Analysis

One for the Ages: 2006

By: Nicholas Parker

 

      As the seniors were introduced before a sellout crowd, you knew that this one was going to be a good one. The game began with the wolverines taking a 7-0 lead. But the Buckeyes quickly fought back and raced out to a 21-7 lead. Both teams began throwing hooks and jabs like two prize fighters in a championship bout. Back and forth they go, the Buckeyes would take the lead into halftime at 28-14. The wolverines would come out and start fighting harder. They would manage to bring the game to 35-31 before the Buckeyes would show why there were the number one team in the land. Due to superb play from Troy Smith the Buckeyes would go on to win this titanic bout 42-39. In a game that was truly one for the ages.

      The annual rivalry game between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan was one for the ages for three reasons. It was the first time in the one-hundred and three years that both teams have been playing each other that they were both ranked number one and number two, respectively. Coach Jim Tressel had already won two straight games and it was a chance for him to continue that streak and go on to a third straight win. Ultimately the winner of this game would more than likely be catapulted into the National Championship game. With all these reasons there was a lot on the line between these historic rivals.
     
      In the one-hundred and three year history between The Ohio State University and The University of Michigan this was the first time both teams have come into the annual seasons end rivalry unbeaten and ranked number one and two. This was a game that was already being hyped as “The Game of the Century”. In football it is difficult to go unbeaten the whole year, but to have two teams do this and come into this game like these teams did is something unheard of. Both teams had star players that they could count on. Ohio State had players like Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith, the always speedy Ted Ginn Jr., and the reliable Antonio Pittman. The wolverines had the rough and tough Mike Hart Jr., always accurate Chad Henne, and a star in Steve Breston. Each team was poised and ready to do battle in The Horseshoe that is Ohio Stadium.

      Coach Jim Tressel had come over from Youngstown State University back in 2001. He had since then established a winning tradition against Michigan, having won four out of the  last five years against them. This game would mark three in a row, had his boys got down to business on the field and got the W. Coach Tressel was a man who had a long history in the state of Ohio, having been born in Mentor, Ohio. He won a National Championship in his second year at the helm. By now he had basically started a winning formula that was proven and with this team it was a formula that was working. Not only was this team good but they looked like the most unstoppable team in the country. Their offense was something you’d see in a video game, by the type of numbers they were putting up. The defense was lights out and virtually unbreakable. This, his finest team yet was the talk of the college football world.

This one was for all the marbles as it were. The winner goes on for a chance to play for a chance to win a National Title, the loser goes to play in the Rose Bowl. Playing in the Rose bowl was the consolation of this game, but in any normal game this would be a great thing. In this case though a trip to the Rose Bowl game meant that you didn’t get it done against your rival. You had to wait another year to play for it all, and a chance to beat your rival and have those bragging rights. This game was hyped to be one of the best college football games of our time, and the greatest game in the series. Moving on to play for a National Title would be a great accomplishment for Ohio State. They would be playing for their second title in four years and thus cementing Ohio State as a team to beat. Michigan on the other hand hadn’t won a title since 1997. To them this game meant a lot, to be able to move on and play for a title. These teams had a lot to lose and even more to gain.

     No matter where you are. No matter who you cheer for. This game is your game. Whether you wear scarlet and gray or maize and blue, you are drawn into this game by years of cheering for your team. As a fan you know how big this game is every year. It doesn’t matter the records of ether team, you throw them out. As the game began in front of the 105,000 scarlet and gray wearing fans, it was like watching two prize fighters gather in the center of the ring ready to begin a titanic fight that would never be forgotten.

      When a game leaves you just in sheer disbelief of what just happened, you know it was a great game. This game truly was one for the ages. The Buckeyes were able to secure the victory and win the Big Ten Championship as well as go on to play for the National Title. This game was one that people are still talking about. The rivalry between these two great schools and teams would definitely be upgraded after a game like this one. This game is a true testament to how one game can leave a lasting impression on our minds, and our hearts. Buckeye fans would dance the night away in triumphant victory over “that school up north”. Legends were created from this game, and they will forever live on in the hearts of Buckeye fans everywhere.

References:

ESPN College Football. “Ohio State vs. Michigan.” 2006. Digital file.