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It should happen, but it might not. It could happen, but they've got to be careful. It may happen, but I wouldn't count on it. What am I referring to? An Ohio State pummeling of Michigan, of course.

For Buckeye fans, it's a week of conflicting opinions and emotions. Conflicting opinions because most feel that Ohio State could/should win by at least 21 points, but are also aware of what can happen (and has happened) in this big time rivalry. For many, there's also the fear that Tressel's conservative philosophy will keep the score unnecessarily close (say it ain't so Jim!).

Conflicting emotions because although a fifth straight win over the Wolverines (no matter the margin) will surely make fans happy, it will also revive the "what could have been" talk regarding the heartbreaking home loss to Penn State and the Buckeyes lost chance to win a record breaking fourth straight outright Big Ten championship. Extreme angst also creeps into the thoughts of some who fear the worst case scenario: not just a loss to Michigan, but a home loss to a decidedly inferior Rich Rodriguez coached team and the insufferable humiliation and abuse that Buckeye players and fans would have to endure. If I was a player or a coach, that alone would be enough incentive to make sure the final score isn't close.

Although I'm not ready to make a prediction yet, for those of you worrying that the game may be unnecessarily close, keep this thought in mind: the only way the Wolverines are going to score more than 10 points is if Ohio State literally gives them a touchdown or two on turnovers or special teams returns, and the only way that Ohio State scores less than 24 points is if the weather is truly bad. Can both of those events occur on Saturday? Stay tuned...

Tags: michigan, ohio state football