Is this the weirdest Michigan Week in recent memory? Most of us are used to a big lead up before The Game, with big stakes and emotions running high. But in this unusual season, this Saturday's renewal of college football's greatest rivalry feels a bit off.Ohio State is a 19-point favorite, which matches the largest spread in the history of the series. Yes, OSU is a top ten team, and Michigan is in the midst of a historically bad season. But 19 points? This is the same Buckeye team that failed to score offensive TD's in multiple conference games this season. So I'm running out to find a bookie on this one, even if OSU is pretty consistent in covering the spread at home.
With Ohio State's recent dominance of the series, no one in the media is giving the Wolverines any chance of winning this game. Feel like a trap? I'm nervous about not being nervous. Surely a proud Michigan team will roll into the 'Show with a chip on their shoulder and throw the kitchen sink at the Buckeyes. It's the only way for The Rod to get some momentum heading into the offseason, where UM fans will be filled with discontent and wanting results in '09.
There are rumors that Sam McGuffie! (aka, the White Horse) may be transferring out of Michigan to a spot that's closer to home, warmer, and likely to get him within striking distance of a bowl game. If this happens, I'll be crushed. I wanted our NFL talent linebackers to abuse this kid for four years. But I'll be interested to see how UM fans react. McGuffie must (a) suck; (b) not be a good fit for the offense; (c) not be committed enough to The Rod's system; or (d) not be serious about his academics. Probably all of them, right?
In the meantime, OSU fans are hotly debating whether senior QB Todd Boeckman should get the first series as a reward for diplomatically handling his benching. I'm very very sympathetic here, but I think the answer is no. Yes, he's a co-captain, all-Big Ten last year and would be starting at 75% the programs in the country. But this is The Game, and Terrelle Pryor is in their for a reason. Pryor's also an emotional guy, so I don't want him thinking about this the wrong way for one second. What I hope is that OSU buries Michigan by a lot of points - not the slow death Jim Tressel prefers to inflict on his opponents. Let Todd get some good playing time in the second half.
Kirk Herbstreit took some time away from kissing USC and the SEC's butt to slam Michigan with former OSU great Chris Spielman on the radio.
In other news, The Rod is rallying the UM fan base before the big game with these motivational words, "Get a Life." I look forward to The Rod's press conference in which he discusses the merits of the auto industry bailout.
There are rumors that Sam McGuffie! (aka, the White Horse) may be transferring out of Michigan to a spot that's closer to home, warmer, and likely to get him within striking distance of a bowl game. If this happens, I'll be crushed. I wanted our NFL talent linebackers to abuse this kid for four years. But I'll be interested to see how UM fans react. McGuffie must (a) suck; (b) not be a good fit for the offense; (c) not be committed enough to The Rod's system; or (d) not be serious about his academics. Probably all of them, right?
In the meantime, OSU fans are hotly debating whether senior QB Todd Boeckman should get the first series as a reward for diplomatically handling his benching. I'm very very sympathetic here, but I think the answer is no. Yes, he's a co-captain, all-Big Ten last year and would be starting at 75% the programs in the country. But this is The Game, and Terrelle Pryor is in their for a reason. Pryor's also an emotional guy, so I don't want him thinking about this the wrong way for one second. What I hope is that OSU buries Michigan by a lot of points - not the slow death Jim Tressel prefers to inflict on his opponents. Let Todd get some good playing time in the second half.
Kirk Herbstreit took some time away from kissing USC and the SEC's butt to slam Michigan with former OSU great Chris Spielman on the radio.
In other news, The Rod is rallying the UM fan base before the big game with these motivational words, "Get a Life." I look forward to The Rod's press conference in which he discusses the merits of the auto industry bailout.
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