
"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.
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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Roy Roundtree #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to get though the tackle of Jermale Hines #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 21, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 21-10. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Roy Roundtree;Jermale Hines
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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Roy Roundtree #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to get though the tackle of Jermale Hines #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 21, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 21-10. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Roy Roundtree;Jermale Hines
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Alabama's Rolando McClain (25) reacts after a fourth quarter score in their NCAA college football game against Chattanooga at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. Alabama won 45-0. At right is coach Nick Saban. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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Alabama's Julio Jones (8) is upended by Chattanooga's Thomas Green during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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Houston's Chaz Rodriguez celebrates after his 4-yard pass reception for a touchdown against Memphis during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Houston. (AP Photo/Bob Levey)
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An Ohio State fans celebrates the Buckeyes' 21-10 win over Michigan in an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
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Alabama running back Mark Ingram (22) celebrates with teammate Barrett Jones (75) after scoring on a 25-yard touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Chattanooga at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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The Ohio State marching band and football team celebrate in Michigan Stadium with fans after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Ann Arbor. Ohio State won 21-10 and will play in the Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 2010 in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
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Alabama running back Mark Ingram (22) runs for a 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Chattanooga at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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New Hampshire running back Chad Kackert (27) drags Maine defensive back Trevor Coston (3) into the end zone for the game winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter of a NCAA college football game at Cowell Stadium in Durham, N.H., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. New Hampshire won 27-24. (AP Photo/Josh Gibney)
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Houston's Patrick Edwards completes a reception for a 57-yard touchdown as he beats Memphis' Alton Starr during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Houston. (AP Photo/Bob Levey)
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