Writing the Pine

So this is it. This is what it all comes down to.

It’s Michigan-Ohio State week.

For every day this week I’m going to fully disclose the state of the Michigan program and will also plead to you how important this game is for everybody, but most importantly Mr. Rich Rodriguez himself.

This season has clearly not gone the way all of us have hoped, especially following a 4-0 start. With close losses to State and Iowa, and totally humiliating blowouts to Penn State and Illinois, we’ve suffered enough the past two months.  I know I have. I’ve seen a team that was so good at finishing games and being clutch, to just seem to lose all magic. We’ve learned why freshmen quarterbacks are freshmen quarterbacks. We’ve learned the importance of DEFENSE. But moreover, we’ve all learned that it’s going to take some time.

Where do we stand now? We’re one win away from a Motor City Bowl invite.  One win away from salvaging a season.  One win away from anybody on this current team saying they’ve beaten OSU.  One win away from Rich’s first win over The Vest.  One win away from putting us on the radar for the Big Ten Championship next year.  One win away from telling Terrelle Pryor, “You’re nothing but a taller Stanley Jackson.”  One win away for the seniors finishing their careers with their most important victory as a Wolverine.  Just one win away.

But we’re also one loss away from the most disappointing two-year stretch in the history of Michigan football.  From the hottest seat in college football next year.  From another OSU senior class that has never lost to Michigan.  One loss away from another miserable 365 days until yet another chance.  Just one loss away.

So what does this all mean? That Saturday is the most important game of the Rich Rodriguez era. He must win.  He WILL win.