Disappointment Part 2

Disappointment Part 2

Now we proceed to November 23, 1969, 49 years ago. I was in a PhD program at Wayne State University studying for my qualifying exams. And, I am with a group of other to be psychologists. It was a Saturday and I turned on the TV in my apartment so we could watch the Michigan and Ohio State football game. I didn’t remember, at that time, that the Wolverines were 17 ½ point underdogs to the undefeated national champions Ohio State Buckeyes. I also didn’t know that my sister Bev was on her first date with Roger at that game.  Bev remembered that season with the announcer stating “Taylor touchdown” over and over again. She is dying to meet Billy Taylor, part of that, infamous Bump Elliott recruiting class.

I passed my qualifying exams and a few years later earned my Ph.D.; Bev is with Roger; and Bo Schembechler became the legend. The underdog Wolverines whipped the Buckeyes 24 to 12. Yes, Taylor scored a touchdown and first stringer’s Darden, Keller, Curtis, and Dierdorf distinguished themselves on the battle field in Ann Arbor on that Saturday afternoon. Because of that classic upset and because Schembechler was a protégé of Woody Hayes and that fiercely fought   game became the start of the 10 year war between the two coaching giant’s .The classic and best college rivalry between the two schools was clearly established.

Back to November 3, 2018, Bev and I are at the tailgate for the Michigan- Penn State game. We’re reminded by Jim Betts that November, 2019, in Ann Arbor will be the 50 year celebration of that monumental upset. She turned to me and said, “We have to go to that game,” and I turned to Jim Betts, saying, “You heard it from her.”

Today, November 24, 2018, the Wolverines were at the Horseshoe in Columbus. In fact, Harbaugh’s Michigan team was favored by 4 ½ points over the Buckeyes. That point spread hasn’t happened for almost 2 decades. Michigan was ranked number 4 in the country while Ohio State was ranked number 10. However, the Buckeyes Urban Meyer had owned Michigan and had been victorious over Jim Harbaugh for three years in a row.

Once the game started, there was no doubt about the outcome. The Wolverines defense was defenseless against the Buckeyes passing attack. Surprisingly, it didn’t appear that Michigan made any defensive adjustments during halftime to deal with Ohio State’s passing attack. The halftime score was Ohio State 24, Michigan, 19. Ohio State quarterback D. Haskins looked good-terrific against the Wolverine defense. Final score OSU 62-U of M 39.  Four in the row for Urban .This game  was a major disappointment. Better luck next November. Ohio State is now ranked number 6, and Michigan number 7.

PS

Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football provides more depth and insight, and the background of current coach Jim Harbaugh.