Does Michigan Have Any Chance Of Beating Ohio State?
Jessica Piazza/TWIF
By Jessica Piazza
Administrative Assistant with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, an Ohio State alum and an avid Buckeyes fan.
NO!
It used to be exciting and enjoyable to watch two closely-matched, rival schools go up against each other in the heated, exhilarating and intense game of football.
But this year Ohio State fans will have no such luck when the Buckeyes face the Michigan Wolverines.
In spite of its two losses, OSU is loaded, especially with fearless freshman Terrelle Pryor commanding the attention of opponents like a veteran quarterback, whether he’s escaping a sack to connect on a downfield pass or hustling the ball himself after the pocket collapses.
His quick assessment of every play and sharp reflexes are unparalleled.
On the other hand, did Michigan just have a few off games with their losses to inferior teams such as Toledo, or are they just that bad? I think we all know the answer.
With a record of 3-8, they have ruled out their chances of a bowl game, a streak they broke after 33 consecutive years.
They also have a surplus of inexperienced players which doesn’t help their chances against the Buckeyes.
It’s going to be a rough game for Michigan on both sides of the ball, which is something they might have to get use to for a while.
The bottom line is Michigan doesn’t stand a chance against OSU. Especially with it being played in Buckeye territory, this game has OSU domination written all over it.
It’s almost sad to call this a rivalry anymore.
Go Bucks!
Ken Halloy/TWIF
By Ken Halloy
Ken Halloy is the publisher of This Week In Football, with editions in the Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati markets. He is also co-host of the “This Week In Football” Radio Show, which airs every Sunday during the football season from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 610 WTVN in Columbus.
YES!
1969.
A downtrodden Michigan program with a new coach took on an unbeaten juggernaut: The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Final score: Michigan 24, Ohio State 12.
It’s a history lesson all in Buckeye Nation should reference this week. In rivalry games, anything can happen.
Should the 105th edition of The Game be close?
No. The Buckeyes are superior on both sides of the ball and in the kicking game.
But the Wolverines have gradually improved over the course of Coach Rich Rodriguez’ first season in Ann Arbor. His patented spread offense is starting to click, as the Wolverines have averaged 28.3 points over the last three games.
U of M’s defense is neither swarming nor hard-hitting, but on occasion has played very well. In a game with such high adrenaline flow, you can expect the Wolves to take it up several notches.
No doubt, Ohio State will have to help Michigan’s cause. Given OSU’s propensity for personal fouls and false starts, it’s not exactly a stretch to suggest the Buckeyes will do some bumbling.
And then there’s the X-factor, OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor. If he plays like a freshman, as he did against Purdue and Penn State, then we’re in for a ballgame, folks.
And lastly, there’s the Vest. If Buckeye boss Jim Tressel’s game plan is aggressive both offensively and defensively, all will be well. If he plays not to lose again, it’ll be 1969 revisited.
