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Best Buckeye;646861; said:They are also saying that Hart is getting banged up a little.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/SPORTS17/61029016
And he's really gonna get banged up in three weeks.
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NATIONAL INSIDER
OSU-Michigan rematch would be a trip
Monday, October 30, 2006Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter
Here is a quick six around the world of college football.
1. Mich. again?
Michigan running back Mike Hart, about to cross the goal line to finish off a 71-yard touchdown run, trips in a divot on Ohio State's crumbling field and fumbles through the back of the end zone for a touchback. Michigan defensive end LaMarr Woodley crashes on Ohio State's Troy Smith, hitting the quarterback's arm as he throws, but the ball pops straight into the air and is snagged by Buckeyes backup tight end Jake Ballard, who takes it 23 yards for a touchdown.
Someone drops a sousaphone on the foot of Michigan kicker Garrett Rivas at halftime, so when the Wolverines score to make it 20-19 with three seconds to play, coach Lloyd Carr elects to go for two and the win, and Jay Richardson knocks down Chad Henne's pass at the line to preserve an Ohio State victory.
A dream scenario for Buckeyes fans on Nov. 18? No, we realize 146-2 is the dream scenario.
But that is how we might get an Ohio State-Michigan rematch for the national title.
The hype for the anticipated No. 1 vs. No. 2 game between Ohio State and Michigan has reached the point where we're already looking past the greatest game in the history of college football's greatest rivalry to something more. Could both teams wind up in the national title game on Jan. 8?
Ohio State (.9864) and Michigan (.9697) were 1-2 in the BCS standings released on Sunday, well ahead of No. 3 West Virginia (.7862). With USC's weekend loss, the Buckeyes and Wolverines are now the computer favorites, the Buckeyes with one first and five seconds in the computer ratings and the Wolverines with five firsts and one second. But to figure out whether a title game rematch is possible, just pretend you're a voter.
Would you rank the loser of Ohio State and Michigan ahead of a one-loss champion of the SEC? How about one-loss Cal, which could be on an 11-game winning streak after losing its opener to Tennessee? And if an undefeated team emerges from the Big East, there's no way a team that loses its last game could be ranked ahead of 12-0 West Virginia, Louisville or even Rutgers, is there?
It's not a complex issue. Teams drop when they lose, unless they should have won. If the final poll voting is tight, Ohio State or Michigan would have a computer edge over a team such as West Virginia, currently at 14th in the computer ratings - though looming games with Louisville and Rutgers should improve that.
You can't discount what voters want to happen, because if there are two one-loss teams to choose from, what makes for a cool game would enter the thought processes of some voters. A do-over might not be cool. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany knows he'd go for a rematch.
"From my perspective, it'd be great," Delany said. "But a lot of people call it nightmare scenario No. 1. What's the likelihood of it happening? Probably not great. Could it happen? Anything can happen in the BCS."
We'll devote the rest of the Quick Six to potential title game opponents for the OSU-Michigan winner, now that the Trojans have mucked up the picture.
2. BCS No. 5 Louisville
Ranked ninth by the computers, the Cardinals are actually in better shape than BCS No. 3 West Virginia, which is ranked 14th. The winner of their game Thursday will get a boost, but Louisville has the better chance to hold off a charging one-loss SEC team, such as . . .
3. BCS No. 4 Florida
The Gators control their own destiny in the SEC East, holding the tiebreaker over BCS No. 11 Tennessee because of their head-to-head win. BCS No. 6 Auburn and the Volunteers need others to lose to reach the SEC championship, and a championship game win might be necessary to get a final lift to No. 2.
4. BCS No. 10 California
Currently third in the computer rankings, the Bears would gain valuable poll votes with a win over USC and will have to move up as SEC teams knock each other around. But USC's bad loss actually hurts, because beating the Trojans now looks less impressive. And USC, No. 8 in the BCS, isn't out of it, either.
5. BCS No. 9 Notre Dame
Well, well. The Irish are ranked fifth by the computers and gradually building back respect with the voters. They will rise some through SEC attrition, and a win over USC would be another final edge.
6. BCS No. 7 Texas
The Longhorns are fourth in both polls but unloved by the computers, which rate them 12th. They won't get much of a boost from the Big 12 title game. To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4479
NATIONAL INSIDER
OSU-Michigan rematch would be a trip
Monday, October 30, 2006Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter
Here is a quick six around the world of college football.
1. Mich. again?
Michigan running back Mike Hart, about to cross the goal line to finish off a 71-yard touchdown run, trips in a divot on Ohio State's crumbling field and fumbles through the back of the end zone for a touchback. Michigan defensive end LaMarr Woodley crashes on Ohio State's Troy Smith, hitting the quarterback's arm as he throws, but the ball pops straight into the air and is snagged by Buckeyes backup tight end Jake Ballard, who takes it 23 yards for a touchdown.
Someone drops a sousaphone on the foot of Michigan kicker Garrett Rivas at halftime, so when the Wolverines score to make it 20-19 with three seconds to play, coach Lloyd Carr elects to go for two and the win, and Jay Richardson knocks down Chad Henne's pass at the line to preserve an Ohio State victory.
A dream scenario for Buckeyes fans on Nov. 18? No, we realize 146-2 is the dream scenario.
But that is how we might get an Ohio State-Michigan rematch for the national title.
The hype for the anticipated No. 1 vs. No. 2 game between Ohio State and Michigan has reached the point where we're already looking past the greatest game in the history of college football's greatest rivalry to something more. Could both teams wind up in the national title game on Jan. 8?
Ohio State (.9864) and Michigan (.9697) were 1-2 in the BCS standings released on Sunday, well ahead of No. 3 West Virginia (.7862). With USC's weekend loss, the Buckeyes and Wolverines are now the computer favorites, the Buckeyes with one first and five seconds in the computer ratings and the Wolverines with five firsts and one second. But to figure out whether a title game rematch is possible, just pretend you're a voter.
Would you rank the loser of Ohio State and Michigan ahead of a one-loss champion of the SEC? How about one-loss Cal, which could be on an 11-game winning streak after losing its opener to Tennessee? And if an undefeated team emerges from the Big East, there's no way a team that loses its last game could be ranked ahead of 12-0 West Virginia, Louisville or even Rutgers, is there?
It's not a complex issue. Teams drop when they lose, unless they should have won. If the final poll voting is tight, Ohio State or Michigan would have a computer edge over a team such as West Virginia, currently at 14th in the computer ratings - though looming games with Louisville and Rutgers should improve that.
You can't discount what voters want to happen, because if there are two one-loss teams to choose from, what makes for a cool game would enter the thought processes of some voters. A do-over might not be cool. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany knows he'd go for a rematch.
