt, things are looking more and more like both teams may still have a shot at playing again on January 8th if the game is a barn burner. Both teams are pretty healthy for this time of the year. So there can be no excuses by either team. Or by there fans!!! Henne looked alot better today, still needs to learn where to run when he gets alittle pressure on him. Breaston finally showed up for a game this year. Hopefully a show of things to come next week. Hart is Hart and I like that Jackson guy as a back up to Hart. Defensive line was dominating again this week and David Harris is a man playing with boys in some of these games. I think the whole game will come down to can Michigans DB's cover all of the weapons that OSU will throw at them. Will Michigans D-line be able to contain Smith? And keep him from making the big plays. I believe it will be a low scoring game. Not an ice bowl type low score. LOL. But a game in the teens to low 20's. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[B Thomas]

The anticipation is high thats for sure. I dont think we'll see a rematch no matter how close it is. Ive said it all along the only area of Michigan that has me a bit worried is the D-Line. I think Smith will roll the pocket alot hoping to remove the line as a threat. Our D-line needs to put heat on Henne everytime he gets the ball, if he is running for his life when he is throwing we are in good shape. I was just in Vegas this past week and the line as of Thursday had Ohio St -7. I was amazed by the number people out there wearing Buckeye gear.

GO BUCKS!!

[Somethins_Fishy]

I have to agree with Brian that no matter how tight the game is, there won't be any rematch . No way would the rest of the country tolerate 2 Big 10 teams playing for the championship, whether they're the two best teams or not .

I think Michigan is going to have it's hands full with OSU and their home field advantage . It's bad enough having to face all of their weapons, but to have to do it in at OSU makes it a tough hill to climb . All we as Michigan fans can hope for is the D-line will get to Smith and take him out of his game .

Should be one #### of a game . GO BLUE !!!!!

[loner]

OSU defense will give up a few big plays but won't break. Look for Troy Smith to score the winning TD in overtime.

[gpbrown]

Dude,
Well not having seeing the team up north play that much this year, I am worried about the Bucks defense. They give up a bunch of yardage. With Henne, Hart, Breston and Maningham if they can finish in the red zone...look out. OSU has lived all season on the turnover, Mich needs to protect the ball. Troy Smith has not looked good for two weeks, despite what the stats say. He has some kind of thumb issue on his throwing hand.
Whoever wins, hopefully the Bucks, I see them playing the winner of the ND and USC game for the championship.
gb

[Kdog]

Dude,
I'll tell you the difference in this game,,,,and its in all the Michigans players heads after winning 4 out of the last 5 games against Michigan,,,,,,Its the Tressel factor.His players will be ready to play you can take that to the bank.The Buckeyes will put presure on Henne and force him to make mistakes,,,,,Troy Smith will be Troy Smith,,,,make plays,not force anything,and not turn the ball over.I say Buckeyes by 10 or more.One more interesting fact,,,,Michigan has NEVER beat the Buckeyes in Columbus when they were undefeated.
GO BUCKS,Kdog

[RickyP]

Henne on offense and the DB's on defense are the keys. I really believe this will be Michigan's year to shine.

And I don't know why you guys are writing off a rematch for the national title so quickly. If USC loses to Cal and beats the Irish and Florida loses in the SEC championship game, who plays the OSU-UM winner for the national title? I don't think a one loss Arkansas team would deserve a shot over a one loss UM/OSU team. And Rutgers will never make it that high, nor do they deserve to, based on their schedule. There are many interesting scenarios left.

UM 27
OSU 21

[saugers2 ul]

Gonna be a great game.

Both teams are solid, healthy and look ready for the game. I give UM defense the edge, and expect a close game with UM winning by 3.

Too bad this game is played at the end of the season, because if they had played in week 2 or 3 a championship game with them would be a possibility. The BCS won't forget the loss this close to the end of the season. Its unfortunate because win-lose or draw these are the two best teams in college footbal this year.

saugers2

[RickyP]

So here's the scoop. Of the top 1 loss teams remaining the schedules are as follows:

USC 11/18 Cal
11/25 ND
12/2 @UCLA

Florida 11/18 West Carolina
11/25 Florida State
12/2(?) SEC Championship

ND 11/18 Army
11/25 @USC

Arkansas 11/18 Miss St
11/24 LSU
12/2(?) SEC Championship

I think that USC and Florida are the only sure shots to play the OSU/UM winner for the title IF either one runs the table.

How could you argue for ND if they end up with one loss when UM trounced them on NDs home field?

The other possible one loss teams are Louisville, West Va. and Wisconsin. Which one of these teams is better that either a one loss UM or OSU?

And of course we could have 2 other undefeated teams in Rutgers and Boise State, neither one of which would deserve a shot based on their schedules.

Very interesting to say the least.

[B Thomas]

I love talking this stuff!!

