Credit Where It's Due, from a Buckeye
It's painful to lose to a rival, and I'll be hearing about this from my UM friends for the net 364 days for sure, but I'm calling all OSU fans to give credit where credit is due. I thought it could be a blowout, or a close one, but expected OSU to win in both of those scenarios. UM wanted that game more yesterday, period. So no excuses, not weather, not refereeing, nothing... UM wanted it more. So cheers to you all, enjoy the victory, and take care of business in Indy and the (possible) CFP berth.
I apologize for any OSU fans you encounter that make excuses, there are simply none to be made from this Buckeye fan. Congrats on the win.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:21 AM ^
Classy...
November 28th, 2021 at 11:22 AM ^
Always good to see displays of good sportsmanship, but it would be so much more fun if you posted tons of excuses here and tried to convince us the game was stolen from you.
Seriously though, this is appreciated. Make sure you bookmark this so you can just copy and paste next year.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:24 AM ^
I haven't seen any Buckeyes making excuses. I think the win was convincing enough that everyone universally understood UofM was the better team.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:36 AM ^
If I make any excuses, it'd be on the OSU defensive coaching staff... which isn't really an excuse. They flat out were outcoached by Michigan. It's almost like the staff didn't know UM likes to run the ball? I would have sold out from kickoff to stopping your running game, then made adjustments depending on McNamara's ability to throw the ball, but alas, they didn't, and OSU played the game exactly how Harbaugh wanted it to be played. Cudos to UM for taking advantage of what OSU was giving them, that's how you win ball games.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:47 AM ^
Or maybe it was hubris? I haven’t really read any quotes from the OSU coaching staff but maybe they thought they’d stop them without having to change things. For essentially 20 years you guys have bullied us and done pretty much whatever you’ve wanted. Finally, that wasn’t possible. My guess is that both of these teams will have similar identities when they meet next year. I’m willing to bet that OSU won’t take us for granted then
November 28th, 2021 at 12:19 PM ^
OR, you are a champ. nice post, but to be expected from you.
as to the defensive adjustment, i can only agree about 1000%. i was sitting in the stands after michigan opened up the second half in disbelief that your DC wasn't going cover zero or single-high and sending at least one safety on every down, or that he'd have a safety come down and send a LB.
sorry you missed being in AA to meet up. maybe 2023?
November 28th, 2021 at 7:26 PM ^
Maybe it was too little, too late at that point, but late in the game, they were doing everything they could to stop the run.
And.
Still.
Couldn't.
Too many good blocking schemes, too well executed, with too good a back running behind and through them.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:26 PM ^
Even when they tried to sell out and stop the run at the end, they couldn't. I think they just were not ready for UofMs physicality. Also, I noticed what was covered in our preview: OSU DBs were HORRIBLE at fighting through blocks. If our RB could get the edge, it was an easy 7 yards.
I was actually more surprised by OSU's offensive play calling and zim surprised buckeye fans are blaming AL Washington instead of Day for only getting 27 points. They should have passed doenfield more and stopped those swing passes and screens to Henderson. I think they abandoned the downfield passing too much and too often.
November 28th, 2021 at 8:26 PM ^
There was nothing available downfield because of bracket coverage (Cover 2) and the QB rush. Waiting for someone that's clearly going to be double-teamed to get deep, and hoping the bullrush doesn't get home, was a losing effort. No sense in doing that...
November 28th, 2021 at 2:48 PM ^
I'd wait for Seth's UFR to dissect who's to blame on your side. Historically under Harbaugh the offensive game plans have been pretty good against OSU. Either we didn't have the QB to execute the game plan (John O'Korn for example) or the offense simply couldn't keep pace with the points our D was giving up - 2019 for example.
I do think OSU's linebackers looked bad on the Duo we ran for Haskins' 4th TD.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:43 AM ^
There’s a bit of it going around on Twitter. Including complaints of Michigan’s OL not getting called for holding and holding being the only way we could have possibly paved them on the ground.
