MSU @ OSU: Whose loss are you rooting harder for?
[I'll preface this with the prerequisite "Just beat Maryland" but I am a fan not a player or coach so these are the thoughts running through my head with two weeks left in the season.]
With Michigan's two most hated rivals facing off in the time slot before our game @ Maryland this Saturday, I have to ask whose loss the board is pulling for harder. If we can beat Maryland we have the following scenarios:
1) MSU loses
- The Game is a winner take all for the East Division crown.
2) OSU loses then MSU controls their own destiny:
- MSU wins against Penn State in East Lansing the following weekend they clinch the East
- MSU loses then The Game again becomes a winner take all.
So... who do you want to lose?
November 14th, 2021 at 8:46 AM ^
It would not be shocking if CJ Stroud throws for nearly 500 yds and Ohio runs for another 200+ yds so the 56-21 outcome is likely.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:31 AM ^
I wonder if that would be psychologically depleting -- serious question. If they were to barely eke out a win against MSU, would it affect their confidence or would it give them extra motivation (like they seemed to have last night against Purdue) to try to hang 50 on us?
November 14th, 2021 at 9:57 AM ^
“Try” to hang 50...
uh huh. I guess they were unsuccessful scoring 50+ in 2020 at least.
November 14th, 2021 at 11:34 AM ^
2018 and 2019 were no doubt bad years but they won't hang 50 on us this year. Check 2012, 2013 and 2016.
November 14th, 2021 at 10:15 AM ^
I'm not thinking that OSU would have their confidence lessened but rather that an extended multi-overtime game is wearying on the physical and mental fronts. If OSU has to expend a huge amount of effort to win a particular game, it does exact a toll, especially with players who aren't seasoned older professionals.
Whether that would make any essential difference when they play Michigan is up for debate, but as long as we're debating hypotheticals I'll take any advantage I can.
November 14th, 2021 at 11:26 AM ^
Of all the teams in the Big Ten, Ohio State seems to be the only one impervious to mental lapses or cracks in the armor, with the exception of when they play outside the Big Ten.
November 14th, 2021 at 10:33 AM ^
Spreads I've seen this morning doesn't look good for MSU
November 14th, 2021 at 8:20 AM ^
MSU has to lose. This won't be a problem.
November 14th, 2021 at 11:44 AM ^
Agree. The MSU DBs trying to cover those OSU receivers should be absolutely hilarious
November 14th, 2021 at 8:21 AM ^
Need MSU to get blown out so if we lose to Ohio State we can possibly sneak into the Rose Bowl
November 14th, 2021 at 8:26 AM ^
THIS.
I am tired of playing bowl games in Florida. But how would the picking work out this time (I honestly can't imagine a Pac12 team other than Oregon being picked...but a Michigan-Oklahoma Rose Bowl would be a nice consolation.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:44 AM ^
I believe it’s highest ranked Big Ten and Pac 12 teams that aren’t in the playoff. Could be wrong.
November 14th, 2021 at 10:28 AM ^
If Oregon makes the CFP, the Rose Bowl has to take another PAC 12 team. The problem there is whoever they pick will have 4 or 5 losses, but they don’t really have a choice. So a Rose Bowl bid might have a little less luster than usual this year, though it’s obviously better than any Florida bowl.
The good news is that a win over Maryland basically locks up a NY6 bowl, so even with a loss to OSU it will be the Rose, Peach, or Fiesta. Oklahoma is a possibility in the latter 2 if they don’t win their conference championship, but I expect them to lose at least once more and fall out of the NY6 altogether.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:22 AM ^
Stupid question. Root against MSU.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:24 AM ^
What the hell is wrong with you? There is not even a hint of ambiguity as to which outcome we want or need.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:30 AM ^
I dont care who wins or loses as long as there is a covid positive case that infects every starter on the field, they are all asymptomatic but in isolation for next weeks game where they both lose.
November 14th, 2021 at 10:18 AM ^
Playing Staee, they are more likely to get an STD (or is it now STI? Makes a big difference what you call it.)
November 14th, 2021 at 8:26 AM ^
If Michigan beats Maryland and OSU, I will be happy if we beat OSU. Even if MSU beats OSU and PSU, we will share the East Division championship with MSU, which I would find preferable to sharing or losing out to OSU. MSU would still need to win the B1G championship game if they made those hurdles, and I am betting they won't win all three.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:32 AM ^
This is a sparty-esque little bro thread.
Yeah, we hate OSU, but do you hate them more than you care about your own team’s success? - like The east Lansing regional couch burning squad feels about UM?
Best case scenario is good weather, so sparty can’t luck into a 2015 type win, a very physical game leaving OSU beat up for our game with them, and obviously an OSU win that leaves the B1G East on the line for The Game. (Assuming we take care of business against Maryland)
A 14-17 point OSU win is ideal…enough to expose Sparty as a fraud, but not too much where OSU is sitting and resting players in the 4th quarter.
It’s also competitive enough for Tucker to get real, big time job offers, from non-regional MSU type programs - as the loss would be seen as MSU simply being out manned, but Mel gets to keep his tough guy (it really isn’t all a fluke) image.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:35 AM ^
PSU beating MSU is more likely than OSU losing to MSU or Michigan beating OSU and so that is what I am rooting for.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:41 AM ^
Point 2.3:-MSU loses the The Game again becomes a winner take all. A no brainer because MSU would be a 2 loss team and out of contention. No tie breakers need at that point to determine the B1G East winner, as long as Michigan beat OSU.
The MSU loss benefits Michigan's chances to win the division. It's a home game for the Buckeyes which gives them an even better chance of winning that game.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:44 AM ^
Watching OSU yesterday I could see this being a blowout. They were absolutely firing on all cylinders. The only chink in the armor was their D giving up so many point. For us to have a chance we really need clock eating drives that end in TD’s and not field goals. I really don’t know what to make of Ohio state, one game they look like shit and then they look like national champions. I notice that if you get in Strouds crawl that he makes mistakes and becomes quite inaccurate. Here’s to Ojabo and Hutchinson meeting at the qb every snap and our Dline somehow containing Henderson.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:06 AM ^
The only time OSU has looked truly bad was against Oregon and that was just on defense. They have since fixed those issues. Nebraska was the only defense to actually give OSU some real problems. Against Oregon and PSU, OSU’s problems on offense were more a lack of execution on their part.
We will have to force at least two turnovers and be able to force 2-3 FG attempts for The Game to be competitive. I hope we can. I have serious doubts though as the strength of our defense is Hutch and Ojabo and a huge strength for OSU is pass protection. I hope it’s not a repeat of 2018 where Haskins had a clean pocket all day.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:46 AM ^
MSU has got to lose, that’ll set up a winner take all game in Ann Arbor vs ohio.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:47 AM ^
I want both to lose. It's just a matter of timing.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:47 AM ^
Is this a trick question?
November 14th, 2021 at 8:50 AM ^
Every year I give this same answer. I want both of them to LOSE! Simple as that.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:51 AM ^
easy answer. as much as we dislike ohio, they have to beat sparty for us to have a clear shot.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:27 AM ^
Yep, it's not that hard
November 14th, 2021 at 10:25 AM ^
Bring it, Mr. XM. I'll wager a (slightly used) cooler OSU goes 2-0 the next two weeks ?
November 14th, 2021 at 11:14 AM ^
The courage you've shown here is exemplary.
I will wager you an unused cooler on the season series in hockey.
And basketball.
November 14th, 2021 at 12:45 PM ^
OR, you know me well enough to know there will be no trash talk or bold predictions from me. as it relates to the ohio v. michigan rivalry, until/unless we prove it on the field there is nothing for our side to talk about.
will you be at the game by any chance? you know, we welcome cool opposing fans like you and it would be a pleasure to meet you in person.
November 14th, 2021 at 4:56 PM ^
A little good natured ribbing is okay... Why else would I make a cooler pooper joke?!?
Still working logistics for The Game.. I'll have extended family in town staying with us, but also have a number of customers interested in attending.. It'll probably come down to how many tickets my company wants to pony up for.
November 15th, 2021 at 1:55 PM ^
of course re: good natured ribbing.
not kidding about meeting up though. and you know, you could always buy a ticket yourself. with your own money. i have heard there are ticket services that sell to scarlet and gray supporters. bad ones, but they do sell.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:54 AM ^
I want MSU to lose and it's not even close. OSU having 2 losses and then beating UM doesn't make anyone's life better.
Also, MSU let Maryland hang around in that game WAY longer than they should have, which leads me to believe that OSU is just going to demolish them in the air.
November 14th, 2021 at 8:58 AM ^
If OSU wins out and goes to the playoffs and MSU and UM finish with identical conference records, does MSU go to the Rose Bowl because they have the head-to-head tiebreaker, or does the Rose Bowl committee have some autonomy to make their own selection and possibly choose UM?
November 14th, 2021 at 9:07 AM ^
No. I think the NY6 bowls are determined by a committee than can consider everything. It used to be that the Rose Bowl goes after whoever they think will bring in the most revenue which is typically MICHIGAN. Conference standing is only a consideration.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:05 AM ^
Best scenario - OSU beats MSU and then a week later MICHIGAN beats OSU.
MSU loses to both OSU and PSU.
All is right in the world of the Big 10. I want it clear that officiating is a reason (contributing factor) for the MICHIGAN loss in East Lansing. Not being patient with Walker and whiffing on tempo are at least two others.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:09 AM ^
We need MSU to lose. We want MSU to get smoked. Always
November 14th, 2021 at 9:16 AM ^
I just can't even imagine watching a game and cheering for Ohio State. Even one involving MSU. Logic be damned, I've spent all 54 of my years hating the colors, coaches, players, band, and everything else associated with OSU. It's irrelevant what Michigan "needs" -- I can not ever cheer for the Buckeyes.
(How about MSU wins this one, then shockingly loses to Penn State in the finale?).
I dunno. We all know what Michigan needs, so obviously the rational part of me hopes that happens. But in my gut, I'll be cheering for OSU fans to leave that stadium in stunned disappointment.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:16 AM ^
Are you serious??
November 14th, 2021 at 9:17 AM ^
I’d like to see MSU win. We have no shot against OSU, and I’d rather not have any hope of controlling our own destiny going into our game against OSU.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:38 AM ^
Uh...what?
November 14th, 2021 at 10:03 AM ^
Honestly, why do you even watch sports if that's the approach?
November 15th, 2021 at 1:25 AM ^
Somny! Wake up! You're stuck in a schizoid embalism!
November 14th, 2021 at 9:26 AM ^
Rooting? I don’t root for either. But we need OSU to pound Sparty back into the Stone Age.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:43 AM ^
Perfectly said!
November 14th, 2021 at 10:03 AM ^
Exactly, you root for the meteor.
November 14th, 2021 at 9:33 AM ^
The only reasonable answer is Central Ohio Football School over Sparty in a close fought slugfest that leaves both 'schools' emotionally and physically drained.