Michigan's pass offense is ranked around 86th in all of Football, our Defense #1 in points allowed (23 interceptions or near there) Defense #1 against the run BUT they havent faced a Troy Smith type threat as of yet. I want to know how Michigan plans on taking away the deep threat? I think Mike Hart will get his 100 yards as a few backs have done but the most important stat of all is points scored vs given up. The defense has given all year but then tightens up when their backs to the wall. Not to get caught up in #s but OSU has outscored opponents 394-86----Michigan 323-146, 6 of their opponents were the same---doesnt mean much I know but fun to debate.

COME ON SATURDAY!!

GO BUCKS!!!

[RickyP]

KDog...that's a pretty optomistic assessment. 10 points or more? I heard the spread started out at 6-1/2 for the Bucks and I would bet by game time it will be down around 3. Take off your scarlet and gray glasses. OSU has not encountered a team as good as Michigan on both sides of the ball all year. This game will come down to the dominating Michigan defense against the powerful Buckeye offense. Michigan WILL score on OSU. The question is can the UM defense keep Smith in check. And I don't care about what he has done against UM in the last 2 years. This is an entirely different defense than UM has had. Better than the 97 defense in my opinion. They're big, fast and mean, and Ron English has them playing a very aggressive style. Troy will be picking himself up off the ground a lot.

I think you can also take the "Tressel" factor and throw it out the window. OSU has had superior talent the last few years and that is why they won. Tressel in no genious. But this year I think UM matches the Bucks talent level. I give the edge to OSU on offense and to UM on defense. And I like the chances of the UM offense against the OSU "bend but don't break" defense. It's going to be a good old fashioned slug fest.

UM 27
OSU 20

GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brutus]

Mr T has saved the stay at home body of Smith with the big play passing offense this year and Pitman's timely runs. Mr T gave Smith some tuneup work the last 2 weeks for the wide open run and gun OSU offensive show that will totally smoke you!

Who's number #! ????????????????????????????????????????????

[eyegetit]

>I think you can also take the "Tressel" factor and throw it
>out the window. OSU has had superior talent the last few years
>and that is why they won. Tressel in no genious.

As a Youngstown State alumnus I'm here to tell ya that Jim Tressel is the real deal. Tressel coached YSU to four(4) Div 1AA national championships using talent that was no better than his predecessor had. The difference is 'Tressel Ball' and his ability to take a punk off the street and rewire his brain.

GO BUCKS!

[b thomas-]

Tressel factor out the window-
I honestly think that some of Cooper's teams in the 90s had more talent than the last few that OSU has had that beat Michigan. You dont think coaching has made a difference? WOW! Tressel wins a title in his 2nd year and as of now is 4-1 against M. It took Cooper until 1994 to beat michigan mind you he started in 1988 or 89. I saw Woodley being interviewed on ESPN and he could barely put a sentence together, thats great coaching. JT at least shows his guys how to talk when there is a mic and a camera on (complete sentences using verbs and nouns etc)

[osu fan]

NO team has ever one two #1 vs #2 games in the same year. OSU WILL be the first. Mich. secondary is WEAK. OSU 34 Mich. 17
PS OSU will win Champ. game against another #2 team solidifying their run as one of the best college football teams ever (only one team has come closer than 17 point margin).
PPS Lloyd Carr needs a lifetime contract.
PPS Tressel and Motta too.

[Johnnie Candle]

Here's another thought. I am unsure of this, and maybe someone can clarify for me. If (when) OSU wins the national championship, will they be the first team ever in college football to defeat three #2 teams in the same year? That is what they will have to do to run the table.

Texas was #2, Michigan is currently #2, and because of the way the BCS works (or tries to work), the Buckeyes will have to play #2 again for the title.

I see no reason why it can't be Michigan again. Afterall, if the BCS rankings are correct, Michigan should loose. If you loose when you should, then why would your ranking drop? I hate the BCS.

Wow! Now they know what it is like to try to beat Ron Seelhof everytime out.

[Johnnie Candle]

Guess I should have read the post before mine a little closer. Sorry.

[Harve]

I think OSU is head and shoulders the best, but everyone has been speculating on who OSU will play for the championship. As a result, I think Michigan will come in especially fired-up. Should be a great game.

[B Thomas]

I think it will be the winner of the OSU- MI (OHIO STATE!) vs Notre Dame. Texas is out, USC will lose another between CAL, ND or UCLA, Florida is too up and down and they have to go to Tallahasee last game of the season and I dont think they can survive the SEC championship. Rutgers will get beat by WVA. I think ND finishes with the United States Coast Guard, Salvation Army, Army and USC.

GO BUCKS

[Kdog]

then theres the LEGEND of TROY factor,,,,TROY SMITH.Doesnt force anything,only 3 interceptions this year and one was a tipped ball.Out next OSU Heisman winner!

On the other hand you have Chad Henne,,,,a not so mobile qb who has a tendency to put the ball up when under pressure.and i'll bet my buckeyes that Chad will be presured all day!

OSU 31 UM 17
GO BUCKS,
Kdog

[DEFENSE]

WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!

The UM D line is one of the best if not the best ever! Truly entertaining to watch and study. If they show up ready to play like they will on future Sunday's, I predict that they will stop the run by lateral containment and crush the pocket on the pass attempts. They will then be the best D Line ever for certain...

