Vince's Journey

As any self-respecting Ohio State fan will tell you, this week is something special. On Saturday the Buckeyes will invade Ann Arbor for their annual, season-ending battle with the Wolverines. A share of the Big Ten title is at stake as well as bragging rights for the next 365 days. There is no other football game quite like it and a win in this game usually erases any disappointment fans may have felt from losses earlier this season.

Since taking over the head coaching job at Ohio State, Jim Tressel is 3-1 against the team from up north. A win Saturday will confirm what all Buckeye fans already know; the days of Michigan dominating Ohio State went out the door the day Jim Tressel took over as head coach.

This past weekend I went to the Ohio State/Northwestern game with our son Aaron, Marshall Esler and Dave Bookman. We had a great time as the Buckeyes destroyed the hapless Wildcats, 48-7. Following the game, thanks to an invitation by friends from our parish – Rob and Laura Toomb, we had the opportunity to meet Buckeye stars; AJ Hawk and Nick Mangold. Both are very humble young men who have been outstanding representatives of The Ohio State University. Hopefully they will end their OSU careers with two more wins and a top 5 finish in the final polls.

So on Saturday at 1 pm we’ll be hunkering down to watch the 103rd meeting between Ohio State and Michigan. We’ll also be keeping an eye on what’s going on in East Lansing as Michigan State plays host to Penn State. Wins by Ohio State and Michigan State will give the Buckeyes the undisputed Big Ten title….Go Bucks! Go Spartans!!