Michigan fans are licking their wounds this morning after a thorough beatdown by the Buckeyes yesterday.  Let’s get right to it:

• Jim Harbaugh’s offensive play calling continues to baffle SU.  While just about every other team in the country plays a fairly wide open style in this era, he continues to pound the ball on the ground with the strategy of wearing down the opponent in the 4th quarter.  This approach has worked in the NFL – about 25 years ago.  But given all of the rule changes, most teams have opened up the passing game and looked to throw down the field.
• Clearly, the country’s best defense was overrated as they were torched against a diversified Ohio State attack.  Zero pass rush and crossing pass after crossing pass killed them.  SU was surprised that Michigan’s coaches were not prepared for that as other teams have used it effectively all year against the Wolverines.
• The Big Ten is mediocre this year.  Teams like Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State had down years and even Ohio State struggled most of the season defensively.  Now, only Northwestern stands in their way and while upsets are always possible, you have to wonder if the Wildcats can put 4 quarters together against a high powered attack like Ohio State’s.
• Love him or hate him, Urban Meyer is a great college football coach.  SU is no fan but you have to give him his due.  It sure looks like he will walk away for health reasons (plus ongoing controversy) and SU has said for a long time that he will go to the NFL.  Perhaps he needs a year off.  But he has always played a wide open offense and it makes a huge difference.  Michigan has some playmakers at wide receiver and the offensive line was better as the season unfolded.  Hopefully, Harbaugh will get an offensive coordinator for next season and allow him to put in a more creative scheme.
• Bottom line: if the goal for a successful season is to beat Ohio State, then you need to make changes.  Harbaugh is a great recruiter and the team was fun to watch this year.  SU does not live and die with football – or any sport or team for that matter.  There are too many other more important things in life as we all know.  But the best coaches recognize their shortcomings and make the adjustments.  It will be interesting to see if Harbaugh can do that.  I also don’t think he is an attractive alternative for the NFL now given his conservative approach offensively.  We are not talking Andy Reid here.  But he can certainly thrive at the college level with a bit of a tweak for next season.

So, Michigan fans, how are you feeling this morning?