Bloggers Virtual Roundtable: Ohio State vs. _ichigan, 2008

LuckyBuck

TBDBITL John

Sports and the City, Linda

For _ichigan week, our Memphis Buckeye Bloggers answer each other’s questions about the greatest rivalry in college football. Enjoy the discussion and game predictions below! Go Bucks!

LuckyBuck to TBDBITL: What was it like being in the band during _ichigan week?
Pep bands would play Buckeye music for neighborhood parties all week long.  It started on Tuesday night and ran through Friday.  It was great; we played all the school songs and then ate the host's food and drank their beer.  As the week went on, there were more requests for pep band performances than band members to play them.

But my best band memory is from the 1977 game in Ann Arbor.  We had a killer Beatles show that concluded with a collapsing pyramid formation while playing "Hey Jude."  It was very difficult to execute; including half side steps that we didn't do very often.  In fact, we messed it up a bit the previous week in Ohio Stadium.  We're facing the home side of the field and I'm blowing my brains out.  Having a great time.  The formation comes together perfectly.  And the home crowd just sat there.  No applause.  No nothing.  I vividly remember my thoughts coming off the field; they obviously hadn't seen anything so complicated and outstanding before and were speechless!  I'll never forget that moment in the rivalry as long as I live.

TBDBITL to SATC: What is your earliest childhood memory of the Ohio State/_ichigan rivalry?

I'd like to start out by sharing my earliest childhood memory of Ohio State in general, just because I think it's a funny story. When I was three, we visited my aunt and family in Lancaster, OH. She has two children, and with my sister, there were four of us youngsters running around, me being the youngest. With all four adults being OSU alum, loyalties were clear. Our parents decided to dress us up in matching scarlet and grey gear and take some pictures. Well, little old me was only three, and the T-shirt the other kids got to wear wasn't made in my little size. I had to sport a different T-shirt, and had to be left out from the matching attire. To this day, when I look at those pictures, I still feel like a pariah (hey, I'm 24; I'm allowed to be a bit of a drama queen!). 

Anyways, I've somewhat recovered from the experience, and am trying to move on. To answer the original question, my earliest memory of the rivalry with TSUN involved a bright seventh-grader, a school dance, and a disapproving father. Every year, one of my school girlfriends and I would team up and double with two boys, that were friends, to most of our school dances. One year, my date was with a boy who claimed to be affiliated with the maize and blue. Having shared that info with my dad, he almost made me cancel! Right then and there I fully understood the rivalry and have stayed away from spending my free time with anyone with Michigan ties.

TBDBITL to LuckyBuck: What strategies will Rich Rod employ in his game plan against the Buckeyes?

I think Rich Rod will try to find ways to use Brandon Minor in both the run and passing game. Minor is truly _ichigan's best player so perhaps Rodriguez will utilize Minor as much as possible. OSU's run defense has been the weak link as of late and Minor is certainly capable of racking up yards on the ground (just ask PSU).

SATC to LuckyBuck: What players have most effectively used the Ohio State/_ichigan matchup to secure their name in the Ohio State history books?

I have 3 players that come to mind when it comes to OSU lore. Chris Spielman's 29 tackles in 1986, Troy Smith going 3-0 against Michigan as the starting QB and Beanie Wells' 222 yards rushing in 2007 stand out the most.

SATC to TBDBITL: How have things changed during _ichigan week since you were a student?

The Internet has changed everything when it comes to _ichigan week.  This very virtual conversation would not be possible without it.  We now know almost everything about both the Buckeyes and Wolverines leading up to this week.  From the facts about how much we're out recruiting them to the details of Justin Boren defecting to the Buckeyes; almost everything there is to know is available on the Internet.  All this technology has its negatives, too.  Anyone with a computer is an "expert."  Some of the stuff people write, especially the hurtful stuff about someone's performance, is uncalled for.  All in all, though, the Internet has enhanced our enjoyment of this great rivalry immensely.

TBDBITL to SATC: What was the atmosphere like when you rushed the field after the Ohio State victory over _ichigan in 2002?

