Judgement Day-Sizing Up the Game of the Century

Will the Buckeyes prevail, or will Michigan have the final verdict?



It’s finally here. No more waiting, my football friends. No more “we’re playing Northwestern this week” quotes from the players. #1 Ohio State (11-0) vs. #2 Michigan (11-0). It’s all on the table: Big Ten Championship, National Championship, and the bragging rights that come with winning the biggest game in the history of sports’ greatest rivalry. It has always been one of the fiercest- Michigan fans and Ohio State fans are already going at it in March (just ask the high school seniors who don’t watch football), and the intensity builds all the way up to that glorious third Saturday in November. Fans can’t even agree on a name for the rivalry. Buckeye fans call it the Ohio State-Michigan game, while Maize and Blue faithful call it the Michigan-Ohio State game. Those of us who have at least a small spirit of compromise simply call it “The Game”. Michigan and Ohio State. Ohio State and Michigan. THE Game. That’s all you need to say. And for those of you who are college football-informed, this is the semifinals of the playoff so many people have argued for. It’s on the line. The loser leaves brokenhearted, while the victor moves on for a chance at a national championship. It doesn’t get any better than this. On to the analysis of the 103rd installment of the greatest rivalry in sports:

Ohio State Rush Offense vs. Michigan Rush Defense
Ohio State’s Antonio Pittman is quietly having another solid year. After rushing for over 1,000 yards this season, the junior tailback has crossed that milestone again this season with 1,032 yards on 214 carries. He has preformed admirably in the shadow of two Heisman candidates this year- often having his best performances when quarterback Troy Smith struggles. True freshman Chris Wells, a bruising back who can move the pile, is having a great season for anyone, especially a freshman, scoring six touchdowns. But unless Pittman or Wells has the game of his life, there won’t be much room to run against Michigan’s front seven - the #1 rush defense in the country in statistics (30.0 yards per game on the ground) and reality. The Wolverines’ interior run defense is as stout as they come ( and I mean STOUT- the combined weight of defensive tackles Terrance Taylor and Alan Branch is 635 pounds, Branch being a 6-6, 335 pound monster who is agile enough to have played end a year ago). Pittman or true freshman Chris Wells probably won’t have much more success on the outside either. Linebackers Prescott Burgess and Shawn Crable are mohawk-sporting, run-stuffing, and quarterback-punishing athletes who are very quick sideline to sideline. Also, both of these young men are former Ohio high school stars who would love nothing more than to beat their chief rivals in Columbus. Middle linebacker David Harris has racked up 80 tackles, 63 of them being solo tackles, and his impact on this defense goes far beyond statistics, as former Buckeye great Chris Spielman called him the country’s best linebacker. The biggest test for the Wolverine run defense will come from quarterback Troy Smith, who has dominated Michigan each of the past two years. But this Michigan defense is a confident an talented group and first-year defensive coordinator Ron English has brought a swagger to the defense that, when combined with the physical abilities of the players and a great package (finally), is unrivaled in the rest of college football. So don’t expect the Buckeyes to be able to run effectively, that is, unless they pass effectively first.

Advantage: Michigan
Key Matchup: Michigan seniors vs. History. The seniors on this Michigan defense, Lamarr Woodley, Rondell Biggs, David Harris, Prescott Burgess, Leon Hall, and Willis Barringer remember all too well the success of Troy Smith against Michigan over the past two seasons. Can Michigan overcome that bad history and finally stop a running quarterback, specifically Troy Smith? This is they’re biggest opportunity to get that monkey off their back and prove that they really are a different defense.

Ohio State Pass Offense vs. Michigan Pass Defense
The Buckeye’s passing game is nowhere near the top statistically, but it may be the most effective in the nation. Quarterback Troy Smith is the best in college football at spreading the ball around, and he has an embarrassment of riches downfield in wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn Jr. Gonzalez and Ginn have combined for 13 touchdown receptions this season, while almost dead even in every statistical category. Everyone knows about Ginn’s explosive speed and amazing talent, but most Buckeye fans think Gonzalez is a better pure receiver.
When coupled with Smith’s good decision-making (just 4 interceptions) and pinpoint accuracy (66.4 completion percentage), and the contributions of Brian Robiske and others, the Ohio State passing game is sometimes impossible to stop- exhibit A being the Texas game, where Smith shredded the Longhorn secondary for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Will Michigan be able to are better than their fellow Big Ten teams at slowing down Troy’s Boys? If they expect to win, they might have to. Cornerback Leon Hall is having an All-American worthy year with three interceptions, and he holds the school record for career pass break-ups with 43- quite an accomplishment when one considers that Ty Law, Charles Woodson, and Marlin Jackson all played at Michigan. Teams have hardly thrown Hall’s way this season, but expect the Buckeyes to take their chances if Hall is isolated with Ginn, Gonzalez, or Robiske an the outside. Sophomore Morgan Trent, a high school track star, may be the guy to go up against the speed of Ginn, while Hall would likely cover the more technically sound Gonzalez. Michigan boasts the Big Ten’s best pass rush and one of the nation’s most explosive front seven. They lead the nation in sacks with 41, and they boast the Big Ten’s top pass rusher, Lamarr Woodley, who has 11 sacks for a loss of 111 combined yards, and who also has the Michigan single-season sack record of twelve within reach. When combined with Branch(2 sacks), Taylor(1 sack), Tim Jamsion(6 sacks), Rondell Biggs(5 sacks), Shawn Crable(6 sacks), and Prescott Burgess (3 sacks), there is probably no better unit at getting after the quarterback. But there is probably no better unit than throwing the football than Ohio State, and Troy Smith’s mobility is what beat Michigan last year. Remember, it was Troy Smith’s arm that beat Michigan last year. With the secondary being Michigan’s biggest relative weakness on this veteran defense, the Buckeyes will throw the ball effectively.

Advantage: Ohio State
Key Matchup: Morgan Trent vs. Ted Ginn Jr. Both have great speed. Both are in positions they didn’t play in high school. And The Game may rest on their performances. Ginn’s ability to get open (or a lack of it) will be paramount in Saturday’s game.

Michigan’s Rush Offense vs. Ohio State’s Rush Defense
If there is any questions as to why Michigan is so much better this year as opposed to last year’s 7-5 squad, much of the answer comes in running back Mike Hart. Injured for the majority of 2005, Hart missed seven games a year ago, including most of the Ohio State game. Now, Mike Hart is fully healthy and thriving in Michigan’s new zone blocking scheme. Leading the nation in carries with 278 and fourth nationally with 1,373 yards, Hart has been very dependable this season, never goes down on first contact, and hasn’t lost a fumble since his first game his freshman year. Sophomore Kevin Grady and freshman Brandon Minor have shown flashes of ability, but neither will get substantial playing time against the Buckeyes with a healthy Mike Hart. Ohio State’s rush defense, although nowhere near the level of last year’s unit, has improved dramatically since the beginning of the season. Linebacker James Laurinitis has almost made Buckeye fans forget about A.J. Hawk with his 91 tackles and three forced fumbles, and defensive tackle Vernon Gholston has been a disrupter in the middle, leading the team with 14 tackles for loss. Because of the physical nature of the Buckeye’s defensive front, Michigan will have to convert some third downs through the air. Despite this, Michigan’s line is talented and experienced, and anchored by a 6-7 315 pound left tackle in Jake Long. This Michigan line remembers the struggle of the last two years for Mike Hart and the Wolverines’ running game, and they don’t want that bad taste in their mouth this year. So if you were to ask me who I would take on fourth-and-goal on the one with the game on the line, I would probably take Michigan with their run-to-the-whistle Mike Hart.

