Time to Play 'The Game'

Ohio State and Michigan. No.1 vs. No. 2. This years game of the century.

No matter how you slice it, dice it or over-analyze it. 'The Game' as the two rivals like to call it is bigger than its ever been.

Saturday will be the first time in 103 meetings that the Big Ten powers are ranked 1-2 in the nation — Ohio State is No. 1 and Michigan is No. 2. The winner not only captures the league title, but also locks up a spot in the Bowl Championship Series national title game on Jan. 8 at Glendale, Arizona.

Do you think that's reason enough motivation for fans and players alike? You bet it is.

This game has all the ingredients to actually live up to the hype and become an instant classic. It's even possible that the loser could still finish second in the BCS Standings and get to Glendale for the rematch and a chance at the national championship. Stranger things have happened. No one knows what the BCS computers will spit out at seasons end?

The teams have met two other times - in 1970 and 1973 - in which both teams entered the matchup with perfect records, but never as 1 and 2.

Michigan leads the series, 57-39-6, but Ohio State is 4-1 since Jim Tressel took over before the 2001 season, including a 25-21 victory in Ann Arbor last season in which the Buckeyes rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Despite having had to replace nine starters on defense - including its entire linebacking corps - the Buckeyes (11-0, 7-0 Big Ten) are yielding the fewest points of any team in the nation (7.8 per game). They also rank 11th in rushing defense (90.1) and eighth in total defense (261.7).

The Wolverines (11-0, 7-0) are arguably more stout defensively, leading the country in rushing defense (29.9) and ranking third in total yards allowed (231.4). They also are fifth in scoring defense (12.1).

Ohio State is led by Heisman leader Troy Smith. The senior, who is 2-0 against Michigan, has thrown for 2,191 yards on 66% passing (170-of-256) for 26 touchdowns and only four picks.

Under Smith's direction, the Buckeyes are averaging 36 points and 401.3 yards per game. His favorite targets are Ted Ginn Jr. (51-677-8) and Anthony Gonzalez (45-673-7). On the ground, Antonio Pittman (214-1,032-12) and freshman Chris Wells (97-511-6) lead the way.

The Wolverines average 29.4 points and 373 yards yards a game with a balanced attack similar to the Buckeyes.

RB Mike Hart (278-1,373-11) is the focal point of the offense, but if you concentrate all your efforts on him, Michigan breaks out a passing game that features three deadly wide receivers and a three-year starter at quarterback who's starting to hit his stride at the collegiate level.

Chad Henne, the first freshman QB to ever start at Michigan, has bounced back from a disappointing sophomore season to lead the Wolverines to their unbeaten mark. The Pennsylvania native has thrown for 1,932 yards on 156-of-252 passing for 18 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.

His favorite target, Mario Manningham, is back from a knee injury and is the most dangerous player on the Michigan offense. The sophomore has caught 26 passes for 538 yards and an amazing nine touchdowns, despite missing four games. Steve Breaston (48-537-1) provides senior leadership, while Adrian Arrington (31-420-6) is a quality third receiver.

Both teams feature standout offenses and solid, aggressive defenses. The difference, as in most games between two evenly matched teams, could come down to special teams and turnovers.

One things is certain, no matter who wins or loses, it's going to be an incredible game with loads of excitement. This is what football is all about. So get yourself prepared, grab the chips and dip, call your friends over and get ready for this years version of the game of the century.


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