Somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go

By Charles Farmer
Contributing Columnist
Union County Post

Famous event announcer Michael Buffer has a favorite phrase he likes to use when introducing two undefeated boxers that are preparing to face off, “Somebody’s 0 has Got to Go, and in the highly anticipated college football match-up between top ranked Ohio State (11-0) and second ranked Michigan (11-0), the phrase fits perfectly.
After months of anticipation of whether or not the two teams could run the table, the wait is finally over. Michigan week is officially underway. What’s ironic is that both teams entered the year with a number of questions surrounding them that only the progression of the season could answer. Critics wondered if Michigan could rise above last year’s disappointing season and save coach Lloyd Carr’s job. The Wolverines are 1-4 in their last five games against Ohio State.
The Buckeyes’ Achilles heel was supposed to be its unproven defense that had only two starters, senior tackles Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson, returning. As the year progressed, that unproven label was discarded and the defense was vital in allowing the Buckeyes to remain atop of the college football rankings all year long. Despite losing the nine starters, Ohio State’s defense was better statistically overall compared to last season.
“ The Ohio State-Michigan game is always the biggest game. It doesn’t matter what the records are or what is on the table depending on the outcome. The fact that it is number-one vs. number-two, we think that is the way it should be. We are excited,” said Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
If you are looking for numbers, then you will be quite impressed with how the two teams rank statistically on both sides of the ball.
On offense, Ohio State ranks eighth nationally in scoring (35 points per game); fifth in passing efficiency and on defense is eighth in total defense (261 yards a game); first in scoring defense (7 points a game); and sixth in passing efficiency defense.
In comparison, Michigan ranks first in rushing defense nationally (29 yards a game); third in total defense (231 yards a game); fifth in scoring defense (12 points a game) and sack average per contest.
There is also some exceptional talent on both teams that will take field on Saturday in Ohio Stadium.
Michigan features quarterback Chad Henne, tailback Mike Hart, wide receivers Steve Breaston, Adrian Arrington and Mario Manningham.
On defense, the Wolverines feature leading tackler David Harris; linebackers Prescott Burgess and Shawn Crable, safety Jamar Adams, cornerback Leon Hall and end LaMarr Woodley.
The Buckeye offense is led by Heisman Trophy candidate Troy Smith, tailback Antonio Pittman and outstanding wideouts Ted Ginn Jr., and Anthony Gonzalez.
The Ohio State defense is led by by Pitcock, Patterson and Butkus Award Finalist linebacker James Laurinaitis, ends Jay Richardson and Vernon Gholston, linebacker Marcus Freeman, cornerbacks Malcolm Jenkins and Antonio Smith and safety Brandon Mitchell.
While the college football world is ready for this epic battle, so are the players of both teams. The teams were so eager to meet each other that they played very inspired football a week prior with Ohio State dismantling Northwestern 54-10 and Michigan taming Indiana 34-3.
“ Well, one thing we know about this game is that it is going to be physical. [This game] always comes down to toughness. You know, this is what dream about when you’re a little kid, playing in that game... I’m happy to be playing Michigan this week, but I’m saddened because it will be my last time in the ‘Shoe ... It’s bittersweet,” explained Patterson.
Ohio State enters the contest on an 18 game winning streak and Michigan has compiled an 11 game win streak of its own.
If you were to compare the two teams, they would come out to be relatively equal because the schools have playmakers on both sides of the ball.
The difference in the ballgame will come down to the team that makes the least mistakes and the biggest plays will win. That’s where the playmakers come in, those guys who are not afraid to take a chance to be special when the entire college football world will be watching.
The expectations are high because the winner should secure a slot in the National Championship Game. Now that’s pressure.