Four days before The Game, flashbulbs popped from the Stadium Boulevard bridge overlooking Michigan practice. Whether the photographer was an Ohio State spy—or just a local artist who enjoys taking photos of football practice from behind a tree and then scooting off when he realizes the flash is on—will remain one of history’s mysteries. But it doesn’t matter. For the third straight year, the picture is the same.
Michigan is a superior, tougher, more cohesive, better-coached team than Ohio State. The margin is not large, but it’s real, and the Wolverines know it.
No. 3 Michigan’s 30–24 victory over No. 2 Ohio State came down to the final minute at Michigan Stadium. But by that point, the Wolverines were without their head coach (Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended by the Big Ten), their best offensive lineman (Zak Zinter, who was carted off in the second half after what appeared to be a severe leg injury), and their most talented defensive player (cornerback Will Johnson, who also left the game via injury). Whether you think Harbaugh deserved his suspension or not, that is a lot for any team to overcome. This Michigan team is built to overcome it.
