The storied rivalry of the upper Midwest; The Michigan Wolverines—The Ohio State Buckeyes, will stage its 105th version this weekend in a decidedly abnormal situation for this historic match-up.
In most years, “The Game” draws riveted attention from fans around the country. Its outcome normally has an impact on the Big Ten title and often possesses national ranking or national title implications.
The two teams have won or shared the Big Ten title 58 times and ended up tied for the title in eight different seasons. They share 17 national titles between them, and as recently as 2006, meeting in their traditional season ending game with mutual perfect records, their rivalry game was for a berth in the BCS national title game.
This season’s clash hardly resembles the collisions of the past. With 20 returning starters from a team that played LSU for the national championship last year, 2008 was expected to be the year that OSU dominated the Big Ten and rode their upper class-men laden roster back to the BCS championship game.
With an early season loss to USC, a change in starting quarterbacks to freshman phenomena Tyrelle Pryor, and a Big Ten loss to Penn State, the Buckeyes, even if victorious on Saturday, require help from the Spartans in their clash with the Nitany Lions to even claim a share of the Big Ten title.
For Michigan, a new coach, a new system on offense and defense, returning one starter on offense from 2007, and a slew of injuries has resulted in their first eight season loss in their 129 year history of playing collegiate football. The “Game,” therefore, has virtually no impact on the Big Ten race and certainly has a lower national profile than is customary.
While neither a place in the national title game or a likely Big Ten Championship is on the line this year, redemption is.
For OSU, winning this game would help redeem and solidify the accomplishments of a team that seemingly had so much to play for at the beginning of the season.
For Michigan, despite comments of their coach Rich Rodriquez to the contrary, a victory on Saturday definitely redeems the struggles of this season and ends the Wolverines horrific five-game losing streak to the Buckeyes.
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about 1 month ago
Ohio State doesn't need Michigan State to beat Penn State in order to clinch a share of the title. They will do it by beating Michigan. Even if Penn State wins, Ohio State will share the title with them. OSU needs MSU to beat PSU for the Rose Bowl bid only.
Good read nonetheless. It's going to be an exciting day of football tomorrow! A lot of great games!
from about 1 month ago
Yes, you are correct. Thanks
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