UM v. OSU: Is It Still 'The Game'?

Ann Arbor (WWJ) -- It's time for the big grudge match: The University of Michigan football team will face off against Ohio State University, Saturday in Ann Arbor.

The fortunes have changed for this year's edition of the blood battle. While the Buckeyes are already heading somewhere for a bowl game, Michigan's trying to avoid a second straight year of being home for the holidays.

But is it still “The Game?” For fans like Jim Smith, yes, but for reasons that go beyond the sidelines.

“Go to Ohio and you get down there and they act like they're mad at you right away, for no reason. They'll break your antennas, they throw apples at our team. Now gee, come on, let's get serious,” said Smith owner of the Washtenaw Dairy Icecream and Coffee Shop, a landmark in Ann Arbor.

Like Bo Schembechler 40 years ago, Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez comes into the match a heavy underdog. According to some, however, this game could mean the fate of his job.

“When he was hired, everybody, almost without exception, said 'ok let's give him three years and we'll see what happens.' Well, the poor guy hasn't even completed his second year and the same people that were saying at the beginning that they were going to give him a fair opportunity are the one's that are the most critical,” said fan Dale Leslie to WWJ Newsradio 950's Ron Dewey.

Leslie also said that a new coach trying to set new ways doesn't sit well in a program steeped with tradition.

See what they're saying in Columbus here.