Ohio State relishes its contempt of Michigan

MI (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) has lost four in a row and 11 of 12 to the Buckeyes and hasn’t won at the Horseshoe since 2000.

But this season is different. Bragging rights are a big deal, particularly in Ohio.

How much the Ohio State line has improved is a topic of much debate.

The upcoming game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is probably the most anticipated game in the NCAA.

Though the Big Ten jumble should be fun to watch, it really just serves as a warm-up for the bigger national story.

But still the nation’s eyes will be on The Game, where StubHub has individual tickets selling for as high as nearly $3,000 apiece.

Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State are all locked in a three-way tie in the East, with the trio holding 7-1 records.

He knows more than me about football, and it’s not even close.

Still some football to be played and things to figure out but this team, in my opinion, is a year away.

My friends, college football chaos is what makes the holidays truly enjoyable.

There’s another reason why MI men like Mike McCray and Dymonte Thomas are desperate to leave Ohio Stadium with a victory Saturday: They’re Ohio natives. “He knows that and I’m sure he feels the exact same way”.

Penn State: DT Parker Cothren is coming off a strong performance against Rutgers where he was a major disruption in helping Penn State make 11 tackles for loss. This would be even more games if the SEC title showdown were not already locked in.

Never mind that No. 2 Ohio State’s clash with No. 3 MI this week is the most meaningful contest between the bitter rivals in a decade. Especially if MI decides to make versatile linebacker Jabrill Peppers a big part of its offense.

Michigan, meanwhile, had John O’Korn make his first start of the season at quarterback in last week’s win over in after Wilton Speight, who started all year, suffered a shoulder injury in the Wolverines’ loss at Iowa. Becuase he had to sit out some games due to a transfer, we did not get to see him again until late in his senior year, but he impressed us in those games and he apparently impressed colleges as well. That’s where I get my joy.

The advantage on the defensive side of the football has to go to the Wolverines. “They’ll be aware of it”, Franklin said. JCU topped Div. III power Mount Union to end the regular season and I don’t see them losing to the Wolverines. Meyer doesn’t expect any personnel changes this week on the offensive line, which gave up two sacks at the end of the game that stopped Ohio State’s final drive.

Also with a highlighted winning streak entering this weekend is Ohio State.

Losses to Washington, Washington State and Colorado had people asking, “What happened to Stanford?” – until the dust settled and all three of those teams landed in the top 25. Luckily for the Wolverines, J.T. Barrett hasn’t been as good throwing the ball as he has running the ball.

Samuel has emerged as the go-to guy for Barrett. IL took the ball when it had the choice, then got shut out.

“Everyone knows what kind of game it is”, said Kyle Kalis, a MI offensive lineman.

We can’t forget about Peppers as punt and kick returner. He went 7-16 for 59 yards and rushed the ball six times for 19 but all that matters is that MI won.

Thirty years ago this week, Jim Harbaugh made his famous claim (or infamous, if you’re an Ohio State fan) about his Michigan Wolverines, back when he was the team’s quarterback: “We’re going to play in the Rose Bowl this year, I guarantee it”. However, I think the Huskies are up to the challenge.