Today we have the sad news that former Michigan coach and legend Bo Schembechler passed away. He was 77 years old. Coach Schembechler won 194 games during his tenure and was always a fierce competitor. From 1969 to 1978 the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry had some of the most memorable and meaningful games with Schembechler coaching against former mentor Woody Hayes. No doubt there will be some sort of remembrance for Coach Schembechler during the game tomorrow. Rest in peace coach.

Every live sporting event has things that figure into the outcome of the game that simply don’t have much to do with the players or coaches. This game is no different.

Home field advantage is an obvious aspect to the game and there is something to it. I like to break home field into discrete segments, venue, crowd, “my own bed,” and playing surface.

With respect to the venue, it doesn’t get any better than playing in Ohio Stadium aka The Horseshoe. Seating 100,000 plus Scarlet and Gray clad fans, it is one of the toughest places in the nation to win on the road. Texas did it last year, Wisconsin did it in 2003, but there aren’t many other examples this millennium. Why is it tough to play? The crowd is engaged and LOUD. Like being right next to a jet engine without hearing protection. Say goodbye to audibles on the line of scrimmage and say hello to false start penalties.

Don’t underestimate the difference and quality of rest when you are able to be in your home and familiar environment. Admittedly, in big college football both teams tend to stay in hotels on the night before a game, but it’s the same hotel yada yada yada, you get it.

The playing surface of the ‘Shoe has been an issue this year, it’s been more like dirt painted green than grass. After the second turf transplant 3 weeks ago, we’re all hoping for a better (more grass, less dirt) surface. If the surface is good, then there is no advantage. If the surface is bad, then the Bucks get a slight edge as they’ve played 2/3 of their games on a sloppy field this season.

One wildcard that will affect both team is the weather. The NOAA forecast for The Game is Partly cloudy, with a high near 49F. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. So I don’t think weather will come into play for this game. But it is Ohio in November, you just don’t know what the weather will be until you experience it.

The media hoopla and hype around this game are bigger than I ever dreamed or expected. I’m obviously excited about the game, but I’ve got to say, if I hear one more story about the Dead Schembechlers punk band, one more “Michigan’s defense is awesome story”, one more “Troy Smith Heisman” story, I’m going to puke. It doesn’t matter how the game goes, people are going to feel let down in the end. This is one place I think there is home field disadvantage. This crap has been going on 24×7 in Columbus, in Ann Arbor, not so much. It can’t help but to have a negative impact on focus when 1,100 credentialed media descend upon a relatively small group of players and coaches. I’m sincerely hoping the players and coaches minds are on the field and that they don’t read their own press until after the game.



The final area that bears mention in this piece is officiating. The quality and consistency this year has been, shall we say, bad. Instant replay has seemed to only make things worse. I can’t understand how the TV crew manages to show angles to those of us at home that we can clearly see and judge and that the referees can’t or won’t. Since this phase of the game has been bad and normally the home team gets the benefit of the doubt (i.e., there are 6 or so refs and 100,000 angry fans who might tear you to shreds) I think this is part of home field advantage. This is mitigated somewhat by the coaches. Tressel doesn’t often get in the refs face, he’ll ask for clarification, but he’s not a screamer or whiner. Look in the dictionary for the definition of whiner and you’ll see a picture of Lloyd Carr in a ref’s face. I believe Carr’s approach is more effective in the game time situation and that progressively you see “make up” calls as a result of his lobbying. Now personally, I prefer Tressel’s approach, but one can’t deny the effectiveness of what Carr does. Is it enough to negate the advantage, maybe.

In the end, I do think home field advantage is going to be worth at least 3 points on the scoreboard at the end of this whole game. But unlike “regular” home games, home field has some negatives to it too (did I mention every friend and family member asking each player and coach for tickets?)

