Looking ahead, brighter future, Ohio State or Michigan?

Even the most diehard Ohio State fan has to accept the fact that the resignation of Jim Tressel is going to be a detriment to their program, at least in the short-term. The real question on their minds has to be if they can continue to exert their decade long dominance over their hated rival Michigan. Ohio State really is catching a break here after the Rich Rodriguez debacle, as Michigan found itself in an identity crisis that they never could seem to get out of (not to mention they had absolutely no talent on defense.) The good news for Michigan is that they acted decisively, got rid of Rich-Rod and with any new coach at a big program; they should be able to ride some good momentum early in recruiting. The problem for the Wolverines is that it is going to take some time for Hoke to get his guys in and reverse the damage done by the previous regime. Sanctions or not, Ohio State still carries a lot of clout, and anything short of the death penalty (do you really think the most powerful man in college football Jim Delaney, would let that happen to one of his schools?), will have a minor impact on their ability to bring in talent in the form of players and new coaches. This week’s developments certainly have narrowed the gap between the two rivals, but Michigan still has a long way to go.