Buckeyes Win 4th Straight Against Michigan

The 104th edition of college football's greatest rivalry took place in Ann Arbor today. With Lloyd Carr coaching his last game in the Big House and Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Jake Long looking for redemption, it seemed like karma might actually be favoring the underdog Wolverines. There were some anxious moments, as readers could have found this blog sporting some maize and blue with a Wolverine win. But on a miserable, rainy day, the Buckeyes slogged their way to a 14-3 victory.

*Jim Tressel's dominance in this rivalry cannot be understated, as Buckeye fans were missing much of the anxiety that used to come with Michigan week. On the other hand, Wolverine fans sounded a lot like OSU fans circa John Cooper. I almost felt sympathetic. Seriously.

*Any part of me that wanted to feel bad for Michigan fans was stamped out by Mike Hart. I know this guy is beloved my Michigan folks for his love of the program and his passion, but he epitomizes a classless, sore loser to me. His mouthing off after last year's epic #1 vs. #2 battle will never be forgotten in Columbus, and I spent much of the time waiting for his promised 4 TD performance.

*On the other hand, I will be sad to see Lloyd Carr go, and not just because he cemented Michigan as the Big Ten bridesmaid. He is a quality college coach in the sense that he runs a clean program and genuinely tries to be a positive influence to his players. His record and coaching skill was never as good as partisan Michigan fans claimed, but his recent failings will e overstated when discussing his legacy. That said, if it were me I'd be ready for a change.

*Vernon Gholston had three sacks and was clearly playing with a, "This is my last Michigan game" attitude. Shame on jealous, bitter Michigan fans who let him leave Cass Tech for accusing him of steroid use. It's not his fault Michigan has not semblance of a strength and conditioning program.

*Beanie Wells played like the elite running back OSU expected when he arrived in Columbus. With 220 yards, he's already made his mark on the rivalry. He accounted for the overwhelming majority of the offense (for both teams) and did it with no support from the passing game. The Rose Bowl is an opportunity for him to start his 2008 Heisman campaign in earnest, and in typical OSU fashion, get ready to leave for the NFL as a junior. Only his durability can stop him from achieving greatness.

*Ohio State stopped running any sort of offense with around twenty minutes left in the game. We took a bet on how many passes OSU QB Todd Boeckman would throw the remainder of the game, with the line set at 5. The under was a crush, as Boeckman threw just one futile pass in the ground the rest of the way. Yes, the weather was a huge downer to Buckeye passing attack. But 7 completions for 50 yards is pathetic.

*The Ohio State defensive line thoroughly dominated the Michigan offensive line, constantly pressuring Henne and true freshman Ryan Mallet. On the other hand, the pass coverage was spotty. The Wolverine receivers were plagued by drops and when they did break free the passes were off target. About the best you can say is that OSU correctly committed pass interference a few times to avoid any big plays.

*There are really no other players to evaluate because the game was in shutdown mode most of the way. Whether because of injuries, weather, incompetence or the OSU defense, Michigan couldn't get anything going. And once Beanie made it a two score lead, the Buckeyes ran some old school Tressel-ball. There will plenty to discuss this week, but Buckeye Nation can go out and celebrate tonight.