The 2002 rivalry game was the best out of my five years at Ohio State. Everyone knew the odds of that game: a victory would confirm our hopes of a trip to Tempe to play for the National Championship. Both schools had strong ball clubs that season, and the pressure was on. An early arrival at the 'Shoe at 8am on that windy November morning (had to get the best Block O seats!) kicked off the day. Eventually, game time rolled around and the Buckeye boys proved themselves to be men as they sealed the deal. Without thinking twice, my football buddy Mandy and I joined the wave of students, jumped a few barricades, and found ourselves smack dab in the middle of celebration chaos. We looked at each other, raised our brows in excitement, and promised to re-convene at Bradley Hall if separated. We managed to stick together, surprisingly, as the field was packed. Packed. We were engulfed in a sea of festivity, and couldn't be happier to be there. Students were atop the uprights, but true to their name, they remained firmly planted in the ground. Tressel and Co. were ushered off the field long before we had a chance to maneuver in their direction, but it didn't matter; we were having a ball. Rushing that field was the perfect ending to the perfect victory.

Note to the Readers: I would like to go on the record and say that I was nowhere near the couch/car burning activities on 14th Avenue that night. I was all the way up on Frambes, minding my own business.

LuckyBuck to TBDBITL: What player stands out the most in terms of having a legendary performance?
I'm going a bit off the chart here.  My choice is Ray Griffin; Archie's brother.  The 1975 game up north (my sophomore year) featured the #1 Buckeyes versus #4 _ichigan.  The score is tied after an Archie plunge into the end zone.  The clock is winding down and the Wolverines have the ball.  And remember, in those days, there is no overtime playoff system.  A tie and we're doomed to stay #1.  As a corner, Ray Griffin steps in front of the intended receiver, intercepts the pass and heads toward the Buckeye end zone before being tackled.  A few plays later Corny Greene takes the team in for the winning score and Buckeye Nation is going back to the Rose Bowl.  It taught me that sometimes the "other Griffin" can be pretty important so you better be ready in life no matter what your role is.

TBDBITL to LuckyBuck: What was your favorite game from the Woody vs. Bo “10 Year War?”

I would have to say the 1975 game in Ann Arbor. BO had not lost a conference game at home since his arrival in 1969. The Buckeyes had done hardly nothing going into the 4th quarter and then with the score tied at 14, BO, knowing that a tie would hurt his chances of going to Pasadena, threw the ball which was intercepted by Ray Griffin. Griffin took the ball all the way down to the Michigan 3 yard line that set up Pete Johnson's game winning TD run and another trip to the Rose Bowl for OSU.

LuckyBuck to SATC: As a student, what was the atmosphere like around campus during _ichigan Week?

Beat Michigan Week is the highlight of Fall Quarter on campus, maybe even the highlight of the year for many. Excitement and anticipation circle amongst the student body as young and old prepare for the game of the season. My friends and I participated in a myriad of events, including the Beat Michigan 5K (my roommate ran) the UM vs. OSU blood drive battle students lined up for, and everyone's favorite Thursday night ritual, jumping in Mirror Lake. When you walk past the Lake in daylight, looking at the murky waters, you can't help but think… "Who in their right mind would choose, at their own free will, to jump in??" But on that Thursday night, every year, magic is in the air and students from all across campus congregate to have a little fun and get a little dirty. I personally participated twice, as my friends and I encouraged each other to brave the cold and show our support for the team (with a little help from our old buddy Jose, of course). And let me tell you, I have never been so happy to make it back to Waldeck Ave. without catching frostbite! Memories from Beat Michigan Week are some of the best during my five-year tenure, as one can't help but get caught up in the frenzy, culminating in some of the best football I've seen played in the 'Shoe

SATC to TBDBITL: How do you try to show your enthusiasm when living in Chicago during _ichigan week?

My Buckeye flag.  I carefully placed it in the holder early the morning of the big game.  Then it flew proudly all day long.  If we lost the game (as we often did during our time in Chicago when Coop was coach), the flag came down at the conclusion of the game.  When we won, I let it fly all night. 

LuckyBuck to SATC: What player(s) stand out the most in terms of having legendary performances?

