The Rivarly That Was

Michigan-Ohio St.


Today is the 106th meeting between Ohio St. and Michigan and I barely remebered. This game always got the country set for the Thanksgiving holiday, but with these two teams struggling some what most of the nation won't be paying attention. The only drama is to see if Michigan can become bowl eligible with a win. The Buckeyes are already going to the Rose Bowl, but there will be no National Championship game in Columbus this year. How far have these two teams fallen in the past three years. Ohio State has won the last six up to this point and most of the games have not been fun to watch.




Ohio State




Ohio State have been thrashed, destroyed and man-handled by top 10 teams. USC, Texas, Florida, LSU to name a few have had their way with them. Coach sweater vest offense is so conservative that most feel that he plays not to lose. With as much talent as the Buckeyes send to the NFL, winning the Big Ten is just not good enough for Buckeye nation. Tressel recruits to win the Big ten, not to win BCS titles. His team can not compete with the other big time programs because of their lack of speed and quickness at all of their positions, not just the skill position.




Michigan



Michigan has been struggling for the last three years. The appeal of the Wolverines talent level has completely dropped off from where it used to be. Rich-Rod is only in year two of a six year deal. Rodriguez has a history of rebuilding programs but I don't know if the Ann Arbor faithful can wait. People in this area are used to competing for championships. Lloyd Carr got a pass because he did produce one national championship. Michigan is one of the schools that college football needs to be good. When Wolverines are competitive and winning, it brings national attention not only to the conference but to the rivalry.













I miss the days of Woody, Bo, Coop, and Lloyd. Where have you gone Troy Smith, Joey Galloway, David Boston? This game misses the flair of Woodson, Howard and Shawn Springs. Everybody paid attention when Ted Ginn, Rickey Dudley and Maurice Clarett were playing. If I am missing this game and its must-see attraction, I can only imagine what the fans of these two teams must be feeling.