I have to say, I feel sick right now. What a heartbreaker, and also, what a great game. I had wondered if any game could live up to they hype that this game received. I think this one did. It was a chess match on every side of the ball.

Jim Tressel (still don’t like him) came in with a new gameplan. He used new formations and began the game by primarily using his strongest asset, Troy Smith. I think because the Buckeyes went primarily with the pass to open the game, Chris Wells was able to break his 52 yard touchdown run. Ohio State had made Michigan’s defense expect the pass so much, they were vulnerable to the run.

Ron English’s Wolverine defense adjusted, and figured out how to pressure Troy Smith. The Wolverines in the second half looked like a different team. Michigan also missed a lot of tackles today. Instead of tackling low and making sure to secure the ball carrier Michigan’s defenders were hitting high, and not wrapping the Buckeyes up. This burned Michigan time and time again.

On Michigan’s first offensive drive, they looked great. Chad Henne was throwing in rhythm, and they were utilizing the talents of Manningham, Breaston, and Arrignton. Once the offense was opened up a bit, Mike Hart was able to start eating up chunks of yards. After that first drive, Michigan seemed to go away from the game plan they used on their first drive. They ran the ball on first down, and in general just got a lot more conservative. As the game was winding down and Michigan needed to score quickly, they returned to the passing game. Chad Henne (21/35, 265yds., 2 TDs) had a very good game, but Mike Hart (142yds. 3 TDs) shined tonight. It seemed like the run was there especially when the Buckeye defense had to worry about the passing game as well.

The player who stole the show in the biggest game of the year once again, was Troy Smith (29/41, 316 yds, 4TDs, 1INT). I was really impressed with his poise and his accuracy. He is the best player in college football and the Heisman is his. He earned it today. He took control of the game and never let it go. Even as he threw and interception and lost a fumble he never lost his team. It seemed that they knew that their leader would take care of the game.

Now for the things that are making me sick.

• 2 touchdown runs of over 50 yards (Wells 52, Pittman 56)
• Shawn Crable’s stupid hit on Troy Smith. Know the game situation and play under control.
• Bonnie Bernstein’s hat

Now there’s going to be talk of a rematch in the National Championship game. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I absolutely do believe that these are the 2 best teams in the country. I also don’t think it’s even close. I think both of these teams would shred any other team in college football (see Michigan v. Notre Dame and Texas v. Ohio State). So, not only do I want my favorite team to have another crack at the Buckeyes, but I think that any game but a rematch would be so terribly anticlimactic.

As always, I tip my cap to Ohio State, they are definitely one hell of a football team. And while I don’t particularly like Jim Tressel, he’s a fantastic football coach. This is the greatest rivalry in all of sports and today’s game only adds to the legend and the lore.

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 18th, 2006 at 6:53 pm and is filed under College Football, Football, Michigan Wolverines, NCAA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.