With that said OSU's only chance will be on broken plays, and they will get lucky only a few times at most. If UM can control the clock on offense and limit the times for OSU to make broken plays they will win, the defense will win it for them in a grid iron grinder.

On offense the UM O line just needs to open up the 5 yard gains and protect the pocket just enough to mix up the play calling make the long drives and burn the clock. Hart will bust a few good runs along the way. Look for one to get the momentum going in the 1st quarter and a couple more in the second half to seal the coffin. For UM offense there is no room for mistakes, they must play mistake free football for 4 quarters. Time of possesion will be the stat to watch.

OSU's big play makers or not, it will be defense that wins the game and the National Championship and UM will be the victor! If UM D-Line doesn't show up, it will be a route via track meet and the other team will win grossly.

The New Greek...

[Buckeye]

Looking at the stat comparisons between OSU and the bunch up north, there is not any lobsided differences in categories. Both teams have solid running games (OSU 180 YPG and (sc)UM 194 YPG) that will have to be working to win Saturday. Other categories are very simular except passing offense and passing defense. The Buckeyes averaged 60 yds more and gave up 23 yds less than the other guys. That is not a huge margin for either but I think the difference in this game will be the passing game and I think the Buckeyes have the advantage.

I'd like to think that shutting down Manningham will win that war but you don't get to be #2 by having a one deep roster at any position. In the past when the Buckeyes shut down the stars, they always seem to find a guy that only the faithful fans of the maize and blue (God save their souls)have heard of. Breaston was a stud his freshman year but has been a non factor until this past weekend. Henne has a good arm and makes decent decisions but is a pocket passer posing little "big play" run threat.

Compare now to Ohio State's stable of receivers. Ginn and Gonzo come with plenty of hype (well deserved) and there is a whole bunch of others that have contributed big time this season. Robiskie, Hall, Hartline, Small (assuming he has found his bearings after the hit he took against Minnesota) and the TE Nichol have all had great seasons and if you double up on Ginn or Gonzo, any of them can carry the day. Smith's poise and abilities to hurt you with his arm and legs goes without saying. An all American D-line will have a tough time containing him. (ask Texas)

Go Bucks!

[Hmmmmm]

The team with the most turnovers will lose. The game of football hasn't changed in 100 years . You hang on to the ball you will win. Mistakes on special teams is another key to the game. Michigan is a little more conservative than OSU and patience is a virtue. If OSU gets a quick start Michigan may be forced to change game plan but if the game stays close we could see the game of the year. Running games and defense appear to be equal. OSU has passing advantage with great skill players now they just have to do it. Kicker advatage to Michigan?


OSU 24
Mich 17

[Duh]

>Dude,
> I'll tell you the difference in this game,,,,and its in
>all the Michigans players heads after winning 4 out of the
>last 5 games against Michigan,,,,,,Its the Tressel factor.His
>players will be ready to play you can take that to the
>bank.The Buckeyes will put presure on Henne and force him to
>make mistakes,,,,,Troy Smith will be Troy Smith,,,,make
>plays,not force anything,and not turn the ball over.I say
>Buckeyes by 10 or more.One more interesting fact,,,,Michigan
>has NEVER beat the Buckeyes in Columbus when they were
>undefeated.
> GO BUCKS,Kdog



Ohio State has never beaten Michigan when Michigan was undeafeated either.

Michigan 17 OSU 14

[Gilligan]

Michigan by 3!


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[ERIE REBEL]

Guys we are talking OSU vs U.of M. This game is always one of THE BEST games of the whole season.I have watched both teams play and I will say that I Think the guys in Vegas are correct.OSU 28 UM 21. OH-IO GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[B Thomas]

Gilligan,

Did you pull the trigger on the new rig yet??

[Gilligan]

Brian...

Went and looked at a 2150 yesterday, my dealer is setting something up so I can look at the 202WT. They have located several 06's and can save a bunch so I expect to deal for something by the end of the month.


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[Toolman]

The week of THE GAME is here and bigger than ever! I'll wait until Friday to give my always, accurate predition. I'll tip my hand and say the Buckeyes will prevail (again). The great thing is that UM has had a good enough season that even after losing to OSU this Saturday, Llloyd Carr will keep his job! :-)

Tim

PS-Word has it that UM's D-Coordinator hasn't slept all week! ;-)

[Buckeye]

Anybody going to The Game?

[Toolman]

One day closer to D-Day! :-)

[Raybob]

IMHO -This is the best Offense that Mr T has put together since his arrival at OSU w/a solid Ball Hawkin' steal-you-blind Defense to back up the "O". It does seem that the powers-to-be from upnorth have taken away all coachin' duties away from figurehead Mr Carr & handed them to his coordinators, so just maybe the Boyz from upnorth have a outside longshot chance at a upset **if** OSU has a clueless Duh-day by overlooking them in 'prep for the BCS championship game.

da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray

:exactly: :)

[Ouch]

Doesen't make any difference who wins, Michigan or Ohio State. Rutgers will kick their butts in the Championship.

I also believe in Santa Claus

[bob oh]

I'll take a case of what yer drinkin"

go get'em toolman !!!!!!!!!!!!

rod bender bob

[B Thomas]

WOW, Michigan is bringing their own police to the Horseshoe, bunch of WU$$ies

[RickyP]

If Columbus wasn't full of drunks and thugs, their own police wouldn't be necessary for UM. What's going to cause the biggest riot in Columbus after the game, a Buckeye win or the inevitable Buckeye loss to the superior team from up north?

You guys know in sports that more often than not, the team with the most to prove comes out on top. And that is definitely Michigan. They're going to come out blazing and never let up. They got nothing to lose, they can let it all hang out. Troy Smith is going to be hurried, knocked down and sacked like never before. He's a marked man and the Wolverine defense is gonna knock him into tomorrow. You guys better hope Justin Zwick is ready to play cause Smith might not last the whole game.

Everybody is picking the favored Bucks. Boy, is this OSU team ripe for an upset or what? I can sense it coming. Come on Saturday...I got butterflies already!!!

By the way, I just checked and the line is down to 4.

[Terroreyes]

Can you tell who I'm pulling for? :)


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[Toolman]

RickyP,

For a Michigan fan, the picture you paint of Columbus is very ironic, considering UM is located in Ann Arbor-the armpit of the upper Midwest. That city has more than it's share of drunks and thugs. There won't be any celebrations after any game held there, because all the fans are in such a hurry to get out of town! ;-)

If (and that's a BIG IF) the Michigan D line gets to Smith, they won't hurt him-he's proven tough-and he gets better under pressure (one of the reasons the D-Coordinator at UM is now an insomniac). His escapability is one of the things that makes him a great QB. He won't be stopped by this UM defense, or any other. I foresee another pick by James "The Animal" Lauranitus, and a pick 6 by one of the Bucks great DBs. Big plays and a solid ground game by the Buckeyes will be the story of the day. Pittman and Beanie Wells will combine for 150+ yards rushing and T. Smith will have his usual 200+ yards passing with 2 or 3 TDs. There's no derailing the Tressel Express!!

Tim

[B Thomas]

Drunks and thugs? Kinda funny we talk about that. I was talking to my cousin, happens to be an OSU grad, and he was in Ann Arbor at the M-OSU game in 1977, OSU lost and as the band was on the bus MICHIGAN fans pulled band members off the bus and beat the #### out of them. Now this isnt a he said she said- he who said it saw it. Is the halo still flying over the toilet bowl knows as the "BIG sh@#HOUSE"?

I hear Tressel OWNS a new set of wheels---A LLoyd Carr

[Buckeye]

RickyP at least there's police in Columbus. Columbus full of drunks and thugs? Isn't Ann Arbor where the annual hash bash is?

The esteemed D line of (sc)UM has to catch Smith before they can wear him down. If they overpower the likes of Rehrig, Boone, and the rest of the O-line of OSU look for him to take a sack or 2, but also run for 100yds plus.

[RickyP]

You guys crack me up. Have you ever really been to Ann Arbor? It's hardly the armpit of the midwest. Now granted, it might be a little too liberal and progressive for your obvious red necked tastes, but violence and thuggery is not part of the scene in Ann Arbor. They're all laid back old hippies. just sitting around gettin high waiting for the hash bash on April 1.

Columbus has the boyz from the hood all hopped up on crack and the good old red neck boys all fired up on shine. Now which sounds more dangerous to you?

UM 27
OSU 20


GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Raybob]

>You guys crack me up. Have you ever really been to Ann Arbor?
>It's hardly the armpit of the midwest. Now granted, it might
>be a little too liberal and progressive for your obvious red
>necked tastes, but violence and thuggery is not part of the
>scene in Ann Arbor. They're all laid back old hippies. just
>sitting around gettin high waiting for the hash bash on April
>1.
>
>Columbus has the boyz from the hood all hopped up on crack and
>the good old red neck boys all fired up on shine. Now which
>sounds more dangerous to you?

Have you ever really been to Ann Arbor? -- Yes, a dreaded once a week visit to Philip's Ivory-tower HQ until they smoked there way to MEXICO :)


da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray

[B Thomas]

How about answering the question of the 77 game and the OSU band getting beat up??? Are not answering SCum Fans????

[Toolman]

The time has come for my prediction. Taking all factors into consideration, including tommorrow's balmy upper 40's°F and calm, dry conditions. Also, in light of the very recent passing of the great former UM coach Bo Schembechler. This will be one heck of a game with two great teams playing for the outright Big Ten Title and the right to play for a National Championship. I see both defenses playing well, both offensive ground games to be somewhat ineffective (no big plays or big yardage totals) and the difference being OSU QB Troy Smith's ability to get the ball to his superior recieving corps, while Henne struggles again in the big game. Turnovers (likely interceptions) will, as always be key and OSU is near the top in the Nation in turnover margin and picks. Take the Buckeyes and the points (the spread is going down).

The Ohio State University Buckeyes 30
The University of Michigan Wolverines 17

Gold pants go to the Buckeyes!!! Go Bucks!

