Carr cherishes opportunity to coach at Shoe

By Stephanie Offen

Daily Sports Editor

Quarterback Drew Henson says that if Michigan coach Lloyd Carr could pick one scenario to end his season, it would be the one that will take place this Saturday.

The biggest rivalry in college football coupled with a chance for a share of the Big Ten title makes this the Ohio State-Michigan game Carr has anticipated all season.

"You hope it goes down to the last few minutes and someone on your team finds a way to win," Carr said.

But the tradition of this rivalry isn't common knowledge for some of the Michigan players. Senior running back Anthony Thomas wouldn't comment yesterday on his thoughts about Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, saying that his knowledge of this rivalry only spans the amount of time he played for his team.

And senior center David Brandt admits to never watching college football while in high school. He said he would sleep in on those cold November afternoons while the two teams faced off.

But Carr will make sure that all players will know the meaning of this rivalry by Saturday. If the intensity of the other players doesn't rub off on them, the coach will tell the team stories of Ohio State memories - of victories and mistakes that teams made - throughout the week.

The Shoe factor: Ask any Michigan football player and they will all have the response: "Ohio State will be the loudest place we will play all season."

Last time the Wolverines visited the Horseshoe, Michigan lost 31-16 and the fans made sure to rub it in. The Ohio State fans' reaction is a memory the team - especially the seniors - will never forget.

"The intensity of the crowd, the fans, just the way the fans rushed the field, that sticks in my mind," senior offensive lineman Jeff Backus said.

Senior Steve Hutchinson added his memory of the loss in Columbus, "One thing that sticks out in my mind is how we sent the seniors out. We wanted to send them out right. But I remember walking off the field and thinking that Jon Janson is leaving with his last game being a loss at Ohio State and that is something I don't want to do."

But believe it or not the crowd noise may be even louder in the Horseshoe this year. The renovation to the stadium moved the fans closer to the field. And that is hard for most of the Wolverines to believe.

"From what I remember two years ago it may be the loudest place we've played," quarterback Drew Henson said. "I basically have to scream as loud as I can."

Center David Brandt agreed that the calls will be hard to make and be heard, and knowing the plays in the huddle will be that much more important.

The team will also practice this week with loud music playing to simulate the crowd noise.

Bulletin board material: Much like the week before the Michigan State game, a tight leash is being kept on all the players to make sure no incriminating material is leaked.

"No one wants to be the one on the bulletin board," senior defensive end Eric Wilson said. "There is no need to call someone out, it's the people on the field that really matter."

Yesterday, Carr remember a bulletin board moment that won't soon be forgotten.

"The worse thing that can happen is have some player guarantee victory," Carr said. "I will never forget the meeting after Jim Harbaugh guaranteed victory over Ohio State. Everyone was nervous about going into that meeting because he had guaranteed victory. Bo said 'Harbaugh shot his mouth off so now its up to you to back him up.'"

The record: Thomas will head to Columbus 165 yards away from equaling Jamie Morris' career rushing record at Michigan of 4,393 yards.

Even though Thomas averages almost 150 yards a game, the Ohio State defense will be tougher than the previous competition. Last time the Wolverines visited Ohio State they only had four rushing yards.

"Ohio State is No. 1 in the Big Ten against the rush," Carr said. "Except for points scored I think that is the most important statistic a team can have."

Although Thomas claims not to care about records, he has been grateful to his offensive line for his statistics so far this season. Thomas even went as far as to buy the line pizzas after a 200-yard game.

And for that line, this record may even be more important.

"It means the world to us," Backus said. "It shows people that we are doing our job."

Questionable?: Ohio State tailback Derek Combs, and receivers Reggie Germany and Ken-Yon Rambo are currently listed as questionable for Saturday's game. The three are top specialists on the Buckeyes' offense.

But the Wolverines don't believe that for a second.

"That's bologna," Carr said. "They will all play. Mark that down."

Due to the intensity of this rivalry, the Michigan players know not to count any of those players out.

"When it comes down to something like this, if you aren't on your deathbed you will be playing in that game," Wilson said.