It's been awhile since I wrote anything on here, but now I find myself with some time to share some thoughts on a couple of recent events.
THE GAME
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes travel to the state that the great Woody Hayes refused to pay for gas in (Michigan) to meet their arch rival- Wolverines in their annual college football contest. I have been reading and hearing a lot of sports journalists and radio show hosts play down this year's edition of THE GAME during this past week. I have an absolute affinity for all things related to Ohio State. However, I can definitely see where these so called "experts" are coming from here. On the surface, this matchup does not have the luster that typically accompanies an Ohio State v. Michigan slugfest. Is there a Big Ten Championship on the line? Not quite. Is there a BCS bowl game berth on the line? Sorry. Can the underdog knock the favorite out of national championship contention? Again- no.
First of all, this is actually a great compliment to the Ohio State and Michigan football programs. The fact that their immense past success has placed this GAME in such high regard that this year's edition (which can only bear the hype of a simple "rivalry game") does not even appear to be must see college football TV. Secondly, Buckeye fans who are going into this game with overconfidence need to stop lighting couches on fire and smell the already attained roses. Michigan needs this game to become bowl eligible. I fully expect Rich Rod is going to have his kids ready to play tomorrow morning in the Big House. And finally, this rivalry defines these player's careers in every sense of the word. Do you think Mike Hart and Chad Henne are hailed amongst the greatest Wolverines after an 0-4 career against the Scarlet and Gray? Doubtful. But Charles Woodson is....his record against the Buckeyes= 3-0.
If you filter the underwhelming hype that is preceding this game and tune in tomorrow morning, you are going to be in for a treat. I promise. Ohio State v. Michigan has rarely ever disappointed.
HENRY's HANDBALL
Barca great, Thierry Henry, placed himself amongst futbol legend, Diego Maradona, this past week and not for his skill. His blatant handball against a brave Irish national team on Wednesday sent Henry's underachieving French side (finally) into the World Cup finals next June in South Africa. This cheating move by Henry has instantly reminded soccer fans everywhere of Maradona's "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.
I sincerely feel for the Irish. I have a sweet spot in my heart of the Emerald Isle, especially after my trip to Dublin in the fall of 2007. They are as passionate as sport fans get on this planet. Watching the Rugby World Cup of '07 in the Temple Bar district was stuff of legend for my buddy and I. However, do I think they deserve a spot in next year's finals? Maybe. Do I feel like the match should be replayed? Possibly. Could the Irish played better to nullify any controversy? Absolutely. I read a great article online today (cannot remember the source unfortunately) and could not have agreed more with its subject matter. The timing of Henry's handball is what has made it infamous. If it had happened in the 10th minute of the match, most would have said, "the Irish had time to make up for it." It's unfortunate, but if the Irish would have played a bit better, Henry's cheating ways would not have mattered.
However, do not expect me amongst the small contingent rooting for the French next June. They deserve nothing but an exit during the group stage. What goes around, comes around...Henry should have DTRT'd...
