Ohio State / Michigan Discussion

Oh, LSU TT

TOP UNIT

Tomorrow.

Daniels Heisman showcase.

Ayunem with a new coach next week.

Kid's one foot in portal.

This will be a bloodbath. Last showcase for him to cement the Heisman. Nix has another *although do they vote this week?


Anyways, BET that.
 
B.A.R. said:
The Game, The Game The Game


We have arrived at the finale once again, and once again this is for all the marbles.

This won't be an organized write-up but if you are looking to bet this game, hopefully .

I have purposely waited to get into this match-up this week, because I was hoping to maybe get an idea of JJ's injury before really making any predictions.

So, here we go....

First and foremost, let us talk coaching. The missing element here is worth a few points. You see that from the lookahead lines and just some common sense. Part of this is having watched Sherrone a few times now and understanding both his shortcomings (and strengths) plus what he has had to face, Hunt has an aggressive number of 3.5 with Jim not here, I will go with 2 points myself, a strong 2. With that being said, let's talk Sherrone.

Moore is a future head man in college football. He could very well be that guy at UM next year (if Jim decides to leave -- and yes it's in his hands) or down the line. I would prefer he goes to a smaller school and then comes back. The same would be said of another future coach, Mike Hart. Anyways, a lot is compared to his stint earlier this season with JJ's stats and the last two weeks -- but you cannot compare the two at all. Totally different situations. We'll talk JJ shortly ... My issue with Sherrone is having to spread himself to thin. There were concerns all off-season about him being both the OC full-time and the OL coach this year. Now, you add a 3rd element. That is my thing during this interim stint. I would rather he could be devoting time to the OL, when issues arise (such as big bad Chop Robinson taking over a few drives early). We'll see how this goes. My other issue is with time management and whatnot, but I think that will be better at home.

Okay, JJ has been banged up for weeks. He took a few hard hits from those choir boys in East Lansing and West Lafayette and then messed up his knee in the 2nd half at Happy Valley. He was hurting last week -- hence no running except for one. I noticed not too many nationally or even on-site realized this last week. I did mention this ahead of the game, fwiw. On the four sources I use on recruiting sites, they all say that he is improved. I always use UM injury info with a grain of salt. I need to see this for myself before anything. We need him to be able to run and have designed run plays to win this game. He needs that knee to be healthy to improve the throwing mechanics. Here is hoping that is the case...

One more thing with JJ. I want him healthy, obviously. This is the first time UM has had a decided advantage at QB in many years. The last time this was an even at the minimum was 2011. He is the x-factor, no doubt (oh, don't throw stats around -- that has no business when comparing --too many variables).

Now, let's talk about these last two games. First, let's get this out of the way. Ohio State has had a few close Maryland games the week before in recent years (last year plus C.U.M.'s final year) while UM had the Corum injury game last year versus Illinois (where they also had every play in the 1h until JJ went to a wristband). Teams struggle at times before games like these. Last week was no surprise. Add in the JJ injury + the hit on Roman and Michigan wasn't fielding their usual team. Still, with some early defensive plays they led 23-3. The late INT before half honestly flipped the game completely. The Penn State game wasn't exactly the smoothest week going in. A few things happened there. Michigan had a pretty aggressive offensive gameplan going in (like the first 8 games this year -- pass happy) and then Chop Robinson happened. The OL protection against a coming NFL star absolutely spooked the staff. Once they had watched Allar a bit, I think they were comfortable with the run attack only and getting out with a win. JJ had several beautiful, designed runs until his last one -- the knee injury. So, we see many people taking these last two games to heart. I think you can in some fashion (suspect OL play) with the relative strength of the teams, but you also cannot discount a full body of work.

So, my biggest issue with this team this year is how they have attacked the OL. This team started out spring and fall camps with basically 8-10 OL starters. They basically had 2 starting lineups. Now, some of that can be hyperbole but with the grad transfers in plus returnees this was to be perhaps the best group this decade (and that is coming off 2 Joe Moore awards). The bottom line is-- they have underachieved. I believe that they messed around too much early on and never had the correct group together. This will catch up to them in the playoffs likely, if they win this play-in. So, one good thing tomorrow is Ladarius is back at LT. He missed the trip to Maryland last week precuationary and he was missed -- big-time. The pass protect was great all year until Chop and last week with no Henderson. We'll see tomorrow....