"From my perspective, it'd be great," Delany said. "But a lot of people call it nightmare scenario No. 1. What's the likelihood of it happening? Probably not great. Could it happen? Anything can happen in the BCS."
We'll devote the rest of the Quick Six to potential title game opponents for the OSU-Michigan winner, now that the Trojans have mucked up the picture.
2. BCS No. 5 Louisville
Ranked ninth by the computers, the Cardinals are actually in better shape than BCS No. 3 West Virginia, which is ranked 14th. The winner of their game Thursday will get a boost, but Louisville has the better chance to hold off a charging one-loss SEC team, such as . . .
3. BCS No. 4 Florida
The Gators control their own destiny in the SEC East, holding the tiebreaker over BCS No. 11 Tennessee because of their head-to-head win. BCS No. 6 Auburn and the Volunteers need others to lose to reach the SEC championship, and a championship game win might be necessary to get a final lift to No. 2.
4. BCS No. 10 California
Currently third in the computer rankings, the Bears would gain valuable poll votes with a win over USC and will have to move up as SEC teams knock each other around. But USC's bad loss actually hurts, because beating the Trojans now looks less impressive. And USC, No. 8 in the BCS, isn't out of it, either.
5. BCS No. 9 Notre Dame
Well, well. The Irish are ranked fifth by the computers and gradually building back respect with the voters. They will rise some through SEC attrition, and a win over USC would be another final edge.
6. BCS No. 7 Texas
The Longhorns are fourth in both polls but unloved by the computers, which rate them 12th. They won't get much of a boost from the Big 12 title game. To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4479
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Michigan needs Manningham
By Mike Householder Of The Associated Press
| Michigan rolled through the first six games on its schedule, overwhelming opponents with an unrelenting defense, a punishing ground game and a prolific passing game.
The second-ranked Wolverines have also won their past three games, including Saturday's 17-3 victory over Northwestern, but the big-play passing game has been standing on the sideline in the form of injured wide receiver Mario Manningham.
Knee surgery knocked Manningham out of the lineup and has forced Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) to play even more conservatively than normal.
Not having Manningham ''definitely takes away a deep threat,'' quarterback Chad Henne said, ''and teams are playing us to take away the big play.''
Henne threw 13 touchdown passes in those first six games, including nine to Manningham, but has managed only two in his last three outings.
Against the Wildcats (2-7, 0-5), Henne completed 10 of 20 passes for 116 yards and a 14-yard first-quarter TD to Adrian Arrington.
Coach Lloyd Carr said he expects Manningham to return later this season, and Michigan fans are holding out hope that is true. With wins over Ball State and Indiana the next two weeks, the Wolverines could be looking at a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup with archrival Ohio State on Nov. 18.
Until then, the Wolverines will have to rely on what has gotten them to this point: pounding the ball on offense and playing stifling defense.
On Saturday, Mike Hart ran for 95 yards on 20 carries, and Michigan as a team gained 202 yards on the ground. Hart also caught two passes for 23 yards. He has rushed for at least 90 yards in every game this season and has touched the ball 661 consecutive times without losing a fumble.
Hart sat out stretches of the second half after falling on a yard marker when he was forced out of bounds. Jerome Jackson spelled Hart and ran for 59 yards on nine carries, and Kevin Grady picked up 23 yards on seven rushes.
''Today is an opportunity for some of us to look at these guys,'' Carr said. ''Of course, Jerome did a great job for us a year ago. I told him to be ready several weeks ago and that he was going to get a chance. I was very pleased to see him go in there and do some good things.''
On the other side of the ball, Michigan forced five Northwestern turnovers and held the Wildcats to minus-13 yards rushing. Tyrell Sutton, who gained 172 yards on the ground a week ago against Michigan State, managed only six yards on seven carries.
Michigan has not allowed a TD in the past eight quarters.
''We go into every game thinking we can dominate,'' said Michigan linebacker David Harris, who had six tackles, an interception and a sack against the Wildcats. ''We did a good job today against the run, and it made them one-dimensional. It forced them to throw the ball, so it worked in our favor.''
Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher got his second career start on Saturday and threw 41 passes, because the ground game wasn't going anywhere against Michigan's best-in-the-nation run defense.
He completed 20 of those for 204 yards, but threw a pair of costly interceptions. He was knocked out of the game with three minutes remaining and was replaced by Andrew Brewer, whose only pass was intercepted by Harris.
''I need to give Michigan a lot of credit, because they are one of the best defenses in the country at stopping the run,'' Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. ''They are fast and make big plays.''
Michigan needs Manningham
By Mike Householder Of The Associated Press
| Michigan rolled through the first six games on its schedule, overwhelming opponents with an unrelenting defense, a punishing ground game and a prolific passing game.
The second-ranked Wolverines have also won their past three games, including Saturday's 17-3 victory over Northwestern, but the big-play passing game has been standing on the sideline in the form of injured wide receiver Mario Manningham.
Knee surgery knocked Manningham out of the lineup and has forced Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) to play even more conservatively than normal.
Not having Manningham ''definitely takes away a deep threat,'' quarterback Chad Henne said, ''and teams are playing us to take away the big play.''
Henne threw 13 touchdown passes in those first six games, including nine to Manningham, but has managed only two in his last three outings.
Against the Wildcats (2-7, 0-5), Henne completed 10 of 20 passes for 116 yards and a 14-yard first-quarter TD to Adrian Arrington.
Coach Lloyd Carr said he expects Manningham to return later this season, and Michigan fans are holding out hope that is true. With wins over Ball State and Indiana the next two weeks, the Wolverines could be looking at a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup with archrival Ohio State on Nov. 18.
Until then, the Wolverines will have to rely on what has gotten them to this point: pounding the ball on offense and playing stifling defense.
On Saturday, Mike Hart ran for 95 yards on 20 carries, and Michigan as a team gained 202 yards on the ground. Hart also caught two passes for 23 yards. He has rushed for at least 90 yards in every game this season and has touched the ball 661 consecutive times without losing a fumble.
Hart sat out stretches of the second half after falling on a yard marker when he was forced out of bounds. Jerome Jackson spelled Hart and ran for 59 yards on nine carries, and Kevin Grady picked up 23 yards on seven rushes.
''Today is an opportunity for some of us to look at these guys,'' Carr said. ''Of course, Jerome did a great job for us a year ago. I told him to be ready several weeks ago and that he was going to get a chance. I was very pleased to see him go in there and do some good things.''
On the other side of the ball, Michigan forced five Northwestern turnovers and held the Wildcats to minus-13 yards rushing. Tyrell Sutton, who gained 172 yards on the ground a week ago against Michigan State, managed only six yards on seven carries.
Michigan has not allowed a TD in the past eight quarters.
