Common themes emerge for Varsity

By Chris Duprey

Daily Sports Editor

In listening to some of the Wolverines on Monday, their preparation seemed to hinge on three issues they plan on dealing with leading up to Saturday's game at Ohio State.

No. 1: Using emotion in a positive way.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr preaches weekly the need to match the other team's intensity. Obviously that won't be a problem in a game like this one.

"You know the emotions will be there," the coach said.

But staying in command emotionally is just as crucial. The Wolverines reaped the benefits of self-control against Michigan State on Oct. 21. Two personal fouls by the Spartans were key factors in the 14-0 Michigan victory.

"You can't afford to get a 15-yard penalty and keep a drive going or stop a drive," offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson said.

"There's always trash-talking going on," defensive lineman Eric Wilson said. "But you have to be poised on the field."

No. 2: Preparedness.

It's not just knowing what gimmick play Ohio State might try. It's a state of mind for Michigan that started with team meetings early this week and will carry the Wolverines throughout the game on Saturday.

"Being prepared is the biggest thing. Know what personnel is going to be in there, what they're going to do on this down and distance," Hutchinson said. "You don't want any surprises."

Carr is treating Saturday like he would the advent of Christmas Day with a small child. Don't anticipate too much - the big day will roll around soon enough.

"The biggest problem is that you have a team that looks so much forward that they don't take care of today," Carr said. "This game, like most games, is going to be won (Monday), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

"That's the type of preparation that you want - where you do everything you're supposed to do and don't waste time thinking about Saturday on Tuesday. Because if that's what you're doing, you're going to get beat."

No. 3: Dealing with crowd noise.

The Wolverines have already played in two extremely loud venues this year - Illinois' Memorial Stadium and Purdue's Ross-Ade Stadium.

This week the decibels shoot to a new level. Ohio Stadium lends itself structurally to loud crowds, especially in the closed end of The Horseshoe where the students reside.

That will provide an impediment offensively for Michigan. "I basically have to scream as loud as I can," quarterback Drew Henson said.

Hutchinson said it's the loudest place he's ever played "by far." How the offensive line handles the noise will have a big impact on the game's outcome - business as usual, or a casserole of false starts, fumbled snaps and missed audibles?

"It can't be much louder, but everybody says it is," Carr said. "There's not a lot we can do. There are certain things we have control over, and that's not one of them."

The best way to deal with the noise? "Get out to a lead," Henson said.

That's always a pretty good solution.

BRAD QUINN/Daily

Anthony Thomas - who will seek to break the Michigan all-time rushing record Saturday - joins the Wolverines, who have recognized three important themes to the rivalry game.