THE GAME – OSU v UM

For the 106th time Ohio State faces off against Michigan tomorrow.  The rivalry which has its roots in an actual border war fought between Ohio and Michigan (1835-1836) is a bit anti-climatic this year.  Nothing is on the line – other than pride.  Michigan is pathetic, but then again, these are just the kinds of games OSU tends to lose (think Purdue a few weeks ago).  Ohio State has locked up the Big Ten title and our 8th BCS bowl bid (We’re 4-3 with 1 national title in BCS games) by earning a trip to the Rose Bowl with the win over Iowa.  Never-the-less, there will be a few interesting sub-texts to the game.

First, Justin Borin.  Justin, whose father was an outstanding linebacker at Michigan, was starting on the Michigan offensive line two years ago.  Recuited by Lloyd Carr, former Michigan coach, he transferred to Ohio State (here’s a Plain Dealer story on the unusual transfer) shortly after Rich Rodriguez took over at that school up north.  He very publicly said Rich Rod was destroying the culture and “family values” of Michigan football.  This has been a theme thoughout the Michigan locker room and alumni circles for the past two years – of course winning games would help to change that opinion.  With the game at The Big House in Michigan, a newly redesigned stadium  seating close to 110,000, and a chance to salvage their season with a win Michigan will be motivated.

A second unusual element will be a change in uniforms for Ohio State.  Very surprising.  Tressel is the incarnation of Ohio State football values which may be summed up by the word, “Tradition.”  3 yards and a cloud of dust.  Power football.  In the past four games Ohio State has rushed for over 225 yards in each game.  So, to break out new uniforms is like scrapping the I formation and installing the wildcat (what would it be called at Ohio State, “buck nuts?”) offense.  To be fair, they aren’t quite new.  They are throwbacks to the 1954 team.  The 1954 team was undefeated and the first of Woody Hayes’ 5 national titles.

The last intriguing subtext is that Ohio State has won five straight – the longest in the rivalry.  Can we keep the streak alive?

Want to watch the game a few hundred Ohio State fans?  Head out to Centre Point Grille at Tanger Outlet, the home of the local Buckeye Backers.