''We go into every game thinking we can dominate,'' said Michigan linebacker David Harris, who had six tackles, an interception and a sack against the Wildcats. ''We did a good job today against the run, and it made them one-dimensional. It forced them to throw the ball, so it worked in our favor.''
Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher got his second career start on Saturday and threw 41 passes, because the ground game wasn't going anywhere against Michigan's best-in-the-nation run defense.
He completed 20 of those for 204 yards, but threw a pair of costly interceptions. He was knocked out of the game with three minutes remaining and was replaced by Andrew Brewer, whose only pass was intercepted by Harris.
''I need to give Michigan a lot of credit, because they are one of the best defenses in the country at stopping the run,'' Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. ''They are fast and make big plays.''
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Football
Michigan Monday
By Tony Gerdeman
This past Saturday was no exception.
Tight ends Tyler Ecker and Mike Massey have been out for a while now, as has Mario Manningham. Right tackle Rueben Riley sat out the Northwestern game as well.
And Michael Hart spent much of the second half wearing a parka and riding a bike, trying to keep his legs loose while his back gave him problems. He did play after the back problems, but it looks like a situation that may be revisited before this season is over.
And aside from the injuries, the Wolverines were also dealing with some discipline levied by Lloyd Carr. Carr threw down the hammer on receiver Adrian Arrington for being involved in a domestic dispute and would not allow Arrington to start.
Carl Tabb started in Arrington's place and showcased his wares as a run-blocker. Greg Mathews then came in and did the same. Steve Breaston was also mixing it up.
You see, the Wolverines opened the game with five straight runs. Then Adrian Arrington was brought into the game, and Chad Henne promptly threw a fourteen-yard touchdown pass to him.
Since when has barring a receiver from run-blocking been considered punishment? Sounds like a reward to me.
Anyway, the Wolverines won 17-3 over Northwestern. The run defense was terrific again. The offense was not, though Michigan still rushed for over 200 yards.
It was a spectacularly unspectacular game.
Except for the aforementioned run defense.
For what it's worth, New Hampshire didn't have Ecker or Massey or Manningham or Riley and they still put up 34 points on the Northwestern defense.
Nevada scored 31 on the Wildcats; Penn State scored 33; Wisconsin scored 41; Purdue scored 31; and Michigan State scored 41.
In fact, the only team to score fewer points than Michigan was Eastern Michigan, who scored fourteen.
Northwestern turned the ball over five times against the Wolverines. Michigan turned those five turnovers into two touchdowns. The longest scoring drive of the day was the Wolverines' first, which went 52 yards after a sack and forced fumble by LaMarr Woodley.
Michigan's other touchdown drive was 36 yards, and came after a Leon Hall interception late in the third quarter.
Talk all you want about the injuries, but the #2 team in the nation should have enough depth to continue to play offense.
In the three games since Manningham's injury, the Wolverines are averaging just eighteen points per game. (Though it should be mentioned that the 2002 Buckeyes averaged 15.6 points per game in their last three regular season games.)
Chad Henne threw for only 116 yards against Northwestern. Prior to this game, the Wildcats were giving up 241 yards passing. But it was very windy on the field, so if you want, we can chalk much of this one up to weather.
But it's not like Henne was pressured into bad throws. He was victimized by drops, though. Henne was fairly clean, though substitute right tackle (the normal starting right guard) Alex Mitchell did get roughed up a time or two. For the most part, the Michigan offensive line was fine. They did, after all, open up enough holes for the Wolverine backs to rush for 202 yards.
Due to Michael Hart's back problems, he opened the second half on the bench and finished the game with twenty carries for 95 yards. He did have a 23-yard run on the day, equaling his second-longest run of the season.
As is Hart's fashion, he only had two carries over ten yards. He did, however, finish his day in style. After Leon Hart's interception and return to the Northwestern 36, Hart carried the ball six times in a row, ending the series with a three-yard touchdown run. It was a nice finish for what had to be a nerve-wracking third quarter for Wolverine fans everywhere.
With Hart's back situation, Kevin Grady got some time on Saturday, but again put the ball on the ground. The fumble was clearly after he was down, and was ruled as such. Still, Lloyd Carr took note. Freshman Brandon Minor then got some carries. He subsequently lost a fumble. It was then up to little-used senior Jerome Jackson to secure the ball. He carried nine times, and didn't fumble once.
Despite the grim descriptions above, the Wolverines did carry the ball 46 times for 202 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
The lack of a passing game (windy conditions aside) should concern Michigan, but it looks like everybody expects things to re-click once Mario Manningham gets back. I don't know if it's that easy. He won't be 100% whenever he does come back, and Chad Henne hasn't exactly lit things up downfield while Mario's been out. Who's to say they can pick up right where they left off?
And the lack of scoring is a worry, but it's not like this offense hammers the scoreboard when everybody's healthy anyway. (Unless Notre Dame is on the field.)
Besides, as long as the offense scores ten points, they should win their next two pretty easily.
Though you may want to get a little more than ten against Indiana.
There were no big tackle numbers for the Wolverines, as middle linebacker David Harris led the team with six. Harris did, however, make the most of his time on the field. Including his tackles, he also had a sack, two tackles for loss, and an interception. He is the most consistent member of the back seven, and that's including cornerback Leon Hall.
Reserve linebacker Chris Graham got quite a bit of time Saturday. He was a little slow on a couple of plays, including a swing pass to Tyrell Sutton that went for about 24 yards. In fact, Northwestern attacked the linebackers quite a bit with the swing passes and screens to the running backs. Much of it ending in success. Sutton finished the day with six catches for 55 yards.
Prescott Burgess finished the game with one tackle. On Northwestern?s second play from scrimmage, they threw a swing pass over a blitzing Burgess for an eighteen-yard gain. Shawn Crable finished with three tackles on the day. Included in that was a very nice tackle in the backfield on a reverse. Crable took the ball carrier down before he could even get the ball to the receiver.
Northwestern also went after the linebackers with their slot receiver, Eric Peterman. Peterman is, basically, Northwestern's version of Anthony Gonzalez. They use him in the slot and pit him against safeties and linebackers, and they did it pretty well at times. When quarterback C.J. Bacher had time, that is.
Bacher was sacked three times, twice by defensive end LaMarr Woodley. Woodley caused another fumble with his trademark swipe at the ball as he's being blocked around the quarterback. Troy Smith needs to be ready for this, if it's even something you can be ready for.
It was interesting to watch Michigan's defense be attacked by the backs in the passing game, and then with throws downfield. Especially after watching all the throwing to the backs that the Buckeyes did this week. It seems that schemes and plans are getting solidified and tendencies are getting readjusted.
The wind played havoc with Bacher?s passes as well, though he was still able to throw for 204 yards on the day. The Wolverines picked off three passes, including one by Leon Hall. On this day, Hall was everything people have said he was. He had two PBUs to his credit as well, though he?d tell you that he should?ve caught those two.
