'M' continues tradition of beating arch-rival Bucks

When a freshman arrives to play football at Michigan, it's something he learns almost immediately. Somewhere along the line, as he's memorizing schemes and formations, it starts to sink in - when it comes to Michigan-Ohio State, it doesn't get any better.

If the player is from another area of the country, one of his Midwestern teammates will school him. If he's already from the area, chances are he knows what's riding on the rivalry.

For every Wolverine but the freshmen, being on the field for last year's 31-16 loss to the Buckeyes in Columbus was motivation enough.

DAVID KATZ/Daily Ian Gold, a former high school running back, intercepted a pass in the third quarter and juked a few Ohio State defenders during his 17-yard return.

But the day before the game, Michigan got a different sense of what was at stake in its season finale. They were not the only ones with something riding on the game.

In their hotel on Friday, the Wolverines listened to members of Michigan's 1969 team talk about their victory over the Buckeyes. In that game Bo Schembechler, in his first season as coach after taking over for Bump Elliott, led the Wolverines to a 24-12 victory over the top-ranked Buckeyes.

It was a victory that put Michigan on the map in the modern era of college football and started one of the greatest coaching legacies in the history of the game.

And while this year's Ohio State squad wasn't ranked - No. 1 or anywhere else in the polls - Michigan left the meeting with a new take on one of college football's most storied rivalries.

"It really put things in perspective," Michigan safety DeWayne Patmon said. "It shows you that you're playing not just for yourself, but for all the people who ever played for Michigan. Every week, they're looking to see if Michigan won, so you want to do well for them."

The former Wolverines talked to the team about leaving everything on the field, much as they had thirty years ago. And if Michigan's dead-silent lockerroom after the game was any indication, the Wolverines took that advice to heart.

Despite the stirring win, Michigan was so drained that the players could hardly muster enough energy to celebrate.

"I'm exhausted and I didn't even do anything on the field," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "This team never quit."

Linebacker Ian Gold, playing in his final game in Michigan Stadium, relishes the opportunity to come back in the coming decades and continue to be a part of the tradition.

"I'm sure, when I'm 50 or 60 years old, I'll come back with the same intentions - to cheer them on and help them beat OSU," Gold said. "You take a piece of Michigan with you wherever you go."

Cool-headed: In virtually every game during Michigan's run to a probable BCS bowl berth, quarterback Tom Brady has been instrumental. But rather than letting Brady's stats tell the story, Carr opted to use an anecdote after Saturday's win to illustrate the senior's leadership.

When Michigan visited Syracuse on September 18, Carr was still rotating Brady and sophomore Drew Henson at quarterback. For the first time all season, Carr decided to use Henson in the second half. Michigan squeaked out the 18-13 victory.

"After the game the captains say a few words and lead the team in 'Hail to the Victors,'" Carr said. "There was not a tougher time for (Brady) to not have played and to make himself stand up and tell his teammates how great they played without him. He's a special guy."

Going for the Gold: After picking off a Steve Bellisari pass in the third quarter, Gold got a chance to show the moves that led Michigan to recruit him as a running back out of high school.

Gold stepped in front of the pass at the Ohio State 25-yard line, and began running down the right sideline. When his path was blocked by a crowd of Ohio State defenders, he cut back to the middle of the field. Gold had scampered 17 yards before he was finally brought down, setting up Michigan's tying touchdown.

"That was a play that any other 10 of my teammates could have made," said Gold, admitting that the play brought back memories of high school. "I was in the right place at the right time."

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