100th Big Game -- Voices: Michigan's Desmond Howard
11/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
As a native of Cleveland, I became aware of the biggest rivalry in college football when I was very young. I watched a lot of professional football but very little on the college level. The only college games I can distinctly remember watching were between Ohio State and the University of Michigan. I used to wonder, "What is that design on Michigan's helmet, and what does it have to do with a wolverine" No one could answer my question adequately.
Instead, I took a visit to Michigan and met this well-matured gentleman (he would kill me if I called him "old") with a Cabbage Patch Kid's face, steely blue eyes, a slightly raspy voice and a burning passion for football that came through in his every word. From that very first visit, there was no doubt in my mind that I would become a Wolverine and play for Bo Schembechler. He was the sole reason why I signed a letter of intent to attend U-M. Where else in 1988 could a kid go to college with the unique opportunities to learn from a living legend, play in the Rose Bowl and receive a top-notch education I had watched Bo battle against Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce. Those early years laid the foundation for what is now considered the greatest rivalry in all of college football. Each game between Michigan and Ohio State is played with an unusual dichotomy of hate and respect. The tension that is present during Michigan-Ohio State week can be cut with a knife. The coaches, the players, the students -- heck, even the secretaries -- appear to have a little chip on their shoulders when this game is on tap. The first time I had a starting role in playing against Ohio State was when I was a junior and we went to Columbus. That was a special trip for me because I was going back to my home state to prove to everyone that I had made the right choice in going to Michigan. In fact, that week was big for everyone. No one goofed off in practice or in the meeting rooms. Everything -- and I mean EVERYTHING -- was business. We ran plays four or five times until we got it right. It was like we were playing in some sort of college playoff or another game of that magnitude. Though I grew up watching the games and was well aware of the importance and significance of the rivalry, nothing could prepare me for what it would actually feel like to play Ohio State in a Michigan uniform. I caught a slant for a touchdown that day, and we ended up winning on a J.D. Carlson field goal. That was my first touchdown against the Buckeyes, but my next one was probably the most memorable. During my senior year, we played the Buckeyes at Michigan. We had a very solid team, and I was at the forefront of the Heisman race. We knew going into that game that they would do everything they could to knock us out of the Rose Bowl and to keep me from winning the Heisman Trophy. Their efforts would be in vain that afternoon. In front of a national TV audience and more than 100,000 at the Big House, we beat the Buckeyes for the fourth straight time. The turning point of the afternoon was when I returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown and struck the Heisman pose. That was my most memorable and favorite moment as a part of this legendary rivalry. My record against the Buckeyes is 4-0. I know I made the right choice when I declined that visit to Columbus. This story is part of the special Michigan-Ohio State content in the 100th Game Commemorative Program produced by Barbara Cossman and the U-M Athletics Department in conjunction with Pro Sports Publications. Limited quantity available for $15 apiece (including postage) or online for $15 each plus $3 per order. Order Form: SOLD OUT! |
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