Tim

[No Way Buckeye Breath]

>The time has come for my prediction. Taking all factors into
>consideration, including tommorrow's balmy upper 40's°F and
>calm, dry conditions. Also, in light of the very recent
>passing of the great former UM coach Bo Schembechler. This
>will be one heck of a game with two great teams playing for
>the outright Big Ten Title and the right to play for a
>National Championship. I see both defenses playing well, both
>offensive ground games to be somewhat ineffective (no big
>plays or big yardage totals) and the difference being OSU QB
>Troy Smith's ability to get the ball to his superior recieving
>corps, while Henne struggles again in the big game. Turnovers
>(likely interceptions) will, as always be key and OSU is near
>the top in the Nation in turnover margin and picks. Take the
>Buckeyes and the points (the spread is going down).
>
>The Ohio State University Buckeyes 30
>The University of Michigan Wolverines 17
>
>Gold pants go to the Buckeyes!!! Go Bucks!
>
>Tim
>

Michigan will ride their victory on "BO" and the Buckeyes will drool while Michigan RULES

MICHIGAN 27
OSU 20

[B Thomas]

Sorry to hear about BO, But I still HATE MICHIGAN

[Reno]

Not living in either state I will pick Ohio State...Why you say!
Well fellow WCer's, our Team "North Dakota State Bison" (who will after tomorrow's game-beating South Dakota, ranked #1 in Div 1AA), beat Ball State (remember that game Michigan?), beat up on those lowly rodents, only to feel sorry for them and lose 10-9 is the team you will hear more from in the future!
Best of luck to both teams!
Steve:rockit:

[ERIE REBEL]

Okay guys,even thoughI am a true blue BUCKEYE FAN,a salute and a reised Bud to the memory of Bo. SALUTE

[walleyedreaming]

Seems to me some of you guys grab any chance to make yourselfs look like idiots. Two great football teams. Game will be won by team who capitalizes on others mistakes. I hope it will be Michigan.

Jimmy

[Raybob]

Yeppers --
It was a GREAT GAME!!! :)


da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray

[RickyP]

My hat's off to OSU. They are truly the #1 team in the country. Troy Smith is a great qb and was the difference in the game. I stand corrected on Tressel. I said in an earlier post that he wasn't all that, but I'm beginning to believe.

It was a great game between the 2 best teams in the country. If USC and Florida each lose another game, I do believe Michigan deserves a rematch. How could you take a one loss ND team over Michigan? UM blew ND out in South Bend. Isn't the championship supposed to be between the 2 best teams? It will be interesting to see how far UM drops in the polls after only losing this game by 3 points on the road.

Again, congrats to the Bucks. And also to the Wolverines for hanging in there against a great team.

[Trophy]

With the stakes as high as they were, and the game as good as it was, I really believe this was the greatest college football game of my lifetime (44 years), maybe even of all time. The game was played clean for the most part, the refs let them play, the crowd was great, and the scene at the end of the fans, and players on the field singing the Alma Motter was super. What a great job Tressel has done of changing the mentality of his players, to be respectful of school, self, and others.

[saugers2 ul]

That was a great game...congrats to the Buckeye's and their fans, you have a heck of a team.

Would have liked to have seen the end if Coble hadn't put the late hit on Smith and given the ball back to them....would've been a real shootout...

Again, congrats and lets get the phones ringing for a re-match in AZ.....you know, the losers always want a re-match....lol

Saugers2

BIG UM FAN

[Terroreyes]

<What a great job Tressel has done of changing the mentality of his players, to be respectful of school, self, and others.
>

How many players have been charged with crimes and/or convicted under his tenure??????
:rotflmao: :funnypost: :rotflmao: :sorry: :rotflmao:


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[DUDE 2]

What a great game, one for the ages. I was shocked as to how many points were scored by both teams. I didnt think that OSU could score that many points on Michigans defense, and I didnt think that Michigans offense could score that many on OSU defense. A really bad penalty on Crable was the killer in my mind. But it was the correct call. Iam so glad that Troy Smith is gone after this year. Smith will deffinatly win the Hiesman and he deserves it. Henne played good, but he missed a wide open Manningham and that hurt. OSU had to many big plays. Those 2 running TD's and that long pass to Ginn on 2nd and short really hurt. The only thing that was dissapointing about the whole game was the field conditions. Both teams were ice skating out there in the cow pasture they call a football field. But I think OSU adjusted better to the field conditions than Michigans did. Not using it as an excuse. USC wins tonight as well but really not impressivly. Not sold on USC yet. The winner of the SEC championship is more deserving than USC. I still think that Arkansas is the only team that could give either OSU or Michigan a game. But OSU and Michigan are the best 2 teams with out a doubt. I still dont see how ND can say they deserve to be in the championship game when they got destroyed by Michigan. Only time will tell if they want the best 2 teams in the championship game. Congratulations OSU fans!!! Both of these 2 teams could have played with last years championship teams. Michigan fans lets wait and see what happens with the BCS tomorow, hopefully we will still be #2....GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buckeye]

Just got home from The Game and all I can say is WOW. Of all the games I've been in the Shoe for, and there have been some dandies, the crowd as never been so stoked. We never sat down. My voice is shot. I took my 13 year old and made sure he understood the significance of the game. It truly was a once in a lifetime situation and opportunity and turned out to be everything that was advertised and then some.

