One versus Two

The matchup we've all been anticipating for weeks is now only days away. I like Michigan's chances for a few reasons. First, take a look at last year's game. The two teams played a tough game at the end of last season with Ohio State winning 25-21. Ohio State had an explosive offense, and a bruising defense last year, and struggled to a narrow victory over a mediocre (7-5) Michigan squad that underperformed all year. This year's OSU squad is equally explosive on both sides of the ball. They replaced nine starters on defense, but haven't missed a beat. Their offense looks about the same as last year's, with all of their primary weapons back and another year of experience under their belts. Michigan, on the other hand, is a completely different team. Their defense is one of the best ever at UM, perhaps on par with their tremendous 1997 championship year. Their offense is also considerably improved, with Henne and Hart more experienced, and with the emergence of a tremendous deep threat in Mario Manningham.

Sure, Jim Tressel is 4-1 versus the University of Michigan since his arrival in Columbus, but that only strengthens my case for Michigan's chances. Every streak ends at some point, and in this rivalry, Michigan is due. The Michigan players have an intangible edge over Ohio State, because of their poor performance last year, and their inability to beat Ohio State under coach Tressel.

Coach Carr has had some mediocre years at Michigan -- years when the football team has underperformed, and skeptics have called for his head. It seems to me that Lloyd Carr struggles to motivate his players when they've had continued success, but easily rallies his troops when they've felt disappointment. Prior to the start of this year, the last time Coach Carr's critics were so vocal was at the beginning of the 1997 season, after two consecutive 4-loss seasons. People started suggesting that the block "M" stood for "Mediocre." Spurred by such disappointment and criticism, the team responded with an undefeated season and a National Championship. After last season, critics again were calling for Lloyd Carr to be fired. His team has again responded, playing an inspired season of football. One game stands in the way of playing for another National Championship, and it is the hated Buckeyes who will feel the anger that builds from a disappointing year.