Rivalry Eve

On this dreary Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, I find myself trying to keep busy with menial, house-keeping tasks to help make the day go by faster.  It's not working, hence the reason I'm at the computer writing a blog.


Only one more sleep until The Victors is played, jerseys are retired, seniors are honored, and the winged helmet takes the field to meet it's biggest foe. It's most storied rivalry. The culminating game to what has been a memorable season. The Game, is tomorrow. It's the one that matters the most.  The one with the hardest hits. The one with the loudest fans. The one with the most strategic coaching. The one with the most thoughtful game plan. The one where memories are made, winners are elated, and losers' hearts are broken.


This game means more than any other game, on any other schedule, in any sport. Period.  It means more than in-state rivalries.  Sure, that game means a great deal, because listening to the opposing team's fan base when you lose it, is no fun. I know that probably better than anyone. But it doesn't even come close in comparison to the meaning of this game.  It's bigger and holds more meaning than Yankees/Red Sox, Bears/Packers, Auburn/Alabama, Duke/N.Carolina, Red Wings/Maple Leafs, or Lakers/Celtics.


There are so many traditions that surround this game. It's this game where every M is covered up on campus in Columbus. It's this game where players, alumni, and now coaches take a tour of the cemetery to visit the graves of the greats in Michigan's history. It's this game when the two schools compete in a blood drive. It's this game that is always played on the last Saturday of November at noon. It's this game, when a buckeye is smashed at the feet of legendary Bo Schembechler. And this year, it's this game where Gov. Kasich has outlawed khakis for a day for Ohioans.


This year, like in 2006, hearts will be heavy, emotions will be high, and two special angels will be watching from above.  This year, little Chad Carr is sitting on the lap of Bo, waiting for the banner to be raised, the players to take the field, and the battle to begin. 


It's sure to be a great one.


Peace. Love. And Go Blue!!


~Bekki


My Pick 6 favorite moments from The Game:
1. Marcus Ray's hit on David Boston.
2. Desmond's punt return for a touchdown.
3. The Harbaugh guarantee in 1986.
4. Woodson's Heisman Trophy winning performance in 1997.
5. Tim Biakabutuka's game in 1995.
6. Listening to Ufer call The Game in 1969.