No rivalry in sports can quite match up with Michigan-Ohio State. No pairing combines such a strong history (104 years of it), such a deep tradition, and such rich pageantry.
The bands. The fight songs. The stadiums. The uniforms.
And, oh, the hatred that flows between the two fanbases.
The contest needs no description or introduction—it’s simply known in the Midwest as “The Game”. It doesn't need a corny trophy, or constant national coverage,
It also doesn't need a melodramatic article penned by an amateur writer and posted on an all-sports website—but a brief preview can’t hurt.
Ohio State came into the year with a lot of questions.
The defense was expected to carry the team, and they haven’t disappointed.
At least, they hadn't until last week, when the Illinois offense ran for 260 yards and sophomore quarterback Juice Williams threw four touchdowns en route to a 28-21 win.
On the game-clinching, 8:09-minute drive, Williams scrambled to move the chains on three third downs and one fourth down.
OSU's struggles to slow down a mobile quarterback in crucial situations were cruelly similar to those of their hated rivals in Michigan.
Their ridiculously efficient and dare I say periodically explosive offense also hurt the Buckeyes against Illinois—quarterback Todd Boeckman threw three interceptions in critical situations to contribute to the loss.
For most of the season, however, Boeckman has been reliable, the offensive line has been solid, and running back Chris Wells has been unstoppable—when healthy.
The Buckeyes like to think they have the loss behind them, but some observers have wondered whether a hangover will follow OSU to Ann Arbor.
Michigan entered the season with high expectations after Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Jake Long all decided to return for their senior seasons, and the offense seemed primed to be among the nation’s best.
The defense was worse than expected, however, and the Wolverines dropped their opening games of the season against Appalachian State and Oregon.
To their credit, the Wolverines rebounded with an eight-game winning streak, and appeared to have reestablished themselves as one of the nation’s elite teams.
And then they traveled to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers without the services of Henne or Hart.
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