Completely brushing off the fact that Hutchinson was held on virtually every play.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:53 AM ^
The only one I saw was face palm funny. He said that Ohio State didn't bring its A game and if it had brought its A game, they would've won.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:24 AM ^
Thanks OfficerRabbit, it takes a great character to admit defeat and be humble at the same time. You are a friendly Foe and always welcome around here along with buckeyechuck and buckeye Jones. Just tell the other truck drivers to stay over at 11 warriors.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:24 AM ^
Thank you! Your humility is very much appreciated.
I hope this game can be a real rivalry in the future, it will be good for both universities.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:28 AM ^
Only after 8 years of dominance from Michigan, of course.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:32 AM ^
This Michigan team was built through adversity. They have a certain determination and camaraderie.
That OSU team was really talented. Stroud and those WR were making 15 foot par putts all day to stay in the game but Michigan just kept the pedal down. The game was won in the trenches.
O rabbit is correct. Michigan wanted it more and believed they would win.
Credit all around to the Michigan coaching staff.
November 28th, 2021 at 1:44 PM ^
Nice triple idiom - golf, auto racing and war.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:32 AM ^
Thanks for stopping by and being classy. Hopefully, you’ll be able to do this more often in the next 10 years under the same context. For my kids, this is only their second time witnessing a victory over OSU, and it was a big deal.
Both teams are filled with talented players on both sides of the field that provide a service and entertainment for both teams alike. Not only am I happy for the win, but thankful the players on both teams stayed relatively safe from injury.
Go Blue!!!
November 28th, 2021 at 11:34 AM ^
UM wanted that game more yesterday, period.
Desire is hard to objectively quantify in most instances, and I'm a bit skeptical that Ohio State players didn't "want" to win as much as Michigan players did.
What is objectively measurable is that Michigan's players played better yesterday than OSU's players did. We made more big plays on offense and defense than OSU did, and that hasn't been the case for most of the past 20 years.
But regardless, classy to extend the congrats, Officer Rabbit.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:35 PM ^
Thank you. This “wanting it more” is largely bullshit. You could argue Michigan “wanted” it more in ‘16 and ‘18 and what did that get us? The coaches prepared the players better and players played better.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:36 AM ^
Walking down the railroad tracks back to my truck yesterday from the Stadium. There was this group of 4 Ohio State fans walking a few feet from us. My wife said thanks for coming and have a safe trip home (not in a sarcastic way, she tells all away fans the same thing). They all came up to us and shook our hands, and said congratulations. We finished the walk talking about Haskins, and they wished us luck in the B10 Title Game and hoped we got a chance at The Playoffs. 99% of the Buckeye fans I encountered (FAR TO MANY FOR A HOME GAME) were respectful and understood the rivalry.
P.S.: MICHIGAN SEASON TICKET HOLDERS STOP SELLING YOUR DAMN TICKETS TO BUCKEYES, PLEASE!!!!!!!
November 28th, 2021 at 12:09 PM ^
I've found if you treat opposing fans with respect 90% of them return it. I've always assumed most people who complain about asshole fans in another stadium need to take a look in the mirror.
November 28th, 2021 at 1:26 PM ^
You've never been to The Toiletbowl in Columbus I take it?
November 28th, 2021 at 12:16 PM ^
I have never witnessed any UM fans initiate anything negative, no matter the score......I think most of the assholes, are the ones that live in the echo chamber of 11 worriers.
November 28th, 2021 at 11:57 AM ^
Takes a big Buckeye to stop deep-kissing their cousin and admit they lost a game fair and square. Kudos.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:36 PM ^
But she's sooo purtty, and cleans a cooler really well!
November 28th, 2021 at 12:15 PM ^
Admit it, you're not really from Ohio are you?
Well done.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:34 PM ^
From NW Ohio, quite possibly the epicenter of OSU/UM split fandom. Some of my best friends are Wolverines, so I was raised outside of an echo chamber (from either fan base). My formative years were in the mid to late 90's, so I have a deep hate for losing to UM, but also respect the hell out of the program. Hoping next year is different, but yeah... this year is yours.. unquestionably.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:41 PM ^
OK.... you need to stop. Your reasonableness is affecting the narrative we need to promote to fuel a bitter rivalry.
November 28th, 2021 at 1:27 PM ^
Thanks, OfficerRabbit. You've been a class act here long before this blog post yesterday.
November 28th, 2021 at 1:36 PM ^
NW Ohio was almost annexed by Michigan when we won the border war with Ohio but decided we really didn't want Toledo for various reasons. Your distance from Columbus explains your demeanor...and nice post btw.
November 28th, 2021 at 1:51 PM ^
If I remember correctly, Michigan forfeited Toledo (and the port most importantly) to Ohio... in exchange for the UP? I might be wrong, but I think Michigan got the better end of the deal on that one.
November 28th, 2021 at 6:16 PM ^
We forfeited nothing sir...you can smell Columbus all the way in Toledo hence we didn't want it...and now you know the rest of the story.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:22 PM ^
Thank you for your class and humility and well wishes. Hopefully we can do it again next year in Columbus and REALLY revive the rivalry.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:26 PM ^
It does seem most Buckeyes I encounter both online and IRL have mellowed a touch. At least compared to the Cooper/Tressel eras.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:36 PM ^
Winning will do that. They have not, however, capitalized enough on their B1G dominance over the past 20 years. Left some national titles on the table, no doubt. 2015 probably the mos painful failure for them.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:34 PM ^
Thank you for the classy response. We’ve been on the wrong end of this for far too long, including heartbreakers like 2006 and 2016. The more that is on the line, the more it hurts.
Every good analyst felt this would at least be a closer game than the last two in that UM was built specifically to beat and counter OSU this year. The new defensive scheme, the Return of multiple Harbaugh run sets and shifts, and a QB smart and clutch enough to make the right decisions and big plays.
This mauling reminds me very much of 1995 when OSU came in arrogant and entitled, only to get hammered by a more physical, violent team.
That said, OSU may have been the better overall team in 95, and UM the better team on the day.
I think it’s quite obvious that head to head, UM 2021 is both the better team on the day, and the better overall team.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:40 PM ^
Can't argue that, as much as it hurts to type it.
My buddies and I were talking it last night (over some egregious amounts of bourbon), we sounded just like UM fans a year ago. It wasn't a lack of talent, it was poor coaching, poor scheme, and poor execution of whatever the hell scheme the defense was trying to run. I'm not blaming the kids.. this one was on the coaches.
November 28th, 2021 at 12:38 PM ^
Thank you!
November 28th, 2021 at 12:42 PM ^
This is how a good rival acts. Tip your cap and point to next year. +1 for you sir/madame
November 28th, 2021 at 1:05 PM ^
More of this please, from all. The truth is, we have been owned by Ohio State for nearly 20 years. It is difficult not to gloat. Yet true Champions respect when they are outplayed. Frankly, the rivalry needs a bit more balance for it to justify its name.
So thanks OfficerRabbit. Much appreciated and we will see you in a year!
November 28th, 2021 at 1:26 PM ^
I found the majority of OSU fans yesterday to be pretty ok with the loss. The one I was smashed up against after rushing the field said she obviously wanted OSU to win, but she was also glad that the rivalry is finally back.
November 28th, 2021 at 1:29 PM ^
Was she hot?
November 28th, 2021 at 1:45 PM ^
Since you are in such an honest frame of mind, quick question for you.
Was he short or did he get the first down?
November 28th, 2021 at 1:59 PM ^
"The ruling on the field stands as called".
Could have gone either way, and I wouldn't be making a case for it one way or the other... just too close. I get a kick out of people who act like it was definitive either way. That's what makes sports fun, right?
November 28th, 2021 at 2:03 PM ^
Cool, now go away
November 28th, 2021 at 5:33 PM ^
Thank you. Don't be a stranger around here.
November 28th, 2021 at 6:59 PM ^
Cheers to you!
Walking out of the stadium got some congrats and some friendly, "bout time you won"
November 28th, 2021 at 7:35 PM ^
edit: I um, took this a bit too far. Suffice it to say I'm not ready for the Buckeye olive branch yet.
November 29th, 2021 at 11:50 AM ^
Well now I'm just curious what you posted originally. Don't worry, hard to get your feelings hurt on an internet message board for most reasonable people.
Either way congrats on your win, your team earned it.