Well, for the fifth year in a row, it is time to post another note of congratulations. I did not think we had a real chance to pull off an upset since the odds of going into Columbus with a young squad led by a walk on QB and beating a team with all the weapons that the Buckeyes have were slim although when we scored to make in 14-7 near the end of the first half, my heart was still hoping we could pull off a miracle. But, that two play, 91-drive at the start of the third quarter ended that hope. It is hard to find very many positives when you lose as badly as we did today but I did take pride in the fact M fought as hard in the fourth quarter when all was lost as they did in the first. I think that speaks well for the future for I think one of the hardest things to do in life is to fully compete and fight when you realize that your opponent is a hellava lot better than you are and that you have no chance to win. That RR was able to keep this team together though this horrible season and that the players put out the effort they did today gives me some hope that with time and the accumulation of more talented players that fit his system, he will be able to bring this program back to elite status. But, I think his visit to Columbus also let him know how difficult that job will be. Tressel is an outstanding coach and has built a great program. He is still a relatively young man at the peak of his career and the gap in talent between the two teams is as large as was prior to Schembechler taking over in 69. Anyway, congrats, good luck in your bowl game, and I hope poor Sheridan and McGuffie will not suffer from post traumatic stress disorder after the punishment dished out to them today.
Bobda, Thanks and I am confident many fans feel your pain and discontent. Granted the game this year was a bit more one sided in our favor. I can remember some years where we were favored only to be struck down and forced to be a bit humbled as well. (Grin) Give Rod a couple of years with new recruits, better suited to his style of offense and we will see what happens. Have a nice Thanksgiving and a safe holiday. Don
Didn't get to see a lot of the game, but Buckeyes looked very dominant from what I could see. I still think Rodriguez is a good college coach, wheter or not he's the man for UM we won't know for awhile. It's always hard to say if the Wolverweasels will be better next year or not, the conventional wisdom says that the 2nd year in his system should show marked improvement. He still won't have the type of QB that he needs, or if he does the guy will be a true freshman. I guess the fans of any team that struggles with a new system has to ask and answer the question, is the team better at the end of the season with 12 games under their belt with the new system or not. If they are then the arrow is pointing up, even if ever so slightly. My question for the Buckeyes, is how many starters off of this team will be back next year. Clearly Pryor is a young star in the making, he is more advanced to my eye than Vince Young was at the end of his Red Shirt Freshman year. Terry
Terry, I think we lose ten seniors (starters). Beanie Wells might opt for the NFL. He is a junior. We will have a solid base to start with next fall. Don
Nice job Buckeyes....took Michigan to the woodshed when you should have. I actually didn't think Tressel had it in him to win one over Michigan in this manner because he plays so close to the sweater vest in big games... but maybe this Michigan team is that bad..... In any event the biggest margin of victory in the series since 1968.
Bobda, gracious as ever....while we enjoy few things in life better than beating the blue, no rational Buckeye fan revels in the depth of the struggle you guys had this season. I for one much prefer the traditonal battle of the titans for the title and look forward to your program getting back on track....I don't know if RRod is the guy, but whoever it is, I trust that it will happen sooner rather than later. Given his success at WVA, I don't see any reason he can't be at least as successful in AA. The game itself went pretty much the way I anticipated....I was pleasantly surprised in light of the unusual nature of this game, that our kids played with the intensity that they did.....obviously the rivalry plays a big, big part but I do credit Tressel and staff for having these kids ready to play with the energy they displayed.....they were laying the wood and I truly with every fiber of my being was concerned your Qb was going to be carried out on a stretcher....you should be proud of your kids as well, as you said, they more than any were aware of the challenge they faced and fought to the end....
I only vaguely recall VY at the end of his RS frosh season....but your statement is saying a lot and I would agree. I think TP is a MUCH better passer and comparing apples to apples if he had the opportunity to spend a year in the film room, weight program and practice field as did VY before hitting the playing field, the results would be dramatic. He is going to be an extraordinary football player....hell, I can't wait for the bowl game! We will undoubtedly lose Beanie, Robiskie and a couple olineman, but the wideouts we have growing up are much more explosive than the ones we lose.....the offense will be interesting to watch, but we have nobody even on the same planet with Beanie....we do have Boom Herron - a serviceable back - so we'll see.....on defense, I think we just reload....it will be TP's team for sure.
Thanks, Bobda... Watched the game with my buddy John, the UM grad...he made it through with a little coca cola and a lot of rum... Had the Purdue IU rivalry on in the next room...got a double today...tough year for the Boilers, but Joe Tiller went out with a bang. Browns still suck. :roll:
What a weekend for football fans in Michigan. M crushed. MSU crushed. The Lions crushed AGAIN! What could be worse......oh yeah, you could be an ND fan.
If I were the guy who is going to be the #1 draft choice and looking at playing for the Lions, I don't know what I'd do. Maybe I'd commit a crime so I could get banned for a couple of years by the NFL and then come in the back door to another team.
I do. I'd be that RB running an 8.5 40 yd. I'd be that QB throwing end over end wounded ducks. I'd be that linebacker in the "make love not war" sweatshirt.