As far as the game itself, the other guys certainly put up a fight and were the best team OSU has seen this year but.......I think the score could have easily been 42-21 if not for unforced turnovers. Some sloppy play that kept them hanging around but a win is a win... and any win over the bunch from up north is a great one! Add the bonus of getting to watch a special player lock up the Heisman Trophy and it was an experience that will be tough to top.

[DUDE 2]

Buckeye good for you. I went to the Michigan vs OSU game back in 1997. That was the year Michigan won the national title. Till this day it is the best event I have ever been at. There is nothing like being at an event that means so much to so many. I can still remember Charles Woodson running that punt return back for a TD. After we got home from the game, we named our new female puppy we had "Woodson". Everyone always askes us how we came up with that name, and we tell them all about the game. I remember everyone who was at the game either running on the field, or like us just stanting there for an hour after the game just watching everything that was going on the field. SO you and your son have this great event to talk about for the rest of your lives. Congratulations......

[GR]

Both teams gave 110% effort and put it ""all"" on the field. That will be a game remembered for the ages. Both teams should walk tall.

Did OSU replace the sod simply for the national cameras ??

[walleyedreaming]

Congrats to OSU I hope they bring a national championship to the big ten. Didn't like the personal foul call in the 4th quarter but not gonna cry in my soup. Another play that could have changed the game is when chad overthrew his reciever in the first quarter for a for sure touchdown. OSU tore up our secondary like a paper shredder but I am still proud of our boys they never gave up and played a great ga

Jimmy

[Toolman]

All I can say is "Wow...what a game"! I don't think that there can be any doubt in any one's mind that the two best football teams in the country played last night. I thought that UM might just roll over in the second half, but to their credit, they ran the ball better (O-line and Hart did a great job) and made some defensive adjustments and got back in the game. I think the engraver can go ahead and put Troy Smith's name on the Heisman now. There's no doubt that he is the most outstanding player in the country...what a career at OSU. IMO, had OSU kept with the 4-wide set that the UM defense could not stop in the first half, the score would not have been so close, but Tressel tends to get conservative with a lead but can't argue his record in big games and/or vs UM. I believe it came down to the fact that OSU had too many weapons on Offense coupled with 2 unforced errors (and one ball Smith should not have thrown) in the second half and more conservative play calling kept it close. I'm not taking anything away from Michigan-they are a VERY good team.

Rutgers blew their shot at making a "claim"...IMO they (or any other Big East team) were never a top 5 team anyway. It will be interesting to see if the pollsters keep UM in the top 3 for now. I said long ago, if UM keeps the game close enough to stay ranked high in the pools that I wouldn't want to play them again...and I don't want to play them again! ;-) That being said, if USC or Florida doesn't "run the table" and Notre Dame sneeks up there, it would be an injustice to see them get to the NC game over UM, even though the Buckeyes will kick the crap out of Notre Dame. I guess we will see how it shakes out.

Tim

Terroreyes-I feel your pain. We went through this in the 90's with Cooper. :-)

[B Thomas]

As mentioned before, who would have thought either team would have put up the amount of points they did. I never thought OSU could give up 39pts and 3 turnovers and still win. And that helmet to helmet by Crable was also out of bounds, not sure which way they called it but it was personal foul. There were a few calls that went against us too so you cant cry about one call that didnt. What a great game it was and I think there is no doubt who OSU is.

[Somethins_Fishy]

It was everything it was supposed to be . OSU won the game because they were the better team this game .

Smith was very impressive and should definately be considered for the Heisman . It made me realize how good he really was last night to pass all over Michigan the way he did . He also has great composure under fire, the mark of a great quarterback .

That being said, to say that Michigan was lucky for the "breaks" OSU gave them is bit of revisionist history . I'd say Michigan allowing 2 long TD runs from the line of scrimmage, totally out of character for the #1 defense against the run was a gift to OSU . Henne over throwing a wide open receiver that would have went for a TD was a gift . The high hit on Smith late in the game was a gift . I could go on and on . Both teams made mistakes that helped the other team, but please don't come here and try to tell us how lucky Michigan was not to have gotten blown away .

OSU won last night because they played a better game against a very good UM team . OSU wasn't given the game, they earned their victory, just as UM earned the respect of OSU and the rest on the nation . Congratulations to OSU on their victory and here's hoping we'll see each other again in the national championship game .

[Lundy]

Best game ever:raisin:

[Kdog]

Yes it was a GREAT game.I see alot of Michigan fans talking about the unsportsman like penalty in the 4th qtr on Smith and the pass Henne missed that woulda went for a touchdown.
Lets not forget OSU had 3 turnovers which ended up 10 pts for Michigan.Also Michigan had 0 turnovers and OSU still one.All these different factors are just part of the game,if they played tomorrow my $$$$ would still be on OSU.Clearly the better team won.Offensively they had ALOT more weapons than Michigan.That was the difference in the game.
Looking ahead id going to say if USC beats Notre Dame at Notre Dame they deserve to play in the BCS game.If Notre Dame wins Im going to say the Bucks play Michigan again.Clearly Michigan is better than ND,they proved that earlier in the year.
Whoever the Bucks play i really dont think it would matter,this Tressel Buckeye squad is one for the ages.GO BUCKS,
Kdog(KeithWalters)

[B Thomas]

Also we had a personal foul called on Austin Spitler on 3rd and long when he knocked the Michigan Center down that gave M the ball 1st down. I dont think that resulted in points though but the uncharacterics went both ways. Granted it wasnt normal for Michigan to give up the 2 long runs but not normal for OSUs defense to give up 39 and not force a turnover. GREAT GAME

See you Jan 8th!

[DUDE 2]

Kdog, good to see you back in the conversation... I wasnt complaining about the call, just thought that it defenitly helped OSU get there clinching score. If Michigan gets the ball back with 6:30 to go in game, there is no doubt in my mind they go down and take the lead. But with that being said, there is also no doubt in my mind that OSU comes right back and wins the game with no time left on the clock.. OSU deserved that game last night, Michigan gave up to many big plays. Turnovers are part of the game, and they certainly helped Michigan stay close. That interception was a great play by a 330 pound defensive lineman. To be running 10 yards down the field to grab the ball was spectacular. I hope as a Michigan fan to get another chance at OSU. But if it doesnt happen, than playing in the Rose Bowl will be great but it will be a let down..

[bill brown(Ind)]

DUDE: I follow ND as close as anyone for many, many yrs. I don't think I have heard them say we deserve to play for the NC. It is the sports announcers that keep bring it up. Remember, just play the games & let the numbers be crunched in the BCS computers. It may not be the system most fb fans want, but til then it's the way to decide.
I agree, the late hit call killed Mi chance to win the game.

[Capt. Rick]

Wow! What a game for the ages. Two great teams and an exciting football contest. I admire Jim Tressel and the way he prepares his team for these big games and when it is all over, his players speak with respect and class. Thank you Troy Smith, no one is better in college football. Three times he has delivered against the Buckeyes arch rival - the Wolverines. It's all about result.

In the post-game, Ohio State quarteback Troy Smith comments, "He takes his hat off to Michigan and they are a fine football team"

A big contrast to the Lloyd Carr coached running back Mike Hart, his comments in the post game interview, "There's nothing special about that defense."

Mike...let me remind you that the #1 defense in the country just had 500+ yards of offense scored against it. The Michigan "Bend don't break defense" was BUSTED. If, any defense wasn't special it was the Wolverines, with huge holes and brilliant runs by Wells and Pittman. But, the Buckeyes were gracious in victory, unlike Hart. C'mon Hart a little more respect for the #1 ranked Buckeyes. I hope the Wolverines show a little more classs in the post game of the Rose Bowl.

[Somethins_Fishy]

>Wow! What a game for the ages. Two great teams and an
>exciting football contest. I admire Jim Tressel and the way he
>prepares his team for these big games and when it is all over,
>his players speak with respect and class. Thank you Troy
>Smith, no one is better in college football. Three times he
>has delivered against the Buckeyes arch rival - the
>Wolverines. It's all about result.
>
>In the post-game, Ohio State quarteback Troy Smith comments,
>"He takes his hat off to Michigan and they are a fine football
>team"
>
>A big contrast to the Lloyd Carr coached running back Mike
>Hart, his comments in the post game interview, "There's
>nothing special about that defense."
>
>Mike...let me remind you that the #1 defense in the country
>just had 500+ yards of offense scored against it. The Michigan
>"Bend don't break defense" was BUSTED. If, any defense wasn't
>special it was the Wolverines, with huge holes and brilliant
>runs by Wells and Pittman. But, the Buckeyes were gracious in
>victory, unlike Hart. C'mon Hart a little more respect for the
>#1 ranked Buckeyes. I hope the Wolverines show a little more
>classs in the post game of the Rose Bowl.
>
>

Neither defense should show their face today . Both gave up lots of yards and big plays . I really don't think Hart said anything wrong . How special was the OSU D giving up 39 points ?

As to you guys continually touting Tressel as some god, you mean this ? Seems like OSU took some lessons from Florida :P :

In wake of more arrests, Geiger defends Tressel

By RUSTY MILLER
AP Sports Writer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger said Monday that despite a growing list of legal problems involving football players, he does not hold coach Jim Tressel responsible.

The arrest early Saturday of tight end Louis Irizarry and tailback Ira Guilford adds to a growing list of players who have gotten into legal or disciplinary trouble in Tressel's 39 1/2 months on the job. An Associated Press search of court records reveals at least 13 incidents involving 14 football players since Tressel was hired in January of 2001.

"The climate in the program, the effort to address these kinds of issues is extraordinary," Geiger said. "These kinds of things ... were addressed at a (team) meeting as recently as last Thursday. We would have wished there was a little more carryover."

