Going to a game as a visitor gives you a feel as to what it is like when an opposing fan comes to our house. I got an extra dose. When I took my seat, there wasn’t any red within 10 - to 15 people in any direction. Two rows in front of me I stared at a guy’s back on which was the “Top Ten reasons Ohio State Sucks”. Some would have been quite clever had he not resulted to vulgarity to express himself. I have never understood the psychic of someone who would wear a shirt with a vulgarity on it in public and that goes for Buckeye fans as well as Michigan folks...we ourselves are far from lily white on this one.

Right before kickoff a guy in front of me shouted something about... “after how they treated me down there last year, I ain’t gonna be nice to them”. Then he turned and looked right at me.

I just smiled, extended my hand and said “Good luck”. Realizing I had him, he reluctantly took it, smiled and shook it and said “All right, but that’s the last time we’re gonna do that today!”

I must say though I was treated very nicely by many Michigan fans. This included the people I had pleasant pre-game chats with, the people beside me with whom I talked about how well their punter was doing and about their take on Lloyd’s retirement rumors...to the friendly man that chatted with me on the long walk to the restroom at halftime. Afterwards, many fans shook my hand, congratulated us, and wished us well in the bowl game.

Yes there were the crazies, but I observed them on both sides of the ball and that includes the Ohio State girl who without any class, repeatedly yelled “whimps” one time when a Michigan player was injured and down on the field.

All in all, I wonder if we will treat them as well when they come to the ‘Shoe next year. I hope so. We can hate their guts when the whistle blows, but Woody and Bo respected each other before and after, and we can do that as well if we really respect the rivalry.