Perhaps it is because when I first really started paying attention to Ohio State football, Woody lost the last 3 games of the 10-year war. And even though Earle Bruce won more than he lost, I feel he gave away 2 games to Michigan. And Cooper, well, let's not even go there.
The end result is that in those 25 years I watched Michigan go 17-7-1 against the Bucks. Six times during that span Ohio State was ranked higher going into the game and lost. And when they were both ranked in the top ten during that time, Michigan went 7-0. That sort of outcome breeds insecurity and doubt. A restlessness that has been etched into our collective psyche and our brain has been wired to find that feeling whenever the big game arrives.
But you have to stop and ask yourself "Why do I still feel that way?" Bruce and Cooper are gone. Tressel is 4-1 v. Michigan and won more big games in a shorter period of time than anyone in Ohio State history. He doesn't chew his fingernails on the sideline like Cooper did. Tressel has a plan - a well thought out plan - and can make in game decisions better than OSU's previous coaches, or that whiny goofball on the other side of the field. He has recruited incredible players, implemented systems which enable them to showcase their abilities, and kept them humble and team-oriented at the same time.
Then you have Troy Smith. The man has ice water in his veins. He has beaten Michigan twice. He's won v. ND, at Texas and at Iowa in the past 12 games. He can make plays. Chad Henne can execute what has been called, but only Smith can make something out of nothing. He sees the field like no other and finds the other team's weakness.
Michigan is very good. But this group does not know victory like we do. When the game is tight, whom do you trust? Tressel and Smith or Carr and Henne? And Michigan is not "due" for a win. Woody lost to Michigan 3 straight years. Cooper started out 0-5-1, and lost 5 of his last 6. Michigan is not the only team that can win multiple years in a row. Woody was 16-7-1 from 1952-1975. He won 4 in a row from 60-63. He was 3-0-1 from '72-'75. The Buckeyes are allowed to win 3 in a row, and Tressel is allowed to go to 5-1 v. the Wolverines.
Ohio State has too many weapons. Our defense is underrated. We can play more quality players per game than they can. Our coach has a decided advantage over theirs. We now have the psychological edge and momentum. And we have Brent Musberger, who appears to be in the booth for our biggest wins these last few years. Don't be nervous. If Troy isn't, no reason for you to be.
Sticking with the vision: Ohio State 28, Michigan 20.
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