Will Wolverines fly with Ducks?
Before OSU/UM Game / November 21, 2009: GO BLUE!
Bo Lloyd
Like thousands of other Ann Arborites I attended last month’s Michigan/Ohio State Big House classic. My ears still ring from the amazing jet fly-over. I sat with a good friend - an OSU alum - near the south scoreboard (Row 95) where we had a bird’s eye view - inside and outside Michigan Stadium - of this slice of Americana.
Kevin Eyster (aka Bo Lloyd) and Dwight Lang
Friendly OSU Fan
Midwest Americana - Outside Michigan Stadium
Bo Lloyd
As a long-time Wolverine fan (but having lived in the Pac-10’s northwest Ecotopian region and later moving to Ann Arbor in 1989) I wore my block M hat and was fairly treated by mostly civil OSU fans. My friend’s OSU hat probably helped assure safe passage.
The game’s outcome was not to my liking, but then again we would have to admit that Ohio State has a “pretty good” team this year. But I do yearn for those well-played, competitive UM/OSU games of years gone by.
Afterwards we enjoyed our stroll through the crowds back to my house. We met two friends who attended the game - both UM alums from the 20th century and steadfast Wolverine fans - for some suds and analysis.
I live on Wells Street between Packard and Forest where a lot of foot traffic (much from out-of-town) adds to a lively football Saturday neighborhood atmosphere. Walking up the driveway I could see that my block-M flag on the front porch was gone and remains were not found up and down our block. Despite no solid evidence to the contrary, I suspect - no I know deep within - that an Ohio State culprit absconded with Michigan’s sacred symbol. An insult to one is an insult to all.
I relate this story not only to expose the darker side of UM/OSU rivalries, but also to ask fellow Wolverine fans which team they will be rooting for in the upcoming Rose Bowl. Will you cheer the Ohio State University (Big-10) or the University of Oregon (Pac-10): the Bucks or the Ducks?
OSU Victory Celebration
Bo Lloyd
As you consider my Ducks vs. Bucks query you will probably remember recent Oregon victories over Purdue and Michigan. In particular you will recall Oregon’s definitive triumphs over Michigan at the Big House (2007) and in Autzen Stadium (2003). I witnessed these events and perhaps you did too.
At this year’s Big Game my OSU friend - who possess a storehouse of college football knowledge - and I reflected on the nature of the Pac-10/Big-10 rivalry. I noted the quickness of Oregon’s players and their ability to keep the game moving at a fast clip. He talked about a slower “Tressel Ball” and its potential for success or failure in Pasadena. As a person with Ohio roots and someone who carefully evaluates tendencies of various football conferences he seems understandably worried and has prophetically stated: “The Big-10 is characterized by slow plodding intelligence and is not prone to flashes of brilliance.”
OSU Team, Band and Flag
Bo Lloyd
University of Michigan Marching Band After Game: GO BLUE!
Bo Loyd
Given this insightful mid-western analysis, the various and glorious Oregon victories of recent years and keeping in mind the flagrant flag incident on my front porch and block, as well as the nature of UM/OSU rivalries down through the decades let us revisit my earlier questions: Pac-10 or Big-10? Ducks or Bucks?
Keeping in mind all available data it would seem reasonable that Wolverine fans could and should fly with Ducks on January 1, 2010. For those so inclined consider ordering your U of O hats at the Oregon Bookstore web-site. Supplies may be limited.
Comments
Bo Lloyd
Thu, Dec 10, 2009 : 5:40 p.m.
I sure do think the team that Nike built will womp those hapless Buckeyes. By the way, not bein' from around these parts, what is Jim Tressel's record against Michigan, anyway?
Sylvia Lang
Thu, Dec 10, 2009 : 9:37 a.m.
Go Ducks! Need I say more? Yes, I agree with PortageLkBlu -- the Bucks do not feel sorry for the current Wolverine blues.
Blue Marker
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 2:41 p.m.
I'd rather run a cheese grater over my head than root for a buckeye.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 12:25 p.m.
I live in southern Ca. now so I root for the Pac exception to Mich. I will always have Mich. near and dear but only Mich. Wolves not Mich. state or any other team in the 10. You guys are so lucky to have stolen rr from WV and WV is still mad at that and always will be also basketball. Whether WV admits it or not they did not want to see coach leave and they would like to see him fail at Mich. har,har not going to happen, Mich. will be back to prominence shortly and sooner than some of you guys want you know who you are. As far as cheering for the big 10 go ahead and cheer I commend you for sticking with them, I've stuck by the Lions all these yrs. I understand loyalty and your going to really have something to cheer about shortly just give your coach about 3 more years. Now as far as cheering for the bucs in the Rose Bowl ha, ha, ha that's the biggest cheer you'll get from me. I'm not fond of Tressell and I don't like the bucs and a word to the wise if you think ohio state fans etc. feel sorry for this low period at Mich. well you just don't get it. They are laughing at the Wolves temporary demise and they hope it continues. The big 10 is enjoying beating up on Mich. and they all feel they are entitled to it after what Mich. has done to them over the years. So you lovable big 10 fans root for those teams all you want I will not and I'm going to thoroughly enjoy watching Mich. come back under rr and get some good old fashion revenge. Now, do any of you lovable big 10 fans think I would back rr if I didn't think he could do the job?? Good luck with your ohio state bucs in the Rose Bowl I'll be rooting for the ducks and the future of the Michigan Wolverines under coach Rich Rod..
A2Dave
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
I'm with Yogi: close your eyes, swallow hard, and... "Go Big Ten"! I am tired of listening to the Mark Mays and Kirk Herbstreits continually denigrating the Big Ten, while touting the SEC and PAC 10. Go Big Ten!
Yogi
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 9:53 a.m.
After the season is over its time to put away the hatred every Michigan fan feels and cheer for every Big 10 team in their bowl games. If the conference continues to flounder in these games we could end up just like another undefeated BCS conference school on the outside looking in the Cincinnati Bearcats. I hate OSU as much as anyone but bowl season means "GO BIG TEN" all the way.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 8:58 a.m.
Stan I agree with ya all the way and it will be great to see what that spread is going to do to ohio state pay attention Mich. fans shades of things to come. To all you rr naysayer if Oregon can recruit this kind of power and speed balance so can Mich. but remember rr needs 4-5 years of which I'm positive he will get that after the powers that be and alum see what Oregon does to ohio state. I lived near Finn Rock on the McKenzie River for a time, beautiful country. Hail to Mich.,RR.,and the Oregon Ducks may they squash the old style, slow, has beens from Columbus.
stan
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 9:15 p.m.
It really doesn't matter who we cheer for as Michigan fans. This will not be a very close game. Oregon will win by at least 3 TDs. It will be great to watch a fully functional spread annihilate Ohio State.
hattrix
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 8:56 p.m.
Great article, Dwight! Sorry to hear about your flag. Those flag-stealing Ohio State fans aren't very classy. GO DUCKS ALL THE WAY!!!!!!! We'll be rooting for you on January 1!