get right back where they want to be with a win at Ohio State.  Michigan has plenty of brutal games coming up but the pieces seem to be back in place for a run at a title.

The difference?  Not much, but as mentioned here in earlier columns, the difference that Mike Hart makes to this team is significant.  He was clearly not at full speed, but was the best player on the field today.  Drew Stanton of MSU played a great game, and some in the Ann Arbor media are questioning Spartan coach John L. Smith for holding back the MSU offense in the second half. 

Another big break for the Wolverines came on the overtime coin toss (they called 'tails'), which gave them the ball second.  A great stop and failed kick by the Spartans led to Michigan's winning kick.

It's a heartbreaker for the Spartans.  The difference between winning and losing this (and obviously last year's game) is so slight, but they didn't get it done.  This makes it four straight for the Wolverines, and eight of the last ten.  Overall in the Dooley Brothers series, the Blue hold a nine games to four advantage.

It was another great tailgate, thanks to everyone who came out.  A few specific folks deserve special gratitude:

• The Kuehnes: For hosting me and Mudbowl the night before the big day!

• Sarah:  For helping Jess out on Friday and during gameday.

• Rick Schild:  For getting the van all squared away.  I took her easy on the turns.

• Gary Pilchak: For letting us trade for his 'A' Lot pass !

• Phelps, Mudbowl, Kelley: For being there to help us roll out in the morning and helping us set everything up.

• Jon Boland: For managing game time tailgate activities, and setting up the TV. 

   TAILGATE PHOTOS!