Brandon Harrison continues to contribute in the nickel package. Defensive coordinator Ron English likes to keep him close to the line of scrimmage, which his two tackles for loss would attest to. At times, he seems like the littlest defensive end in America. At other times, he seems like the littlest cornerback--vulnerable to taller receivers and more accurate quarterbacks.
Garrett Rivas made a 30-yard field goal and had a 40-yarder blocked. Both he and punter Zoltan Mesko did about as well as could be expected in 30-mph winds. Though Mesko did put four of his six punts inside Northwestern?s twenty-yard line.
For the day, Michigan had a total of -5 yards on punt and kickoff returns. Of course, they didn?t have any kickoff returns, so that number is a little skewed. Though, the punt return totals are fairly indicative of the way the season has gone for Breaston.
Which, of course, is meaningless.
The schedule is helping Michigan get through their injuries, but they better start getting all healed up in a hurry. Lloyd Carr did say, however, that Rueben Riley could?ve gone had he been needed.
The Wolverines have Ball State this week, so they?ll be fine. They could even rest Michael Hart if they want. And, who knows, they may. Of course, nobody will know until the offense gets out on the field for their first snap.
Mario Manningham may be back this week. If he is, and the offense is still a little slow, it will be attributed to rust.
Or a lack of a healthy Michael Hart.
Or a conservative gameplan.
Or whatever.
The bottom line, however, is that you only need to score one more point than your opponent. Especially when all you need to do is win out.
After all, an ugly win is ten times better than an ugly loss.
Though an ugly loss will apparently get you interviewed on 60 Minutes.
The Road To The Big One
Sept. 2 Michigan 27 - Vanderbilt 7
Sept. 9 Michigan 41 - Central Michigan 17
Sept. 16 Michigan 47 - Notre Dame 21
Sept. 23 Michigan 27 - Wisconsin 13
Sept. 30 Michigan 28 - Minnesota 14
Oct. 7 Michigan 31 - Michigan State 13
Oct. 14 Michigan 17 - Penn State 10
Oct. 21 Michigan 20 - Iowa 6
Oct. 28 Michigan 17 - Northwestern 3
Nov. 4 Ball State at Michigan
Nov. 11 Michigan at Indiana
Nov. 18 Michigan at Ohio State
Football
Michigan Monday
By Tony Gerdeman
Would the last healthy Wolverine off the bus please close the door?
There has seemingly been two or three starters out for Michigan for about the last six weeks. This past Saturday was no exception.
Tight ends Tyler Ecker and Mike Massey have been out for a while now, as has Mario Manningham. Right tackle Rueben Riley sat out the Northwestern game as well.
And Michael Hart spent much of the second half wearing a parka and riding a bike, trying to keep his legs loose while his back gave him problems. He did play after the back problems, but it looks like a situation that may be revisited before this season is over.
And aside from the injuries, the Wolverines were also dealing with some discipline levied by Lloyd Carr. Carr threw down the hammer on receiver Adrian Arrington for being involved in a domestic dispute and would not allow Arrington to start.
Carl Tabb started in Arrington's place and showcased his wares as a run-blocker. Greg Mathews then came in and did the same. Steve Breaston was also mixing it up.
You see, the Wolverines opened the game with five straight runs. Then Adrian Arrington was brought into the game, and Chad Henne promptly threw a fourteen-yard touchdown pass to him.
Since when has barring a receiver from run-blocking been considered punishment? Sounds like a reward to me.
Anyway, the Wolverines won 17-3 over Northwestern. The run defense was terrific again. The offense was not, though Michigan still rushed for over 200 yards.
It was a spectacularly unspectacular game.
Except for the aforementioned run defense.
When Michigan Had The Ball
As was mentioned, the Wolverines played (again) without Mario Manningham, their top two tight ends, and also without their right tackle, Rueben Riley. For what it's worth, New Hampshire didn't have Ecker or Massey or Manningham or Riley and they still put up 34 points on the Northwestern defense.
Nevada scored 31 on the Wildcats; Penn State scored 33; Wisconsin scored 41; Purdue scored 31; and Michigan State scored 41.
In fact, the only team to score fewer points than Michigan was Eastern Michigan, who scored fourteen.
Northwestern turned the ball over five times against the Wolverines. Michigan turned those five turnovers into two touchdowns. The longest scoring drive of the day was the Wolverines' first, which went 52 yards after a sack and forced fumble by LaMarr Woodley.
Michigan's other touchdown drive was 36 yards, and came after a Leon Hall interception late in the third quarter.
Talk all you want about the injuries, but the #2 team in the nation should have enough depth to continue to play offense.
In the three games since Manningham's injury, the Wolverines are averaging just eighteen points per game. (Though it should be mentioned that the 2002 Buckeyes averaged 15.6 points per game in their last three regular season games.)
Chad Henne threw for only 116 yards against Northwestern. Prior to this game, the Wildcats were giving up 241 yards passing. But it was very windy on the field, so if you want, we can chalk much of this one up to weather.
But it's not like Henne was pressured into bad throws. He was victimized by drops, though. Henne was fairly clean, though substitute right tackle (the normal starting right guard) Alex Mitchell did get roughed up a time or two. For the most part, the Michigan offensive line was fine. They did, after all, open up enough holes for the Wolverine backs to rush for 202 yards.
Due to Michael Hart's back problems, he opened the second half on the bench and finished the game with twenty carries for 95 yards. He did have a 23-yard run on the day, equaling his second-longest run of the season.
As is Hart's fashion, he only had two carries over ten yards. He did, however, finish his day in style. After Leon Hart's interception and return to the Northwestern 36, Hart carried the ball six times in a row, ending the series with a three-yard touchdown run. It was a nice finish for what had to be a nerve-wracking third quarter for Wolverine fans everywhere.
With Hart's back situation, Kevin Grady got some time on Saturday, but again put the ball on the ground. The fumble was clearly after he was down, and was ruled as such. Still, Lloyd Carr took note. Freshman Brandon Minor then got some carries. He subsequently lost a fumble. It was then up to little-used senior Jerome Jackson to secure the ball. He carried nine times, and didn't fumble once.
Despite the grim descriptions above, the Wolverines did carry the ball 46 times for 202 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
The lack of a passing game (windy conditions aside) should concern Michigan, but it looks like everybody expects things to re-click once Mario Manningham gets back. I don't know if it's that easy. He won't be 100% whenever he does come back, and Chad Henne hasn't exactly lit things up downfield while Mario's been out. Who's to say they can pick up right where they left off?
And the lack of scoring is a worry, but it's not like this offense hammers the scoreboard when everybody's healthy anyway. (Unless Notre Dame is on the field.)