Advantage: Michigan
Key Matchup: Michigan O-line vs. Ohio State D-line. Three years ago, Michigan’s line dominated, and the Wolverines won. Each of the past two seasons, the Buckeye’s have overpowered the Michigan line, both games Buckeye victories. Also, Michigan is 17-1 when Hart gains 100 yards or more on the ground. I think you can probably see where I am going with this. The winner of this matchup will likely win the game.




Michigan Pass Offense vs. Ohio State Pass Defense
Michigan’s quarterback Chad Henne doesn’t have the razzle-dazzle of Troy Smith, or the big numbers of Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn, but he has a stronger arm than either of them is very similar. Henne, a junior, has all the physical tools to make him a top NFL prospect, but his recent development as a vocal leader of the team has made him even more valuable. Don’t expect this ice-blooded competitor to be rattled by the big game atmosphere in the Horseshoe, either. He’s played there before (throwing for 328 yards and two touchdowns) and has played in the Big Ten rowdiest stadiums such as Penn State and Iowa- and won both games. Much has been made of Ohio State’s receivers, and rightfully so, but Michigan has very similar depth. Adrian Arrington is a solid possession guy, and Mario Manningham is a legitimate deep threat who can regularly beat single coverages. He is also a touchdown machine, tied for the conference lead with Indiana’s James Hardy in touchdowns with nine, despite missing five games with a knee injury. “Super Mario” is now fully healthy and ready to go, though don’t be surprised if he’s not the same player he was at the beginning of the year. Steve Breaston finally had a breakout game last week against Indiana with 3 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, and then returned a punt 83 yards for another score. Although not as polished a receiver as Ginn, Gonzalez, or Manningham, Breaston is still a threat to be taken into account. The Ohio State pass defense, losing every player from last year’s secondary and linebacker corps, has overachieved all year. They have been unbelievably good this season- intercepting 21 passes and returning 4 for touchdowns. They are easily the Big Ten’s top unit against the pass, and perhaps one of the nation’s best. Sophomore corner Malcom Jenkins is as good a cover corner as there is, while the other corner, Antonio Smith, has been a very pleasant surprise this year for Buckeye fans. Linebacker James Laurinitis is a monster at forcing turnovers, intercepting a conference high 5 passes. With Henne’s tendency to let go of two or three absolutely awful passes a game, the Buckeye’s ability to force turnovers will be interesting to watch. It will also be very intriguing to see how Ohio State’s defense does if the Wolverines do not turn the ball over, for the Buckeye defense has thrived on takeaways this season. Ohio State’s secondary will continue their fantastic play, and if Manningham’s production doesn’t increase significantly for this game, then Michigan’s passing game could struggle significantly- especially if the running game is not solid for the Maize and Blue.

Advantage: Ohio State
Key Matchup: WR Mario Manningham vs. S Jamario O’Neal. This isn’t really a key matchup right now, but it could be if O’Neal lets Manningham behind him. These two were high school football stars in Ohio, O’Neal at Glenville and Manningham at Warren Harding, and they faced each other in their respective senior years. Let’s just say that if history repeats itself in the Manningham-O’Neal matchup, it’s going to be a VERY long day for Ohio State.

Intangibles
The Game is in Columbus, so that gives Ohio State an early edge. However, Michigan is sick of hearing about how much superior Ohio State is after the Buckeyes won four out of the last five games, and Michigan is ready to prove that the rivalry is not falling into the Buckeye’s control. Lamarr Woodley even said that he wants to win this game to prove all of Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr’s critics wrong.Ohio State may have the home field, but Michigan has a lot to prove, and they plan to prove themselves on Nov. 18th. Ohio State’s home crowd and more consistent quarterback carries them in this category, but only barely.

