Hot Take: M beat OSU last weekend thanks to the nice weather
Many people, including Urban Meyer, believed that last year's victory over OSU was thanks to the snowy weather, as you all know. Perfect weather this year was supposed to give the edge to the Buckeyes. But think about it:
If the weather was bad, Michigan would have had to depend more on its run game, with Corum out, Edwards injured, and Knowles stacking the box.
Our big pass plays that opened up the run game would have been more difficult to execute.
Hence, Comrades, let's let our friends down south make yet another weather-related excuse for their loss in 2023! It's a lot easier to do that than to improve their team.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:11 PM ^
Well. I am fairly certain that Michigan beat Duh Ohio State because Michigan scored more points in the game.
Perhaps we can get everyone to agree on that. đź‘Ť
November 29th, 2022 at 1:21 PM ^
Beta,
Wouldn't it be nice if that were the case?
The truth is - the weather is always the factor. My understanding is - the shine shone so brightly it neutralized the ability of the Buckeyes defense to fend off Michigan's blocking.
Oh - and, let's not forget the "real" factor. When the "gray" clouds dispersed - it revealed not only a bright sun - but also a cloudless sky. Rumor has it - the Buckeyes were overwhelmed by the colors that were revealed the sun (a hue similar to maize) and the sky (blue).
Yes, it was a celestial advantage for Michigan...
November 29th, 2022 at 2:13 PM ^
Their point is moot regarding the weather. It's just another excuse from the whiney buckeye horde. Looking at CJ Stroud's stats for both games, he actually had a better game in the cold last year.
2021 34/49 394 yards and 2 TDs - cold and snowy
2022 31/48 349 yards 2 TDs and 2 INTs - sunny and 55 degrees
November 29th, 2022 at 2:25 PM ^
Blue - I agree. Stroud's completion percentage was higher in "the blizzard" in Ann Arbor.
Oh, I find the comments about how "atrocious" the weather was for The Game in 2021 to be a bit humorous. My wife, a wonderful woman - but, a notorious "not cold weather fan" - enjoyed the entire game from our seats - and, we had no problem tracking the ball from 100+ yards away.
Last year the weather was "too bad" for their finesse offense to really execute well. And, this year, it appears the weather was "too good" for their finesse offense to really execute well. It seems like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
November 29th, 2022 at 2:35 PM ^
So are you saying the Bucknuts would play better if the weather was cloudy with a chance of meatballs?
November 29th, 2022 at 4:22 PM ^
Gruden, I honestly don’t know how to interpret these various comments our of Columbus. In what they describe as “bad weather” - last year in A2, Michigan won by 15. This year, in ideal weather in Columbus, Michigan won by 22.
There are two data points, but my assessment would be - it doesn’t look like the weather matters - OR - the better the weather, the larger the margin of victory for Michigan.
Perhaps the Buckeyes really want “Snow Bowl” conditions in A2 next November to improve their chances. Does anyone know the forecast for next year’s regular season finale? Maybe they can begin planning for that weather…
November 29th, 2022 at 2:29 PM ^
Of course, a big reason he put up better stats last year was that his receivers (especially Smith-Njigba) bailed him out with circus catches a number of times. There was less of that on Saturday.
November 29th, 2022 at 7:32 PM ^
In fact, they had some crucial drops.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:12 PM ^
The conclusion is weather doesn’t have a damn thing to do with either game’s result and rarely will change any games winner/loser outcome.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:28 PM ^
Agreed. I'm so glad the weather was nice. Too many on both sides were looking at the long-term forecast. The media was talking about it all too much.
Besides, I'm pretty sure it was my lucky UM socks and underwear.
November 29th, 2022 at 3:39 PM ^
I watched both 2021 and 2022 editions of The Game from Big E's in Midland, which I had never done before. I'm pretty sure I'm now required to spend every Game there for the rest of my life.
November 29th, 2022 at 2:13 PM ^
Didn't they have more passing yards than us? So, based on this simplistic thinking, wouldn't taking away the pass have been more of a disadvantage with them? Asking for a friend.
November 29th, 2022 at 3:06 PM ^
More yards, yes. Michigan was more impactful with its passing yards. 20 yards per completion or something like that in addition to backing the safeties off?
November 29th, 2022 at 3:38 PM ^
Fine, but if they can't dink and dunk down the field with their passing game, then, to quote Mork, "where's the threat?"
November 29th, 2022 at 1:13 PM ^
I think UM beat OSU thanks to the.....ASS WHOPPING they gave them at all phases.
Sun, clouds, rain, sleet, HAIL, wind and/or snow; none of it would have mattered on Saturday.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:24 PM ^
To quote Aesop,
throughout sickness, health, electrical storm, fire, pain, rain, hail, wind, ice, sleet, snow?
November 29th, 2022 at 1:15 PM ^
Snowflake thread of the week of the day of the hour!
Next year, killer bees.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:17 PM ^
"It's going to be a clear, sunny day with little wind. Let's make JJ beat us over the top in perfect passing conditions."
"BRILLIANT!"
November 29th, 2022 at 1:25 PM ^
You missed a word there methinks.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:34 PM ^
You'd be correct, thank you!
November 29th, 2022 at 1:17 PM ^
i can't wait till we fuck them up next year in ann arbor in whatever weather and win back 2 back 2 back B1G titles
November 29th, 2022 at 1:18 PM ^
Hot take: The more skilled, better prepared, and more physically capable team won the game. 360 more days until we stomp their asses again. This is just the beginning.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:19 PM ^
And . . . all of Ohio State's players were HEALTHY. That meant that Michigan wasn't overconfident, which made Michigan play better than they otherwise would have. That is kind of an unfair advantage for Michigan if you think about it.
November 29th, 2022 at 3:09 PM ^
Ehhhh they were down JSN and Henderson. Those are some key pieces. Not necessarily bigger losses than Corum and All when you put it all together, but to say they were fully healthy is just not true.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:21 PM ^
Last year they also blamed the flu epidemic that hit the whole team.
No excuses this year - they are piling on Day and Knowles.
Fuck em, couldn't happen to a nicer bunch.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:22 PM ^
Makes sense. After all, you spend all season preparing for bad weather and then have to play on a picture-perfect day, that could mess with anyone.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:26 PM ^
We beat them in bad weather because that was better suited for our style. We beat them in good weather because we adapted our style to what they were doing. In conclusion we beat them in good weather and bad weather because we adapt our style for the opponent and don't complain about the weather. We can therefore conclude we beat them because we are better, in foul or fair weather. The weather will always be to our advantage. It will never be to theirs. Because we are better.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:28 PM ^
They're going through all the stages of grief over there.
Denial - Michigan was lucky, we quit, We're still the better team
Anger - people wanting day sacrificed
Sadness - Jones walking into the locker room
Bargaining- we can still make the play off and get ttun and a natty
Acceptance - Michigan is better than THE ohio state university
November 29th, 2022 at 1:31 PM ^
Remember - they are a more talented team - have a better roster - etc...
November 29th, 2022 at 1:29 PM ^
I welcome with open arms any and all excuses OSU wants to come up with
- Weather? Sure
- Flu? Sure
- Ref conspiracy? Sure
- Bad gameplan? Sure
- Sure sure sure
Because if OSU believes it's all due to flukes then they won't fix the actual problems and we'll win by 20 again next year
November 29th, 2022 at 1:38 PM ^
I still love the weather excuse for last year. Yeah, it was cold and there was some snow. But nothing truly dramatic.
Remember the 5-0 game over Purdue during Lloyd Carr’s first season? Try playing in THAT weather and get back to me.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:40 PM ^
My hawt take is Corums injury became a blessing in disguise. Plays calls were creative and we multiple players contributed, which will be a benefit to us in CCG and playoffs.
November 29th, 2022 at 1:53 PM ^
Yes it did favor Michigan from a play calling standpoint. While the very nice weather should have favored the Buckeyes moreso so that the near calm win allowed JJ's deep throw to be more on target.
Jim Knowles the DC at ohio still gambled and lost as he was betting the JJ would not be able to complete those deep throws. Knowles looked as stubborn about his defensive scheme as was Don Brown. In the end, they both got torched, something they have in common.
November 29th, 2022 at 2:26 PM ^
This is a masterfully hot take. We’ll done.
November 29th, 2022 at 2:40 PM ^
It was beautiful day! JJ's "Queen Wave" to the Buckeye faithful was also a thing of beauty!
November 29th, 2022 at 3:51 PM ^
Ah yes, His Majesty waves to his subjects. I lost it when I saw him doing this to the bucknut hordes in The Bidet.
NB. In our household, we now refer to the Stadium Formerly Known as the Toilet Bowl as The Bidet. Two key points: it has no lid and the logo looks like a drain and is perfectly centered same as it is in a classic bidet. The aerial shot that was broadcast sealed the mental image/reference for us.
November 29th, 2022 at 2:48 PM ^
Day needs to deeply ponder the team's issues and ask himself honestly: Sham I Am?
His team should also make with the introspection, and walk away from their toxic love affair with denial. They should ask themselves two important questions about The Game, specifically regarding the weather and home field advantage. Would they win it foul or fair? Would they win it anywhere? And maybe they'd come to the realization that they cannot win it in the rain, and they cannot play with shoulder pain. "The flu", sure.
November 29th, 2022 at 2:58 PM ^
The sun was in their eyes man. Too bright.
November 29th, 2022 at 3:20 PM ^
Maybe next year it will snow and be cold for the Buckeyes
November 29th, 2022 at 3:26 PM ^
Well let's see 1) you practice all year against a non physical offense and then you are suppose to be physical? 2) fortunately, when you are not perfect you know the fanbase has your back so you won't play tight 3) thank goodness the opposing QB is so one dimensional and indecisive. With all that going for you how could you lose. Plus you have the weather and their top "O" and "D" players out and then the crowd noise is all in your favor.