3 and 9 again? Rivalries.

Submitted by jabberwock on
With all the speculation about our possible record next year I wanted to ask a question about rivalries and what they are "worth" to each of us. We all want to see significant improvement in 09, and it looks like 6-6, and a minor bowl would be considered successful after last year. But what about rivalries? How badly do you want to beat Ohio State? Would going 5-7 but beating OSU be acceptable? Is that really an improvement or just luck? I've heard that Dantonio Pwns us as far as instate recruiting goes, would you like to shut Sparty up? Chucky W down in South Bend used his "schematic advantage" (and a lot of rain soaked fumblitus) against us last year. Don't you want some payback? How much is it worth to you? Losing to the Toledos, WMUs, and Delaware's of the world can be a pretty big stain on a program (see App State), but beating rivals feels sooooo gooood. My question: Would you accept another 3-9 season if the 3 wins were just ND, MSU, and OSU?

jabberwock

July 16th, 2009 at 9:52 AM ^

Yes. Of course it is, but the basic premise of what a rivalry is worth to people is still valid. The amount of teethnashing after a loss to a rival is massive. After another loss to OSU last year there was plenty of "just beat OSU" commentary on the boards. This is just a chance for people to put up or shut up about the importance of rivalries vs. record. Sorry if this has been covered lately, I've been in the Canadian wilderness for the last week +.

Elno Lewis

July 16th, 2009 at 9:43 AM ^

No, I would not. That is a stupid premise to begin with. It is unacceptable. Go to your room.

msoccer10

July 16th, 2009 at 9:44 AM ^

Sorry, this thread has been done about four times in the last week. For me, the record being .500 or better and getting to a bowl game is the most important. I feel like that is far more important that any of the rivalry games, at least for next year. I would take loses to ND, MSU, PSU, OSU before a win over our rivals and no bowl game. However, if we are talking about 10-2 with losses to OSU and ND or 7-5 with wins over OSU and ND, I might take the 7-5.

Blue boy johnson

July 16th, 2009 at 9:45 AM ^

I don't care how many games Michigan loses in 09 as long as they beat: 1. Western Michigan 2. Notre Dame 3. Eastern Michigan 4. Indiana 5. Michigan State 6. Iowa 7. Delaware State 8. Penn State 9. Illinois 10 Purdue 11 Wisconsin 12 Ohio State

jg2112

July 16th, 2009 at 10:19 AM ^

The most exciting thing coming out of camp will undoubtedly be the E-PINIONS of Coach BT and EROC. NO SUGARCOAT - Tate not only QB but also FRESHMAN. Minor may run well, or he may not due to O-line - 50/50 on that. Odoms will probably catch bubble screens, but won't if he drops them or fumbles.

MichiganStudent

July 16th, 2009 at 9:56 AM ^

This is like the 4th post on would you rather be 4-8 and beat OSU or 9-3 and lose to OSU. Can't wait for the 5th redundant post.

BNags

July 16th, 2009 at 10:09 AM ^

Today, I would take 11-1 with the only loss being to OSU, if offered. On the other hand, beating OSU would save / make a season if you are sitting at 3-8 going into the game. Ask again in Nov.

Blue in Yarmouth

July 16th, 2009 at 10:26 AM ^

Canadian wilderness is no excuse for posting something that has been done 4 times in the last month. I believe yesterday one very similar was posted in reference to NCAA 2010. Still, to keep from being a total dbag I will at least say that I would rather the good record and a bowl game than a crap record and a win against our rival OSU. This is all dependent on timing of course.

amichfan2

July 16th, 2009 at 10:32 AM ^

Dantonio pwns us in recruiting. I think you heard wrong or your listening to a lot of wishful thinking from sparty. Michigan gets 80% of the guys they want to get from the state of Michigan, if that's getting pawned so be it.