Mailbag Question: Does Michigan have a chance and does Coach Rod really know the rivalry

Hello Guys,

Well it is Ohio State week and wondering what are the chance for Michigan this weekend? Also what does Michigan need to do to keep it close and not get blown out of the water like I think is possible.

Do you think Coach Rod get "The Game" or do you think a coach, player, etc... has to see it first hand to really know what it means. Also for it to be in Columbus will open up his eyes as well. This is not Pitt with a empty stadium crowd. This is a place that hates Michigan and there will be a lot of people showing him those things as soon as he gets off the bus.

Thank You and NICE BLOG!

Ken

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Thanks for the question. The old saying "On Any Given Sunday" holds true for college football also.

That is what makes college football such a great game, big upsets happen. On paper, Michigan does not have much of a chance to win Saturday in Columbus, but football games are not played on paper. All that said it would take a colossal effort from Michigan, and some help from Ohio State if Michigan going to win Saturday.

If Coach Rod and staff do not understand this rivalry, they will shortly. WE doubt very much however that Coach Rod and staff are aware of how important this game is, and the emotion and passion it involves. You can say that they have Pitt / WV, but this is far greater and that is just by the passion of the fans and the emotion of the games.

As for what Michigan needs to do to win, same as any other big game. On offense, do not turn the ball over, limit penalties, and execute the offense. On defense, tackle, limit big plays, and limit penalties. In big games always watch special teams play closely; if Michigan is going to pull off the upset, they MUST win the special teams battle. They must make Ohio State drive the field, and must create short fields to help the offense.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine