The Game of The Century

There is nothing like the Ohio State vs. Michigan game in college football.  For the fans of both teams it rivals Christmas Day or Thanksgiving.  It is a rite of passage, it is the greatest single game of the year.  It doesn't matter what the records are going into the game.  This game is huge.  Last year, ESPN conducted a poll during the month of November, asking the Nation what the greatest rivalry in college football was.  50% of the people who voted chose the "Big Game".  No other rivalry--not Army/Navy, Auburn/Alabama, Texas/Oklahoma came anywhere close.

It's quite simply, the pinnacle of football rivalries.

This year, 2 teams filled with wide-eyed college athletes have transformed this game out of the stratosphere.  Both teams are 11-0 and number 1 and 2 in the country.  The winner not only has bragging rights for another year, but they will go to the National Championship game.  This year, the game is magical.  It is a dream game that generations of fans in both states will remember and talk about for the rest of their lives. 

As if God himself wrote the script, we get to enjoy the show.  Normally, I live and die by the outcome of this game.  I talk smack, I make a huge deal of it.  (It's easy to do when you have won 4 of the last 5 games).  This year I will not.  These kids have made this particular game one we will never forget.  No matter the outcome, I will be happy for the winner.  Yes, I will be disappointed in Ohio State loses a chance for the championship game, but this year, I am going to enjoy this once in a lifetime event.  These kids are giving us this chance.  Let's relish in it and be proud of both teams.  This will likely never happen again in our lifetime--but we will talk about it for the rest of our days. 

This Saturday is what college football is all about.  It's about 2 rivals going at it for the outright Big Ten title as they have done so many times.  It's about going to play for the National Championship, and it's about bragging rights for another 364 days.  It's Bo and Woody, Jim and Lloyd.  It's a a group of young men who have made this one special year.  I wish them both well.

Yankees vs. Red Sox, Packers vs. Bears, Celtics vs. Lakers....all great rivalries...I'll take Michigan vs. Ohio State any day and twice on Sunday.  Get ready for the greatest rivalry in college sports.

May the best team win.