The Rivalry Source: ESPN.com - "Ohio State-Michigan has given college football fans an incredible amount of indelible moments. Here's a look at The Rivalry."
Barton to give senior pregame speech November 15, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "What red-blooded American hasn't dreamed of standing in front of a football team before a big game and delivering a stirring speech?...Buckeyes co-captain and senior right tackle Kirk Barton will get that chance, addressing Ohio State before The Game with Michigan..."
Ohio State's Barton back to work after loss November 15, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "When it comes to Michigan, Ohio State senior captain Kirk Barton has proven he knows how to enjoy a victory, and now he's eager to show he can lead a rebound..."
Michigan, OSU Go Old School For Big Ten Title November 14, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "...We take an exhaustive look at Michigan and have comments from Lloyd Carr and his players on this game and OSU. Click this free link for more...The bounceback and redemption factors...The injury factor...The Big Ten title factor..."
Note: All access to the football team is over after the Monday before the Michigan game, unlike the regular media schedule.
Press Conference Transcript - Head Coach Jim Tressel November 12, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Good to see Eddie George in the house. Wouldn't mind seeing him in the back field. Looks like he could still do it. It's an exciting time. As you know, it's what we are at Ohio State for and why the guys are at Michigan to play and the greatest game..."
Tressel gets butterflies before The Game November 17, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, giving a rare peek behind his personal curtain, admitted the morning of the Michigan game leaves him with a tight gut. In fact, 'Your gut is tight from Sunday on,' Tressel said. The preparation is endless, and then Saturday morning, the anxiety comes into play. 'The best news is, we're playing at noon,' Tressel said. 'Because when you wake up, the longer you have to wait -- I've said it before, there's nothing worse than the last hour before kickoff, because there's really nothing to do. At least three hours before kickoff, you can stare at your sheets, and look at your game-plan sheets or circle something or whatever. But an hour before, you've done all that by then. So it's exciting that it's at noon and it's an exciting time.'"
Tressel, Carr Touch On The Issues November 13, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel and Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr talked early this afternoon at the Big Ten coaches teleconference about several of the pressing issues surrounding this week's OSU-Michigan game. Was any light shed on some of the big questions for each side? Check it out in this teleconference wrap-up..."
Focus stays dead ahead November 16, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Boeckman can't afford to dwell on poor outing...Boeckman will try to become the third straight quarterback under Tressel to win in his first start in The Game, after Smith in 2004 and Craig Krenzel in 2001..."
Boeckman prepared for biggest test November 15, 2007 Source: CentralOhio.com - "OSU quarterback has thrived so far in hostile environments...He threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns in a cross-country jaunt to Seattle as the Buckeyes rallied from a 7-3 deficit to blow out Washington 33-14. In a night game at Penn State, where Ohio State had won once in its previous five visits, he completed 19-of-26 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-17 rout..."
Press Conference Transcript - Linebacker James Laurinaitis November 12, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "James, how about the difference between your first timeout against Michigan, replacing Bobby and how far you've come, talk about the difference in that and how this feels different..."
Football Media Day Quotes November 12, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "'You immediately have to go to that focus on Michigan...' - Vernon Gholston..." (plus quotes from Boeckman, Barton, Washington, Heyward, Freeman, Daly and Trepasso)
Gholston is going home; Junior from Michigan having stellar season November 16, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "With arms as big as an Ann Arbor oak, Vernon Gholston doesn’t get harassed much back home. Ohio State’s defensive end, the one who could leave for the NFL after the junior season he’s having, is one of two Buckeyes from Michigan..."
Wells is thumbs up November 13, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Running back Chris "Beanie" Wells wore a brace yesterday to protect his jammed right thumb, which gained a lot of attention during the team's loss to Illinois. Wells had the joint retaped several times during the game but always returned. 'It's feeling OK,' Wells said. 'I hurt it a little bit (Nov. 3 against Wisconsin) and I re-injured it again Saturday.' He said it hasn't caused him to carry the ball any differently. 'It didn't affect me that much,' he said. 'I dropped the ball on that pitch (he recovered). I couldn't really grip it. That was about it.'"
Wells, Taylor share blood, not loyalty in OSU-Michigan clash November 16, 2007 Source: Mansfield News Journal - "Ohio State tailback Chris Wells dons scarlet, which makes Michigan's former All-American Billy Taylor all blue, especially this week. Forget Ohio State's star is kin. Charles Wells, father of "Beanie" Wells, is Taylor's first cousin..."
OSU and Michigan Running Backs Ailing Heading Into Game November 14, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The running backs on both rosters are ailing headed into the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. What is the status of Beanie Wells, Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine? Check out the-Ozone report now..."