Tressel declined an interview request on the subject of his players' behavior.

After 13 years as Ohio State's head coach, John Cooper was fired after the 2001 Outback Bowl. Geiger said at the time that there was a "deteriorating climate within the football program," which took into account academics, legal problems, discipline and competitiveness. Tressel was hired to replace Cooper and is widely seen as a tougher disciplinarian who has cut down on the Buckeyes' off-the-field missteps.

Yet the search of court records shows there have been more problems over Tressel's first three seasons than Cooper's final three years.

Tressel recruited six of the 14 players who have gotten into trouble with the law while he has been head coach; the rest were brought in by Cooper.

Geiger was asked if there has been a change in the number of players getting in trouble under Tressel as opposed to Cooper.

"I don't know that it's better or worse," he said.

During the 2002 season, Tressel guided the Buckeyes to their first national championship in 34 years.

The problems involving players in the past three years include underage drinking, drunken driving, disorderly conduct, assault, falsification of a police report to theft, robbery, felony drug abuse and carrying a concealed weapon. Some of the players are no longer with the program (quarterback Steve Bellisari, tailback Maurice Clarett), while others are still on the roster and projected to be stars (running back Branden Joe, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, quarterback Troy Smith).

Irizarry and Guilford, sophomores who were expected to see plenty of playing time this fall, were arrested at 3 a.m. Saturday after an Ohio State student said two men jumped him and stole his wallet. They each pleaded innocent to charges of second-degree robbery on Monday. Guilford was released after posting $25,000 bail, while Irizarry was held in jail until a judge can determine if he had violated his probation from an earlier conviction for assault, negligent assault and disorderly conduct.

In a statement issued hours after the arrests, Tressel said, "It appears likely they could lose their privilege to play for Ohio State in 2004."

Geiger said Ohio State players do not get into trouble more often than players at other programs of similar stature and size. He pointed to the increased profile Buckeyes football players have in Columbus, where the NHL Blue Jackets are the only local team in one of the four major professional sports.

More is made of arrests of football players here than elsewhere, Geiger said.

"On a recent news show, Guilford and Irizarry were the leading story. The second-leading story was a murder. And the third-leading story was the fact that the murder rate in Columbus is way up," Geiger said. "That was the order of importance that that particular news institution gave those three particular stories."

Ohio State football frequently is the top story on local television, regardless of season. On Sunday night, one of the local stations checked in with several former Ohio State players who were taken in the recent NFL draft as they went through rookie camps with their new teams. Major League Baseball received scant mention and the NFL and NHL playoffs were ignored except for scores on a crawl at the bottom of the screen.

"We're absolutely and completely the headline story, good or bad. That is the nature of the beast here," Geiger said. "We're going to be the No. 1 deal and we like it when it's good and we don't like it when it's bad. I'm not bemoaning that. That's the way it is."

Originally published Thursday, May 6, 2004

[B Thomas]

Wow Marc,
Publishing news from 2 years ago? These guys were dealt with then and its old news. Guilford and Irizarry were dismissed from the team immediately. So whats your point other than its Sunday and MICHIGAN still sucks and Tressel still OWNS LLLLLoyd Carr. How about publishing reports that OSU beats Michigan and is on their way to Glendale for ANOTHER national title??? Oh by the way, Carr was the 1st to whine- about the cheap shot on Smith from Crable and also Mike Hart showed typical Michigan style and instead of giving credit where it was do--if we played again things would be different, guaranteed. What a punk

[Capt. Rick]

Point: Respect!
Troy Smith paid the Wolverines respect after the game, Hart could have been gracious and done the same.

Tressel is a better coach than Lloyd Carr or Gary Moeller.

Hmmm...Gary Moeller, the University of Michigan football coach for Michigan in the 1990's, resigned, six days after a drunken outburst in a suburban Detroit restaurant led to his arrest. Joe Roberson, Michigan's athletic director, made the announcement at a news conference. Moeller did not attend and spoke only through a statement read by Roberson.

Tressel is 5-1 against the Wolverines.

[Capt. Rick]

Right on Brian! Buckeyes and Tressel demonstrate class.

Michigan should show respect to the # 1 ranked Buckeyes.

[Somethins_Fishy]

LOL Brian and Capt. Rick,

You guys drew first blood on the bashing brigade :boxing:

We all gave OSU it's props on this board . Then the good Capt. has to come a bash'n our boys . I just had their back is all .

All kidding aside, I was merely trying to point out that you shouldn't put any man on a pedestal as he's sure to fall off of it before too long . Taking one snippet from Hart and discounting all the other positive comments made by UM seems a little unfair . Tressel isn't without fault, and the Bucks are no saints . That's not to say that Michigan is, just pointing out the unfairness of the Capt.'s comments .

I stand by my earlier statements that OSU won fair and square and were the better team . I make no excuses for UM, as they were beaten, plain and simple . I also still think that OSU's defense was terrible, just as Michigans was and Hart was only telling the truth, whether it was popular or not .

[just_one_more]

Looking like a rematch with Michigan still ranked number two after the lose.