Coaches Corner: Ohio State dominated Michigan

First things first, congratulations to Ohio State on Big Ten Championship and winning the game.

They out played Michigan and deserved to win. Michigan made way too many mistakes to beat a good football team. Penalties, missed blocks, missed tackles, dropped passes, Missed WRs, poor specials teams all played part in this huge disappointment.

This game was lost/won as much in January through July as it was on the field Saturday afternoon. Coach Tressell needs to give Eric Lichner, Ohio State S & C director, a huge bonus. Ohio State has bigger, stronger, quicker, and more athletic than Michigan and it showed most at the Line of scrimmage. Ohio State flat out out worked Michigan in the off season.

Ohio State Defensive line harrassed Henne all afternoon and made Mike hart a non-factor after the first quarter. They did it by winning the battle at the Line of scrimmage. On offense Ohio State offensive line allowed them to control the clock, field position, and kept Michigan's offense off the field. One of the key areas where Ohio State really shined was special teams. Using their coverage teams Ohio State was able to keep Michigan pinned deep in their own territory much of the game. Ohio State return game was gaining those hidden yards where Michigan's return game has almost a non-factor. Only once, a Mesko punt did Michigan's special teams provide an advantage and Michigan's offense squandered that opportunity.

With OSU domianating the Line of scrimmage, winning in all three phases of the game, Michigan was fortunate to keep this game close. Ohio State played that much better.