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No Surprise as Ohio State Tops Michigan

Nov 21, 2009 – 4:00 PM
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Mark Hasty

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"For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'" -- John Greenleaf Whittier


For Michigan it really might have been, if not for a dreadful game by Tate Forcier and the Wolverine offense. Rich Rodriguez's squad fell to Ohio State 21-10 today, keeping Michigan out of the postseason for the second year in a row.

Forcier threw four interceptions. He also fumbled in Michigan's end zone on the Wolverines' opening drive, which OSU recovered for a touchdown.

The Wolverines, who came into the game with the Big Ten's top rushing offense, could only generate 80 ground yards against the typically stout Buckeye defense. OSU running backs Dan Herron and Brandon Saine each rushed for more yards than the entire Michigan team, and quarterback Terrelle Pryor came close to doing the same. Pryor did not have a great game through the air, however, going 9-of-17 for just 67 yards with one touchdown and one pick.

Three of Forcier's four interceptions happened on successive drives in the fourth quarter, killing any hopes of a Michigan comeback. Greg Robinson's defense did its part to keep the Wolverines in the game during the final period, but every time the offense got something going, the Buckeyes forced a turnover.

Ohio State now awaits the outcome of several games to determine its opponent in the Rose Bowl. That determination may not be made until Dec. 5th, leaving a two-week period of preparing for no one in particular. Michigan, meanwhile, has less uncertainty about its next opponent. Their match with Connecticut is just 287 days away.

Filed under: Sports

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