Advantage: Ohio State

If Michigan can control the crowd, stop the run and run the football effectively themselves, they have a chance to win. But if Ohio State can jump to an early lead, then they can ride the home field advantage and crowd noise all the way to Glendale for the national championship game. It will be a fun and entertaining game to watch, and it may come down to the wire. A lot is on the line in this game. For Michigan, a chance to end all doubts and erase years of disappointment against their archrival on their way to a national championship game berth. For Ohio State, an opportunity to launch themselves into the national title game, win Troy Smith a Heisman Trophy, and take unquestionable dominance in this rivalry. It’s all on the table. Michigan and Ohio State. Ohio State and Michigan. Game on.

School favors OSU

88% of School Likes OSU; Troy Earns Respect of Michigan Fans

By: Andrew Smith


Emmanuel Christian Academy clearly and undeniably bleeds scarlet and gray Buckeye blood. In a recent study conducted by the Connection staff (my special thanks to Mrs. Acker for allowing us class time), it was discovered that 88% of the school’s college football-watching student body roots for the Ohio State football team. This is a staggering, but not surprising number- especially considering the Buckeyes’ recent success. The Ohio State University football team has steamrolled to a stellar 5-0 record and number one ranking through the month of September, all the while looking every bit like the nation’s top team they are proclaimed to be. Optimism rules the hearts of Buckeye believers, as 80% of our school’s Ohio State fans believe that Ohio State will run the table and finish the year with a spotless 12-0 record, including a season-ending win against archrival Michigan. Only 7% of our high school students predict a season-ending loss to the Wolverines, including just one professed Buckeye fan. After seeing what the Ohio State offense can do to poor opponents down the road like lowly Indiana and Northwestern, many people don’t see Ohio State losing at all this year. Obviously, most students here agree with that sentiment. The fact is obvious and undeniable: Ohio State has the ability to become a great (as in national-title great) football team. There are a few things that compose a great team, and Ohio State has most, if not all of them. Great defense: check, they lead the Big Ten in interceptions. Great coaching: check, Jim Tressel is one of the country’s best. Then there are super playmakers, and Ohio State has no shortage here. Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Antonio Pittman, and Anthony Gonzalez are just a few of the Buckeyes’ game breakers. Of all these solid attributes that Ohio State boasts, nothing is more important than having a great quarterback. Ohio State has a gem in quarterback Troy Smith, the Heisman frontrunner and arguably the most dangerous player in the game. For all the talent at Ohio State, 78% of the survey participants considered Troy Smith to be the Buckeyes’ best player. Of the Michigan fans who were surveyed, every one said Troy Smith was the best player on the Ohio State roster. This is an interesting statistic that reflects Smith’s games against the Wolverines- the best respective performances of his career, both victories. But the question remains, can the Buckeyes, with all this talent, sustain this level of play for seven more games? A team’s fans are often referred to in football circles as the “twelfth man”; a clear advantage for the team who’s fans show their support in greater proportion to their opponent’s. If this really does help, then Troy’s Boys are in good shape through Emmanuel’s vibrant and vocal fan base.

Phase One: Complete

Michigan Unepectadly Rips #2 Notre Dame; Sets Season Tone in South Bend


As Michigan quarterback Chad Henne stepped up in an empty pocket and released a soft pass into the corner of the endzone, the green-clad Irish faithful held their breath. Trailing 27-7 with three minutes left in the half, Notre Dame's defense desperatly needed to keep Michigan out of the endzone if they wanted to give their offense a chance in the second half. But as Irish fans groaned, Michigan fans pumped their fists in jubilation yet again as the ball was cradled in front of the back pylon by sophmore wideout Mario Manningham-his third score of the first half (and for a third time this author abandoned his pride and shouted "SUPER MARIOOO!").

Following the extra point, both teams returned to the sidelines- Notre Dame's players walked with their heads bend in disbelief while Michigan players galloped in excitement. The Wolverines could have played another five quarters. The Irish and their fans just wanted it to end. With two minutes left in the first half , Michigan led 34-7. With two minutes left, Michigan had outgained Notre Dame 235-35 (not a typo). With two minutes left, Michigan Chad Henne looked like the Heisman candidate with 171 yards and three touchdowns, while Brady Quinn had just 19 yards. With two minutes left, the game was over, and everyone knew it- though very few could believe it. In college football stadiums across the country, football fans had to take a double-take at the scores from around the country. Michigan 34, Notre Dame 7- 2nd Quarter. "What the..." was no doubt oft-spoken phrase.

While Michigan surprised a lot of people outside the Michigan football program, no one inside the visitors lockerroom was shocked at all.

"Honestly? All week, I don't know what it was ... but we knew we were going to come down here and win,'' tailback Mike Hart said, smiling broadly. "All week, we knew it. The way we practiced, the way we watched film, our mentality ... if you asked anyone, it was just something we knew. We thought we were going to come down here and dominate. We talked about it, everyone, the linemen, the defense. I was like, 'I don't know if y'all feel it, but I feel it.'''

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn sure felt it. Sacked three times, hit countless more, and hurried on nearly every play, Notre Dame's Golden Boy never found his groove, threw three picks and fumbled once, and saw his Heisman votes drop dramatically as a result.

Now Michigan has to focus on the rest of their games- the next five likely deciding when Michigan will be when they travel to Columbus for the season finale against the top-ranked and arch-rival Ohio State Buckeyes. How will Michigan fare against Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State, Penn State and Iowa? The answer is yet to be revealed, but Mike Hart reveals the team's focus following their historic win over the Irish. When asked whether the victory proved Michigan was a great team, Hart said, "It proves were a good team. But great teams win consistently. We'll see if were a great team."

Well said, Mike. Well said.

DownWright Amazin'!- why the 2006 New York Mets have rejuvinated my childhood love

I know what you are thinking. "You are a Mets fanatic again because they are winning now". Well, to tell you the truth, you're actually right. It is not that I haven't been a Mets fan for the last five years, it's just that I am a much happier fan this year. Sitting on 53 wins at the All-Star Break (the best in a mediocre National League) along with six All-Stars (all pictured far below) makes this season the most enjoyable I've ever witnessed in my long and of sad lifetime as a Mets fan. With this great start, however, the Mets are back to the top of the NL East- a position they haven't held for any length of time for quite a while- and are poised to put together a second half of the season to remember. Having quite a bit to do with our recent success has been the two individuals pictured above. Third-basemen David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes. Wright and Reyes. Reyes and Wright. Like Bacon and Eggs before them, these two are quite good by themselves- but together, they are a thing of beauty. They are... well, amazin'! Reyes gets on base- maybe steals second- then Wright knocks him home (much like what happened above against the Marlins on July 9th). Reyes is the most exciting player I have ever seen in a Mets uniform, both with dazziling speed, great hitting, and exciting defense. Wright, on the other hand, is a perfect blend of power and average- enough average to consistently hit over .300, and enough power to hit in the Home Run Derby this season. Both young men are headed to the All-Star Game of July 11th, along with three of their teammates (catcher Paul Lo Duca, outfielder Carlos Beltran, and pitcher Tom Glavine). Because of their recent success, my love for the Mets has been rejuvinated. I've "watched" just about every Mets game this season, whether on television or the pitch-by-pitch on the internet. They have been playing better than I have seen any Mets team play, and if they get deep into the playoffs, they may (*gasp*) trump a certain football team if the two are playing simultaneously. At any rate, there is still a whole half of the season left, and the Mets still have to solve some problems in their pitching rotation if they want to be successful, but with twelve game lead in the NL East and the best record in the National League, it is hard for a fan not to look forward to the postseason. As a dedicated fan, 'ya gotta believe' that the Mets can get the job done this year!

