The legendary HBO documentary on the Ohio-State Michigan game starts with something about "It's always the 3rd Saturday in November..." Well, savor that. This week is the last time this storied rivalry will be played on that 3rd Saturday. The almighty BC$ has caused a move to the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the foreseeable future. (Actually my friend Ken Gordan pointed out that it has been played that day 11 times in the last 58 years...) Nevertheless...

Some say change is inevitable. Maybe so. But I say baloney and even if it is, I don't have to like it. So savor this week for what it used to be, focused on the rivalry and only the rivalry. Somewhat sad isn't it that this final one in the traditional slot won't be two undefeated ranked teams playing for all the marbles.

I myself don't think it will ever be quite the same. Next time around, you won't be focused exclusively on this game. You'll have the added worry of how you are to get to Grandma's house 5 states away and back in time, or getting the spare bedroom cleaned for the arrival of your favorite brother-in-law in his Notre Dame sweatshirt. Think of all the schools and businesses that had Ohio State - Michigan competitions on Fridays... will these things be the same on Wednesday? What about the Fridays in Columbus with the hyperactive alumni band traveling to all the businesses? Will anyone be there working? Will the Earle Bruce Friday pep rally get bigger, or wither and die with the holiday competition? And what about all the county alumni clubs that traditionally have big tailgate parties this week? Will folks still have time to put those on during the week of perhaps the biggest Holiday travel? Will people still come?

OSU-Michigan was never just a game. It was a week. This year it still is. Next year it won't be. Down the road we will find out if what was gained in the chase for the BC$ is worth what we have lost in traditions. I predict not, and that someday down the road, the next "Throwback" will be playing the game "...the 3rd Saturday in November." Time and Change will surely show whether or not I am right. Maybe I am just an old fuddy-duddy.