Roses are Green, Ohio is Blue

Michigan State takes down Ohio State 24-24 and claims the Big Ten title and it's first trip to the Rose Bowl since the `87 season.

And exciting game from start to finish, Michigan State was able to grind out a victory on the ground led by tailback Jeremy Langford, who became the first back to run for over 100 yards against Ohio State this year.
He finished with 128 yards and his 26 yard touchdown run with just over two minutes left sealed the upset win for the Spartans.

Defense still wins championships.  After the offensive shootout of the SEC championship, it was refreshing to see a key defensive stand set up the game sealing touchdown.
It's refreshing to see defense at all in this day and age of college football lets be real here.

The game was ridiculously back and forth.  Why ridiculously?
MSU scored the first 17
OSU the next 24
MSU the final 17.
How silly is that?

Conor Cook was named the game's MVP throwing 3 touchdowns, a pick, and 304 yards, leading his victory to the Rose Bowl.

Pound Green, Pound.  Michigan State pounded the rock and beat OSU by playing their game.  A championship well deserved.

Didn't I tell you guys that MSU would win?  Cuz I picked Ohio.

You're welcome East Lansing, now Sparty on to Pasadena.

Big Ten Title: OSU vs MSU

One team everyone expected.  The other, only the diehard fans expected.

Michigan State and Ohio State square off tomorrow for the rights to a trip to Pasadena.
Same destination, but two different goals.

The undefeated and second ranked Buckeyes look to represent the Big Ten in the National Championship against (most likely Florida State.

Whilst Michigan State looks to earn its first trip back to the Rose Bowl since 1987.

Two teams enter!  Both will leave! But only one can win! (EPIC VOICE OVER)

WHO WILL IT BE?!?!

The opposite of whatever I pick...
So I should pick... Ohio State then right?

Okay for seriousness though, I'm taking the Buckeyes, but in a close one.

Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde are a two man wrecking crew.  It's hard to keep them both in check, especially Miller who has become a legit passing threat under Urban Meyer.
The defense isn't spectacular, I mean Michigan put 41 points up on them, but it should be good enough to stop MSU's offense, which is ten times better than it was at the beginning of the season.

If any team (in the Big Ten) is gonna beat Ohio State, it's gonna be MSU.
Michigan State defends better than anyone in the conference and it's not even a debate.  MSU has the top ranked rush defense and are fully capable of neutralizing Ohio State's rushing attack.

A low-scoring affair favors the Spartans.
But if it turns into a shootout, the Buckeyes will take it.

I'm going 31-24, Ohio State wins and stays undefeated.

But I desperately hope I'm wrong.

Thoughts?  Comments, questions, concerns?

The Granddaddy of them All

The Rose bowl game. Every New Year's day means another Rose Bowl matchup. My favorite bowl game, except when Michigan's losing it. But every Big Ten team plays for this game, same with the Pac Ten squads. This game is engrossed in tradition. This year, we have a couple of fresh opponents. Ohio State, despite their Big Ten dominance, is making their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1997 (the 1996 season.) And from the Pac 10 is USC... wait no, it's Oregon. That's right the Trojans are not in it, but to be frank as much as I hate them, I'd rather see USC than Oregon, I dislike the Ducks. But the usual suspects, USC and Michigan, will be watching this one the same way I will be, on my couch. But being from the midwest, I have a strong biased towards this game. But if you think about it, of all the bowl games, the Rose Bowl has the most tradition, hype, and the best atmosphere. It is on my bucket list to go see Michigan in the Rose Bowl. I would say State... but let's face the facts here Spartans. We haven't been there since 1988, and have no real chances in the near future. But the old classic has a couple of new teams in it. I am typing this during the game, if you want to know, it's 10-3 Buckeyes. I want... the Buckeyes to win. Big Ten Pride. Now when I finish this the game will be over, but I just wanted to get this rolling.
So am I the only one that doesn't like Brett Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit? They're alright, but I can't stand watching a Michigan game that these two clowns do. I don't think they're that good, but hey that's just my opinion.
Why did they let Legarrett Blount play? That guy is a thug. What he did was unacceptable. I applauded the coaching staff when they suspended him for the season. And yet they let him come back. I don't like that out of the coaching staff. Waffling. But then again, maybe he worked hard to earn his spot back. Hmmm two sides to every story. Well I commend him. He must have done something to earn that spot back, something saint like.
It's 10-10, and what I've seen so far I've liked. I think Ohio State has played better, but Oregon has got the momentum. I think the Buckeye defense has looked really good. If the offense smoothes things out like the first drive, they will win this Rose Bowl.
One of my earliest memories is of the Rose Bowl. And yes pretty much all my early memories are sports related. But I remember watching the 1998 Rose Bowl. Michigan vs Washington State. The National Champion Michigan Wolverines. Don't give me that Co-champ bull crap. Everyone knows Michigan would have thrashed Nebraska. their coach was retiring, and the media loved him. But I remember not the details of the game, but just watching it with friends and family. It is a family event watching the Rose Bowl, and it just so happens to be my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday Pop. But the Rose Bowl has so much tradition with my family. That's why it pains me when Michigan isn't in it, and even more when they lose it. But I guess that's why I love it so much, it has a deep tradition within me.
10-10 4th and short... if they don't go for it, I'm going to be upset with the sweatervest. Okay they went for it and got it, but back play calling. Gotta run it on first and goal. So now it's 13-10.
16-10 at the half, I like what I've seen. The Buckeye defense needs to contain Masoli and the Oregon offense, and continue this consistent offense.
4th quarter, 19-17 Ohio State. Been a good game, I hope it continues, and hope you, the reader, is enjoying the game, well did enjoy the game by the time you read this. I have a good feeling that the Buckeyes will get points on the board. SO i just saw the most absurd play, what a catch. Pryor with a desperate throw, what a play. TOUCHDOWN Buckeyes, I told you guys, they were putting up points. I bet you this guy is gonna miss... Wide right, too bad. And the Buckeyes are driving, killing that clock. Jim Tressel ball. This great game is nearing it's conclusion, and as much as I hate them, it looks like the Buckeyes are going to win. And I'm happy about that, Big Ten pride. And it's the victory formation.
So this great bowl game has a victory from the good side again. The Roses are back in the Big Ten. Congrats Ohio State on winning the 2010 Rose Bowl.

Happy New Year fans, I do still blog, just been struggling for inspiration.