There was something different – very unique and special – about Saturday’s Michigan-Ohio State college football game. These two teams first played against each other in 1897 but there was something very different about the 119th meeting between the Wolverines and Buckeyes. After the Wolverines 30-24 win over the visiting Buckeyes, many fans raised their index finger to display No. 1, but more were raising a different finger to display their emotions. But how did we get “here?”
I’ve seen a few big games inside Michigan Stadium – that dramatic win over Notre Dame in 2011 when the Wolverines trailed 24–7 entering the fourth quarter in the Big House’s first game under the lights is near the top of my list. Admittedly, this was my first Michigan-OSU game but it was more than just that – had to be.
SEE WLAA-D PHOTOGALLERY – OVER 100 PHOTOS
Sure, it was two undefeated teams playing against each other with so much on the line. Yes, it was for a Big Ten title (Iowa not withstanding) and, of course, it was Michigan vs. Ohio State. But if you were in the building on Saturday, you noticed a difference – and not with what you saw, but with what you heard.
There was a roar coming from the 110,615 fans inside the Big House that was different. Yes, it was loud – very loud – but it was a different loud. It had some venom, some ire, some (let me grab a thesaurus) rage (that’s a good word). It was a “take that” kind of roar or (add your own more colorful version of “take that” here).
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But how did we get here – we got “here” because of what has been perceived as piling on by the powers that be. Right or wrong, that has been the perception from many Michigan fans. And it really has seemed personal. The theme in Ann Arbor has been that the NCAA and Big Ten have been targeting Coach Harbaugh, accusing him of everything from buying cheeseburgers to stealing signs.
It has created this Michigan vs. Everybody mantra. And if you were inside Michigan Stadium on Saturday you could tell that people (at least most of the 110,615) believe the whole world (everybody) is against them. You could tell by the way they voiced their pleasure over a touchdown or big defensive play or by the outrage over a questionable call or Ohio State success. You could even tell by the incredible support and emotion given to injured Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter.
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Harbaugh has been suspended for more games than he has coached this year. He was not on the sidelines for Michigan’s non-conference schedule — East Carolina, UNLV and Bowling Green. And was suspended a second time for the Penn State, Maryland and Ohio State games. All six landed in the win column – which only infuriated “everybody” even more.
All of this piling on has only made Michigan stronger. It has brought them together, a family rallying around its leader. We got your back. We got this. We are MICHIGAN!
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On Saturday, it took on a whole different level of support. The roar coming from the folks in the Big House echoed the belief that resilience isn’t black and white, but maize and blue. And it was expressed with a few more exclamation points. And a few more middle fingers. We got “here” because of the unusual harsh treatment of our leader, a Michigan man if there ever was one.
When we left “here” on Saturday, Michigan improved to 61-52-6 in the series against Ohio State and the victory marked 1,001 wins for the University of Michigan football program. It’s a fitting number because this “1” had a different feel than the previous 1,000. IMO. And you can express your joy with either finger – both are applicable today.
ALL PHOTOS BY TERRY JACOBY
