Best description of the win comes from a Buckeye Analyst
Bill Greene on Buckeye Scoop writes:
I don’t think anyone needs me to explain this game at all and anyone who has watched football for any length of time can easily sum it up. For an old guy like me, I’m glad that blocking and tackling still means something to the game of football.
And OSU found out the hard way that bad-azz football can still beat candy-azz football. And that really was the answer in a nutshell on Saturday. At the end of the day, you shake the other man’s hand and tell him he was the better man, and you go home and try to get better.
November 29th, 2021 at 7:29 AM ^
Did... did he call Ohio State's offense candy-azz football? Wow, did not see that one coming.
November 29th, 2021 at 7:40 AM ^
Spent some time at 11W yesterday and the prevailing train of thought over there is that their team is set up to win high powered track meets in climate controlled stadiums (you know, like playoff games) but not prepared for a sub-zero trench war.
That's part of what made this win so satisfying. It wasn't on a Hail Mary pass or a fluke +4 turnover differential. It was a cold snowy day with the announcers screaming POWAR FOOTALL every time Hassan Haskins picked up another first down.
November 29th, 2021 at 7:53 AM ^
I also spent a bit of time at 11w yesterday. There were several fans who accepted they got their "azz" beat, but many seem to think all they need to do is fire some coaches and try harder and they'll get right back on another dominant streak over UM. The timing with NIL and our roster truly becoming more of a force, as well as the incredible leadership showing the way to this team, I'm hopeful we get into that more exclusive club.
GO BLUE!
November 29th, 2021 at 8:04 AM ^
Well I do agree with them that they need to fire some staff.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:38 AM ^
I like their staff as is
November 29th, 2021 at 10:02 AM ^
Exactly.
And on the other side of the coin, I'm hoping that I won't hear "keep Harbaugh" from their fanbase any longer as well.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:08 AM ^
I would start with the guy who decided that Mazi Smith was our most dangerous pass rusher who should be doubled. I rewatched the game. A majority of OSU plays saw Michigan rush 4 against OSU’s 5 linemen. Mazi drew the double team more often than not. That suggests OSU felt they didn’t need to adjust their approach to deal with Hutchinson. Boy were they wrong.
By the way, Mazi played an excellent game. I just would have doubled Hutchinson all day if I were them.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:27 AM ^
Interesting, I’ll look for this when I rewatch the game. Thanks for the heads up.
November 29th, 2021 at 10:10 AM ^
I had similar thoughts. It was shocking to me that OSU came into this game so arrogant towards their belief they could single up the ends. When they actually threw the ball they were efficient if not spectacular (kudos to the defensive staff for finally implementing a bend but don't break against OSU instead of the Brown boom or bust) - If I were OSU after the first quarter I would have been in 12 personnel almost the entire game with tight ends at minimum chipping the ends. It may have also helped their running game which never really got going. I highly doubt Urban would have missed an easy adjustment like that so I am hopeful that the downfall to Day is larger than I thought.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:12 AM ^
Judging by the energy I saw on Saturday, they're not entirely wrong. Their guys in the trenches gave up at some point in the 3rd quarter, so trying harder might have made a bit of difference. They just didn't want any of that smoke.
I'm under no impression that we've turned a corner to our own domination of the rivalry, but hopefully this improves recruiting to the point where we're on even footing.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:50 AM ^
It was very telling on that last TD that you guys scored where we had two LBs just hide behind your OLineman so they didn’t get hit by Haskins. I let out a “WTF” not because you scored, but how our guys just laid down. It was pathetic.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:55 AM ^
They were letting Michigan score to preserve time. They liked their chances better to drive twice for the win with ~2m left and 3 TO than to try and prevent a Michigan score from the 2.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:56 AM ^
The last touchdown? Or the 2nd to last? Day said that he told them to allow the TD so they'd save a few seconds. The one prior to that the D looked almost as easy though.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:40 AM ^
The 2nd to last TD also had OSU linebackers hiding, not wanting to stick their nose in there. It think Due has a good clip of it on Twitter, where he noted it in real time. They had had enough.
EDIT: Here it is:
November 29th, 2021 at 9:47 AM ^
It was hard to tell when they were trying to let us score and when they weren't. Same result, really. And it was wondrous.
November 29th, 2021 at 10:15 AM ^
Disrespectful... they're trying their best!
November 29th, 2021 at 9:59 AM ^
Actually, Day talked about that in his press conference. He said they let him in to save time on the clock to they'd have a chance to try to get two scores back. So I don't think that was on the players, they were just following the coach's signal.
November 29th, 2021 at 1:54 PM ^
That was on our last TD, not what's being discussed above.
November 29th, 2021 at 4:13 PM ^
I think this could the program changing moment that we've missed out on in past seasons. McNamara said it best in the post-game in that the team knows what it takes now to beat OSU. We didn't pull out a win over OSU when they were having a down year. We beat them as the #2 team in the country with a trip to Indianapolis on the line. The last time a Michigan team won this type of game, these guys were all toddlers. There has been no institutional memory of that type of success over OSU in that locker room for almost a generation, and that paradigm just changed.
Now this doesn't mean that we flip the script on OSU and rattle off 8 wins over the next 9 or 10 years. That's probably not realistic, but if the we can pull the record to more of a .500 level with them, that should be the long term goal.
Winning this Saturday is crucial to making sure that happens. Win and we can start poking holes in all the negative recruiting narratives that have built up around Harbaugh and the program these past 5 or 6 years. We can count ourselves in that exclusive club of programs that have cracked the CFP and that should help us boost our recruiting back up to where it was when Jim first came on board and better help us stay competitive on an annual basis.
Beat Iowa
November 29th, 2021 at 8:25 AM ^
Read the same- lot of “we’ve become Oklahoma or Oregon” or “we’re a 7 on 7 team” comments. I think that there might some truth to that, but from a recruiting standpoint on defense this just wasn’t a vintage OSU D, and all their potential big stars are young. Throw in the DC disaster early in the year, and the potential for a game like this was always there. I’ve also thought that starting 4 or 5 OT’s would eventually come back to bite them when they really needed to run the ball. Teams like that can still be great at zone running schemes, but you are at risk for the tall lanky guards getting knocked back when the DL sells out in short yardage.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:57 AM ^
That’s a very well-informed post on our offensive line. That line was made for pass-protection and that’s it. Yes, Hutchinson just ran around Dawand Jones all game but that’s what happens when a first year starter goes against the best DE you’ve ever produced (he got one on NPF but I digress.) Thankfully, it’s going to be different next year when we shift back to having two guards where they need to be. We’re OSU, we need to be able to run the ball and create gaps against bigger teams, not turn into OU or the Chip Kelly Oregon offenses.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:39 AM ^
Bless Hutch's cotton pickin' maize and blue heart (thanks to Ufer for that one) but Brandon Graham would like to remind you that he wasn't half bad either.
November 29th, 2021 at 4:19 PM ^
Do you really think that's Coach Day's vision for the offense? I keep reading stuff about how he and his staff just want to put the 5 best athletes out there on the line, regardless of body type and teach them to be awesome at their position. I don't know if that's for real, but it got me to cock an eyebrow when I read it.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:18 AM ^
The weather didn’t slow them down. Their passing game was effective.
They got out coached, outplayed, and out toughed.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:58 AM ^
Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:41 AM ^
Exactly. People are acting like OSU's offense wasn't hitting on all cylinders. I would argue that their offense was not any worse than the offense we've seen all season. Stroud passed for what, 390 yards? Michigan bent a little for sure in the back 7. Stroud made some really good passes under significant pressure, and a hat tip for that. But where we won this game was run defense and red zone defense. Michigan should get a ton of credit for its holistic defensive approach and keeping OSU points off the board.
And for once Michigan was able to answer OSU score for score, and then some! Michigan's offense was better than I've ever seen it under Harbaugh. And that is a testament to the coaches and the preparation put in all year. I think we've turned a corner. Once you win like that, there is no going back. I expect to see a lot more of this type of team effort and execution as we move on. In other words, this is a replicable recipe for winning football. Keep on keeping on, Michigan!
November 29th, 2021 at 10:43 AM ^
Every player on this team just saw what it took to win the game. The KNOW it can happen, they can tell the incoming freshmen what it takes and they can speak from experience.
This is not something we've had for a long time, I'd argue that even 2011 didnt have the same value because of fickel <<< meyer.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:42 AM ^
It was cold when they put 56 on MSU they got their ass handed to them, credit Jim for a lot but mainly the DC (MacDonald) change, OL (Moore) change, RB (Hart) coach change and moving JayBaugh too ST they played flawless all year and you don’t notice ST till they screw up. The tide and turned in The Game and they’ll go down to Columbus next year with the same attitude
November 29th, 2021 at 8:21 AM ^
Many of the fans there who lived through the 90s seem to think this felt a lot like a John Cooper team. That's a very accurate analysis. On paper they have way more talent. They did a lot of talking. Full of themselves. And almost assumed they would walk in and win easily. They weren't ready for how much Michigan wanted it, for lack of a better cliche.
November 29th, 2021 at 10:09 AM ^
Thats spot on.
I've now watched this game in it's entirety 4 times. Play after play, replay after replay there is an energy and i'd also say a discipline that is evident amongst the Michigan players that has been lacking.
They done got coached up!
November 29th, 2021 at 3:32 PM ^
The whole contest felt like a 90s Game.
That's the last era when Michigan went out in the cold and snow and simply mauled OSU in such fashion.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:41 AM ^
After we hung 50 on Maryland I let myself start believing there’s a chance. I’m in Texas, but on Wednesday checked the weather in AA for Saturday and my belief got a nice uptick.
Michigan had been in 3 wars prior to this contest. All 3 on the road. 4 if you count Wisconsin, but that was the least adverse road foe. Donovan Edwards performance last week added so many hours to the DC for the buckeyes’ game prep-therefore fewer hours to go over something else- he did not budget for prior to last Saturday. Ohios tough battles were all at home, this is THE GAME. All these things lead to, what sounds like, the pervasive feeling many of us had by game time. A nice calm, this can work if we don’t get behind early.
The forecast early in the week predicted the precipitation would roll in around halftime. Just enough time for the track team to get warmed up, get a lead, and us be chasing in inclement conditions. Instead, that rain/snow came early. CJ Stroud was sick enough his tackles couldn’t hear his cadence, but healthy enough to throw 50 times and run for a 30yd TD negated by penalty. They deferred and we got to watch 53:00 of football without feeling like a miracle will be required for this to go our way finally. This nonetheless for those of us who pray to a God felt like an answer to prayers that finally, we as the loyalest of fans can walk around for a year and beyond with the pride we knew these guys had in them all along. Trey Burke and the many cast of characters now doing great things in the NBA were great but fell short of this glorious game.
Even had they won one of those 2 contests (one of which I saw in person, the other I attended the 16 and 8 rounds in Dallas and I know the Burke family), this accomplishment will carry with it a rewarding feeling that will be unmatched for years to come. Unless somehow this team wins 3 more games. Not even 97 would compare for those of use who saw that and have endured the 24 years since
November 29th, 2021 at 8:54 AM ^
It seems like the angry right after the game takes on 11 W have given way to more rational takes 24 to 48 hours later. I would just as soon OSU stay arrogant and full of hubris but it is what it is. Right now it's beautiful to have beaten OSU and be playing for B10 championship. The Michigan team has played so hard, so well, and it has been great to witness their camaraderie, chemistry and effort.
Bill Green's piece is the well said truth in a 100 or so words. Thanks for sharing it.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:52 AM ^
Instant responses by the most emotional fans are always high on drama and low on thinking. This board is no different. I avoid it like the plague, especially after a loss, for at least 24 hours.
I did log in later Saturday this time, just for feel goods.
November 29th, 2021 at 12:49 PM ^
We are the Champions of the North!
November 29th, 2021 at 9:01 AM ^
One amazing thing on 11W very often was them asking for "better recruiting". It's like a guy driving a Bentley saying he'd be a better driver if he only had a fancier car.
November 29th, 2021 at 7:38 AM ^
An adult man really wrote "candy-azz" and hit publish.
Interesting.
November 29th, 2021 at 7:49 AM ^
like a 6th grader trying to be funny but not get sent to the principal's office
November 29th, 2021 at 8:04 AM ^
It's those good ol' Midwestern Values (TM). You can say whatever you want as long as you change at least one letter, I learned that in church!
November 29th, 2021 at 8:11 AM ^
Puck yes!
November 29th, 2021 at 8:15 AM ^
(TM) - mocking OSU?
Yes, proper journalists aren't crude so insert the z and hope for the best. Maybe he should have tried working with weak, finesse, fancy football.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:18 AM ^
What the heck are you talking about, gosh darn it?
November 29th, 2021 at 8:57 AM ^
Just don't say "jeez." We all know what you mean, and you're toeing the line of blasphemy.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:13 AM ^
I saw that and wondered if he had any performance bonus' tied to expletives used and he was already at his allotment for the quarter.
November 29th, 2021 at 7:51 AM ^
AMEN. It took 7 years, but I'm damn glad to see Michigan Football back. This is the mentality and style of play I was hoping for when Harbaugh was hired. Win up front. Play hard. Don't stop. And -when you lose- the team you just played, is damn sure going to know who they just played, and not forget it. Go Blue.
November 29th, 2021 at 9:09 AM ^
I've been waiting longer than seven years...
November 29th, 2021 at 8:02 AM ^
Last sentence certainly expresses the attitude of my day.
November 29th, 2021 at 8:10 AM ^
And the best description of Ryan Day came courtesy of Jim Harbaugh, "Some people are born on third and think they hit a triple." Some many kinds of awesome right there.
November 29th, 2021 at 10:07 AM ^
Maybe the best thing I have ever heard Jim say. And watch the video of him saying it. Last comment of his post Game presser and he has this great little smirk as he says it. Totally awesome.