Due to the fact that both teams are 11-0, both have been dominant in their wins (last week aside,) and what’s at stake (winner goes to National Championship game, loser to, gasp, the Rose Bowl,) this game is going to get more hype than any of us care to hear about. I for one, am intending to refrain from the hype and simply explore the relative strengths and weaknesses of each team through a series of posts this week.
The bottom line is, that both Ohio State and Michigan have had great seasons and both clubs are playing football at a very high level. But forget about that, forget about the records, forget about the stats, forget about what’s on the line, first and foremost this is a rivalry game. Each team plays through their season to get to this point and to have a chance to compete in, and hopefully, win this game. It’s circled on the schedule each year and serves as a rallying point. The outcome of this game will largely be determined by the mental makeup of the competitors. The team that plays calmly and confidently will win. The team that gets rattled and tight will lose. Guaranteed.
Here’s a preview of what to expect this week:
- Michigan Offense vs. Ohio State Defense
- Ohio State Offense vs. Michigan Defense
- Special Teams primer
- What to Watch: Strategy and Tactics
- The Intangibles
- Predicted Outcome with Probability
I hope you’ll enjoy reading these as much as I will enjoy writing them. Go Bucks!
6 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: Crash into Me by Dave Matthews Band
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