Google Map War: OSU vs. Michigan

It's Michigan Week, seven days of sturm und drang. Out of curiosity, I google mapped the rivals' stadia. Click on the links: Ohio Stadium vs. Michigan Stadium.

What do we learn? Based on the condition of the field, Ohio State is worn out, perhaps even unprepared for the next game. It is, however, the photo of a grass field, not the current artificial turf. Michigan's field is painted, but the map is centered not on the stadium, but a tiny runt of building a football field away from the Big House.

This reveals many things (mostly unrelated to the game this Saturday), but does it hold predictive value for the game. Why not? Ohio State 23, Michigan 14.

Dan

Big 10, big games, and nervousness

I'm watching Wisconsin administer a whoopin' on Michigan, which makes me nervous. Now, the Wolverines' sole motivation for Michigan-Ohio State game is all about ruining Ohio State's perfect season.

The Ohio State-Illinois game also makes me nervous. Twice in the past five years, Ohio State has entered the Illinois game undefeated and received a scare. In 2002, the Buckeyes outlasted the Illini 23-16 in OT. Last year, Ohio State played too conservative and close to the Vest. Illinois got momentum, but came up short -- OSU won 17-10.

This year, the Illini bring a winning record, a spread offense and a stable full of good players to Ohio Stadium. Could they pull an upset in the 'Shoe? I worry with good reason. According to Jack Park, author of The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia, the Buckeyes have been gracious hosts.

Also, the Illibuck trophy is on the line today. The Big Ten is full of strange awards like the Illibuck, and The Columbus Dispatch features them in an article today.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks, Round 2

I listened to the spirited tilt between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Anaheim Ducks last night. The Ducks all but put a bounty on rookie Jared Boll's head for a hit he put on Travis Moen. Naturally, they dropped the gloves (as did a few others).

Watching the highlights this morning online in the Quad Cities International Airport, I was surprised that none of the fights made it onto the highlight reel of the game:

http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?hlg=20072008,2,181

Still, what a game.

PS: Airports with Free wi-fi = good.

Richardson ad, Part 2

The Bill Richardson job interview ads have an epilogue:



I love the subtle jab at the two leading Democratic candidates - watch and see if you catch it.