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Tressel over Michigan: There's no stopping it
Jason Lloyd Journal Register News Service
04/24/2008
Justin Boren clipped his own wings. Inadvertently, he might have just kicked off another 10-year war.
Boren's transfer from Michigan to Ohio State, which was made official Wednesday, makes this the busiest offseason in the history of the heated rivalry. Just like on the field, the Buckeyes have dominated off it, too.
First, Jim Tressel plucked Terrelle Pryor away from Rich Rodriguez in the much-publicized recruitment of the best high school player in the country.
Pryor was the first person Rodriguez called after taking the Michigan job. Pryor's high school coach thought Michigan was the best fit. His adviser, backup Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch, thought Michigan was the best fit.
Pryor felt otherwise, and left Rodriguez with a gaping hole at the most important position on the field.
Then Tressel took a vintage Tressel-like shot at Rodriguez with his veiled "gentlemen's agreement" remark. Asked if a gentlemen's agreement exists among Big Ten coaches when it comes to recruiting, Tressel replied "only among gentlemen" - a direct shot at Rodriguez for plucking away recruits who had verbally committed to other schools. Then Tressel seemed surprised when Rodriguez fired back.
Once again, though, Tressel seems to be getting the final word.
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