August 26th, 2010 at 10:39 PM ^
well said
August 26th, 2010 at 10:40 PM ^
Key point and something that will clearly be lost in the new arrangement:
But the worst effect of all will be on the games that take place in years when one or both of the teams aren't ranked in the top ten. Then of 1996, when Michigan spoiled a perfect season for the Buckeyes with one inspired afternoon of football. Or 2001, when Jim Tressell signaled the return of Ohio State by pulling off an improbable upset. Or 1990, when a Michigan team that wasn't going to the Rose Bowl beat an Ohio State team that wasn't either, in a thrilling contest that most of us still remember clearly two decades later.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^
...while you obviously want to win every game you play, the only UM/OSU game that will have a true impact on the Big 10, is the a Championship game. I assume the 1st criteria for going to the championship game will be head to head, division record, then overall Big 10 record.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:46 PM ^
the fence, but I think Chait is right. Change is not always good and UofM-OSU is a "tradition".
I was all for expansion. Now I'm not so sure.
August 27th, 2010 at 12:13 AM ^
What I'm not for is the idea that expansion and preserving the integrity of the greatest rivalry game in college football are mutually exclusive.
August 27th, 2010 at 12:38 AM ^
But, I'm afraid that the decision-makers don't agree with us.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^
I downloaded and watched the whole "Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry" documentary today. Hearing all the quotes during that hour was brutal. Every single one was perfect, except for the fact that they'll all be irrelevant in a year and a half.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:48 PM ^
He's right. If someone doesn't "get it" by now they're just in denial. Cross division rivalries just aren't.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:52 PM ^
I don't know if anyone's mentioned it. Seems like the new divisions are designed with a sign:
Notre Dame, we have space available.
Notre Dame would want Michigan and MSU and Purdue in the same Division and away from OSU, PSU. ND is used to semi charmin soft scheudule. Not to mention as a lure to ND, they could choose their cross divisional opponent.
These divisions get even worse when you go to 14,or 16 teams with a 9 game schedule. 6 in division, 1 protected, and only two rotating. That would be definitely competitively unbalanced. As bad as this is, the future looks worse.
They can of course just blow this up if they add more teams, there's always hope.
August 26th, 2010 at 11:02 PM ^
I obviously agree with you. I think there's an invitation lying in wait here.
You sir, are a genius!
August 26th, 2010 at 11:04 PM ^
"This is a remarkable festival annually," Keith Jackson declared before the 100th edition of The Game.
Speaking of which, what the hell does Keith Jackson have to say about all of this?
"When the last glow drips away from the Big House at Michigan
It's a good time to have a seat and listen.
Here, Yost, Kipke, Crisler
And in your mind's eye, see the lads who wore the colors:
Harmon, who played both ways all the way to a Heisman Trophy
And got a standing ovation once, at the Horsehoe.
And Archie Griffin, the double Heisman man from Ohio State,
Who had his moments-- So many to remember,
Players and coaches,
But there are two coaches who had a special place in this history:
Woody and Bo, the salt and pepper of the series.
Giants in their profession, their histronics legendary
And, they could win;
This is a remarkable festival annually, whether here or at the Horseshoe;
There are the great bands, fight that team across the field,
Show them Ohio's here;
Hail to the Victors, Valiant, Hail to the Conq'ring Heroes;
Today another bounty of memories, concluding a hundred years,
of Buckeyes and Wolverines."
August 26th, 2010 at 11:03 PM ^
Cosigned. Chait always nails it.
August 26th, 2010 at 11:42 PM ^
Awesome that he weighed in again. Both of his columns on this have been great.