Ohio State - Michigan
At the end of the game, the guys in the booth were all saying that these were the two best teams in college football. Without having seen anyone else play this year, I believe them for Ohio State, but I'm not convinced about Michigan.
Jim Tressel's greatness was on showcase tonight. First of all, you've got the rehabilitated Troy Smith, who went from early off-field issues to probable Heisman winner. I think that makes up for any of Tressel's mistakes made with Maurice Clarret. Let's face it; Clarret has proven to be a bit more of a headcase than one coach deserves the blame for.
Tressel's offensive gameplan was sensational. Michigan could not cover the Ohio State receivers. They could bring pressure, but not fast enough, except for the one Troy Smith interception. The best drive was the one to end the first half, when they didn't even bother to have a back in the backfield the entire drive, and Michigan could not stop them.
There were two reasons that the game was close. The first was it had to be. It was destiny. Ohio State is better at every single position except one (see below) and more depth of talent everywhere on the field. Didn't matter. This game was going to be close, at least by the scoreboard.
The other reason was Mikey Hart. He had to perform to keep Michigan in the game. Both teams knew that. And he did. The boy looked fabulous. I'm really starting to believe he can make it in the NFL. He's not like Barry Sanders. He's not a juker. He's not super fast either. But he's got amazing acceleration, even better agility, even better vision, and even better leg strength. He hit holes and shook tackles against a team that might be able to beat a couple NFL teams. I was thrilled for the kid.
This game wasn't an all-time classic. But it was a fantastic football game. Even the officials were superb. I've never seen replay handled so quickly! Why can't the NFL do it like that? Some bad tackling, particularly by Michigan. But some great defensive plays mixed with many more great offensive plays. Very entertaining, and more than I could have hoped for from the only football game I'll probably watch in England this year.
Jim Tressel's greatness was on showcase tonight. First of all, you've got the rehabilitated Troy Smith, who went from early off-field issues to probable Heisman winner. I think that makes up for any of Tressel's mistakes made with Maurice Clarret. Let's face it; Clarret has proven to be a bit more of a headcase than one coach deserves the blame for.
Tressel's offensive gameplan was sensational. Michigan could not cover the Ohio State receivers. They could bring pressure, but not fast enough, except for the one Troy Smith interception. The best drive was the one to end the first half, when they didn't even bother to have a back in the backfield the entire drive, and Michigan could not stop them.
There were two reasons that the game was close. The first was it had to be. It was destiny. Ohio State is better at every single position except one (see below) and more depth of talent everywhere on the field. Didn't matter. This game was going to be close, at least by the scoreboard.
The other reason was Mikey Hart. He had to perform to keep Michigan in the game. Both teams knew that. And he did. The boy looked fabulous. I'm really starting to believe he can make it in the NFL. He's not like Barry Sanders. He's not a juker. He's not super fast either. But he's got amazing acceleration, even better agility, even better vision, and even better leg strength. He hit holes and shook tackles against a team that might be able to beat a couple NFL teams. I was thrilled for the kid.
This game wasn't an all-time classic. But it was a fantastic football game. Even the officials were superb. I've never seen replay handled so quickly! Why can't the NFL do it like that? Some bad tackling, particularly by Michigan. But some great defensive plays mixed with many more great offensive plays. Very entertaining, and more than I could have hoped for from the only football game I'll probably watch in England this year.
posted by Prof. A at 8:13 PM
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