Besides, as long as the offense scores ten points, they should win their next two pretty easily.
Though you may want to get a little more than ten against Indiana.
When Michigan's Defense Was On The Field
The Wolverines held their second opponent to negative yards rushing on Saturday. Northwestern had seventeen rushes for -13 yards. Previously, they held mighty Penn State to -14 yards.There were no big tackle numbers for the Wolverines, as middle linebacker David Harris led the team with six. Harris did, however, make the most of his time on the field. Including his tackles, he also had a sack, two tackles for loss, and an interception. He is the most consistent member of the back seven, and that's including cornerback Leon Hall.
Reserve linebacker Chris Graham got quite a bit of time Saturday. He was a little slow on a couple of plays, including a swing pass to Tyrell Sutton that went for about 24 yards. In fact, Northwestern attacked the linebackers quite a bit with the swing passes and screens to the running backs. Much of it ending in success. Sutton finished the day with six catches for 55 yards.
Prescott Burgess finished the game with one tackle. On Northwestern?s second play from scrimmage, they threw a swing pass over a blitzing Burgess for an eighteen-yard gain. Shawn Crable finished with three tackles on the day. Included in that was a very nice tackle in the backfield on a reverse. Crable took the ball carrier down before he could even get the ball to the receiver.
Northwestern also went after the linebackers with their slot receiver, Eric Peterman. Peterman is, basically, Northwestern's version of Anthony Gonzalez. They use him in the slot and pit him against safeties and linebackers, and they did it pretty well at times. When quarterback C.J. Bacher had time, that is.
Bacher was sacked three times, twice by defensive end LaMarr Woodley. Woodley caused another fumble with his trademark swipe at the ball as he's being blocked around the quarterback. Troy Smith needs to be ready for this, if it's even something you can be ready for.
It was interesting to watch Michigan's defense be attacked by the backs in the passing game, and then with throws downfield. Especially after watching all the throwing to the backs that the Buckeyes did this week. It seems that schemes and plans are getting solidified and tendencies are getting readjusted.
The wind played havoc with Bacher?s passes as well, though he was still able to throw for 204 yards on the day. The Wolverines picked off three passes, including one by Leon Hall. On this day, Hall was everything people have said he was. He had two PBUs to his credit as well, though he?d tell you that he should?ve caught those two.
Brandon Harrison continues to contribute in the nickel package. Defensive coordinator Ron English likes to keep him close to the line of scrimmage, which his two tackles for loss would attest to. At times, he seems like the littlest defensive end in America. At other times, he seems like the littlest cornerback--vulnerable to taller receivers and more accurate quarterbacks.
The Special Teams
Steve Breaston muffed a punt, giving the ball to Northwestern at Michigan?s 44 yard line. Of course, they couldn?t do anything with it. Garrett Rivas made a 30-yard field goal and had a 40-yarder blocked. Both he and punter Zoltan Mesko did about as well as could be expected in 30-mph winds. Though Mesko did put four of his six punts inside Northwestern?s twenty-yard line.
For the day, Michigan had a total of -5 yards on punt and kickoff returns. Of course, they didn?t have any kickoff returns, so that number is a little skewed. Though, the punt return totals are fairly indicative of the way the season has gone for Breaston.
What Does It All Mean?
It means that if they played today, the Buckeyes would probably win by two or three touchdowns. Which, of course, is meaningless.
The schedule is helping Michigan get through their injuries, but they better start getting all healed up in a hurry. Lloyd Carr did say, however, that Rueben Riley could?ve gone had he been needed.
The Wolverines have Ball State this week, so they?ll be fine. They could even rest Michael Hart if they want. And, who knows, they may. Of course, nobody will know until the offense gets out on the field for their first snap.
Mario Manningham may be back this week. If he is, and the offense is still a little slow, it will be attributed to rust.
Or a lack of a healthy Michael Hart.
Or a conservative gameplan.
Or whatever.
The bottom line, however, is that you only need to score one more point than your opponent. Especially when all you need to do is win out.
After all, an ugly win is ten times better than an ugly loss.
Though an ugly loss will apparently get you interviewed on 60 Minutes.
The Road To The Big One
Sept. 2 Michigan 27 - Vanderbilt 7
Sept. 9 Michigan 41 - Central Michigan 17
Sept. 16 Michigan 47 - Notre Dame 21
Sept. 23 Michigan 27 - Wisconsin 13
Sept. 30 Michigan 28 - Minnesota 14
Oct. 7 Michigan 31 - Michigan State 13
Oct. 14 Michigan 17 - Penn State 10
Oct. 21 Michigan 20 - Iowa 6
Oct. 28 Michigan 17 - Northwestern 3
Nov. 4 Ball State at Michigan
Nov. 11 Michigan at Indiana
Nov. 18 Michigan at Ohio State
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Yeah, there's a pretty solid contingent of us here. There are five of us here in the Weather Squadron alone. It's been nice because I've been able to see all but the BGSU and Minnesota games on AFN. The 3:30 (4:30 am here) games make for really late nights though. But you do what ya gotta do.buckeye247;644889; said:
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Dispatch
Tickets for Michigan? Be rich, and be careful
Monday, October 30, 2006
Matt Tullis
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Andrew Davis wants to be in Phoenix on Jan. 8 with the Buckeyes for the national championship game so badly that he?s selling his OSU-Michigan ticket to pay for his trip west.
Now the Buckeyes just have to win out, and demand for tickets has to remain high. Neither is guaranteed.
"I wouldn?t just sell it for the money," Davis said after upgrading his student ticket to general admission Wednesday. That involved paying the difference between the $29 student ticket and the $59 general admission, which will allow Davis? buyer to enter Ohio Stadium without having to show a student ID
That also, theoretically, makes his ticket more valuable to sell.
Davis, a second-year graduate pharmaceutical student, isn?t the only one willing to forgo the The Game to make a little money. On Friday, more than three weeks before the Nov. 18 kickoff, eBay had more than 600 listings for tickets to the game.
According to eBay Marketplace Research, a set of two tickets sold for an average of $1,803 last week. Four in Section 15A sold for $4,050, two in Section 27 AA for $2,100, two in Section 7B for $1,525, and two in Section 25C for $1,448.
Greg Guy, owner of Blue Chip Ticket Bureau in Columbus, said he?s selling tickets for between $750 and $1,500 each, about twice what they went for in 2002 when Ohio State played Michigan at home before going on to win the national championship.
Tickets for the Michigan contest are by far the most expensive OSU home game Guy has ever seen.
With such high demand, counterfeit tickets are likely to pop up, said Bill Jones, senior director of ticketing and premium seating at Ohio State.
Jones said he already has seen fakes on the Internet.
"I have seen some pretty doggone good duplicates," he said.