Pronounced fit November 17, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Tressel said late in the week that freshman running back Brandon Saine is cleared to play after having to sit out the second half of the loss to Illinois because of a slight concussion. Tressel also hinted on his radio call-in show Ohio State might have some things in store for Saine."
OSU taking comments to Hart November 13, 2007 Source: Detroit News - "Mike Hart: "I guarantee if we play them again, it would be a whole different game.' Those words still were ringing in the ears of the Ohio State players Monday as they began preparations for Saturday's Big Ten showdown in Ann Arbor..."
Michigan: Next question, please... November 13, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Carr won't say if Hart, Henne are healthy enough to play against Ohio State..."
On the rebound November 17, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State still has plenty to play for if it can overcome letdown after loss...'I think this week will define us,' cornerback Donald Washington said. 'Last week, things didn't go how we wanted it to. It kind of shattered a dream for us. But at the same time, we know that we've got the biggest game of the season left still to play. And if we just hang our head on one loss, then it could be the same results this week. So we've just got to come back, put that loss behind us and get ready for Michigan.'..."
Ohio State must bounce back vs. Michigan November 16, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "Ohio State is still finding it hard to come to grips with the fact it fatally wounded itself last week with that unexpected 28-21 loss to Illinois in Columbus. An unbeaten season? No longer possible. An invite to the BCS national championship game? We don't think so. Lose, and they're just another Ohio State team, whose legacy will be lost in the pages of an otherwise glorious history. Worse yet, they will live for a year with the fact the Wolverines - who started the season with two losses (including the season opener against Appalachian State) and had an eight-game winning streak broken by Wisconsin last weekend - will have crawled out of the abyss to steal the conference title on the final day of the year. That should be enough to get the Buckeyes' attention. But it's hard to tell how that loss to Illinois - a 15-point underdog - will affect their psyche..."
Michigan-Ohio State not without controversy November 13, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Both Ohio State’s Jim Tressel and Michigan’s Lloyd Carr did their first bit of coaching this week. They instructed their players to not say anything negative about the other team on the eve of 104th meeting of the Buckeyes and Wolverines on Saturday at the Big House. Idle talk has inflamed The Game in a history of controversies before, after and during the annual grudge match..."
Buckeyes get offense ready for Michigan November 15, 2007 Source: Toledo Blade - "In six games against Michigan, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has had his way five times....In the half-dozen battles with the Wolverines, Tressel-coached teams have scored more than 27 points per game. Over the past three games - all Ohio State victories - that offensive average of the Buckeyes jumps to almost 35 points per game..."
Flaws exploited, OSU feeling pain November 14, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Some of the players lacked the pep in their step that had been the norm after the Ohio State Buckeyes climbed to No. 1 in the country a month ago, and the smiles were infrequent. As team members dutifully answered questions, it was obvious they suffered from an Illinois Fighting Illini hangover courtesy of a 28-21 loss Saturday at Ohio Stadium on Senior Day. Considering the game sacked their quest for a second consecutive appearance in the BCS National Championship Game, that's understandable. 'It hurt. Anytime you lose a game, especially when you are undefeated, it's going to hurt, and it did,' linebacker Marcus Freeman said. 'I hurt real bad for Saturday and Sunday, but we tried to put that behind us yesterday and put our focus to Michigan, because it's going to be a huge game for us.' The Illinois game exposed weaknesses in the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball..."
OSU defense has questions to answer November 14, 2007 Source: Lima News - "The questions about Ohio State’s defense have returned. The cracks in its faulty foundation that were exposed in the last two games of last season seem to have reappeared during a 28-21 loss to Illinois last Saturday. Ohio State came into last week’s game giving up 9.7 points a game and allowed 28. Teams were averaging 65 yards a game rushing against them and the Illini rolled up 260 yards on the ground. It was uncomfortably similar to the end of last season when Ohio State arrived at the Michigan game giving up 7.8 points and 262 yards a game on defense. But Michigan got 39 points and 397 yards in a 42-39 OSU win..."
OSU defense out to avoid a late slide November 14, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "After running for three touchdowns and helping his team score 39 points against Ohio State last season, Michigan running back Mike Hart had this to say: 'Their defense played good, but they're not as good as people thought. There's nothing special about that defense.' Inflammatory? Yes. And it sounded like sour grapes, considering that Ohio State won. But can it be called trash-talking if it were the truth?..." Wolverines' Hart wanted another shot at Buckeyes; now he'll get it November 14, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News
Tressel has owned Carr November 16, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Michigan coach's recent record in The Game has some fans wondering if he can beat OSU...Even though the Ohio State football team has missed its chance to play for a national championship, another kind of championship looms. 'If you walk around this facility, you see signs, 'The countdown to Michigan,' 'What have you done to beat Michigan?'' said Eddie George, the former OSU running back and Heisman Trophy winner. 'Everything is directed to that game. It's the Big Ten, then it's Ohio State and the rivalry. That's something kids understand when they come here from Day 1.'..."
