Michigan – Ohio Rivalry is Alive and Strong

May 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

If you have one ounce of football spirit in your soul, live anywhere in the great mid-west, and can string together a sentence consisting of more than four words, then what I am about to tell you is overstating the obvious.  That said, here goes anyway…Michigan and Ohio don’t get along!  Now, one would like to believe that this distaste for a fellow man is more spiritual than literal, but I suppose that’s one of those relativity questions better answered in a college debate class.  Oh yea, I think at this point I should point out one more tidbit of information.  This rivalry is collegiate in nature, and not merely anti statesman. 

In attempt to clarify my foggy intro, the rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is one of those adverse relationships that fill college stadiums to the brink on cool Autumn Saturdays and cause mild mannered housewives to blossom into ferocious, teeth clinching pole cats.  In the world of college football where national championships and big money rule, nothing…yes nothing drive fans to flock in groves more so than that of the ultimate rivalry.

In the most recent display of rivalry ridiculousness, Michigan wide receiver Bo Denver posted a photo of the Wolverines new footballs that display the words “Made in USA, Not in Ohio”.  The post by Denver is obviously a jab to incite a Buckeye loyalist that will, no doubt, fuel a fury of revenge tactics to the foe.  These petty yet meaningful duels are the meat and potatoes behind all long lasting and publicized rivalries and  so long as the intent is harmless and the jesters remain somewhere short of criminal in their behavior, these duels translate into spectacular football games.

 

So, from one avid football fan to all the rest of you, I say embrace those opportunities to challenge your rival.  Metaphorically pouring fuel on the long burning fire not only keeps the rivalry flames aglow, but also develops new young fans that migrate to their beloved team to douse them with a healthy dose of Saturday retardant (also metaphorically speaking).  Thank you Bo Denver.  For your posting will have the effect of awakening the slumbering giant and a swarm of Buckeyes shall invade the hyperspace of Wolverines everywhere.  Game on!!!

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Ohio State Pre 2010

June 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When Terrelle Prior signed with Ohio State, many Buckeyes fans and also America assumed he would show up and take over as the starting quarterback. It seems like Terrelle will have to wait his turn. That turn might come this year. It might come next year. Some Buckeye fans are already ready to buy a Prior Jersey as part of their Ohio State Gear.

The Buckeyes already have a starter. His name is Todd Boechman and he is in his fifth year.

Terrelle was rated by many as the top recruit in the country. He might have a prominent role in the Buckeyes organization. He might be on the sidelines.

Many people do not know what it is like to run an offense. The system consists of more than just a quarterback. The Buckeyes’ staff is very positive that Todd will be the quarterback. The coach did not say whether he would let Pryor get on the field. He did say that Pryor would not be able to run their offense. He also said that because Pryor is a freshman and not as experienced as Boeckman.

Freshmen do need to wait until their turn. In the process, they learn more about the game. When they actually take the field, the player who waited will have matured so much.

Coach Jim Tressel said, “When Pryor arrives, he will compete for playing time at the position.” He might even split the quarterback role. If he splits the role, then it will give the Buckeyes a new dimension to their offense.

Having two quarterbacks is a popular thing to do these days on successful teams. Chris Leak and Tim Tebow shared the job for national champion Florida two years ago. Matt Flynn and Ryan Perilloux had a similar arrangement for LSU’s title team last season. Both of those duos beat the Buckeyes in national championship games the previous two years.

Boeckman is not at all upset about Pryor coming to Buckeye country. In fact, he is gracious when asked about him. He politely answers questions about Ohio State’s best recruit in years. He is looking forward to spending time with him and showing him the ropes. Preseason camp starts in August and he can’t wait to have another big named quarterback on the team.

Boeckman recognizes how difficult it is for a rookie to step right in. He didn’t put Pryor down.

“I don’t think it happens too much throughout the country, coming in as a freshman and also starting, just because of the speed of the game and everything you’ve got to worry about,” Boeckman said. “But he’s a great athlete and he can do some great things to help us out. I’d more than welcome him to be with us if he helps us win games.”

The Buckeyes are welcoming the duo because it will give them a better chance at winning a national championship. Many fans have already bought new Ohio State merchandise because they think they can return to the championship game.

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