Know Your Opponent: Michigan Wolverines
November 25, 2016Browns Film Room: Who’s at fault for all the sacks?
November 25, 2016With the Cleveland’s Browns struggles seeming to have no end in sight on their way to possibly an imperfect 0-16 record this season and the fact that it’s Thanksgiving week, the guys (and girl) at WFNY wanted to switch things up so we weren’t stuck talking about that miserable team on this wonderful week. What a perfect way to stay away from talking about the Browns than to talk about The Game on Saturday afternoon, which will feature the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes against No. 3 Michigan Wolverines in The Horseshoe.
With a possible Playoff spot on the line, along with maybe even a spot in the Big Ten Championship game, there is plenty to play for Saturday afternoon, outside of the fact that The Game features the best rivalry in college sports. Let’s see what everyone at WFNY thinks about the matchup, what could potentially happen depending on the outcome, and just some Buckeyes talk as we are in the final week of the regular season for college football:
Is The Game the best rivalry in college football, let alone in all of college athletics?
Joe: I think the Game is the best rivalry in college football and all of college athletics. It is a rivalry that usually pits two top teams with talent flooding throughout the rosters. The Game usually includes matchups that are close and come down to late game situations deciding the outcome. The hatred and fierceness between the two teams in the rivalry is always there, too.
*ichael: It is difficult for any other sport to match the gravity of an event that is football. Duke versus UNC is an amazing rivalry full of grandier, but they also play multiple times every year. If you screw up at football, then you wait for an entire year before you have another shot. In football, Harvard-Yale, Alabama-Auburn, Notre Dame-USC, and Army-Navy can each make their claim at a highly regarded rivalry, but, let’s not be silly, *ichigan versus Ohio State with a title on the line nearly every year (either conference or national) is the most anticipated and best rivalry in college sports.
Josh: The Game is the best rivalry in all of sports. With a single game meaning so much in college football, no other sport can come close. While I will listen to fans of Army-Navy and Alabama-Auburn, it’s hard to argue with the fact that the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry seems to not only hold so much hatred between the two, but also so much talent as well, let alone the fact that much of the time, there is either a conference championship or national championship (now Playoff spot) on the line as well. College Gameday is starting two hours early and has a five-hour show ahead of tomorrow’s game for a reason, folks.
Scott: It is obviously much closer to home. I’ll listen to anyone who wants to talk about Duke-UNC in basketball, or Army-Navy in general. Maybe even ‘Bama-Auburn. That said, the way that both the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines have been ranked so highly throughout the rivalry makes it tough to say otherwise. In 1970 and 1973, both were undefeated. From 1970 through 1975, Michigan entered without a loss in each year. Ohio State was 9-0-1 in 1993, 11-0 in 1995 and 10-0 in 1996 and lost each time. Both were undefeated in 2006 when they were ranked Nos. 1 and 2 with the Buckeyes prevailing by just three points. Want to know why I laugh at anyone who considers Browns-Steelers or Cavs-Wizards a rivalry? They don’t even hold a candle to the magnitude of what the Buckeyes and Wolverines have been able to provide. It’s easily the best rivalry in college sports, if not all of sports.
Corey: The notion of “best rivalry” is impossible to quantify. College football’s long history creates a background unlike any other sport and its inherent regional nature allows fans to live in a bubble of fanhood. Ohioans would likely have little opinion on the Apple Cup (Washington and Wazzou) or the Civil War (Oregon and Oregon State) since its impact rarely extends beyond the state borders. The beauty of college football rivalries is that every team can contend that theirs in the biggest and baddest. Of course Ohio State-Michigan is the best of all the rivalries forever and ever Amen. – OSU Class of 2012
Ji*: I’ve been lucky (or unlucky, depending on your view) enough to have spent a significant amount of time in one of the other “rivalry” belts, in Raleigh, NC, and have watched Duke and North Carolina fans burn cars, crap on courts, and every level of idiocy that takes place when two colleges truly hate each other. So on the ground level, there truly are other rivalries that match Ohio State and that state up north. But the sheer size of this rivalry, that I’ve grown up with since the ten-year war, when I was a kid. Each school has a living alumni base in the 500,000 range, if not more, and a paid alumni base in the 300,000 range. These two schools bleed their colors in a way that other universities can’t match, especially when you consider actual underclassmen. Scott nailed the significance, and I saw a fantastic stat this week, stating that Ohio State and *ichigan were within four spots in the rankings during those 10-years of intense Woody Hayes vs. Bo Schembechler match-ups, and considering they were always in the top 10, that really tells you something. But from the Scarlet M’s to the Gold Pants to the Mirror Lake Jump (that unfortunately no longer exists), and everything in between, there is NOTHING in the ballpark of this rivalry.