Jones said the university does not actively look for phony tickets, but in one instance he received an e-mail from someone considering buying tickets to the Michigan game. The questioner included the eBay listing and wanted to know whether the tickets were authentic.
After looking at the listing, Jones said it was clear the photo, which showed four tickets with consecutive seat numbers, had been doctored. The ticket holder?s account number was visible on the tickets in the photo, so Jones looked it up and found the person owned just two tickets.
The next two seats in the row, which were shown in the photo, belonged to a different account. The tickets in the photo, though, all showed the same account number.
Jones said he warned the potential buyer to steer clear of the purchase, then placed a call to the ticket holder whose account number was being used.
University officials have yet to see fake tickets at Ohio Stadium this year, but in 2002, 60 fake tickets were sold for the game against Michigan. Two Philadelphia men pleaded guilty to trademark infringement after police found them with 44 of the fakes.
Counterfeits also surfaced when the Buckeyes played at Iowa this year. There, more than 400 people were turned away because they had purchased fake tickets.
Paula Jantz, assistant athletics director at Iowa, said some of the fakes were poor reproductions with smeared ink. Others were of high quality, though, and the work of professional counterfeiters, she said.
Eventually, three people were arrested for selling the counterfeits, Jantz said.
Ohio State doesn?t like to see ticket holders selling their seats, and Jones said anyone buying tickets from a scalper or online is taking a chance. Still, he said, buyers can protect themselves by looking for two things when purchasing a ticket. First, the ticket should be outlined in silver foil, with the Ohio State logo running across the picture in red foil. Second, the company that makes the tickets has a watermark on the back, an oval with the initials WW&L.
Making the transaction in person, which many sellers on eBay offer to do, lends some security as well.
"I think it?s a lot easier to tell if they?re real if you have them in your hands," Jones said.
It?s harder to spot fakes online, but Gary Lawson, who has been buying and selling sporting-event tickets on eBay for nine years, said there are red flags to look for.
Any eBay seller who says, "Don?t bid. Contact me directly," is likely trying to get you to send them money outside of eBay?s system, Lawson said. They will ask you to make a wire transfer using Western Union in order to pay for the tickets, which, he said, you will never see.
"If you do that, you are flat-out screwed," said Lawson, who has four sets of tickets to the game for sale on eBay.
Lawson also said to avoid prices that seem too good to be true.
"If that price is so good," he said, "why do they never sell out of tickets? "
Those willing to wait will get a better deal, Lawson and Guy said.
Guy said the marketplace has become saturated with tickets, and he thinks prices ultimately will fall to under $500 per ticket.
[email protected]
Tickets for Michigan? Be rich, and be careful
Monday, October 30, 2006
Matt Tullis
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Andrew Davis wants to be in Phoenix on Jan. 8 with the Buckeyes for the national championship game so badly that he?s selling his OSU-Michigan ticket to pay for his trip west.
Now the Buckeyes just have to win out, and demand for tickets has to remain high. Neither is guaranteed.
"I wouldn?t just sell it for the money," Davis said after upgrading his student ticket to general admission Wednesday. That involved paying the difference between the $29 student ticket and the $59 general admission, which will allow Davis? buyer to enter Ohio Stadium without having to show a student ID
That also, theoretically, makes his ticket more valuable to sell.
Davis, a second-year graduate pharmaceutical student, isn?t the only one willing to forgo the The Game to make a little money. On Friday, more than three weeks before the Nov. 18 kickoff, eBay had more than 600 listings for tickets to the game.
According to eBay Marketplace Research, a set of two tickets sold for an average of $1,803 last week. Four in Section 15A sold for $4,050, two in Section 27 AA for $2,100, two in Section 7B for $1,525, and two in Section 25C for $1,448.
Greg Guy, owner of Blue Chip Ticket Bureau in Columbus, said he?s selling tickets for between $750 and $1,500 each, about twice what they went for in 2002 when Ohio State played Michigan at home before going on to win the national championship.
Tickets for the Michigan contest are by far the most expensive OSU home game Guy has ever seen.
With such high demand, counterfeit tickets are likely to pop up, said Bill Jones, senior director of ticketing and premium seating at Ohio State.
Jones said he already has seen fakes on the Internet.
"I have seen some pretty doggone good duplicates," he said.
Jones said the university does not actively look for phony tickets, but in one instance he received an e-mail from someone considering buying tickets to the Michigan game. The questioner included the eBay listing and wanted to know whether the tickets were authentic.
After looking at the listing, Jones said it was clear the photo, which showed four tickets with consecutive seat numbers, had been doctored. The ticket holder?s account number was visible on the tickets in the photo, so Jones looked it up and found the person owned just two tickets.
The next two seats in the row, which were shown in the photo, belonged to a different account. The tickets in the photo, though, all showed the same account number.
Jones said he warned the potential buyer to steer clear of the purchase, then placed a call to the ticket holder whose account number was being used.
University officials have yet to see fake tickets at Ohio Stadium this year, but in 2002, 60 fake tickets were sold for the game against Michigan. Two Philadelphia men pleaded guilty to trademark infringement after police found them with 44 of the fakes.
Counterfeits also surfaced when the Buckeyes played at Iowa this year. There, more than 400 people were turned away because they had purchased fake tickets.
Paula Jantz, assistant athletics director at Iowa, said some of the fakes were poor reproductions with smeared ink. Others were of high quality, though, and the work of professional counterfeiters, she said.
Eventually, three people were arrested for selling the counterfeits, Jantz said.
Ohio State doesn?t like to see ticket holders selling their seats, and Jones said anyone buying tickets from a scalper or online is taking a chance. Still, he said, buyers can protect themselves by looking for two things when purchasing a ticket. First, the ticket should be outlined in silver foil, with the Ohio State logo running across the picture in red foil. Second, the company that makes the tickets has a watermark on the back, an oval with the initials WW&L.
Making the transaction in person, which many sellers on eBay offer to do, lends some security as well.
"I think it?s a lot easier to tell if they?re real if you have them in your hands," Jones said.
It?s harder to spot fakes online, but Gary Lawson, who has been buying and selling sporting-event tickets on eBay for nine years, said there are red flags to look for.
Any eBay seller who says, "Don?t bid. Contact me directly," is likely trying to get you to send them money outside of eBay?s system, Lawson said. They will ask you to make a wire transfer using Western Union in order to pay for the tickets, which, he said, you will never see.
"If you do that, you are flat-out screwed," said Lawson, who has four sets of tickets to the game for sale on eBay.
Lawson also said to avoid prices that seem too good to be true.
"If that price is so good," he said, "why do they never sell out of tickets? "
Those willing to wait will get a better deal, Lawson and Guy said.
Guy said the marketplace has become saturated with tickets, and he thinks prices ultimately will fall to under $500 per ticket.