1 day to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: Down in the Valley to Pray by Doc Watson
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog

One of the reasons I like football so much is that each game is comprised of 120 or so individual battles (plays) and each one has an unique context and can be viewed individually, as part of a sequence (a drive) and/or as part of a strategy (game plan.) It’s sort of like a fast series of live multi-channel chess games where the totality of your effort throughout the course of these events dictates the overall outcome of the game.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr’s approach to the game is very straightforward. Run the ball, control the clock, and use the passing game to keep the opposing defense honest. On defense, it’s much the same way, take away the opponent’s ability to run, pin your ears back and bull rush the passer, put the opponent in 2nd and long and 3rd and long situations. Play fundamentally sound football in other words. This team, with many of the same faces as last year’s team, is not the same team. In the offseason, changes were made at the assistant coach level that reallly seem to have taken hold. This Wolverine team is leaner, meaner, and hungry for a victory over the Buckeyes.

Carr’s record as the Michigan head coach is 103-34, head to head against OSU he’s 6-5, and head to head against Jim Tressel coached Buckeyes he’s 1-4. Coach Carr has won a (shared) national title at Michigan (1997) and has had a Heisman Trophy winner in his tenure. In recent years (the Tressel years) he has come under fire for not consistently beating the Buckeyes. As a result, I can’t help but think we’re going to see some interesting wrinkles from the Wolverines in this particular game. For instance, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if we saw gadget plays like a halfback pass or even if, gasp, the Wolverines lined up a few times in the spread. Given what I’ve seen of the matchups between the two teams, I don’t think Michigan will change a thing on defense. I think they’ll experiment a bit on offense with misdirection, screens, and stretch plays where opponents have had some success against the Buckeye defense.

In terms of coaching personality and demeanor, Coach Carr is fiery. He’s always in the referee’s face, pacing the sideline with a stern look punctuated by small outbursts that reflect his frustration. I believe Coach Carr is a perfectionist – he demands perfection out of each phase of the game and is not happy when it’s not delivered. He appears to tighten up a bit in big games and I believe his team takes on the persona of its coach.

OSU coach Jim Tressel is a longtime head coach with an overall record of 196-70-2, an Ohio State record of 61-13, and is 4-1 against Michigan. During his coaching career, Tressel has won 5 national championships (4 at D1-AA Youngstown State and 1 at OSU.) Tressel’s outward appearance is one of steadiness and calm. He rarely reacts during positive or negative developments on the field and approaches each play, series, and game in a thoughtful manner. One would be mistaken if one didn’t think there was the spirit of a competitor hidden in there – during the Iowa game on the road this season before a key offensive series Tressel can clearly be heard saying to his offensive unit “rip their hearts out.” Which is decidedly different than his buttoned down sweater vest image would suggest. In big games, Coach Tressel seems to be in his element, he relaxes and often goes against established tendancy.

Tressel’s approach over his 6 years as the Buckeye head coach has been very consistent. Play fundamentally sound, disciplined football in all phases of the game, with special attention paid to special teams. On offense, aside from this year, there have been calls to install an offensive coordinator as Tressel’s play calling (he does call the offensive plays) was perceived as predictable and boring. This year, it’s been anything but predictable and boring (setting aside the 2nd half of the Illinois game where there were 5 consecutive series of run, run, pass, punt.) The difference is Troy Smith, in Smith Tressel has an on field commander who doesn’t make many mistakes (4 int and 1 fumble for the season) which has enabled the offense to open up. We’ve seen a vertical passing game, power running, the option, the spread, and gadget plays (in fact, in one game, they ran consecutive reverses.) You’re going to put 8 men in the box to stop the run, fine, we’ll pass. You’re going to bring in a nickle or dime package against the pass, fine, we’ll run. You’re going to be hyper aggressive with the pass rush, fine we’ll burn you with the screen pass.