Last week, I mentioned that Ohio State H-back Curtis Samuel should at least be considered for the Heisman (if only he received the amount of touches per game that he should). If he has a big game against the Wolverines, will he put his name in the Heisman hunt?
Joe: I doubt it. Samuel has had a few too many games where his production was not Heisman-level, due in large part to the lack of touches. Talent-wise he is one of the best college football players in the country and should be listed amongst the best for the Heisman trophy, but, his stats are not up to others in the running, even if he has a big game on Saturday.
*ichael: No. He is a fantastic player and a huge reason the Buckeyes are a national cha*pionship contender. However, he does not touch the ball enough to garner an invite to New York even if he destroys the Wolverine defense on Saturday. Actual Heis*an contender, Jabrill Peppers, has noted that defense doesn’t feel Sa*uel has been hit enough, so it would be fun if a big day including a key one in space against Peppers takes away Jabrill’s invite.
Josh: Like Scott said (below), it’s Lamar Jackson’s to lose. If No. 4 does have a big game Saturday afternoon though, he could potentially receive an invite to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, which would be very memorable for him.
Scott: He may get an invite to New York City, but the award is Lamar Jackson’s to lose.
Ji*: I think the ONLY way he gets even invited to New York City is if he has one of those epic, once in a lifetime games in which he has 200 yards rushing, 100 through the air, and returns a TD. I’m not saying that can’t happen, but what’s the likelihood? Even then, is it enough to overcome the mysterious lack of touches? I doubt it.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh: overrated or one of the best coaches in the country?
Joe: He is in the middle. He is a really good coach, but has never won a national championship, so he is well below the level of Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. Harbaugh is a bit overrated by the national media because of his quirky actions and how he coaches. But, he has produced some great teams in Stanford and has put Michigan back towards the top of the Big Ten.
*ichael: Really? Did this need to be a question? The *an-baby who throws tantru*s, treats refs like dirt, and displays the worst sports*anship I have ever seen does not deserve even i*plicit praise. What else can you do though with the success for the Stanford Cardinal, San Francisco 49ers, and now *ichigan? His old-school approach works and the NFL scouts will love hi* for it. Still a booger eater…
Josh: He’s one of the best coaches in the country, but until he’s competing for national championships year in and year out, let alone winning national titles, he doesn’t come close to the level that Urban Meyer and Nick Saban are on. Then again, not many coaches do, honestly. No matter how good you think he is though, the media does seem to over-hype the booger eater just a bit.
Scott: One of the best coaches in the country, hands down. Lloyd Carr couldn’t beat Ohio State, Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke were jokes. Harbaugh, despite being very annoying and super punchable, has quickly turned around a program that was in a spiral, is a terrific recruiter, and has a locker room full of kids ready to run through a wall. Ever watch Jabril Peppers’ body language when he’s on the sideline? That’s as much to do with Harbaugh as anything.
Ji*: Jim Harbaugh is perhaps the most annoying human being on the planet. I don’t like a thing about him, from his ridiculous behavior on most podiums, to his pre-season, Ric Flair-led, vomit inducing signing day show, to his Chicaco Cubs hat, to his khakis pulled up to his chin. But he’s a *ichigan man through and through, and understands Big 10 football, his universities place in it, how to recruit, how to motivate, and most importantly, how to coach. *ichigan was irrelevant in many ways in the years prior to his hiring, and now they are competing for a playoff slot, and a national championship. Wait until his entire roster is filled with his recruits. Great coach, but past that, can’t stand the guy.
Ohio State has won four consecutive games in the matchup, along with 11 of the past 12 and 13 of the last 15 dating back to 2001, do you still consider this the rivalry that it used to be?
Joe: I think the rivalry has been damaged a little over the past decade, but it is still the best rivalry and it still produces close games, even through the Ohio State run over the past decade. Meyer and Harbaugh now form a possible great matchup for years to come.
*ichael: Due to the early years when the Buckeyes were still figuring out the whole football thing (even losing to Case in 1905), the Wolverines still hold a 58-47-6 advantage. Until the Bucks hold a sizeable advantage and prove that this new era of *ichigan football will not challenge *eyer’s club, the rivalry is as scorching hot as ever.
Josh: Unlike the Browns-Steelers “rivalry” that is almost no longer one at this point, the Ohio State-Michigan matchup will always be a rivalry, no matter how many teams a team has won or lost in a row. The pure hatred all season long, the songs that each school has for each other, Ohio State not calling that team “Michigan”, the Wolverines calling Ohio State “Ohio”, or just how much The Game truly means, the rivalry is still alive.
Scott: For sure. Simply because Ohio State won doesn’t mean the games have not been competitive. They won by one in 2013, five in 2012, lost in 2011, won by three in 2006, and won by four in 2005. And despite the Buckeyes winning 11 of the last 12, Michigan still leads overall, 58-47-6.
Ji*: In a pure sense of college athletics, wins and losses will never take away from this rivalry. The fan base and alumni will never allow that to happen. As the John Cooper-era likely taught both sides, these things can be cyclical if there’s any lack of preparation for the biggest game of the year. There’s just a different level of psyche and planning that takes place in this game. One of my favorite Ohio State moments in my lifetime is when Coach Tressel was introduced as the new Buckeyes coach at an Ohio State vs. *ichigan basketball game in January of 2001. It was there that the Berea native who had worshiped the likes of Woody Hayes and Paul Brown growing up said, “you’ll be proud of our young people, in the classroom, in the community, and most especially, in 310 days, in Ann Arbor, *ichigan, on the football field.” He got it. Meyer gets it, but so does Harbaugh. Wins and losses matter, of course, but the hate mixed with odd respect is what will keep this significant long after our writing days at WFNY pass.
For the Buckeyes to be victorious, what do you think is the biggest factor (both on offense and defense), outside of the obvious answer that they have to outscore Michigan?
Joe: For the Buckeyes defense, they need to stop the run of Michigan. With whoever Michigan plays at quarterback, the Wolverines will look to run the ball a lot. Ohio State struggled last week stopping the run against Michigan State. This will be a huge key. On offense, the Buckeyes need to give the ball to Curtis Samuel a lot. He needs to be the centerpiece of the offense and not be forgotten.
*ichael: Running the ball is going to be at a premium for both clubs given the secondaries (and possibly weather conditions). The Wolverine defense showed a susceptibility giving away the edge last weekend, so having some success in the middle in order to exploit the outside would be absolutely huge. If the Silver Bullets can also limit the running attack of *ichigan, then it is game over.
Josh: The offense must establish a run game with Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel, and give them the amount of touches that they each need. J.T. Barrett must throw the ball much better than he did last week at Michigan State, but if the run game is rolling, throwing the ball will be much easier for Barrett. Also, the offense must establish a good temp and fast pace. The Wolverines seem to struggle against an offense that goes no-huddle and has a quick offense. Defensively, Michigan may potentially be starting a backup quarterback, but that doesn’t mean much, as Cardale Jones in 2014. The Silver Bullets must load the box, stop the run, and make whoever is at quarterback throw the ball to beat them. The Wolverines’ offense doesn’t scare me and I think OSU’s offense will be able to put up points, but Michigan’s defense has plenty of playmakers who matchup well against the Buckeyes.
