CFB: Three Strikes & You're Out
In 'The Game' anything can happen. Teams that shouldn't win end up winning and teams that shouldn't lose end up losing. It is one of the things that make this rivalry so great. Whatever season you have had, record you carry, or coach that leads you, both teams will play their best football of the year on that Saturday. Michigan did just that and should have one with how well they played up to Ohio State. But three critical plays cost the Wolverines their own championship on saturday, and they are as followed.
Strike One: With the Wolverines stalling the Buckeyes in the first quarter and limiting them to not even having a first down, it was about time Ohio State got rolling in the second. Their fast striking, fearful offense couldn't muster up anything until they were down 14-0. With Ohio State deep into Michigan territory, the Wolverines had a chance to end their momentum with a ball delivered right into Josh Metellus' hands from J.T. Barrett. But it was dropped and Ohio State would score on that possession, giving the Buckeyes a ton of momentum.
Strike Two: After a surprisingly well played first half, the Wolverines took the lead on a Karan Higdon touchdown from inside the five. The ensuing play was a blocked extra point from Quinn Nordin, which was his third missed PAT of the season, causing the momentum to stall. Ohio State would score and make it 21-20 causing Michigan to change their mindset and play from behind for the first time all day. In these kind of games, any points are crucial.
Strike Three: John O' Korn's career at Michigan has been one we all would like to forget. Trailing 24-20 after a missed Ohio State FG with two and half minutes left, all that could change. Instead of game winning drive, JOK threw an interception on the first play of the drive, ending Michigan's chance at an upset. Who is to blame for that play you might ask: Jim Harbaugh. Whether Harbaugh approved the play call or called it himself, he should not have had a shaky quarterback and freshman receiver read their own option on a deep ball. It caused too much miscommunication and as expected, did not turn out in the Wolverines favor.
In conclusion, Michigan played their best game all season. They fought like dogs to get the win on Saturday and every Michigan fan should be proud that they almost pulled off the upset. The regular season has concluded and everyone would like to think that brighter things are ahead of for coach Harbaugh and the Wolverines next season. However, this game means as much if not more than a national championship, and it'll hurt Michigan fans knowing that without these three plays, this could have been a very different article.
Photo Credit: Land of 10.
