GBMWolverine Football Preview: Setting the Stage – Initial Comments Concerning the Ohio State at Michigan Game

Posted at 4:00pm — 11/22/2011

GBMWolverine Football Preview: Setting the Stage – Initial Comments Concerning the Ohio State at Michigan Game

Much will be written and much will be said about this week’s version of The Game. GBMWolverine will start by offering perspective called by some the lead-in. Lead-ins are used to bait and set the hook to gain attention. There is no such tactical need for this game, but the reading may set the stage for more enjoyment and also anticipation for something the game has recaptured: meaning.

Some may say what meaning? This game has little meaning more than normal Saturday couch entertainment value, some may say, as neither Michigan nor Ohio State can go to the conference championship game. The game pits a reeling Ohio State team against a Michigan team with limited talent.

Well now, enough of the effort to pour Maize on good cereal. This game has real meaning for both teams, and the rewards will be significant.

Item number one- The Game finally has real purpose after several years of one-sided effort and one-sided results. Both teams thirst and both teams only want blood. Beware of nuts who try and sell the package that Ohio is on a fork. Beware of the opposite, that Michigan will again be crushed. Beware in general of words: none will count after the first snap as the pads pound and the chinstraps take punishment.

Item number two- Even though words do not count, fans have the luxury of reading about, thinking about, and making conclusions about what may happen Saturday. So, let us start with the perceived advantages. Perceived because paper does not win games.

Ohio State still has the best talent in the Big Ten.

The line is monstrous, talented, veteran, but has underachieved. There have been some injuries, but the big three of Adams, Shugarts, and Brewster have not lived up to the expectations. The line coaching and play calling of Coach Bollman has come under heavy criticism, so much so that it appears unlikely Bollman can survive past this year. The line appears to plod at times, but is very powerful playing straight ahead. The A gap game has been impressive all year, just not sufficient to win on its own merit.

Ohio State has one of the top runners in the Big Ten, Boom Herron, who is relentless, fast and strong. He runs very well both up the middle and off the edge. And with Boom in the lineup, Ohio State can run off big gainers. His back-ups at running back have a big advantage over Michigan’s. But all a team needs is one hot back, especially if his name is Timmy B.

Ohio State has a plethora of talent on defense. This athletic group has a full cupboard, excepting linebackers, and Andrew Sweat’s status will be very important to this week’s final result. He is a difference maker. Hankins and Simon have played superior football during the tough times for the Buckeyes. The defensive backs have great talent and two or three will probably play on Sunday. Right now this group has been heavily criticized for missing tackles and missing opportunities. Roby, Barnett, and Bryant are very impressive, but again have had moments.

Ohio State has the two best receivers, talent wise, in Saturday’s game. But one will be playing in only his second game and the other has been only marginally used to his potential in the offense.

Ohio State’s kickers hold a slight advantage. Buchanan is a very good position kicker, very similar to Hagerup, and Basil holds a length advantage over Gibbons.

At the start of the year, Ohio State’s physical advantages over Michigan made the game look like a near-certain Buckeye win. The speed and physical play differences were once nearly polar. But as used to happen frequently in the 1970’s to 1900’s the mismatch tag disappeared as both teams neared the Big Game. This year has seen a return to that past trend.

Michigan has closed the gap in performance, if not talent, and some would say taken the lead. This has provided momentum, a not to be discounted quality going into this game. But while nice this factor far form guarantees anything. Michigan has taken away Ohio State’s biggest advantage in this series, the difference between the defensive units. Both units are highly rated and capable of playing very well. Never discount the talent and play of an Ohio State defense, this year included.

Michigan is at home, and while many would say that is not a factor in the series history, most would say who would not rather play at home, especially this year, and under the current circumstances. Such circumstances can be very motivating for a team under fire like Ohio State. But sometimes the circumstances become so grating that edge disintegrates. There is a breaking point to adversity and Michigan’s mission is to seek that edge, a very difficult task. Ohio State has persevered in this rivalry for over a decade, never letting the breaking point occur. There will be urgency to continue this long record of performance.

But the Ohio State offense has a splendid freshman, not a splendid junior. His fast and shifty feet are Ohio State’s best weapon. His play and Ohio State’s so-far limited offense can also be a magnet for hornets. Sometimes the hornets win and sometime fast feet win.

There are of course many pushes in this match-up, one being the overall coaching. Both staffs have distinguished veteran coaches most schools would feel fortunate to obtain. Both teams will be prepared and both teams will paly hard. Both teams preach mental toughness, and both teams teach will power. Both teams can win and both teams may deserve to win, but one will win.

So what will be the difference? More to come this week, stay in touch and thank you for reading.

You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine

Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment.

Written by GBMWolverine Staff

Go Blue — Wear Maize!