[email protected]
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Dispatch
NOTEBOOK
Michigan offense undermanned without key WR
Monday, October 30, 2006
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michigan rolled through the first six games on its schedule, overwhelming opponents with an unrelenting defense, a punishing ground game and an explosive passing game.
The second-ranked Wolverines also won their past three games, including a 17-3 victory over Northwestern on Saturday in the Big Ten, but the big-play passing game has been standing on the sideline in the form of injured receiver Mario Manningham.
Knee surgery knocked Manningham out of the lineup and has forced Michigan (9-0, 6-0) to play more conservatively than normal.
Not having Manningham "definitely takes away a deep threat," quarterback Chad Henne said, "and teams are playing us to take away the big play."
Henne threw 13 touchdown passes in the first six games, including nine to Manningham, but has managed only two in his last three outings.
Against the Wildcats (2-7, 0-5), Henne completed 10 of 20 passes for 116 yards and a 14-yard firstquarter touchdown to Adrian Arrington.
Coach Lloyd Carr said he expects Manningham to return later this season, and Michigan fans are holding out hope that is true. With wins over Ball State and Indiana the next two weeks, the Wolverines could be looking at a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup Nov. 18 with archrival Ohio State.
Until then, the Wolverines will have to rely on what has gotten them to this point: pounding the ball on offense and playing stifling defense.
NOTEBOOK
Michigan offense undermanned without key WR
Monday, October 30, 2006
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michigan rolled through the first six games on its schedule, overwhelming opponents with an unrelenting defense, a punishing ground game and an explosive passing game.
The second-ranked Wolverines also won their past three games, including a 17-3 victory over Northwestern on Saturday in the Big Ten, but the big-play passing game has been standing on the sideline in the form of injured receiver Mario Manningham.
Knee surgery knocked Manningham out of the lineup and has forced Michigan (9-0, 6-0) to play more conservatively than normal.
Not having Manningham "definitely takes away a deep threat," quarterback Chad Henne said, "and teams are playing us to take away the big play."
Henne threw 13 touchdown passes in the first six games, including nine to Manningham, but has managed only two in his last three outings.
Against the Wildcats (2-7, 0-5), Henne completed 10 of 20 passes for 116 yards and a 14-yard firstquarter touchdown to Adrian Arrington.
Coach Lloyd Carr said he expects Manningham to return later this season, and Michigan fans are holding out hope that is true. With wins over Ball State and Indiana the next two weeks, the Wolverines could be looking at a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup Nov. 18 with archrival Ohio State.
Until then, the Wolverines will have to rely on what has gotten them to this point: pounding the ball on offense and playing stifling defense.
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CPD
Weekly Wolverine Watch
Monday, October 30, 2006
Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany had a session with reporters in Chicago on Sunday as part of Big Ten basketball media day, but it didn't take us long to turn the discussion back to football and the Most Awesome Matchup in the Universe, Ever. So what does the commish think of Michigan and Ohio State?
First, he had to offer the commissioner caveat that nothing is assured and there is much football to be played. He can't hurt the feelings of Illinois, Northwestern and Indiana, we know. Then he dropped some history on us, hypothetically.
"It's the first time that game will be a 1-2 game," he said, and he's right. "There's a lot of attention to that game, and there's no doubt about it, if it plays out that way, and if the teams win their remaining games, it'll be as big a regular-season game as I can remember. I don't remember a bigger regular-season game."
Commish said it - biggest regular season game in memory. A little shy of Most Awesome Matchup in the Universe, but it's close.
Days to the Ohio State- Michigan game: 19.
Weekly Wolverine Watch
Monday, October 30, 2006
Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany had a session with reporters in Chicago on Sunday as part of Big Ten basketball media day, but it didn't take us long to turn the discussion back to football and the Most Awesome Matchup in the Universe, Ever. So what does the commish think of Michigan and Ohio State?
First, he had to offer the commissioner caveat that nothing is assured and there is much football to be played. He can't hurt the feelings of Illinois, Northwestern and Indiana, we know. Then he dropped some history on us, hypothetically.
"It's the first time that game will be a 1-2 game," he said, and he's right. "There's a lot of attention to that game, and there's no doubt about it, if it plays out that way, and if the teams win their remaining games, it'll be as big a regular-season game as I can remember. I don't remember a bigger regular-season game."
Days to the Ohio State- Michigan game: 19.
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lvbuckeye
Silver Surfer
right now, the straight line prediction of factoring each teams' average score on O with what the opponent gives up on D, the predicted score is Ohio State 24, M 18, which is fairly close, but if you start looking at point differentials and what each team has limited their opponents to relative to what their opponents average, a VERY different picture begins to take shape:
UM Season: opponents average 25.35 PPG and 27.22 PPG with M factored out. M hold's opponents to an average of 13.75 PPG FEWER than they score and 15.62 PPG fewer with M factored out.
Buckeyes Season: opponents average 25.72 PPG, and 28 PPG with tOSU factored out. Ohio State holds their opponents to an average of 18.43 PPG FEWER than they score, and 20.7 PPG fewer with tOSU factored out.
based on relative production differentials, the prediction is: Ohio State: 21, M 9.
now i understand that the loss of Manningham has limited what M can do offensively, and Texas is REALLY helping the numbers, considering they are averaging 39.6 PPG and 43.6 with Ohio State factored out, but this analysis has left me feeling quite a bit more comfortable about The Game.
edit: i don't want to get anyone too excited, but i was just made aware of the fact that since MM has gone down, M is averaging 18 points per game... could The Game really have the potential to be that one sided? three weeks 'til we find out...
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Yes it does have that potential. without a top flight receiver to catch the passes tsun is severly handicapped, Arrington shows potential but he is no MM, and Breaston is only a 2nd rate , or maybe 3rd rate receiver.lvbuckeye;647498; said:edit: i don't want to get anyone too excited, but i was just made aware of the fact that since MM has gone down, M is averaging 18 points per game... could The Game really have the potential to be that one sided? three weeks 'til we find out...
If MM isn't 100 % mich is in a lot of trouble.
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Link
Talk is cheap when it comes to Michigan-Ohio State
10/30/2006, 5:54 a.m. PTBy RUSTY MILLER
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ? No team wants to be accused of looking past an opponent. Yet that doesn't mean a lot of other people aren't already talking about Michigan vs. Ohio State on Nov. 18.
"All you hear about is the big showdown," Minnesota coach Glen Mason said Saturday after a 44-0 loss to No. 1-ranked Ohio State. "A lot of people in the country think they are the best two teams in the country."
The Buckeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) have games remaining at Illinois on Saturday and at Northwestern the following week. Each of those opponents are 2-7.