Scott: I’m seeing a lot of play on the narrative that Michigan’s quarterback is a weak link based on one game. If the Buckeyes go into the game thinking they’re going to amass just 40 yards through the air once again, I think they’re resting on some laurels. That said, having watched what the Badgers (among others) did to Ohio State on the ground, this will be the biggest factor. Control the trenches, win the game.
Jim: Offensively, the Buckeyes have to truly diversify their offense, making sure all of their weapons are getting touches. If Mike Weber and most especially, Curtis Samuel can get it going early, it can open up the passing game a bit against a *ichigan team that is really good against the pass. I’m also concerned that the habits J.T. Barrett is getting into based on a line that sometimes looks just atrocious will take over, if *ichigan can get after him. I’m not saying he shouldn’t run the ball, but when he has time, even a little bit of time, he is as effective a quarterback as there is in college football. The problem is that the line has allowed teams to get after Barrett, and this really kills his effectiveness. Defensively, Ohio State has looked a little neurotic against the run. Mostly, they’re good, but against *ichigan State and some others, runners were working downhill for much of the game. If *ichigan’s De’Veon Smith or Chris Evans, or Ty Isaac or Jabril Peppers get going, they control the clock, the trenches, and ultimately, the game. And don’t forget about some chicanery. As *ichigan State showed last week, a surprise play or two can have impact, so look for a fake punt or an onside kick, or some other move by either Meyer or Harbaugh that could turn the tide. I love being at home though.
If Ohio State wins, are they in the Playoff or do other things (like Penn State losing to Michigan State) have to happen in order for them to be part of the Final Four?
Joe: If Ohio State wins, they are in the Playoff. The win would give them three wins over top ten teams. That should be enough.
*ichael: Win and the Buckeyes will have played four of the Top eight tea*s, gone 3-1, and the only loss on the road at night in overti*e to the B1G East division cha*pions (week after Penn State had a bye week and Ohio State was co*ing off a si*ilar ga*e against Wisconsin). Now, add in good wins against Nebraska (No. 16) and 8-3 Tulsa. The CFP Selection Co**ittee has even said the difference between the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes is not close. Buckeyes are safe (with a win).
Josh: They’re in if they win. That will give them three wins against teams in the top 10 and four in the top 20, let alone the fact that their only loss would have come against a top 10 team in Penn State. While the committee will have a tough choice if Penn State or Wisconsin wins the Big Ten and Washington and Clemson win their respective conference title games as well, I think the Buckeyes are a lock if they win on Saturday. Also, Buckeye Nation is just that. Ohio State fans are everywhere and they travel very well, the committee knows this and knows the amount of money that will come if the scarlet and gray make the Playoff. In a dream scenario for them, the national title game will be between Ohio State and Alabama because that will bring the most money to the table.
Scott: I think Ohio State winning this weekend and not making the Big Ten title game is their best case scenario when it comes to being among the Final Four. You’re not going to drop them three spots after a win, and keeping them out of the title game limits downside from a potential loss. It’s clear that Ohio State is one of the best two teams in the country. The committee knows this, and simply needs the Buckeyes to win this weekend to cement this belief.
Jim: There is absolutely no sensible way for the NCAA to knock out the Buckeyes if they beat the Wolver-idiots this weekend. When you take into account their strength of schedule based on their rankings, the Buckeyes have done everything that they need to do to be in the playoff, regardless of a championship game. Their only loss, while against a two-loss team, was on the road, in one of the most difficult places to play in the country. Now, is it possible for the committee to not have sense? You and I both know the answer to that, but in the end, nobody in the country travels better than Ohio State, so when you look at the simple fact that with a win, they are truly one of the best two or three teams in the country, and have a fan base that will travel to the moon to watch a football game, it should be a done deal.