One thing I want to point out about OSU rushers and PSU rushers... different styles... PSU rushers concern me more versus this offensive line. This is not to discount the OSU defensive line -- simply put we have two different styles when comparing.

The other weird thing with Michigan this year has been the running attack. You have what should be two all-conference performers and both have regressed from last year. Now, Corum was definitely hesitant and slower to start the year off the injury. He has started to show some pop as of late. Don had a broken thumb, a torn patella in this game last year and had a brilliant 2h performance. This year, he cannot get out of his own way. He has had some moments the last few weeks and is ever dangerous in the passing game. I have a feeling about him. Mullings is outstanding and I wish they would use him more. He has really developed this off-season into a full time RB. Again, line issues here are part of the issue. I think we'll see some stuff here we haven't see all year...

And speaking of that, we should see plenty of stuff we haven't all year on offense from Michigan. They have saved a lot, as usual for the tougher games. In August, after they put the walls up around the practice field, they installed a bunch of different stuff specifically for this game. Now, with JH not there, will this all get rolled out? We'll see. A healthy JJ and Roman are key here as well. The last two years they have had some brilliant stuff for this game. I look back at the 2017 game with John O'Korn at freaking QB. Michigan WR's were open ALL stinking day. There were plays ran we hadn't see all year. Jim preps offensively for this game pretty well (tough to tell in '18 and '19 when Don Brown was getting toasted on the other side).

As far as schedules go, both teams SOS are in the 40-50 range depending on what metrics you look at (well above Georgia and FSU fwiw). There isn't much difference between these, other than ND and UNLV games where on a neutral you see a 38-24 kind of ND win. Again, take away the name on the jersey and that is just a nice, solid road win. The rest of the OSU schedule has been hot trash. Lastly, Notre Dame gave that game away. We all know it. Freeman choked. My quick take on their games this year...

Ugly ugly @ Indiana
Another lower scoring (for OSU) game vs YSU
Stole a game @ Notre Dame
Offense got going vs high tempo WKU
Struggled for 2.5 quarters vs Maryland, trailed in 3rd
Grinder vs PSU -- Chop hurt early -- no Henderson OSU
Solid win at Wisky, never in trouble but only 24 points
Battle @ Rutgers till 2h, then they exploded
Blowouts vs two horrible teams -- Henderson really got going and MHJ great as always

We were talking about it tonight -- nationally a lot are capping this game off each teams last few games

On the OSU side, I know their big thing this off-season was to become 'tougher' and to have better fundamentals on defense. They were very soft the last few years, everyone knows that. They made some ridiculous mistakes on defense last year to keep Michigan in the game before UM took over and demolished them in the 2h. I mean, back in 2021 Michigan was bending and not breaking on defense. On offense, in the 2h, they basically ran the same play and couldn't be stopped. Thiis team is better on defense. We'll see about the toughness. This reminds me more of Tressell teams, big-time.

Another angle I wanted to look at was the OSU run defense. Numbers here are solid but we've seen evidence they can be had in this aspect. Notre Dame ran very well, especially in the 2h. Purdue got blown out but Mockabee was over 5 ypc and 100 yards. Monagai for Rutgers had 160 yards on the ground. Again, can the UM O-line perform to make these same numbers possible?

The best match-up is Will J vs Marvin Jr. Last year, Johnson was sensational as a true frosh and had an amazing performance vs MHJ. I don't expect anything close to that this year, just hopefully do not let him go nuts. The bottom line is, I believe Michigan is the better team, but OSU has the best player on the field and he can do this almost by himself. We have seen super-human efforts before in "The Game".

I am missing a lot here, but sleep is needed so I'll do some quick hitters on my way out...