The second-ranked Wolverines (9-0, 6-0) welcome non-conference Ball State (3-6) to the Big House this weekend, then play at Indiana (5-4).
Ohio State and Michigan, rank 1-2 in almost every poll, including the Bowl Championship Series rankings. And they certainly have risen to the top of their own conference.
That brings back memories of the days of the "Big Two and Little Eight" when Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler prowled the sidelines in the great Michigan-Ohio State games of the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s.
Mason believes history has been repeated in today's Big Ten.
"You mean the Big Two and the Little Eight, or Little Nine, whatever you want to call it?" he said. "For years there was that dominance and it looks like that's where we're headed again this year in the Big Ten."
Everybody victimized by both teams is lining up to offer a comparison.
Minnesota fought Michigan on somewhat even terms before falling 28-14 on Sept. 30 in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers weren't ever in contention against the Buckeyes, who dominated on defense and also piled up 44 points for the second straight game.
"They both have two great backs, great offensive linemen and great wide-outs who can beat you on the inside or outside," Minnesota cornerback Dominic Jones said. "They're very similar. Troy might be a little more mobile and that provides another threat."
Troy Smith buffed up his Heisman numbers by running for one score and throwing for another, while Antonio Pittman ran for 116 yards and two scores.
"Putting points on the board is cool but I guess the way you do it, how you do it, is the most important thing," Smith said after completing 14-of-21 passes for 183 yards including a pinpoint 18-yard touchdown toss to Brian Robiskie. "We've just got to keep rolling."
Smith also rushed for 43 yards on six carries, including a 21-yard touchdown run that will make all the highlight shows.
"He's gone next year, right?" Jones said hopefully.
Yep, he's a fifth-year senior who already has his degree, but the bad news for opponents ? including Michigan ? is that the defense is still figuring things out.
No one mentioned the Wolverines in Ohio State's postgame interviews. And Michigan didn't do any talking about the Buckeyes after they beat Northwestern 17-3.
That's OK, both teams' fans and a lot of others are already jabbering about the showdown in Ohio Stadium.
"It looks like all the stars are aligning for Ohio State and Michigan right now," Mason said.
He even said he was looking forward to a possible second meeting between the two old rivals. If they play a tight game in three weeks, there's an outside chance they could come right back and meet again on Jan. 8 in the Bowl Championship Series final in Glendale, Ariz.
"Depending on how they play, there could be a rematch for the national championship," Mason said, trying his best to hide a smile.
Talk is cheap when it comes to Michigan-Ohio State
10/30/2006, 5:54 a.m. PTBy RUSTY MILLER
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ? No team wants to be accused of looking past an opponent. Yet that doesn't mean a lot of other people aren't already talking about Michigan vs. Ohio State on Nov. 18.
"All you hear about is the big showdown," Minnesota coach Glen Mason said Saturday after a 44-0 loss to No. 1-ranked Ohio State. "A lot of people in the country think they are the best two teams in the country."
The Buckeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) have games remaining at Illinois on Saturday and at Northwestern the following week. Each of those opponents are 2-7.
The second-ranked Wolverines (9-0, 6-0) welcome non-conference Ball State (3-6) to the Big House this weekend, then play at Indiana (5-4).
Ohio State and Michigan, rank 1-2 in almost every poll, including the Bowl Championship Series rankings. And they certainly have risen to the top of their own conference.
That brings back memories of the days of the "Big Two and Little Eight" when Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler prowled the sidelines in the great Michigan-Ohio State games of the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s.
Mason believes history has been repeated in today's Big Ten.
"You mean the Big Two and the Little Eight, or Little Nine, whatever you want to call it?" he said. "For years there was that dominance and it looks like that's where we're headed again this year in the Big Ten."
Everybody victimized by both teams is lining up to offer a comparison.
Minnesota fought Michigan on somewhat even terms before falling 28-14 on Sept. 30 in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers weren't ever in contention against the Buckeyes, who dominated on defense and also piled up 44 points for the second straight game.
"They both have two great backs, great offensive linemen and great wide-outs who can beat you on the inside or outside," Minnesota cornerback Dominic Jones said. "They're very similar. Troy might be a little more mobile and that provides another threat."
Troy Smith buffed up his Heisman numbers by running for one score and throwing for another, while Antonio Pittman ran for 116 yards and two scores.
"Putting points on the board is cool but I guess the way you do it, how you do it, is the most important thing," Smith said after completing 14-of-21 passes for 183 yards including a pinpoint 18-yard touchdown toss to Brian Robiskie. "We've just got to keep rolling."
Smith also rushed for 43 yards on six carries, including a 21-yard touchdown run that will make all the highlight shows.
"He's gone next year, right?" Jones said hopefully.
Yep, he's a fifth-year senior who already has his degree, but the bad news for opponents ? including Michigan ? is that the defense is still figuring things out.
No one mentioned the Wolverines in Ohio State's postgame interviews. And Michigan didn't do any talking about the Buckeyes after they beat Northwestern 17-3.
That's OK, both teams' fans and a lot of others are already jabbering about the showdown in Ohio Stadium.
"It looks like all the stars are aligning for Ohio State and Michigan right now," Mason said.
He even said he was looking forward to a possible second meeting between the two old rivals. If they play a tight game in three weeks, there's an outside chance they could come right back and meet again on Jan. 8 in the Bowl Championship Series final in Glendale, Ariz.
"Depending on how they play, there could be a rematch for the national championship," Mason said, trying his best to hide a smile.
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Why can't we play meechigan now. We don't need no stinkin Illinois. We don't need no stinkin NW. Do we?
I'm ready to rumble, ready to watch the hardest hitting smash mouth football game we will play this year.
One of my biggest wishes besides beating the snot out of the wolverines again is for players from Ohio who made a poor decision and went to tsun to never win a game against usfor 4 years. That would be sooo cool
So i'm ready, lets get it on.
You wouldn't suppose that JT WANTS to play these games so he can show more sides to the offense or to teach the young defense more, to gel it more,would you?
The wins are nice and it is great fun rooting for and watching my Buckeyes and basking in the glow of victory.
BUT I"M READY FOR SOME BIG TIME FOOTBALL, SO LETS GET IT ON!
I'm ready to rumble, ready to watch the hardest hitting smash mouth football game we will play this year.
One of my biggest wishes besides beating the snot out of the wolverines again is for players from Ohio who made a poor decision and went to tsun to never win a game against usfor 4 years. That would be sooo cool
So i'm ready, lets get it on.
You wouldn't suppose that JT WANTS to play these games so he can show more sides to the offense or to teach the young defense more, to gel it more,would you?
The wins are nice and it is great fun rooting for and watching my Buckeyes and basking in the glow of victory.
BUT I"M READY FOR SOME BIG TIME FOOTBALL, SO LETS GET IT ON!
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