For me, players that have stood-out are from games that I have attended. 2002 boasted several individual performances worth remembering (obviously). One that seemed to jump out at me was Mike Doss. I remember when I was taking a campus tour during the summer before the '02 season; someone told me that he would be the one to watch. Coming back for final year with the hopes of making it to Tempe, Doss had a lot riding on the _ichigan game. He had performed well in this game a year earlier, and clearly wanted to match his efforts again. Though he didn't put up the stats like he did in the '01 match-up, Doss was clearly an integral part of the Ohio State Defense.

Receivers such as Santonio Holmes and Ted Ginn, Jr. have also played critical roles throughout their years at OSU. 2003 proved to be a great game for Ginn, and 2005 for Holmes. Both scored several touchdowns against Michigan, and energized the crowed enormously. These three players have all showed the heart and skill that it takes to beat _ichigan, and I know the guys this year also have what it takes.

SATC to LuckyBuck: What was it like growing up in Memphis during this time of year?
The atmosphere in Memphis pales in comparison obviously to Columbus, but watching OSU football in Memphis with the OSU Club is always a treat especially Michigan Week. I've always said that the night before "THE GAME" is like Xmas Eve and the day of "THE GAME" is like Xmas Day. The winner usually gets the best gifts and the loser usually gets the lump of coal. Beating TSUN makes the off season fly by quicker and losing makes it unbearable to deal with.

TBDBITL to SATC: Which Buckeye will step up and be the MVP on Saturday?

A few names came to mind after first reading this question. The obvious: Pryor and Wells. The veterans: Laurinitis and Jenkins. But after the past few games, I'm going to go with Nader Abdallah. His role proved to be crucial last weekend, coming up with some monster defensive plays. The more I see of this kid, the more I like him. I think he has the potential of catching the _ichigan offense off guard, allowing him to shine while keeping the Wolverines out of the endzone.

LuckyBuck to TBDBITL: Will Beanie rush for another 200+ yds against _ichigan this year?
No.  This game will be Terrelle Pryor's coming out party.  He'll be extra juiced to show the Wolverines what they missed out on the day he declared for "the University of Ohio State."  Beanie will get his yards, no doubt.  But I see the Vest putting the ball in his budding star QBs hands for a great mix of runs and passes.  Pryor has shown signs of becoming the team leader the past two weeks and I see the _ichigan game as when it all comes together for him.

SATC to TBDBITL: Which year’s game do you remember the most and why?

Earlier I talked about the 1975 game up north.  We came into town unbeaten and left the same way.  It was a real beauty; one of Woody's best.  Then there was the 1981 game (also in Ann Arbor) right before daughter Cheryl was born when Art Schlichter scored the winning touchdown in the final minute.  We sat in the first row of the end zone student section for that one and stormed the field to avoid getting crushed.  Hearing 100,000 fans in _ichigan Stadium go silent after a close loss is a treat indeed.  And then there was the 2002 game in Columbus as we closed out another undefeated season.  Sitting in the very top row of C deck on the 30 yard line gave me a great perspective on one of the finest games of the series. 

Those three games are my all-time favorites against TSUN.  Pushed to list just one, I'd go for the 21-14 victory over the Wolverines on November 22, 1975.  That game meant an awful lot to me at the time and earned TBDBITL another appearance at the Rose Bowl. 

TBDBITL to LuckyBuck: What performance by a _ichigan player stands out in this storied rivalry?

For the die hard fans of both schools, you can make an argument with RB Tom Harmon in 1940 when his performance alone got a standing ovation from the Ohio Stadium faithful. Desmond Howard's punt return that set up his Heisman pose still stings to an extent. Even Tim Biakabutuka's 313 yards in 1995 hurts a little. Of all those people that I just mentioned, the one person that had a legendary performance that I still have visions in my head about is Charles Woodson in 1997. His interception of Stanley Jackson in the end zone and his 82 yard punt return for a TD in the second quarter is the reason that Michigan went to Pasadena (that and Jackson throwing a pick six in the 3rd quarter), and also won the Heisman Trophy.

TBDBITL to SATC: How will you prepare for the game this week living in Tulsa?

