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All bark, no bite for running back
By: Zack Timmons
12/3/07
One man has influenced Ohio State athletics more than any other this year.
His passion and enthusiasm have riled up scarlet-and-gray clad players and fans all season, helping each Buckeye strive to reach excellence.
The fearless running back has battled ankle injuries all season, putting up solid numbers in spite of day-to-day pain.
The Lantern salutes Mike Hart as its Athlete of the Year.
Without the unbelievable ability to run his mouth, it's unlikely the Buckeyes could have won four in a row against the Michigan Wolverines.
After last season's loss to OSU in Columbus, Hart vowed to come back for his senior season just to raise his arm in victory against the Buckeyes.
Funny how things work out, right?
Hart came back and anchored a team with senior leaders at quarterback, left tackle and linebacker only to suffer the biggest upset loss in college football history.
With the Big Ten Championship on the line, the Wolverines hosted the Buckeyes for Hart's fourth and final conquest against OSU. The crippled running back lunged toward OSU players prior to kickoff, taking every possible chance to flap the lips that have become synonymous with big-game failure.
The brittle running back proceeded to run for 44 yards on 18 carries in Michigan's 14-3 loss to the Buckeyes. Similar to the Energizer bunny, Hart's trap kept going and going despite being continually shoved into the wet Michigan Stadium field.
As the clock reached zero, the game ended as did Hart's hopes of ever defeating OSU.
Hart retreated to the locker room where he sulked in private, neglecting to address the media about his inability to step up big when it mattered most.
The mouth of Michigan had officially been shut thanks to OSU's clean sweep.
For a baseball player, 0-4 is just a bad day at the plate, but for Hart, it's essentially a career.
cont'd...
Hart-to-heart
After Michigan defeated Michigan State, senior tailback Mike Hart called the Spartans the Wolverines' "little brother."
The Spartans, in Orlando to play in the Champs Bowl on Friday, attended the same media function Wednesday, and filed by as Hart was interviewed.
Might the Spartans say something to Hart about the "little brother" comment?
"I don't care," Hart said. "What are they going to say? The only people who can say anything to me is Ohio State."
Hart never lost to Michigan State but never beat Ohio State.
Part of me agrees, but part of me wants to see Hart, Henne and the funky bunch go out 0-4/0-4.ysubuck;1039929; said:I'm really hoping that UM puts it all together and pulls it out against Florida.
think of all the fun you could have with SEC fans if Michigan and Hawaii win thoughPart of me agrees, but part of me wants to see Hart, Henne and the funky bunch go out 0-4/0-4.