I have grown up in a football household. Every Saturday during the season the familiar maize and blue uniforms of the University of Michigan would be on our screen. Every Sunday the blue and silver of the Lions replaced them. My brother plays football. The sport is a part of my life.
A good majority of the time, I would be there in our living room watching whatever game was on. It really is an exciting sport to watch. In addition, it was a great to spend some quality time with my dad and brother. The two of them have really helped me understand what goes on in the game and what each team is doing. So, when watching the University of Michigan v. Ohio State game I knew how bogus the referees were.
The "border rivalry" between the two states is more intense than the rivalry between MSU and Michigan. The fans can get violent and extremely rude. (I'm looking at you Buckeyes). For example, at the game, a Buckeye decided to shove Michigan's Defensive Player of the Year, Linebacker of the Year, and Return Specialist of the Year, Jabrill Peppers. Yes, Peppers did shove the fan back but hey, do unto others. And as the Michigan team was leaving the Buckeyes were shouting "We don't give a damn about the state of Michigan!" Not only is this extremely rude but it's very inconsiderate. Yes, they won but in the most unfair, biased way possible.
The loss does not lay with the teams, but with the referees. I could write sentences upon sentences about the referees but I'll keep it short. But first, we need to discuss the reasons why the referees stole the win from Michigan.
During the duration of the whole game, Ohio State only had two penalties while Michigan was given seven. There should've been more against Ohio. One point in the game, there was clear pass interference against the Buckeyes, but the referees called it an incomplete pass. Which is ironic because just a few minutes before that, they called pass interference on the Wolverines in a similar situation.
Of course, there is the famous first down call that ultimately sealed the win for the Buckeyes. Giving the Buckeyes the first down when it is very clear that the ball did not cross the yard line which was needed and my gears were grinding so loud I am surprised no one heard them. The anger was real people. I have included a picture to show it was a terrible call on the referee's part.
The ball is circled in red and the green line is line it would have to cross in order to get past the chains. Now a GIF to further show the bogus call.
HIS BACKSIDE GETS OVER BUT NOT THE FOOTBALL. No further comments.
Of course, my first thought after this call was "The refs are siding with Ohio State." This prompted me to do a lot researching. Finally, I found my answer. According to the Detroit News, these are the referees from the game: Kevin Schwarzel, Bobby Sagers, Dan Capron , and John Wiercinski. Two of the officials are from Ohio- Schwarzel and Sagers. In a newspaper article from 2006, Schwarzel is quoted as being an Ohio State fan. Why wouldn't he be? He is an Ohio native. Then there is Capron. He has actually been in trouble with the Big Ten before to the point where the director said he would not be officiating any more games(Chengelis). Hmm.
I will not share my thoughts on the Big Ten fining The University of Michigan due to Harbough stating that he was "bitter" about the referees. It may be policy but why are you fining a person who is just stating the truth?
Go blue.
Chengelis, Angelique S. "Official under Scrutiny Also Worked UM-OSU in 2008, 2015." Detroit News. The Detroit News, 29 Nov. 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.
