Ohio State Vs Michigan 2007 - A Look at the Rivalry from the Big House Stands

So another year, and another Buckeye victory on the biggest rivalry in all sports, but what does it all mean? Well, it means the obvious fact that has been apparent to some of us for months, if not years. Lloyd Carr has served more than enough time for the Michigan Wolverines. As I learned at the Greektown Casino in Detroit the night before the game, you need to stop when you are ahead, or cut your loses, and no matter which one applies here, it just means it is time.

There is a lot that comes to mind after a game like this one. Should I mention that I reside in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in the Big House? I have seen a lot, and understand the two most important crowds in the country. The Buckeye fan is completely different from the Wolverine fan in every way, except the desire to beat their neighboring state.

Everyone agrees that it is time for a new era in Michigan coaching. However, as much as the Blue wishes that Cooper was still the OSU coach, the OSU fans could only hope that Carr remain in Ann Arbor. From my point of view, being right in the middle, I need to see good games. If it is one game I want to see, it is this one because I know that it will be good no matter records or polls. Lately, the games lack the prestige I prefer it to be, and I can surely say that Trussel is not the one causing the problem.

The coaching factor to Michigan's performance is one not to take lightly. Yet, it would not be fair to look at the players. The game this year was a major surprise. Great receivers not catching the ball when it landed in their hands, the top running back can't make more than five yards, quarterbacks that can't make a smooth pass, and more penalties called than any top Big Ten team should ever have, are all major problems with the Wolverine's performance.

So how do the fans match up? First off, it is clear that Michigan fans are more respectable to the sportsmanship of the game. I have never been scared for my life to wear scarlet & grey in Ann Arbor, but I have been terrified to walk the street with blue & gold in Columbus. Trust me, I have done both, just to experience the difference. From confirmation of testing scenarios with good friends, it is clear that for every one bad, dishonorable Wolverine, there is 15 Buckeyes that will cross the line from great sport game rivalry to obscene, disgusting, and inhumane behavior.

Don't get me wrong, a die-hard Buckeye fan is born a fan, and dies a fan, and never regrets it for a second. The problem is that the number of fans that have crossed a line is high enough that it does not go unnoticed. There is a simple explanation of where this extremism comes from. The state of Ohio is a football state. They want to be the loudest and craziest. Every OSU fan feeds off the energy of the other fans. They are not shy and completely willing to announce their loyalty no matter how out numbered they may be. This is consistent among them making each fan get louder as another responds to their enthusiasm.

The best part of the watching a game is being able to have the opponent's fans close by to make comments back and forth. As long as it stays in harmless good fun, the day will be exciting and much more fun than sitting at home watching the game alone. This year, while sitting in the cold light rain, fans were respectful to each other. While we all continued to get wet, making us colder and colder, conversations of sports and other topics were exchanged without any hostility. Say what you will about Michigan football, but it is clear that all are welcome in the Big House.

Now, we must wait another year, since the best game of the season has come to an end. New players will come, and the guys that remain will learn to get better. A new coach will be brought into the picture, and Michigan's stadium will get bigger. With all the changes that approach, it can be certain that what won't change is the best rivalry in the country. Jokes will be made, and confidence will be strengthened, but on that Saturday of November, millions of people watch and see if the team where their loyalty lies will prevail. One thing that we know for sure is that these enemies may hate each other with all their soul, but cannot help but show them the utmost respect.