Showdown at the Horseshoe
We all know the implications. We all know what is at stake. We all know the history.
One of college football’s most storied rivals may be propelled into the most important regular season game in the history of the sport this weekend when Michigan travels to Ohio State.
This is it, the week has finally arrived, number one vs. number two for half the marbles. Winner goes to the BCS Championship. But is it fair to have the loser go to the BCS Championship as well?
In two words: hell no.
No one wants to see a rematch like a professional sports series. If Michigan beats OSU then Michigan should get to play another team, they should not have to beat the same team twice in a row to prove they are the better team. And as far as that goes, neither should OSU. They very well could be the best two teams in college football but we only need one game to decide who is the best team.
An analysis:
OSU offense is fast and can score in a number of ways. They have only scored less than 20 one time this year. Michigan has not played such a potent offense all year. But on the flip side of that, OSU has not gone up against a defense like Michigan. We all thought Texas was the test for the Buckeyes but let us not kid ourselves, Texas let Kansas State score 45 on them. The most Michigan has allowed is 26 in a fluke to Ball State.
The story is in fact the Wolverine defense vs the Buckeye offense but take a look at the other side of the equation. Michigan can put points on the board and if Manningham and Breaston can stretch the field, then look out. But the real shocker is the Buckeye’s defense, which has not alllowed anyone to break 20 all year; the most they gave up was 17 to Iowa.
When looking at the head to head matchups, paper can be deceiving. If one only addresses common opponents then one would conclude that OSU would win in a rout. We all know that will not happen. It will be the best game of the year and should come down to the last play like many OSU-Michigan games have.
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