The Buckeyes pulled out another win over Michigan today, topping the Wolverines 21-10 at the Big House in Ann Arbor. It really is an amazing time for Ohio State fans . Under Coach Jim Tressel, Ohio State now has won 3 straight times in Ann Arbor, 6 in a row overall, and 8 out of 9. (His only loss is a game that Russell and I attended in Ann Arbor, where we sat in the student section and had a lot of fun.)
I am sure a lot of people were complaining, once again, about Ohio State’s conservative play-calling on offense. On most plays Michigan put 8 players in the box, and still Ohio State ran — and for the most part ran successfully, racking up more than 200 yards on the ground. I think Coach Tressel thought that there was no need to light things up offensively, and that a turnover here or there might put Michigan back in the game. Not coincidentally, Michigan’s only score came after a turnover.
After Ohio State went up by 11 Coach Tressel was content to put the game in the hands of his defense, and they delivered. The Buckeyes forced 5 turnovers, including four interceptions, and had at least two other hits that jarred the ball loose from Michigan ball carriers. Michigan couldn’t move the ball on the ground, and their quarterbacks were hit repeatedly.
Offensively, Terrelle Pryor had another smart, solid game, and the duo of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron ran very hard. The Ohio State offensive line did a good job for the most part, and the Buckeyes’ two offensive scores, on a counter play and a screen pass, were excellent play calls. (According to Coach Tressel’s post-game press conference, however, the counter play was a mistake — but it sure worked like a charm.)
So, Ohio State once again is the outright Big Ten champion and goes out to the Rose Bowl, to play a team yet to be determined. Here is hoping that the players enjoy their Thanksgiving, because there is peace and joy in the Buckeye Nation. A win over Michigan will do that.
Webner House 