Getty Images
|
Don’t even try to argue that there’s a college rivalry — or even a pro one — better than the one that’s being renewed on Saturday in Columbus. You may as well try to argue stripes off a wolverine or the eye spot off a buckeye.
The Yankees and Red Sox are a pretty intense rivalry, but how often are both teams very, very good at the same time? Lately they have been, but not historically. The Lakers and Celtics were this good for a generation, but that, too, ended. In the NFL, rivalries ebb and flow with the constantly churning rosters.
I heard Dick Vitale the other day on ESPN radio saying that as good as Ohio State-Michigan is, Duke-UNC in hoops is better. Far be it from me to suggest that Dickie V might inadvertently slip into hyperbole when a sport he seems to favor is being discussed, but he’s missing it on this one.
The Blue Devils and Tar Heels play at least twice a year, often three, when you count the ACC tournament. And, while the games are fiercely contested, when they’re over, both teams usually go to the NCAA Tournament along with 63 other teams, all with the same shot to win the national title. You can’t play two or three times a year with none of the games being the difference between life and death without losing something.
That’s what elevates Ohio State-Michigan beyond the other great rivalries — the teams get one shot at it and there’s usually something really, really big at stake. If it’s not a shot at the national title, it’s the difference between a BCS bowl and a consolation bowl. It’s usually also for the Big Ten title, a distinction that means a great deal in the Midwest.
|
Ohio State hopes it can get another victory without the execrable behavior afterwards. This time, they want all the highlights to be about the game, not what happens afterwards.
One thing is certain — this one will set the ratings standard for this season and maybe for many more. No one who cares about sports is going to miss this one if he or she can help it.
"The Ohio State-Michigan game is always the biggest game,'' Tressel said last Saturday. "It doesn't matter what the records are or what is on the table depending on the outcome. The fact that it is No. 1 versus No. 2, we think that is the way it should be.''
CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.
Slide show |
FREE VIDEO |
'It all comes down to Saturday' Nov. 13: Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and Michigan quarterback Chad Henne preview Saturday's big matchup between the Nos. 1 and 2 teams. |
CollegeFootballTalk headlines |
Video: Football from NBC Sports |
Memphis fulfills BCS dream Tigers officials thrilled to announce that school has been accepted to join the Big East Conference in 2013. |
Slideshow |
NBCSports.com |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Slideshow |
NBCSports.com |
Slideshow |
NBCSports.com |
Slideshow |
NBCSports.com |