Michigan Football: Beating Ohio State Has Brought the Big House Back to Life

This was more than just a game. 

As I walked through the crowded streets of Ann Arbor, the excitement was palpable. Everyone and their mother knew how big of an opportunity this was for the Michigan Wolverines.

It wasn't just a chance to beat Ohio State, or to hit double-digit wins for the first time in five years.

It was a chance to end an eight-year nightmare.

I attended the game on Saturday, and the atmosphere in the stadium was incomparable to any game over the past five years.

The Big House was alive again.

Overall, it was an exciting game. Both offenses were effective, but the defenses struggled. Braxton Miller’s inaccuracy was exposed, as he missed too many open receivers, but he continued to make plays with his feet.

Denard Robinson had his best game of the season, going 14/17 for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Robinson was very accurate throwing the ball. He made great decisions all game, both passing and in his read options. Robinson was very efficient on the ground as well, finishing with 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Michigan did have two costly fumbles, resulting in a total of 10 points for the Buckeyes, but their resiliency could not be denied.

In the end, Michigan was the better team. They wanted it more, and they certainly needed it more.

You cannot say enough about Brady Hoke and his staff. What they have accomplished in their first year at Michigan is remarkable. The Wolverines were 6-2 in the Big Ten this year, which equals the number of Big Ten victories that Rich Rodriguez had in his three years at Michigan combined (he was 6-18).

Greg Mattison and Al Borges deserve their kudos as well. Mattison has completely revitalized a defense that was one of the worst in the country last year. Borges has done a great job adapting to Robinson's skill set and using it effectively. 

When Courtney Avery intercepted Braxton Miller to seal the deal, the Big House erupted. The student section was in pandemonium and the field was quickly covered with elated fans.

The Wolverines are back.   

Many are predicting Michigan to be in the Sugar Bowl against undefeated Houston. The BCS bids and bowl games are yet to be determined, but one thing is for certain:

It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine.