What Lloyd Carr Sees in His Nightmares

You really do have to feel for Lloyd Carr, head coach of the Wolverine football team at the University of Michigan. He's a great coach with a fantastic winning percentage and a national championship. But since Jim Tressel took over as head coach of The Ohio State University Buckeyes, Carr's Wolverines are 1-4 against their archrivals from Columbus.

Cincinnati Enquirer writer Mike Lopresti writes about Tressel, Carr's nightmare:

Take a look at Jim Tressel. Bespectacled father of four. Who could guess he would cause so much misery for poor Lloyd Carr, grandfather of 10?

Oh, but he's trouble, all right. Been that way since the first day he took the Ohio State job. Remember what he told a basketball crowd at halftime that night?

"You'll be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field."

And 310 days later, there was unranked Ohio State, dumping the No. 11 Wolverines in their own big house. The only man I can think of to cause more pain for the state of Michigan ever since is the CEO of Toyota...

Lopresti goes on to discuss Tressel's respect for Lloyd Carr and how little credit the OSU coach takes for the field play of his own charges. Then this, from Tressel's press conference yesterday:

The rhythm of Michigan week is underway. Tressel was watching film Monday when quarterback Troy Smith popped in with his cereal, so eager to study the Wolverines, "he almost grabbed the clicker and took over."

Now there is more film to study. More dangers to worry about. Some parting thoughts:

"In a game like this, you'd better play better than you are."

Tressel has shown he knows how to make the Buckeyes do that. And they'll be at home.

Poor Lloyd Carr.

However it goes, this biggest Ohio State-Michigan game ever, is likely to be a fantastic one.

And one last thing: Lloyd Carr seems like a great guy. Michigan has a great team this year. But I hope that Tressel and the Buckeyes give Carr more nightmares after an Ohio State win this coming Saturday afternoon.

Go, Buckeyes!