One For Carr

On the eve of the big game in Ann Arbor where the Wolverines and the Buckeyes will meet for their annual battle, I cannot help but think of the three year losing streak that Lloyd Carr and his Wolverines are looking back at. Henne and Hart are facing graduating doing what most Michigan players have never felt -- losing to the Buckeyes every year of their collegiate career.

This year could be different. The well tested Wolverines have shown that they may not be able to contend with the big dogs, but they have proven that they can beat everyone else. Even playing without key players Henne and Hart against Wisconsin, they did manage to stage a comeback run that almost worked. Ohio State fell flat against an Illinois team was easily handled by the Wolverines.

But do those games really mean anything in this game? No.

This is a tradition that goes back before many of us were even thought of. The days of Bo and Woody still live on in the media and in the hearts of all the players. It is the ultimate sports rivalry fueled by hatred and passion.

So what will it take for the Wolverines to win this game? Henne, Hart, and, most importantly, Solid Defense.

Michigan's Defense has to stop Chris Wells. Wells is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and has 1200 yards on the season. Coming into Ann Arbor, you can be sure that Wells would like to add a couple hundred yards to his stats, and walk away with a Rose Bowl bid. Also, Michigan must put pressure on QB Todd Boeckman. He's fairly mobile and has a good arm. If they can sneak in a good amount of sacks, and keep him off his balance, they might just be able to keep him behind the line of scrimmage and under control.

Henne and Hart must performance like Heisman candidates. Hart was the leading rusher in the country until he hurt his ankle a few weeks ago. Since then, he's had limited or no playing time in each game. He must regain that level of play, and remind the world why he was considered for the prize. Henne must overcome his shoulder problems and find accurate deep passes to Manningham.

Plain and simple, this is a favorable year for the Wolverines. They're playing at home against an Ohio State team coming off a bad loss. Ohio State will be filled with rage from losing a national title bid, but the Wolverines will be poised to win the game and head to the Rose Bowl.

Prediction: Michigan wins 34-17.