-This reminds me much more of the older UM-OSU games. This had a 1990's feel to it, to be honest. I hope we have a memorable game.
-I am hope JJ, Ladarius and Roman are healthy. I know OSU comes in very healthy overall, and as fans we want to see everyone at their best.
-Ebuka is an x-factor, imo. Big respect for him
-Roman is on the other side
-Don't sleep on Semaj Morgan
-Michigan rattles McCord, I believe
-Marvin has a few big plays, no doubt.
-This has been an auto over for years -- I don't think so here, although my prediction calls for it

BIG CAPS HERE -- I think OSU will go for it on 4th down A LOT. They have kicked FG's in the Stroud era all too much with the bend, don't break defense.


A month ago, I had this game as a DD win. I had seen enough from both teams. I have lost some confidence, due to the coaching situation as well as the OL issues. i do think that having the better QB here wins out in the end. Now, the million dollar question is that knee. The other thing is, he doesn't have JH in-game coaching him. This time, I think he rises above that. We'll know quickly if he is good by scrambles.

All that being said, ANYTHING can happen in 'The Game'. Stars are born, and men are made. Either winner will be worthy.

JJ leads em, and goes 2-0 as starter and 3-0 as a player vs OSU

27-21.

Never forget, Ohio State took McCord over JJ -- so this one is for bragging rights for both young men.
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Epic write up. Thanks for this. Especially if you're holding a UM ticket.
 
Of course, I have an OSU money line bet BUT prop wise I would take Henderson over yards. Whoever wins this game will have had success on the ground that's what watching this game my whole life tells me.
I can't fucking wait.
 
To me.....scripted drives have had success with these 2 coaches...oh state marched early last year...Harbaugh has at home in the series.....possible live bet under once the scripted plays go off kind of how michigan adjusted last year... expect long time consuming drives from michigan oh state not allowing the big play and McCord is a check down artist...I'll he on a live under it the 50s if it presents....46 feels about perfect lined pregame

Neither team has played a dame soul.....but I suspect michigan bests nd and oh state should of lost.......Michigan ol not as beastly as recent years... but on the whole...Can't tell me oh state has a better run game cause they don't weakest oh state run ol since maybe the one year with haskins but top 2 weakest run ol in 20 years

Michigan feels slightly more solid all around more well rounded better on the lines....neither team is elite...expect a close one

Also qb edge McCarthy much more efficient..Marv only clear clear edge osu
 
Great writeup BAR. Appreciate the thoughts and insight. Lots to think about.

Did some more digging on the Michigan OTs Barnhart and Henderson and they rank 124th and 135th in PFF grade among qualified tackles. True Pass Set grades of 45 and 36, which is horrific. And they will face many True Pass Sets today. They are equally as bad run blocking, which is why there have been few off tackle explosive runs by Corum and Edwards this year.

These two are much worse than I even thought and are going to be major liabilities in this game. No chance they can block JTT and Sawyer one on one. Michigan is going to have to commit extra guys to double and chip each edge almost every snap. Think Michigan's offense is not going to look good today.
 
B.A.R. said:
The Game, The Game The Game


We have arrived at the finale once again, and once again this is for all the marbles.

This won't be an organized write-up but if you are looking to bet this game, hopefully .

I have purposely waited to get into this match-up this week, because I was hoping to maybe get an idea of JJ's injury before really making any predictions.

So, here we go....

First and foremost, let us talk coaching. The missing element here is worth a few points. You see that from the lookahead lines and just some common sense. Part of this is having watched Sherrone a few times now and understanding both his shortcomings (and strengths) plus what he has had to face, Hunt has an aggressive number of 3.5 with Jim not here, I will go with 2 points myself, a strong 2. With that being said, let's talk Sherrone.

Moore is a future head man in college football. He could very well be that guy at UM next year (if Jim decides to leave -- and yes it's in his hands) or down the line. I would prefer he goes to a smaller school and then comes back. The same would be said of another future coach, Mike Hart. Anyways, a lot is compared to his stint earlier this season with JJ's stats and the last two weeks -- but you cannot compare the two at all. Totally different situations. We'll talk JJ shortly ... My issue with Sherrone is having to spread himself to thin. There were concerns all off-season about him being both the OC full-time and the OL coach this year. Now, you add a 3rd element. That is my thing during this interim stint. I would rather he could be devoting time to the OL, when issues arise (such as big bad Chop Robinson taking over a few drives early). We'll see how this goes. My other issue is with time management and whatnot, but I think that will be better at home.

Okay, JJ has been banged up for weeks. He took a few hard hits from those choir boys in East Lansing and West Lafayette and then messed up his knee in the 2nd half at Happy Valley. He was hurting last week -- hence no running except for one. I noticed not too many nationally or even on-site realized this last week. I did mention this ahead of the game, fwiw. On the four sources I use on recruiting sites, they all say that he is improved. I always use UM injury info with a grain of salt. I need to see this for myself before anything. We need him to be able to run and have designed run plays to win this game. He needs that knee to be healthy to improve the throwing mechanics. Here is hoping that is the case...

One more thing with JJ. I want him healthy, obviously. This is the first time UM has had a decided advantage at QB in many years. The last time this was an even at the minimum was 2011. He is the x-factor, no doubt (oh, don't throw stats around -- that has no business when comparing --too many variables).

Now, let's talk about these last two games. First, let's get this out of the way. Ohio State has had a few close Maryland games the week before in recent years (last year plus C.U.M.'s final year) while UM had the Corum injury game last year versus Illinois (where they also had every play in the 1h until JJ went to a wristband). Teams struggle at times before games like these. Last week was no surprise. Add in the JJ injury + the hit on Roman and Michigan wasn't fielding their usual team. Still, with some early defensive plays they led 23-3. The late INT before half honestly flipped the game completely. The Penn State game wasn't exactly the smoothest week going in. A few things happened there. Michigan had a pretty aggressive offensive gameplan going in (like the first 8 games this year -- pass happy) and then Chop Robinson happened. The OL protection against a coming NFL star absolutely spooked the staff. Once they had watched Allar a bit, I think they were comfortable with the run attack only and getting out with a win. JJ had several beautiful, designed runs until his last one -- the knee injury. So, we see many people taking these last two games to heart. I think you can in some fashion (suspect OL play) with the relative strength of the teams, but you also cannot discount a full body of work.

So, my biggest issue with this team this year is how they have attacked the OL. This team started out spring and fall camps with basically 8-10 OL starters. They basically had 2 starting lineups. Now, some of that can be hyperbole but with the grad transfers in plus returnees this was to be perhaps the best group this decade (and that is coming off 2 Joe Moore awards). The bottom line is-- they have underachieved. I believe that they messed around too much early on and never had the correct group together. This will catch up to them in the playoffs likely, if they win this play-in. So, one good thing tomorrow is Ladarius is back at LT. He missed the trip to Maryland last week precuationary and he was missed -- big-time. The pass protect was great all year until Chop and last week with no Henderson. We'll see tomorrow....

One thing I want to point out about OSU rushers and PSU rushers... different styles... PSU rushers concern me more versus this offensive line. This is not to discount the OSU defensive line -- simply put we have two different styles when comparing.

The other weird thing with Michigan this year has been the running attack. You have what should be two all-conference performers and both have regressed from last year. Now, Corum was definitely hesitant and slower to start the year off the injury. He has started to show some pop as of late. Don had a broken thumb, a torn patella in this game last year and had a brilliant 2h performance. This year, he cannot get out of his own way. He has had some moments the last few weeks and is ever dangerous in the passing game. I have a feeling about him. Mullings is outstanding and I wish they would use him more. He has really developed this off-season into a full time RB. Again, line issues here are part of the issue. I think we'll see some stuff here we haven't see all year...

And speaking of that, we should see plenty of stuff we haven't all year on offense from Michigan. They have saved a lot, as usual for the tougher games. In August, after they put the walls up around the practice field, they installed a bunch of different stuff specifically for this game. Now, with JH not there, will this all get rolled out? We'll see. A healthy JJ and Roman are key here as well. The last two years they have had some brilliant stuff for this game. I look back at the 2017 game with John O'Korn at freaking QB. Michigan WR's were open ALL stinking day. There were plays ran we hadn't see all year. Jim preps offensively for this game pretty well (tough to tell in '18 and '19 when Don Brown was getting toasted on the other side).

As far as schedules go, both teams SOS are in the 40-50 range depending on what metrics you look at (well above Georgia and FSU fwiw). There isn't much difference between these, other than ND and UNLV games where on a neutral you see a 38-24 kind of ND win. Again, take away the name on the jersey and that is just a nice, solid road win. The rest of the OSU schedule has been hot trash. Lastly, Notre Dame gave that game away. We all know it. Freeman choked. My quick take on their games this year...

Ugly ugly @ Indiana
Another lower scoring (for OSU) game vs YSU
Stole a game @ Notre Dame
Offense got going vs high tempo WKU
Struggled for 2.5 quarters vs Maryland, trailed in 3rd
Grinder vs PSU -- Chop hurt early -- no Henderson OSU
Solid win at Wisky, never in trouble but only 24 points
Battle @ Rutgers till 2h, then they exploded
Blowouts vs two horrible teams -- Henderson really got going and MHJ great as always

We were talking about it tonight -- nationally a lot are capping this game off each teams last few games

On the OSU side, I know their big thing this off-season was to become 'tougher' and to have better fundamentals on defense. They were very soft the last few years, everyone knows that. They made some ridiculous mistakes on defense last year to keep Michigan in the game before UM took over and demolished them in the 2h. I mean, back in 2021 Michigan was bending and not breaking on defense. On offense, in the 2h, they basically ran the same play and couldn't be stopped. Thiis team is better on defense. We'll see about the toughness. This reminds me more of Tressell teams, big-time.

Another angle I wanted to look at was the OSU run defense. Numbers here are solid but we've seen evidence they can be had in this aspect. Notre Dame ran very well, especially in the 2h. Purdue got blown out but Mockabee was over 5 ypc and 100 yards. Monagai for Rutgers had 160 yards on the ground. Again, can the UM O-line perform to make these same numbers possible?

The best match-up is Will J vs Marvin Jr. Last year, Johnson was sensational as a true frosh and had an amazing performance vs MHJ. I don't expect anything close to that this year, just hopefully do not let him go nuts. The bottom line is, I believe Michigan is the better team, but OSU has the best player on the field and he can do this almost by himself. We have seen super-human efforts before in "The Game".

I am missing a lot here, but sleep is needed so I'll do some quick hitters on my way out...

-This reminds me much more of the older UM-OSU games. This had a 1990's feel to it, to be honest. I hope we have a memorable game.
-I am hope JJ, Ladarius and Roman are healthy. I know OSU comes in very healthy overall, and as fans we want to see everyone at their best.
-Ebuka is an x-factor, imo. Big respect for him
-Roman is on the other side
-Don't sleep on Semaj Morgan
-Michigan rattles McCord, I believe
-Marvin has a few big plays, no doubt.
-This has been an auto over for years -- I don't think so here, although my prediction calls for it

BIG CAPS HERE -- I think OSU will go for it on 4th down A LOT. They have kicked FG's in the Stroud era all too much with the bend, don't break defense.


A month ago, I had this game as a DD win. I had seen enough from both teams. I have lost some confidence, due to the coaching situation as well as the OL issues. i do think that having the better QB here wins out in the end. Now, the million dollar question is that knee. The other thing is, he doesn't have JH in-game coaching him. This time, I think he rises above that. We'll know quickly if he is good by scrambles.

All that being said, ANYTHING can happen in 'The Game'. Stars are born, and men are made. Either winner will be worthy.

JJ leads em, and goes 2-0 as starter and 3-0 as a player vs OSU

27-21.

Never forget, Ohio State took McCord over JJ -- so this one is for bragging rights for both young men.
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Solid write up as usual.

Was going back and forth a bit about Harbaugh’s perceived “value” being a few points with Hunt also. You mention the look ahead line in reference to Harbaugh - was it 7? I just don’t think people outside of Michigan fans think much of him, but maybe I’m the one in the clouds?

I feel at this point the game is a total toss up, therefore the value is in the dog. If OSU has more than 1 turnover, they lose.

I’ll be all over Henderson and Harrison props every way I can, as I think they will do their thing regardless of the outcome.

If McCord can go out there and be Trent Dilfer, doesn’t turn the ball over, and lets the Defense do their thing. the Buckeyes will win this game If not, Michigan could roll.

Good luck to everyone’s wagers. I’ll say Buckeyes by 5.
 
emg2525 said:
Solid write up as usual.

Was going back and forth a bit about Harbaugh’s perceived “value” being a few points with Hunt also. You mention the look ahead line in reference to Harbaugh - was it 7? I just don’t think people outside of Michigan fans think much of him, but maybe I’m the one in the clouds?

I feel at this point the game is a total toss up, therefore the value is in the dog. If OSU has more than 1 turnover, they lose.

I’ll be all over Henderson and Harrison props every way I can, as I think they will do their thing regardless of the outcome.

If McCord can go out there and be Trent Dilfer, doesn’t turn the ball over, and lets the Defense do their thing. the Buckeyes will win this game If not, Michigan could roll.

Good luck to everyone’s wagers. I’ll say Buckeyes by 5.
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It did get as high as 7 I believe.

6 was around for a few weeks.

5.5 was the number a week ago today and after the Maryland game it moved down.

It's wild, one of the best HCs in America -- top 5-8 in cfb but people have a perceived mindset.

With all of his ideas that have come to fruition in cfb he'll be looked at so differently years down the line.

Hopefully he has a chance to stare down small tits next week.

Enjoy the game, just asking for injury free joth ways + cleanly officiated (no 2016 shenanigans).
 
First half thoughts.

Michigan OL still awful.

JJ probably around 80-85%.

UM will need creativity on offense 2h.

Both teams made some incredible catches.

Of course last year I had Stover props big and he finally learned to catch today.

2h line is 0.5-23.5.

I'd bet OSU. But, as Hunt said, Michigan winning the key plays.

Ohio State overall played a better 1h.

McCord looked both brilliant and awful lol. He should have 2 picks but Barrett dropped one.

From a UM perspective, the fact the defense came out a bit lax after 14-3 is upsetting. Good teams make you pay, and they did.

Trenches win this game, hence why an OSU bet is warranted at HT.

McCord is due for another turnover though.

Should be interesting. Who makes the big play and cements themselves in The Game lore?

Enjoy the 2h.
 
B.A.R. said:
First half thoughts.

Michigan OL still awful.

JJ probably around 80-85%.

UM will need creativity on offense 2h.

Both teams made some incredible catches.

Of course last year I had Stover props big and he finally learned to catch today.

2h line is 0.5-23.5.

I'd bet OSU. But, as Hunt said, Michigan winning the key plays.

Ohio State overall played a better 1h.

McCord looked both brilliant and awful lol. He should have 2 picks but Barrett dropped one.

From a UM perspective, the fact the defense came out a bit lax after 14-3 is upsetting. Good teams make you pay, and they did.

Trenches win this game, hence why an OSU bet is warranted at HT.

McCord is due for another turnover though.

Should be interesting. Who makes the big play and cements themselves in The Game lore?

Enjoy the 2h.
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You gotta have faith
 
You just watched the last, great "true"--- The Game.

CFB landscape changing.

This was the last one of it's kind.

Ryan Day is a modern day John Cooper and we're here for it.
 
B.A.R. said:
You just watched the last, great "true"--- The Game.

CFB landscape changing.

This was the last one of it's kind.

Ryan Day is a modern day John Cooper and we're here for it.
Click to expand...
Same feeling when Aggies left the Big 12 in 2011 and the Longhorn vs Aggies on Thanksgiving Day ended; the game started in 1915.

Really, the feeling started when the SW Conference ended
 
Turnovers. As simple as that. One would’ve been tough to overcome and two was obviously far too much.

(And a poorly coached end of the first half for OSU)

Well played game all around - congrats UM fans and backers!
 
emg2525 said:
Turnovers. As simple as that. One would’ve been tough to overcome and two was obviously far too much.

(And a poorly coached end of the first half for OSU)

Well played game all around - congrats UM fans and backers!
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Yeah, having the better QB in the end was crucial.

McCord made some great plays and also could of had 4 interceptions.

JJ with nearly a clean sheet today.
 
No gold pants..........three years.

Buckeyes had their chance and Michigan gave it to them. One more Wolv 1st down and there would have been no chance.

A great game! The response after the Bucs ran it down their throat in the 3rd was great stuff.
 
Osu was a bitch to play. Great game. I felt they dominated a lot of first half even though they were down. At the end, rushing and qb play wins these things.
 
Congrats UM fans - enjoy. Really not a ton to say from the OSU perspective. Day making the wrong decision between McCarthy and McCord in recruiting never hurt more than it did today. Very impressed with how UM responded to OSU 3Q and Zinter injury (here's hoping he makes a full recovery). Buckeyes didn't get outmatched physically the way they did in '21 and '22, but at the same time, Day's lack of aggression in coaching decisions at a some big junctures (punting 4th and 1 midfield, final drive of 1H) took the game out of the hands of the players who showed up with the aggression the moment demanded - and Moore notably was aggressive at key junctures.

Had to like UM's Orji drive to start the 2H. One of the best things about The Game is how each team saves things like that all year for a key moment against each other. That 22 yards was huge in getting them into range for the FG that was big both for momentum and final margin so OSU had to have a TD.
 
BiffTFinancial said:
Congrats UM fans - enjoy. Really not a ton to say from the OSU perspective. Day making the wrong decision between McCarthy and McCord in recruiting never hurt more than it did today. Very impressed with how UM responded to OSU 3Q and Zinter injury (here's hoping he makes a full recovery). Buckeyes didn't get outmatched physically the way they did in '21 and '22, but at the same time, Day's lack of aggression in coaching decisions at a some big junctures (punting 4th and 1 midfield, final drive of 1H) took the game out of the hands of the players who showed up with the aggression the moment demanded - and Moore notably was aggressive at key junctures.

Had to like UM's Orji drive to start the 2H. One of the best things about The Game is how each team saves things like that all year for a key moment against each other. That 22 yards was huge in getting them into range for the FG that was big both for momentum and final margin so OSU had to have a TD.
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Great great points all around.

I said pregame I expected OSU to go on 4th more often. I was absolutely shocked at both decisions.

And yes, no slight on McCord but that was the defining part of the game when all said and done.
 
Probably for the first time in my life, I think they should move this up a few weeks with the new conference.

We'll obviously see some fluidity on the championship game heading forward but the chance at this matchup being in back to back weeks is not enticing whatsoever.
 
BiffTFinancial said:
Congrats UM fans - enjoy. Really not a ton to say from the OSU perspective. Day making the wrong decision between McCarthy and McCord in recruiting never hurt more than it did today. Very impressed with how UM responded to OSU 3Q and Zinter injury (here's hoping he makes a full recovery). Buckeyes didn't get outmatched physically the way they did in '21 and '22, but at the same time, Day's lack of aggression in coaching decisions at a some big junctures (punting 4th and 1 midfield, final drive of 1H) took the game out of the hands of the players who showed up with the aggression the moment demanded - and Moore notably was aggressive at key junctures.

Had to like UM's Orji drive to start the 2H. One of the best things about The Game is how each team saves things like that all year for a key moment against each other. That 22 yards was huge in getting them into range for the FG that was big both for momentum and final margin so OSU had to have a TD.
Click to expand...

Good post. I think osu toughness or lack of is overblown after this past weekend. The last few years they looked a little shaken and you could definitely question their toughness based on the final scores but this year they were tough, strong, big and fast on the field. It was just a good hard fought game that was determined by Michigan qb and turnovers really.

I will say Day doesn't call the game on the last Saturday in November like his other games much like you alluded to. He definitely should have been more aggressive with the momentum but I heard him say at half time and urban as well, that you just don't want to make mistakes at all in this one so it's understandable.

Osu oline was great for the most part and Mccord was releasing his throws much quicker than normal. Michigan weakness is slants and crosses over the middle and they were aided by some osu communication issues that first drive and others imo. By no means am I saying osu should have won, these were just things I observed.
 
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