On defense, it’s been the standard stellar year, which in all honesty, no one expected or predicted. Losing 9 starters from one unit does not typically bode well for the upcoming season. I’ll say it now, this year’s defense is better than last year’s star-studded line up. They only give up 16 more yards per game than last year’s unit and have generated 21 interceptions season to date vs. last year’s 6. The scoring defense is ranked first nationally giving up just under 8 points per game and opposing quarterbacks are tossing an interception 6.12% of the time they throw against this unit. Tackling was something of an adventure early on and that has, over the course of the year become more sound. Coach Heacock, defensive coordinator, has been excellent in making adjustments as the game goes on and the first team defense simply doesn’t give up points. Rotation has been used extensively this year giving many different looks in combination with an excellent defensive line that applies pressure routinely rushing only 4 men.

In this year’s matchup, I think we’ll see Coach Carr borrow a page or two from Coach Tressel. I expect the unexpected in this year’s game. Neither coach will change from their core, but we’ll definitely see wrinkles in this match up. OSU’s defense is likely better than Michigan’s offense, and Michigan’s defense and OSU’s offense are pretty evenly matched. How the lines execute and turnovers will be key in this game. If Coach Carr relaxes a little, this will be a close game. If turnovers happen and Michigan gets in a hole early, this will be ugly. Michigan is very capable of winning a close, competitive game but will be unable to effectively compete in a shootout barring a spate of Buckeye turnovers. Expect to watch a well coached, well executed game through all phases – fundamental football. It’s going to be great.

2 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: The Fundamental Things by Bonnie Raitt
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog

We interrupt Ohio State/Michigan week for this special travel bulletin…I write this entry from a relatively empty gate (with power!) at Atlanta Hartfield airport. After leaving Baltimore early this morning and spending an hour on the ramp waiting for weather to pass I arrived at ATL having missed my connecting flight back to SJC. Oh well, it happens. Next flight to SJC, 18:22 EDT – ugh.

Fortunately I have my handy dandy computer with a wifi connection and was able to reengage with the ticket agents armed with information about alternate flights and so I’ll be departing to SFO at 3pm EDT instead. Maybe I’ll make it home in time for my daughter’s bedtime, that’s certainly the hope.

I had a fantastic day yesterday soaking up knowledge at the Geothermal Energy Association workshop on financing geothermal projects. This was a business workshop with the morning focused on politics, regulation, and government agencies (note to politicos – less interference would be more here…) and the afternoon dedicated to the attributes required for fundable geothermal projects. The speakers were mostly engaging, the content was rich, and the room was awkwardly laid out, but had windows.

One thing I hadn’t realized (naively) was just how politicized the issue of renewable energy is. That became quite clear at the workshop and the elections last week will help as soon-to-be-Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is a geothermal fan (Nevada is rich in geothermal resources.) Hopefully, Congress and the Administration will choose to collaborate on renewable issues extending the production tax credit and making leases of BLM land and NEPA environmental assessments more accessible and faster. I’ll believe that when I see it…

It’s been a long time since I’ve flown, I think my last trip was in July. So, the liquid/gel thing was slightly inconvenient. But the volume of travelers is definitely up – the planes (gates and associated services) are FULL! Guess that’s good news for airlines, but it’s bad news for travelers in some respects. Having taken a break from traveling by air for awhile, I’d erased the irritants from my brain. Well, they’re back with a vengenance now…..If you’d like to be a polite, courteous, and informed traveler, here are some easy tips for you:

• Mobile phones are great. I have one, it’s indispensible. But, no one, and I mean no one, wants to hear your mobile conversation. Don’t shout into the phone and move yourself away from others when speaking. If you can’t do those two things, hang-up unless it’s an absolute emergency. Everyone has a phone now, it doesn’t make you important!
• Your diet is your business. But, when you’re in close proximity to other humans, it’s a good idea to refrain from alcohol, onions, garlic, beans, and other foods that contribute to bad breath and/or gas. Breath mints can’t (and don’t) cover the odor….
• If you are physically large, make appropriate accommodations for your seating. You will be more comfortable and your neighbors will be more pleasant if you’re not taking up 25% of their seats. As American’s get bigger, this problem is becoming more frequent and the airlines will have to do something to fix it if people can’t use their own judgment (which obviously, they won’t.)
• When boarding an aircraft, be prepared with your carry-ons to stow them appropriately and quickly. Stepping out of the frickin’ aisle. If you have an enormous wheeled piece of luggage, it shouldn’t be in others way or take up others storage space in the overhead bin. Check it if you can’t carry it, stow it, or lift it.
• When in the security line, have your documents and id ready. We’re all waiting in the line for hours, why not use 30 seconds to prepare and make it all go a little faster.
• When the plane is boarding, don’t flock to the gate. Stay seated until your row/zone is called. If you don’t, people like me will become progressively more physical in fighting our way to the gate to board the plane and that is no fun for anyone.
• If you’re a loud talker and consistent talker (you know if you are,) bring a book. Read it, you’ll make everyone around you alot happier. Otherwise, bring 20 sets of Bose Quiet Comfort noise cancelling headsets for those around you.
• When exiting the plane, grab your stuff and get off the plane. You can always rearrange your self and belongings when you’re off the plane in the terminal.
• If you’ve stashed bags in the back of the plane and have a seat in the middle or front of the plane, don’t even think about trying to go back for the bag until the plane has emptied. That’s your penalty for not checking the luggage.
• When you exit the jetway, move out of the way. There is no need to exit then stop in the middle of the passage to rearrange yourself. There’s a big terminal out there, use it!

I’m sure there are other things that could be listed here, but that’s the stream of consciousness for now. Best travel accessory I’ve ever gotten is Bose Quiet Comfort 2 headphones. Pricey, but worth it. When used with an MP3 player (my iPod Shuffle fits nicely in the case,) they eliminate much of the background noise (that guy with the megaphone voice 3 rows back who talked non-stop for the entire flight for instance – oh yeah, jet engines too.)

Well, that’s it from Atlanta. Home (hopefully) tonight.

3 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: Lunch Lady Land by Adam Sandler
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog

In this entry we’ll take a look at special teams. Coach Tressel indicates that the punt is the most important play in football, so I think we know how Ohio State approaches special teams. Michigan has been no slouch in the special teams area either.

Let’s take a look at the Michigan kicking game starting with kickoffs, kick returns, and field goals. The short synopsis is, this is a very strong part of the game for Michigan with Sr. kicker Garrett Rivas and kick returner Steve Breaston. Michigan averages 21 yards per kickoff return (#47 in the nation) and allows 22 yards per kickoff (#94.) Rivas kicks to the goal line or into the endzone consistently. Rivas is 15 of 18 on field goal attempts this season.

The Buckeye kicking game started a little shaky, but has come around in recent games. So. kicker Aaron Pettrey and Jr. kicker Ryan Pretorius have combined for 9 of 12 field goal attempts and consistently put the ball out the back of the endzone on kickoffs. Kick return duty is a shared responsibility between Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzales, and Ray Small averaging 18 yards per kickoff (#84) and the kickoff defense allows 18 yards per return (#24.)

The Wolverine punting game has been solid with Zoltan Mesko averaging 39 yards per kick and allowing around 8 yards per return. The punt return game anchored by Steve Breaston has been very good, and from time to time, explosive. Michigan averages 10.82 yards per return and has one return for a touchdown this year.

OSU’s punter, A.J. Trapasso has averaged 41 yards per kick and the return team has allowed an average of 8 yards per return attempt. As with the kicking game, punt returns are split between Ginn, Gonzales, and Small who are averaging 10.85 yards per return with 1 touchdown.

With the parity of these teams, it’s not hard to imagine that the game may well turn on the play of special teams. Michigan gets the nod in the place kicking game by a slight margin and Ohio State gets the nod on punting by a slight margin.

3 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: Ain’t that a kick in the head? by Dean Martin
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog