Ready for hype to end
Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
The 103rd meeting of Ohio State and Michigan could be the best of all time, but I have to admit, I’m a little sick of the endless hype surrounding the game.
I ready for the game to actually start.
It should be an extremely close contest of two evenly matched teams. The game usually overflows with passion each year. With legendary coach Bo Schembechler’s passing, emotions will be running at an all-time high.
I can’t wait to watch.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
Michigan’s first drive was impressive. Chad Henne was 4 of 4 for 67 yards and Mario Manningham had three catches for 56 yards.
If the Wolverines have this kind of success against OSU’s defense, it could be a long day for the Buckeyes.
We’ll have to see how Ohio State responds against Michigan’s strong defense.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
Ohio State and Michigan moved the ball easily on their first offensive drives, but the defenses for both teams have settled down now.
Neither team has ran the ball effectively yet, which is not surprising.
I’ve noticed several players slipping when trying to make cuts or come up out of their stances. OSU put new sod down the field three weeks ago. It would be a shame if the playing surface had an influence on the outcome of the game.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
Whatever the Wolverines were doing at the beginning of the game, they should try to get it back or this game could turn into a rout.
Michigan marched right down the field to take an early 7-0 lead, but OSU has scored three straight TDs since then and have all the momentum right now.
Michigan needs to respond and get something started.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
Michigan has responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Adrian Arrington from Chad Henne.
The offensive line gave Henne great protection on the long-developing play. Arrington was wide open - maybe a result of blown coverage.
OSU has the ball and 2:33 left on the clock before halftime. This is a key drive for both teams.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
OSU quarterback Troy Smith is 21 of 26 for 243 yards and three TDs at halftime.
Those sound like Heisman Trophy numbers against one of the country’s top defenses.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
Michigan obviously made quality adjustments at halftime.
The defense forced OSU quarterback Troy Smith to throw just his fifth interception of the season. The play led to a field goal to pull the Wolverines to within 28-24 midway through the third quarter.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
It’s mind-boggling that OSU and Michigan have combined for 59 points (OSU 35-24) and over 600 yards of offense at this point in the game.
These are supposed to be two of the country’s top defenses.
November 18th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
By Jason Haupricht jasonh@monroenews.com
I’ve never seen a center have as much trouble on shotgun snaps as OSU’s Doug Datish is having.
One bad snap led to a Michigan touchdown and the other stopped a Buckeye drive deep in Wolverine territory.
I wonder if they’ll take him out of the game.
November 18th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
Ohio State won the first matchup 42-39. I say the first matchup, because the two teams might meet again in the BCS national title game.
It would be a shame if that happened. It would render the first game meaningless and take away from the overall rivalry.
These two teams should meet in the last game of the regular season and that’s it.
It would be blasphemous for OSU and Michigan to meet in a bowl game.