Defeat your opponent at their strongest
Category: Soapbox
I am not a big sports writer. My site is not usually used to discuss sporting topics, but this is my topic for today's post. What Michigan should do now.
I am a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan and I was pleased to see them defeat Michigan this past weekend. I have already heard a large number of Buckeye fans express opinions supporting the Michigan Wolverines in installing Les Miles as head coach. I don't agree with the idea.
I am not a fan of Les Miles and I think that he is a weak selection for the 2nd strongest team in the Big Ten. Some would say that Les Miles or another weak coach would be perfect for Ohio State fans, I think this is the furthest from the truth. In my opinion, a strong head coach at Michigan would make for a stronger Big Te conference and a stronger Ohio State football program. Defeating your opponent when they are the strongest is the best way to prove your superiority.
A weak coach at Michigan could mean a weak Michgan Wolverine football program. This would mean that Ohio State would have a game at the end of the schedule against a team that wouldn't improve "strength of schedule" one of the many important factors the Bowl Championship Series uses to select the top teams around the nation. Additionally, a strong Michigan is better for recruiting better players into the conference; if Ohio State became the only powerhouse in the conference, the entire conference would suffer in national television appearances, an important factor to some college recruits.
What this theory also leads to is the truth about the victory this weekend; I was onll slightly pleased. Ohio State pulled out a victory over a team that was beaten down. Michigan's starting QB and RB were both injured and attempting to play with emotions and what we could all guess, painkillers. I would have liked to see Michigan and Ohio State face off with healthy starting lineups; a showdown that would have been more difficult for the Buckeyes, but possibly more enjoyable to watch.
So as Michigan begins the search for the next head coach, let us cheer them on for a worthy opponent for our team. A victory for Michigan is only bad for Ohio State when we are the opponent.