For my final pick of the week, I am rooting for the Michigan Wolverines to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes. As late as this morning, I was almost ready to pull the trigger and pick Ohio State to win 21-20. My main factor in predicting a Buckeye win was the efforts of my pre-season Heisman winner pick, QB Troy Smith. I felt he was going to single-handedly break down the Michigan defense, as he has done in years past. However my feelings changed abruptly when I heard the sad news around Noon today.
I assume that if you are taking the time to read this, then you already know that the former legendary coach of Michigan, Bo Schembechler, died at the age of 77 this morning. Very sad news indeed in this heated rivalry, yet incredibly ironic that he died one day before what is being dubbed 'The Game of the Millennium." I am a sentimentalist at heart, and it is hard for me to believe that Michigan will not play with any extra motivation or inspiration tomorrow. He was a beloved, iconic figure in Ann Arbor, and I have no doubt in my mind the Wolverines will go into the Horseshoe and win one for Bo.
That being said, here is a brief breakdown of how I think the game will go down. Ohio State will be led by Heisman candidate Troy Smith. Smith will run pass for a touchdown and run for two more. The Wolverines will spread the ball more efficiently though, keeping the Buckeyes off-balance. Mike Hart will run for 107 yards and a touchdown. In case you do not know, the Wolverines are 17-1 when Hart runs for 100+ yards, with their lone loss coming against Minnesota last year. However in his two games against Ohio State, he has 27 rushes for a combined 76 yards and one touchdown. So it could be argued this is a bold prediction I am making regarding Hart. Elsewhere, I expect Chad Henne to pass for two touchdowns, both to 'super sophomore' Mario Manningham. In addition, the Wolverines will tack on two field goals from kicker Garrett Rivas. The 99th game between Michigan and Ohio State will be one for the ages.
Your final score from Columbus, OH:
#2 Michigan Wolverines - 27
#1 Ohio State Buckeyes - 21
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