Yes, I know there’s a game this Saturday at Illinois. And I’m not concerned with whether or not the Buckeyes will overlook the Illini. Hell, I KNOW the Bucks won’t overlook it. They want revenge for last season.
But that doesn’t mean that I am forbidden from preparing for The Game.
The good news about this weekend’s matchup is that they play a similar style of offense to Michigan’s, except that Illinois’s quarterback is much better and Michigan has a slightly better rushing attack. Both teams do not have the defense to keep up with us.
So while our defense can sharpen its claws on the Illini, the offense can begin showing new looks to confuse the Michigan D (which, frankly can be done like one might fake-throw a stick to a dog…you just KNOW he’s gonna fall for it each time, so you keep faking that throw until the 12th or 13th time).
Michigan’s defense is allowing over 4 touchdowns per game, and gave up more than 35 points an astounding five times. If we prepare for this game and take it as seriously as we have every time Tressel has led the team against the Wolverines, then this game should end up just like 6 of the last seven have finished…with a Buckeye win.
But I caution you. Do not dare count this one in the win column.
I do not believe that Rick Rodriquez understands the essence of this rivalry yet, but the players do. They KNOW they can salvage a horrifying season by beating Ohio State, becoming the first Michigan team to do so in 1,806 days. Yes, that’s 2003. During Bush’s first term. Back when Terrelle Pryor was in the 8th freaking grade.
Michigan will be hungry, so don’t count them out yet. ANYBODY can win this game any given year.
Example – 2004. Michigan was 9-1, ranked 7th in the nation, and on their way to an undefeated Big Ten season and a possible. Meanwhile, Ohio State was 6-4 and lost to Northwestern and Iowa. The point spread was in double-digits. The Buckeyes won 37-21 and embarrassed Michigan.
The rivalry supercedes all logic and expectations sometimes, so be careful. But enjoy it. It should be a real treat.
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