Bill Livingston: Tressel driven, Carr exiting? November 17, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Coaches stay and players leave every year, so the coaches dominate the perception of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. Today the focus will be even more on one of them, when the Wolverines' Lloyd Carr probably coaches his last game against the Buckeyes..."
CHRIS SPEILMAN: I think Lloyd Carr's tired; OSU, U-M will be 'angry' November 15, 2007 Source: Detroit Free Press - "Former (Ohio State great and) Lions linebacker Chris Spielman, who can be heard on WBNS-AM (1460) in Columbus, Ohio, talked with WXYT-FM about the Michigan-Ohio State game: On whether this is Lloyd Carr’s last game...On Ohio State’s loss to Illinois...On both teams losing before the big game...(more)"
Bucknuts Q&A: Eddie Assesses `The Game' November 15, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "With his natural charm, passion for the subject and all-time status in the program, you've got to listen when Eddie George is talking Ohio State football. The former Buckeye superstar was in town earlier this week and weighed in on several topics related to the OSU-Michigan game, including his own personal experiences vs. UM, the recent coaching magic of Jim Tressel and the 'overrated' Big House in Ann Arbor..."
George Has Plenty Of Opinions On Game November 16, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "A productive NFL career that included more than 10,000 rushing yards did nothing to blunt Ohio State legend Eddie George's love of OSU. The loquacious former tailback checks in with his thoughts on Saturday's game with Michigan and picks a winner of the 104th showdown..."
Herbstreit: Rivalry has gotten 'out of hand' November 16, 2007 Source: Ann Arbor News - "...as familiar as Herbstreit is with both Michigan and Ohio State, it's a rivalry, he says, that has taken a turn for the worse. A showdown once built on mutual respect between coaches Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes has gotten to be 'out of hand'. 'You get around the rivalry today and there's a lot of idiots when it comes to the fan bases,' Herbstreit said. 'It's gotten very nasty. It's gotten very personal.'..."
THE SERIES
Michigan leads the all-time series with Ohio State by a 57-40-6 count. Michigan leads 30-18-4 in games played in Ann Arbor. Since 1951, the Buckeyes hold a 28-26-2 lead, including victories in five of the six games during the Jim Tressel era. Ohio State has won the last three meetings with Michigan.The two teams first met in 1897 and the rivalry has been continuous since 1918. Since 1935, the game has been the traditional conference finale between the two schools.
SERIES INFORMATION Overall: Michigan leads, 57-40-6
In Columbus: Michigan leads, 27-22-2
In Ann Arbor: Michigan leads, 30-18-4
Last Ohio State Win: 42-39, 2006
Last Michigan Win: 35-21, 2003
Biggest Margin of Victory for OSU: 38-0, 1935
Biggest Margin of Victory for UM: 86-0, 1902
Longest Winning Steak for OSU: 4 (twice) 1934-37, 1960-63
Longest Winning Steak for UM: 9 (1901-09)
Current Win Streak: Ohio State, 3
Series When Both Teams are Ranked: Michigan leads 20-16-4
Matchup Edge
OHIST
Edge in:
MICH
Points/Game
Yards Gained
Yards Allowed
Time of Possession
Penalties
Punting
Fumbles
The Game Source: BuckeyeFansOnly.com - "The Big Ten powers that decided in 1935 to schedule Michigan and Ohio State as each others last game of the season must have been able to foretell the future. Today many consider 'The Game' the greatest sports rivalry of the 20th century, including the United States Congress which recognized The Game as the "greatest sports rivalry in history..." The Game: Some Classics Source: BuckeyeFansOnly.com - "Following is a capsule look at some of the more interesting Ohio State-Michigan games..."
Last Time Out... November 13, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The Big Ten title is on the line as the Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor to face their rivals. Check out how Ohio State did against Michigan in its last meeting in this edition of "Last Time Out..."
The Game: A Historical Perspective November 14, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "We take a look back at the incredible history of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. Known far and wide as The Game, this rivalry is described as the greatest rivalry in college football and, perhaps, in all of sports. We go through the years and share the high points of this great rivalry. Click this free link for more..."
The Rivalry Source: ESPN - ""As a freshman playing in his first Michigan-Ohio State game, Archie Griffin talks about his indoctrination into The Rivalry."
Buckeyes, Wolverines settle for Big Ten championship November 14, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "...Not since 1959 have OSU and Michigan met with each coming off a loss the preceding week, but Wisconsin's 37-21 beating of the Wolverines and Illinois' stunning 28-21 upset of the Buckeyes dimmed the spotlight on a matchup that could have been so much more..."
Schedule & Results To Date
Ohio State 10-1 Youngstown St. W: 38-6
Akron W: 20-2
Washington W: 14
Northwestern W: 58-7
Minnesota W: 30-7
Purdue W: 23-7
Kent State W: 48-3
Michigan St. W: 24-17
Penn St. W: 37-17
Wisconsin W: 38-17
Illinos L: 28-21
Michigan 8-3 Appalachian St. L: 34-32
Oregon L: 39-7
Notre Dame W: 38-0
Penn St. W: 14-9
Northwestern W: 28-16
Eastern Mich. W: 33-22
Purdue W: 48-21
Illinois W: 27-17
Minnesota W: 34-10
Michigan St. W: 28-24
Wisconsin L: 37-21
Why to watch: It's Michigan vs. Ohio State for the Big Ten title. What a shock. There might not be the luster on this game of last year's all-timer, and there might not be the national interest there was two weeks ago when the Buckeyes were No. 1 and the lead dog in the national title chase, but there's still reason for non-Big Teners to be interested in the greatest rivalry in sports. If OSU wins, it'll go to the Rose Bowl and Michigan will be all but certain to go to the Capital One Bowl. Had the Wolverines beaten Wisconsin last week, they could've had a shot to slip into an at-large BCS slot with a reasonable loss to the Buckeyes, but now, any dreams of a big money spotlight game rest on winning this week so they can go to the Rose Bowl. If you're a fan of the ACC, SEC or Big East, the league's not assured, at the moment, of a second team getting in the BCS, you might need Ohio State to win. Of course, the main storylines are about Michigan. Last year the loss of Bo Schembechler cranked up the intensity of what was already the greatest matchup ever between the two schools, while this year, there's talk of Lloyd Carr retiring at the end of the year, and there's that 0-3 matzo ball hanging over the head of the Michigan stars. QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and OT Jake Long might be the most productive trio of stars Michigan has ever had, but they haven't beaten Ohio State and they haven't won a bowl game. Rose Bowl, schmose Bowl, this is the game they desperately want. For Ohio State, a win wouldn't just mean a four-game winning streak over their hated rivals for the first time since a run from 1960 to 1964, but it would keep the feint national title dreams alive. It would take a ton of crazy things to get to New Orleans for the BCS Championship game, but at 11-1, the slim hopes would still exist. At worst, a loss should mean an at-large BCS bid, while a win would mean the first trip to the Rose Bowl in the Jim Tressel era, and the program's first game in Pasadena since beating Arizona State and Jake Plummer in the 1997 classic.
Why Ohio State might win: In a strange sort of way, losing to Illinois last week might have been the best thing that could've happened to OSU for this game. Had the Buckeyes been unbeaten, the pressure would've been completely on their shoulders, but now that they're not playing for the national title, all the pressure, all the focus, and all the weight of the expectations are on Michigan. If it the Wolverines can't beat the Buckeyes this year, considering this is a home game with all the stars expected back and ready, then when will it? Even if Hart and Henne are back and ready, this was hardly a juggernaut when they were right, needing to battle hard to put points on the board. As good as the Michigan offensive line is, it's been mediocre in pass protection. The Buckeye defensive front has been terrific lately at getting to the quarterback and should have few problems popping Henne.
Why Michigan might win: That supposedly impenetrable Ohio State secondary gave up four touchdown passes to Juice Williams last week; one of the nation's most inefficient passers. The Buckeyes have faced one great receiving corps this year, Purdue's and gave up 268 yards and a touchdown in the easy win, and one good receiving corps in Penn State, and shut it down. Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington are playing extremely well and should stretch things out enough to keep the safeties deep. Michigan's big defensive issues come against running quarterbacks. That's not Todd Boeckman.
Who to watch: Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Jake Long, you're on. Long has been an All-America rock all season long, while Henne and Hart have tried to fight through injuries over the back half of the season. Short of having a limb cut off, the two stars won't be kept off the field in the game they need to avoid the "yeah, but" before their names in the history books. Hart tore off 142 yards and two touchdowns in last year's matchup, but this year is a near mirror image of 2005 when he was hurts over the back half of the season and was only able to carry the ball nine times for 15 yards in a 25-21 loss. Henne might be 0-3 against OSU, but it's not necessarily been his fault. He's been terrific in the three averaging showdowns averaging 273 yards per game with five touchdown and two interceptions, both coming in the first game. For Henne and Hart, this is their national title game. The Rose Bowl wouldn't be icing on the cake if they could get a win this week. It would be a few sprinkles.
What will happen: There won't be any big kickoff returns. As good as these two are, neither can return a kickoff with Ohio State ranking dead last in America. Ohio State is the better team, but that hasn't always meant much in this rivalry. This is the game Michigan has waited all year for, more than in most years. This has been the team's obsession from day one, more than in most years. This is when Henne and Hart will cement themselves as Wolverine legends as they send Lloyd Carr off (wink, wink) with a perfect ending to a regular season that started out so horribly wrong.
