That Team Up North

Sorry this is so late.  It's not my fault, except that it is.  Anyway, apologies.

I still don't feel I'm ready for this but you know what they say.

I'm going to use the M-word here just because if you don't say the name, you give it power.  When in reality they are really not all that special. For example.

For weeks I was going to open this preview with the immortal words of Jim Morrison.  I mean we've won 13 of the last 14 meetings, right?  This just cannot keep on going can it?  And Michigan is No. 1 in Total Defense.  We are not.  Defense wins championships and ours is not all that this year. Michigan also has a QB who can throw and run, and a backup who looks pretty good.  Since their opening day loss at Notre Dame, they've been on a roll and only really challenged by and at Northwestern.  This is the best Wolverine team we've seen since 2006.  I'm convinced they are going to score 31 points on us today no matter what the weather conditions are.

And how many times have they been an underdog in this series and given us all we can handle?  Well, I'll tell you and let's just speak of recent history.  In 2013, OSU was favored by 16 and escaped with a 1 point win. In 2014, the Buckeyes were favored by 21, but the game was tied with 5 minutes remaining.  And last year we were favored by 12 but led by only 4 with 2:36 remaining. Now, Michigan is the better team, the higher ranked team, and the one Vegas favors by an ever increasing margin (the line opened at 3.5 but is now up to 5).  Like all good things. . . 

So that is that.  I guess I'm done.  But, wait . . . just one more thing

Do you happen to know Urban Meyer's record at Ohio State when the Buckeyes are an underdog?  I looked it up.  Meyer is not only 6-0 ATS he is 6-0 S/U.  You read that correctly.  Today is actually the first time in 52 games that the Buckeyes are a dog.  Very few of the players are around from the last time (the 2014 National Championship) but the coach still is.

And remember when I pointed out a few weeks ago that Meyer almost always wins the close games.  Both betting wise and actual play.  He is 13-1 S/U when the point spread is less than 7 either way.  Even when the spread is not close but the game, Meyer wins. (Exhibit A - Maryland).

And Meyer has never lost 2 conference games in a season.  Ohio State's already lost to Purdue.

Finally, this is a rivalry game. It's almost always close.  And if it's close . . . (if you are not getting the hint by the ellipses, read the above 3 paragraphs again).

You can get so lost in the weeds on this one.  What is the narrative?  Michigan's revenge tour finishes its mission by claiming the Buckeye scalp?  Or does Meyer once again defy the odds and gyrate his way to another improbable win?

I love my Buckeyes.  I will be screaming at the TV at times today willing them to score 34 and eek past the maize and blue.  That's what my heart says.

My mind is a different creature.  It says, go back and listen to The Doors and Journey.

Schaef says (bitterly):  Ohio State 17, Michigan 31.  ("Let's not party, Columbus").  Take Michigan, give the 5, and bet the Under (53.5).

P.S.  To happier predictions and times

Go Bucks!