Writing is such sweet sorrow

Pen in hand, I feel like more than just a writer, more than merely an author. I feel like a creator, an architect piecing together my stories. I sense the power to form whatever I desire; to usher an entire world into being with a simple penstroke. True, they exist only in my imagination, but is that not real enough? They are more than a straightforward fictional story, they are my dreams, conjoured up in ink and paper. Accompanying this feeling of elation, however, is a feeling of quaint responsibility. In my hand lies the ability to create a story-for better or for worse. I have read many good stories, but I have also read one or two too many bad stories to go along with them. I fear that I could write a horrible story just as easily ( if not more easily) as I could write a bad one. Granted, I could realize how abysmal my tale is and turn it into a crumpled ball in the bottom a trash can, but I would always know about it wouldn't I? The story would eat at me for as long as I write- it has happened before. I still remember a terribly written story I came up with in seventh grade about a cat named Fluffy and a dog named Rex. YIKES! I get cold chills just writing about it now. Because of this delicate situation, my writing progresses extremely slowly- if at all. I will come up with a great idea and creep slowly through the text itself-perhaps finishing it, most likely not- and either way being disappointed with the end result. Maybe that is the essance of writing itself: stories are finished but never completed, and the author just has to live with it.

What a crazy thing

Because of my love of sports (you don't have to be good to enjoy them), I have decided to talk about one of my favorite hobbies. Although golf is probably my favorite sport, I have not played in a while, considering that it is February! Having said that, I really love skiing. This past December, my family took a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah for a ski adventure! Some of the pictures we took there were so neat, that I really felt like sharing them.

That is really beautiful, isn't it?

Here am I, taking a rest, probably a bit upset about just wiping out in the ankle-deep snow!

Ah, look at that form... Looks a little like the guy on the below doesn't it?


Yes, this did happen right after the above photo. Joellyn got in my way though :)

Skiing really is a strange thing. A person straps each foot to a long board, goes outside in the coldest weather possible, let themselves fall down a hill at amazing speeds (their life resting in the little control that they have), and then has to pay for all of it!

It sure is a lot of fun, though.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Summer and winter and spring-time and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.
As my life has developed severe trials over the last twenty-four hours, and what seems so
safe is suddenly shaken, I was reminded of the great faithfulness of the Lord. All that happens is in His hands, and we are the better for it (although we often don' t think so). This is a lesson that has been made clear to me, even in life's most frightening times. Lord, may I be able to praise your faithfulness, no matter what the outcome of any situation is!

Michigan and Ohio State

I figure I'd better address a certain issue right away. I love Michigan football. Think of your favorite sports team (i.e. New York Mets, Dallas Cowboys, Dtroit Pistons, etc.) and I'll wager I like my Wolverines more. Last November, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the greatest rivalry in sports, the Michigan/Ohio State game. It's was unbelievable. The atmosphere was electric, the hype immense, with the near-perfect weather to match(a bit too cold for my taste, fortunately my uncle brought hand warmers, a life-saver). Although we lost, it was a great game to watch and those memories will last a lifetime.

Just a few photos:

why I seem to disagree with everyone

As a new blogger, I suppose that someone is going to read my posts at some point. In such a case, I will attempt to make my posts at least a bit entertaining. I am a high school student, saved by the grace of God alone through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. I enjoy and believe a number of things, but they strangely seem to contradict with the thoughts of most people I know. For example, I really love to watch and follow Michigan football, but I live in a land full of those Ohio State Buckeye fans. Doesn't really match. I love listening to classical music(the centuries-old music from Beethoven and Mozart, and the modern classical from Aaron Copland and Philip Glass), but everyone around me thinks that to be "too boring". They, of course, prefer the absolute "genius" of contemporary rock, pop, and rap music. That music is just too complex for me. I love to sing the hymns of old in church, such as the works of giants Issac Watts, Martin Luther, and Charles Wesley- while my peers prefer the modern choruses written by what's-his-name just a few years ago. Don't get me wrong- many choruses have great truth in them, and are fun to sing-but they just don't have the same depth as the hymns. I come under fire every once in a while for my theological beliefs, of which I will not delve into now. Perhaps now you might understand why I really feel like I am "holding down the fort" or "swimming upstream". I guess that is just the price to pay for being right:)