Tulsans are strange. They are the first to talk about how great the University of Tulsa is, especially this year, but continue to refer to my school as Ohio. Hmmm. Usually, I put it in their terms: you can't just say Oklahoma when referring to OK State. Two totally different schools. Same idea, different State. For heaven's sake, they even have the same initials, could the parallel be any clearer? Anyways, moral of the story is, Tulsa does not understand the gravity of this weekend. I have tried to educate those surrounding me, bringing chocolate Buckeyes to work, wearing my jersey during College Colors weekend at my store, and even making the drink of the week a Peanut Butter Mocha (a la candy Buckeyes) at my coffeehouse. The Dispatch is staple for me, as the local ESPN station is dominated by Oklahoma and Texas Tech coverage. The local Buckeye club does their part, sending out enthusiastic emails as well as holding their annual fundraiser this week. All in all, I've done what I can to spread the Buckeye spirit. That alone helps me get psyched for the game.

SATC to LuckyBuck: In what categories do you think Ohio State will easily beat _ichigan during this year’s game?

I would have to say OSU should dominate every category out there with the exception of passing yards. I think if it's cold and blustery (i.e., 2007), the Sweater Vest will just keep pounding the ball with Beanie, Pryor and Co. Michigan will have to try to air it out with Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet to even make it respectable. I think OSU will pressure them into at least 4 sacks, 3 fumbles and an INT for good measure. Look for Laurinaitis to have his biggest statistical output of the season in his final OSU home game. I wouldn't be surprised if Malcolm Jenkins has a pick six in this game.

LuckyBuck to SATC: Will Terrelle Pryor become another thorn in _ichigan’s side like Troy Smith before him?

Terrelle Pryor is an integral part of this year's team. Side note- did anyone read of the nickname suggestions for him in the Dispatch? My fave- Frosty, a shoutout to Columbus-based Wendy's. Pryor needs to play well this Saturday. Very well. But I don't expect him to carry the bulk of the work on his shoulders. We have some great players on our side of the field. We need kids like Beanie Wells and Nader Abdallah to step and play their hearts out. This year has proved to be a test to these young men, and I believe that only together will they find success.

And the last question was asked to all three bloggers: What would it mean to beat _ichigan 5 years in a row since it has never been done before?
LuckyBuck: It would mean that not only OSU would win the most games this decade over _ichigan, but I believe that as long as Tressel is at OSU, it's going to be very hard for _ichigan to even compete with OSU in the future in terms of overall talent and tradition. With 8 losses (and hopefully 9 by 2:30 pm on Saturday), OSU is making strides to making the Big Ten Conference the Big 1 and little 10. Tressel has really made it a point that he NEVER, EVER wants to lose to TSUN.

TBDBITL: It's almost inconceivable to me given the futility of the Cooper years.  I'm taking this pretty much in stride; there are ups and downs in any rivalry.  I do consider this a run of victories that I will probably never see again in my lifetime and each game is to be savored and enjoyed.  I am a bit concerned, however, that we take _ichigan too lightly this year.  This is their bowl game.  We've never beaten a rookie _ichigan coach.  It would be a big miscalculation to hoist the rotating trophy we have the with local Wolverine club just yet.  We'll need our best game of the year to win on Saturday; I expect Rich Rod will bring a mad bunch into the 'Shoe.

SATC: Beating Michigan five years in a row would have a clear significance in the history books. Since the beginning of the rivalry, _ichigan has seen more victories than our Bucks. "Not so fast!" Lee Corso style. When the Buckeyes win this year, Ohio State will boast domination over TSUN since the turn of the century. A new era will undoubtedly be ushered in come November 22nd, with Tressel as King. He may not have a great bowl streak going on, but I think most are willing to forgive as long as we continue to beat _ichigan. Five years in a row means the Wolverines better watch out; as the Bucks mark more victories, the history of this rivalry can change. And it will, one year at a time.

Predictions for “THE GAME:”

LuckyBuck: OSU 34  TSUN 10 
Bonus pick: MSU 27 PSU 24: OSU shares Big Ten Title with either MSU or PSU and heads to the Rose Bowl

TBDBITL: 35-7 Buckeyes

SATC: 27-9 Buckeyes

(note to readers: Ohio State won the game, 42-7, making it 5 in a row over _ichigan! OH – IO )

GO BUCKS!!! BEAT BLUE!!!