Every true rivalry has some implications on whether a person's career or a team's season was a success, or failure.
This statement is most evident in this weekend's annual Ohio State versus Michigan game.
Even though there are other big rivalry games this Saturday such as Auburn at Alabama, Oregon at Oregon State and California at Stanford, all these games take a back seat to Saturday's game in Ann Arbor, Mich.
For those of you who don't know the recent history of this match-up, the Wolverines have dominated most of my lifetime, especially during the 1990s.
Ohio State came into the Michigan game undefeated in '93, '95 and again in '96, but was upended by Big Blue all three of those years.
However, in all of those games, the Buckeyes were coached by Tennessee native John Cooper, who had never experienced the game first-hand before taking the job.
Cooper would always downplay the magnitude of the game to players, fans and the media as "just another game."
Well, preparing for Michigan as "just another game" resulted in disappointment after disappointment.
None worse than Tai Streets taking a normal slant pattern to the house, in route to a stunning 13-9 Michigan upset.
That catch and run early in the second half helped erase Ohio State's National Championship dreams in 1996.
When Cooper was fired in 2000, he left with an outstanding record of 111-43-4.
Against the Wolverines however, he had a terrible record of 2-10-1 along with a pathetic bowl game record of 3-8.
Fast forward to the present where Ohio State is now led by Jim Tressel.
As an Ohio native, Tressel grew up watching the rivalry unfold.
Tressel also spent time winning D-II championships at Youngstown State, and was an Ohio State assistant.
Tressel, who grew up idolizing Ohio State coaching icon Woody Hayes and former Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals coach Paul Brown, now has turned the tables on the Wolverines, winning three of the last four meetings.
More importantly, it seems like Tressel comes up with a new wrinkle or approach every time the two teams meet.
Either it is a lineup change such as moving bruising fullback Brandon Joe to tailback, or a special play like the pass to Maurice Clarett in the 2002 game.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr desperately needs a win this Saturday to avoid falling into the same hole Cooper was in during the '90s.
Another home loss to Tressel, combined with an eventual 7-4 record would put Carr on the hot seat for the first time ever.
I think it is beginning to warm up. OSU comes into Saturday's match, playing well in all aspects of the game. Akron native Antonio Pittman has over 1,100 yards rushing with a 5.6 per carry average and five touchdowns.
The Bucks have an explosive offense with a consistently great defense.
In turn, Michigan appears to have found their stride after a slow start.
Their defense isn't as dominant as past years, but the trio of Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Anthony Avant can make plays if given the opportunity.
But when you have A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Nate Salley on the other side, the Wolverines better be on top of their game to even have a chance.
You would also have to give Ohio State the advantage on special teams with Ted Ginn Jr. and Santonio Holmes returning punts and kickoffs, along with kicker Josh Houston, who is 18-21 on field goal attempts this year.
This year presents another opportunity for OSU to defeat Michigan, and propel themselves toward the same plateau as other elite teams in college football.
Transversely, a loss to Big Blue would make the entire season, somewhat of a failure.
Tell Eric what's up. E-mail him at hardinen@uc.edu
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