Michigan prepares for season's biggest game

Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez understands how big Saturday's game is for the Wolverines.

Not only are the Wolverines playing to become bowl-eligible, they must do it against arch-rival Ohio St. Ever since Rodriguez took the job at Michigan people have questioned whether or not the coach understood the importance of the biggest rivalry in sports.

"Just because I did not coach here before, I did not play here, I'm not from the state of Michigan, doesn't mean I don't understand the rivalry," Rodriguez said Monday in a press conference. "I understand it as well as any coach can understand it. I've only [coached] in it in one game. Trust me, I understand the importance of the rivalry."

Rodriguez has irked some fans with his lack of regard for some of the traditions that the university holds so dearly. Michigan's football program is based on tradition and beating Ohio St. is the most important of them all. But Rodriguez knows that. He knows the importance of this game and what a win would mean to his team and fan base.

"More than anything, from a selfish standpoint, [a win] would allow us as players and coaches to feel good for the first time in a long time, and let our seniors to feel good," Rodriguez said. "Singing that fight song in the locker room and in front of the student section is, to me, the greatest thrill that we have in coaching and probably in playing."

While a win won't salvage the Michigan season, it would bring some well-needed positive energy back into the storied program. The Wolverines haven't beaten a FBS opponent since September 26 when they beat Indiana.

The Wolverines have not beaten the Buckeyes since 2003. Ending the five year skid would improve Michigan's Big Ten record to 2-6, ensuring that they do not finish in last place in the conference for the first time since 1962.