Posted on 11/15/2006 12:44:04 PM PST by flutters
Will it be Michigan or Ohio State in this year's version of the Game of the Century?
Pete Fiutak
Since I'm doing the write-up tomorrow, doing the Stream-of-Consciousness notes for the game and get the final say on the official fearless prediction and what might happen before it goes up on CFN and Fox, I'm going to pull a Herbstreit before a game he's doing and not make the pick right now. With that in mind, I think this is as dead-even as a game can get.
While I'm convinced these are the two best teams in America, they're hardly be-all-end-all flawless, and each still has something to prove. Ohio State hasn't really played anyone of note since the Texas win in early September, while Michigan, for the most part, has been able to take the last few months off since the win over Wisconsin. I know Penn State isn't bad, but it's not last year's Penn State team.
Ohio State's defense and Michigan's offense are a bit underappreciated and should play bigger roles than their more celebrated counterparts on the opposite sides of the ball. As crazy as this sounds this late in the season, I don't think we really know enough about either side. Michigan hasn't faced an offense since Notre Dame, and Ohio State hasn't dealt with a polished, poised offense since, well, it hasn't.
This much appears to be certain: this should be the most important Michigan-Ohio State game ever, which is certainly saying something for college football's greatest rivalry.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
One game at a time. Going into Cincinnati this week. Should win, but not automatic.
We have Syracuse at home next week, so we can start worrying about West Virginia after Cincinnati.
Ohio State will win. Go Bucks, Muck Fichigan!
True. Not powerhouse opponents, but good enough to pull off the upset. The only teams that can lose and stay in the hunt is Michigan and OSU. The season will be interesting. I don't think there have ever been so many teams still in the hunt. Plus there are so many games that will effect it.
Home field advantage gives OSU the win by a touchdown.
Michigan fans know it deep inside, too.
Carr is an OSU fan's best friend, and he'll be there on Saturday. Sports writers don't talk about it, but Carr is guest of honor at numerous OSU tailgate parties.
BORING! Please let this be the only time they play this year.
Nah I had no earthly idea :)
OSU by 10
GO BLUE !!
UM rocket scientist '65
That picture is just so wrong.
Just kidding! Go Buckeyes!
I found myself in a situation like that once. (I was the one wearing blue, thankfully.) She talked all sorts of trash, and I would always ask "who won last year?" that kept her quiet.
Three weeks of that and I was gone. Go Blue.
"Carr is guest of honor at numerous OSU tailgate parties."
Yeah, he's a lameass coach, cause he was 5-1 against OSU before Tressel got there, repeatedly beating better Buckeye teams.
not sure about that dropping to #5 particularly if its OSU, but we'll know in a few days
My dad played for OSU, (and eventually the Browns) he died 11 years ago. When I first saw that commercial on ESPN, I had a clear vision of my Dad rising from the grave to throw things at the TV!
LOL!
I grew up in Ann Arbor, my Dad got his PhD at UM, and if I had my first choice back when I was in High School, my FR handle would have been dfwwolverine. I grew up bleeding Maize and Blue. In fact, I dread the possibility of UF and Michigan playing for the title, of course I would root for UF, but there would still be some divided loyalties there.
Really, either outcome is good. If Ohio State wins, they deny Michigan a national championship and a Wolverine squad actually winning a national championship is one of the horsemen of the apocalpyse to be sure.
If Michigan wins (and Notre Dame beats #3 USC) this sets up a Notre Dame vs. Michigan grudge match for all the marbles.
GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!! GO BUCKS!!!
Using the environmental-wacko approach to this game I would probably say Michigan has to win. After all a wolverine is an animal. Granted a rather ugly animal. It probably smells really bad. It's not very cudly. On the other hand a buckeye is a leaf which needs to be preserved so you might think the buckeyes would be favored. However, buckeyes are also little candies which are often handed out to "the children" which causes childhood obesity. So you have an ugly animal versus people who cause childhood obesity. And given that angle you probably have to pick the wolverines atleat enough to cover the point spread.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.