What matters most: strength of schedule or head-to-head record? (Example: Ohio State has a much tougher strength of schedule and have beaten better teams, but Penn State beat them head-to-head)
Joe: If Ohio State and Penn State both had one loss, then head to head would be the deciding factor. But because Penn State has two losses and Ohio State just one, the strength of schedule is bigger deciding factor. Ohio State cannot fall behind them with the combination of one fewer loss and a stronger schedule.
*ichael: Still on this topic? Buckeyes are safe. Both are i*portant. No doubt head-to-head should be a tiebreaker and even count for *ore points. But, Penn State has an additional loss, hasn’t played nearly the schedule, and beat Ohio State at ho*e after a bye week. Not worried.
Josh: Head-to-head only matters if the teams have the same record (and/or same amount of losses). Other than that, strength of schedule carries more weight. Keep in mind, Penn State was blown out by Michigan in the Big House earlier this season. The committee also thinks the same or they would have the Nittany Lions ahead of the Buckeyes in the rankings.
Scott: Yeah, I think it’s all irrelevant. Both play a role, but there’s a reason why Penn State is ranked below a team which they beat.
Jim: In this instance, you really should weight the entirety of the season, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes. In every situation, and in every year, you have to step back and make some sense. You give Penn State all the credit in the world for beating Ohio State…at home…in a hostile environment…saving their coach and their season. You truly give them all the credit in the world. That said, you weigh their schedule in with that victory over the Buckeyes, and do the same thing with Ohio State. In this case, it’s clear that the Buckeyes’ schedule weight should take precedence. But…it is what it is.
Will the Buckeyes continue their domination in The Game Saturday afternoon?
Joe: Ohio State will win and continue their domination in The Game. I think the matchup of quarterbacks will be the deciding factor and Ohio State has the edge. J.T. Barrett is a big game player and should outperform his counterpart on Michigan, whoever it will be.
*ichael: Responding 42-13 was fun after a year of getting to say 42-28. The Buckeyes have shredded the Wolverine defense so often it is difficult to remember 2007 when defenses took center stage of a 14-3 win. I don’t think it will quite be that low-scoring, but I do expect a close hard-fought victory with defenses taking center stage. Perhaps si*ilar to the 2001 26-20 Buckeye win or the 2005 25-21 Buckeye win. The Wolverines have the *ore veteran tea* but the Buckeyes have a talent advantage at the skill positions. Should be a fun battle.
Josh: While The Game will be much closer this time around, the Buckeyes will continue their domination in the win column, which is all that matters. The fact that the game is in Columbus plays a big role, but Ohio State is currently a 6.5-point favorite in Vegas. Vegas knows, right? There’s no way Urban Meyer allows his Bucks to lose at home in this game with a Playoff spot on the line.
Scott: I think “domination” may be a bit strong, but I do believe they’ll win the game. It will, however, be much closer than I think most Buckeye fans are willing to believe.
Jim: This is where I have this internal conversation about how the Horseshoe, packed to the hilt with Ohio State brethren, isn’t as big an advantage as it should be. Here’s where I imagine that idiot Jim Harbaugh, getting into that team’s grill, and talking about how they need to shut the hell outta all of those fans out there. This is where that Woody Hayes-glasses stealing jabroni talks about his college teams going 3-1 against Ohio State, including a senior year, two-point victory, right there in the shoe. This is where all of my angst and worry start seeping out. Then I remember Urban Meyer is on our sideline, who understands this game as much as anyone. My guess is that the line will end up somewhere in the 5 point range (it’s 6.5, as of this writing), and I think the Buckeyes will cover that, but not by much. Ohio State 24, Michigan 20, and it’s going to be freakin’ glorious.
3 Comments
Harbaugh is a strange one but he’s helped make them good again. I said it before and I’ll say it again, the conference is better off when that team up North is good.
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Worried about Buckeyes OL in this game. Given how poorly they have played much of the season, they need to run plays that develop quickly.