CFN Prediction: Michigan 24 ... Ohio State 20 ... Line: Ohio State -3
5 keys to victory: Ohio State November 16, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Recent history shows that Ohio State having a chip on its shoulder going into the Michigan game is a good thing...Attack the running backs...Pressure Henne, hammer Mallett...Throw it, and throw it some more...Run, Boeckman, run... Tressel vs. Carr? They don't play..."
5 keys to victory: Michigan November 16, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "In the past 60 years, Ohio State has beaten Michigan four consecutive times only once...So how do they win The Game?...Move on...Get healthy...No big plays...Man up... (Be) True Blue..."
Offensive Notebook: Hartline, Wells, Bruce Talk UM November 15, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "If you are searching for a quick look at Saturday's Ohio State-Michigan game, this offensive notebook is not for you. We have over 6,000 words including comments from OSU wide receiver Brian Hartline and tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells. We also have comments from Eddie George and Earle Bruce on their thoughts on the rivalry and what the Buckeyes must do in order to win on Saturday. Dave Biddle has more..."
Preview: #7 OSU @ #23 Michigan November 15, 2007 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...There’s a part of me that believes the Buckeyes will be an angry bunch in Ann Arbor this weekend - out to prove that last week’s loss to the Illini was not indicative of their level of play. I still hold firm in my belief that this OSU team is a great squad and can play with any team in the nation. They were picked off by a good team playing a perfect game last weekend, after having previously blitzed the rest of their competition. I mean, no game was really close before the loss..."
Offense: OSU holds an edge in scoring and rushing yards and total offense. Michigan an edge in passing yards, but OSU's passing game is more efficient. Edge OSU
Defense: The Buckeyes have the edge in every statistical category. Edge OSU.
Turnover Margin: Edge Michigan
Special Teams: The Buckeyes hold the edge in every statistical category. Edge OSU
Preview Michigan vs. Ohio State November 15, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Even without a trip to the national title game at stake, Ohio State-Michigan is huge. Ohio State's hopes of returning to the BCS title game took a hit last week with its first loss of the season. The seventh-ranked Buckeyes still have plenty to play for Saturday at the Big House against No. 23 Michigan. With a win, Ohio State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) would: match its longest winning streak in the rivalry at four straight...win a third straight conference championships, including consecutive outright titles for the first time in a half-century...likely earn a spot in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997..."
OSU vs. Michigan Source: CBSSportsline.com - "It's one of the oldest and possibly the best rivalry in all of sports when these two powerhouse schools collide. Jason Horowitz and Spencer Tillman break down this battle for the Big Ten title."
The Essentials: Michigan November 15, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Players to watch, themes to know - its the essential guide to Michigan, the most important notes about the Wolverines that might be slightly under the radar but could still have a huge impact on Saturday's game..."
Preview: The Rivalry is renewed at The Big House November 14, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "This will mark the 25th time the schools have decided the Big Ten champion, but with each stumbling into the annual showdown, the luster has faded somewhat for this chapter of one of college football's biggest rivalries..."
Ohio State at Michigan Matchups
QB
RB
WR
OL
DL
LB
DB
ST
Coach
Overall
Key individual matchup
"Michigan WR Mario Manningham vs. Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins...It would be RB Mike Hart versus MLB James Laurinaitis, but there seems to be increasing concern regarding Hart's availability. Manningham versus Jenkins certainly warrants attention. No receiver in the country has been tougher to defend over the past month and a half than Manningham, who carries a school-record six game 100-yard receiving streak into Saturday's regular-season finale. What Manningham lacks in size and strength, he more than makes up for with speed and savvy. His ability to set defenders up and shake free vertically is unparalleled. Manningham also is much improved in terms of his hands and short-to-intermediate route running this season. Defensive coordinator Jim Heacock has not used Jenkins in much true man-to-man coverage this season. Instead, Jenkins spends most of his time at cornerback playing soft-zone coverage. Jenkins also spends time at safety in the team's nickel and dime personnel packages, which allows him to roam the field using his instincts and closing burst as a ball-hawking center fielder on passing downs. Regardless, don't expect Heacock to switch things up much for this game. Jenkins is a bit stiff in the hips when it comes to turning and running with faster receivers like Manningham. Instead of taking Jenkins out of his comfort zone, Heacock will protect Jenkins by playing off the line of scrimmage and allowing him to keep everything in front of him. Jenkins and the Buckeye defense will sacrifice a lot of catches to Manningham, so long as they avoid the big play in return."
2007 Michigan Wolverines Game Preview November 14, 2007 Source: Buckeye Planet - Michigan Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams previews and information..." Some facts from the preview:
An OSU victory gives them back-to-back outright Big Ten titles; that's only been accomplished in 1916-17 and 1954-55.
Times voted #1 in the final Coaches poll, since it started in 1950: tOSU - 3, TSUN - 0
Since the major college football polls started in 1936, finishes in the top 2: tOSU - 12, TSUN - 4.
How many 11-win seasons does each team have over the last 100 years: tOSU has 8, TSUN has 4.
Audio Preview: OSU writer leaning toward U-M November 15, 2007 Source: MLive.com - "In a special audio preview, OSU football writer Doug Lesmerises of The Cleveland Plain Dealer says although the pending injuries make this game so hard to call, he's got a strong feeling this is Michigan's year to win it. He says OSU DE Vernon Gholston often rolls over opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks, but he hasn't faced anyone this year who will challenge him like Jake Long will. He adds that if healthy, Mike Hart has a great chance at a good performance if U-M can block OSU on the outside like Illinois did last week, tying up its talented linebackers. He also predicts that Mario Manningham can make real trouble for the OSU secondary in this game, despite the Buckeyes' highly successful pass defense this season..."
Preview: Ohio State at Michigan November 15, 2007 Source: Warren Tribune Chronicle - "Here's a look at Saturday's matchup: * QUARTERBACKS: Ohio State’s Todd Boeckman had his worst game of the season against Illinois, but he still leads the Big Ten Conference in passing efficiency..."
Why OSU will lose to UM November 12, 2007 Source: Men of the Scarlet and Gray - "Ah! That time of year again, when we drink the Kool-Aid and list reasons why those pathetic children-of-siblings from that state up north might win this weekend’s matchup. It's probable that this is Carr’s final game at the Big House. At 6-6 against OSU, there’s no chance for a tie overall in the series. He either ends his career with a winning record against his rivals, or ends it with a losing one..."
Game Data: Ohio State at Michigan November 14, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "We look at the pertinent info, the depth charts and have a prediction for the 104th rendition of The Game. No. 7 Ohio State and No. 23 Michigan will meet Saturday in Ann Arbor to decide the Big Ten title and likely the Rose Bowl berth (noon, ABC national telecast). Click this link for all the details..."
Crunching The Numbers: The Game November 14, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Among the things we are counting this week are the Ohioans dressing up as Wolverines this week (and vice versa), Chris Wells' lead in the race for the conference rushing title and each coach's record against the nation's best teams..."
Buckeyes Preparing For The Best November 14, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "There is something to be said about wanting to prove oneself against the best the competition has to offer. This weekend, the Buckeyes will face Michigan with an outright Big Ten title on the line and they are hoping -- you read that right -- that Chad Henne and Mike Hart will be in uniform and ready to go..."
Michigan Monday November 12, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Check out Tony Gerdeman's weekly feature, Michigan Monday, and find out what kind of shape the Wolverines are in coming into The Game..."
Wolverines' roster dotted with Buckeyes November 16, 2007 Source: Toledo Blade - "In the minds of some Ohio State players, the Rio Grande and the Arizona desert are not the only places where we have border security issues. They can't figure out what all of those Ohio guys are doing crossing the state line to go play for Michigan..."
The likenesses of legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and Michigan coach Bo Schembechler appear on a limited-edition collectible coin that fans can purchase beginning Saturday at a variety of Michigan and Ohio State merchandise stores and online.
The coin will be used for the official toss before Saturday's 104th Michigan-Ohio State game at Michigan Stadium. Cathy Schembechler, Bo's widow, and Shemy Schembechler, Bo's son, have been asked to be at midfield for the toss.
The coin will be auctioned with proceeds going to the Bo Schembechler scholarship fund. "It will be great honoring Bo and Woody," said former Michigan quarterback John Wangler, whose company, Top Cat Sales, produced the coins. They will sell for $20.
Class Distinction November 16, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "All former Buckeyes are asked the same question: ‘How did you do against Michigan?’ Only three classes can say they never lost; this year’s seniors are a win away from joining them..."
Tradition is a charm for Ohio State November 16, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Michigan spent years beating the pants off Ohio State. Then Francis Schmidt arrived in Columbus in 1934 to resurrect the moribund OSU football program. Legend has it that during his interview, when asked how his teams would do against Michigan, he simply replied: 'They put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do.' It was then that Schmidt gave OSU one of its greatest traditions. Since 1934, every Buckeyes player and coach on a team that beats the rival from the north receives a gold pants charm. It's a coveted piece of sports memorabilia..."
Ohio State Backup QB Makes Plea In Solicitation Case November 12, 2007 Source: WBNS-TV10 - "...Head footbal coach Jim Tressel offered a statement through the university on Monday. 'After serving a seven-game suspension, Antonio is a member with full privileges of the Ohio State football team," Tressel said. 'Antonio has handled the situation properly.'..."
Hart, Henne and Long put legacies on line against Ohio State November 17, 2007 Source: Wilmington News Journal - "Hart, Chad Henne and Jake Long turned down a chance to make money in the NFL this year, returning for their senior seasons in part for another shot at the Buckeyes...For Hart, Henne and Long, their legacies will be on the line, too. They are arguably the best running back, quarterback and offensive tackle the Wolverines have ever had, quite an accomplishment at college football’s winningest program. But if they go 0-4 against the Buckeyes, it will add a permanent blemish on what is otherwise a flawless resume on and off the field. The trio is also 0-3 in bowl games..."
Shades of 2003: Saturday's situation similar to last time Wolverines beat Buckeyes November 16, 2007 Source: Ann Arbor News - "Fans rushing the field. University of Michigan players carrying roses. Ohio State players stunned that their hopes of repeating as national champions had been smashed. That was the scene almost four years ago - Nov. 22, 2003, to be exact - after the Wolverines finished off a 35-21 defeat of Ohio State at Michigan Stadium. It remains the only time Michigan has beaten the Buckeyes since Jim Tressel took over as coach in 2001..."
Point man: Jake Long November 16, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Senior is most recent in line of star Michigan linemen ..."
Audio Preview: Why Heuser is picking OSU November 15, 2007 Source: MLive.com - "In this week's audio preview, John Heuser says he doesn't feel confident enough in Chad Henne's health -- or to a lesser extent Mike Hart's -- to say U-M can beat OSU. He thinks U-M will get a great challenge from OSU DE Vernon Gholston, who will pressure Henne or Ryan Mallett. He also says Mario Manningham must be U-M's go-to offensive weapon and wonders how much the Ohio State secondary will contain the WR..."
Dueling columns November 16, 2007 Source: the Michigan Daily - "OSU's Zach Timmons: Buckeyes rule rivalry...UM's Kevin Wright: This is the year for 'M'..."
Vicious Electronic Questioning: Ohio State November 15, 2007 Source: MGoBlog - "So what was the difference between...(the) Illinois versus the Michigan State and Wisconsin games, in which Ohio State shut down two very good run offenses?...On the other side of the ball, the OSU coaching staff has occasionally strayed from the run game to their detriment this season. I don't think that happens this weekend...Assuming a healthy Chris Wells and a less-than-healthy Henne and Hart? OSU 27, Michigan 20..."
Prime target: Mario Manningham November 14, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Wolverine has had 100 yards receiving and scored a TD in each of his past six games..."
Video & Audio: Carr's pre-OSU press conference November 12, 2007 Source: MLive.com - "Michigan coach Lloyd Carr took questions for a season-long 37 minutes Monday to preview Saturday's matchup with Ohio State..."
University of Michigan Football Player Comments November 12, 2007 Source: UM Official Site - "Previewing Ohio State (Nov. 17); Reviewing Wisconsin (Nov. 10) (Adam Kraus - Jake Long - Will Johnson - Jamar Adams - Brandent Englemon)..."
Audio: Kraus, Long, Englemon, Johnson and Adams preview the Ohio State game November 12, 2007 Source: MLive.com - "Center Adam Kraus, left tackle Jake Long, safety Brandent Englemon, defensive tackle Will Johnson and safety Jamar Adams spoke to the media this morning, previewing Saturday's game against Ohio State..."
Carr has a lot on line against Ohio State November 13, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "...If the Wolverines lose Saturday at home, Carr will become the first coach in school history to go 1-6 over a seven-year stretch against Ohio State..."
Carr remains feisty even as losses to Ohio State mount November 17, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Searching for worry lines and stress-induced wrinkles among the crannies and crinkles on coach Lloyd Carr's weather-worn face is more futile than locating a matching pair in the sock drawer. They must be there, right? Michigan hasn't beaten Ohio State since 2003 and Carr is 1-5 against coach Jim Tressel. That's more than a just a spoonful of anxiety. It's a bathtub full of the stuff..."
Carr Retiring; Announcement Coming Next Week November 12, 2007 Source: MGoBlog - "Three separate sources indicate that Carr has made his decision to retire official and people around the athletic department are being told. The formal announcement will come after the Ohio State game, possibly at the Monday press conference, possibly a day or two later."
As season's end nears, speculation on Carr's future grows November 12, 2007 Source: MGoBlog - "...Area sports talk radio buzzed loudly Monday with chatter about when Carr would step down. One Web site devoted to Michigan sports cited anonymous sources in a post that said the coach would retire after the Ohio State game, adding that athletic department personnel were already being told of the decision..."
Michigan will remember Carr with favor November 15, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "There will be no 'Lloyd' headbands Saturday, no pregame firing, no confirmation that a coach is taking part in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry for the final time. Twenty years ago, his university president dispatching him, his players honoring him, that's how it ended for Earle Bruce, the former Buckeye boss pointing out the anniversary of his dismissal earlier this week. It won't end that way for Lloyd Carr. 'Michigan knows how to handle every problem right,' Bruce said. 'There won't be much done to Carr. He'll be treated well up there, no matter what happens.'..."
OFFENSE WR 86 Mario Manningham ** (6-0, 178, Jr.) LT 77 Jake Long *** (6-7, 315, 5th) LG 65 Justin Boren * (6-3, 308, So.) C 57 Adam Kraus *** (6-6, 295, 5th) RG 70 Jeremy Ciulla (6-4, 295, Sr.) RT 52 Stephen Schilling (6-5, 298, So.) TE 85 Carson Butler * (6-4, 247, Jr.) WR 16 Adrian Arrington ** (6-3, 195, Sr.) WR 13 Greg Mathews * (6-3, 207, So.) QB 7 Chad Henne *** (6-2, 226, Sr.) RB 20 Mike Hart *** (5-9, 202, Sr.) FB 44 Mark Moundros (6-1, 231, So.)
DEFENSE DE 90 Tim Jamison ** (6-3, 266, Sr.) DT 67 Terrance Taylor ** (6-0, 308, Jr.) DT 97 Will Johnson ** (6-5, 290, Sr.) DE 55 Brandon Graham * (6-2, 270, So.) SLB 2 Shawn Crable *** (6-5, 243, 5th) MLB 45 Obi Ezeh (6-2, 243, So.) WLB 37 Chris Graham *** (5-11, 225, Sr.) LCB 14 Morgan Trent ** (6-1, 184, Sr.) FS 31 Brandent Englemon *** (5-11, 206, 5th) SS 22 Jamar Adams *** (6-2, 214, Sr.) RCB 6 Donovan Warren (6-0, 173, Fr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS K 84 K.C. Lopata (6-2, 226, Sr.) KO 43 Bryan Wright (6-1, 218, So.) LS 59 Sean Griffi n (6-2, 238, Sr.) HLD 41 Zoltan Mesko * (6-4, 242, Jr.) P 41 Zoltan Mesko * (6-4, 242, Jr.) PR 13 Greg Mathews * (6-3, 207, So.) KR 27 Brandon Harrison ** (5-8, 193, Jr.)
#20 Mike Hart RB Syracuse NY Team captain...Leads the Big Ten and is third nationally in rushing yards per game (148.5 avg.)...Became the first player in the country to reach the 1,000-yard mark this season...Has 33 carries of 10 yards or better this season, including a seasonbest nine runs against Eastern Michigan...Needs 133 rushing yards to become the fourth running back in Big Ten history with 5,000 career yards...Michigan’s all-time leading rusher with 4,867 yards...Nation’s active career rushing leader..Named to the watch list for a pair of national player of the year awards, the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Maxwell Award...Sixth player in school history with 5,000 career all-purpose yards (5,444 yards).
#7 Chad Henne QB Wyomissing PA Needs three passing yards for 1,500 this season...Completed 126-of-205 passes (61.5 pct.) for 1,497 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions...Became U-M’s career passing leader with a seven yard pass to Adrian Arrington on the opening possession against the Badgers...Henne’s 2007 Passing Statistics Record as a Starter: 5-3...Third Down: 37-62 (59.7) for 415 yards, 5 TDs, 2 Int....First Half: 73-116 (62.9) for 896 yards, 10 TDs, 5 Ints....Second Half: 53-89 (59.6) for 601 yards, 4 TDs, 2 Int....Fourth Quarter: 30-45 (66.7) for 313 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int.
#86 Mario Manningham WR Warren OH Has a school record and NCAAleading streak six straight 100-yard receiving games heading into the Ohio State game...Scored receiving touchdowns in six straight games (two vs. Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State and Wisconsin)...Surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first tim in his career this season...Leads team in receptions (62), receiving yards (1,062) and receiving touchdowns (11) this season...Has career highs in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns...Caught a school record 97-yard touchdwon pass from Ryan Mallett at Wisconsin, the longest offensive play in Michigan history...Fourth-leading rusher with 67 yards on 11 carries this year.
#2 Shawn Crable LB Massillon OH Team captain......Leads the team with a career-best 74 tackles this season...Leads all linebackers nationally with 24 tackles...Tied for second on the team with 7.5 sacks...Third in U-M’s season annals for tackles for loss (24); needs two TFLs to tie the school record...Team’s active career leader in tackles for loss (38.5) and sacks (16)...Amassed 132 tackles, 38.5 TFLs, 16 sacks, two fumble recovery and nine pass breakups during his career...Has played in 45 career games and made 18 starts at linebacker.
