When Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel first arrived on campus two years ago, he made it a priority to address the Michigan issue.

He did so before an apprehensive crowd at the Schottenstein Center, reassuring the people they would be proud of their team when they traveled to Ann Arbor in the fall. Tressel held true to his promise as OSU upset the favored Wolverines.

This year is a different story.

OSU is now the favorite, and the Michigan issue is all that stands in the way of the Buckeyes’ hopes of reaching the national championship. No such promise was delivered from the head coach prior to this season, but after close calls in their last two road games, is a guarantee necessary?

Fortunately, the answer to this question is no. A guarantee or prediction of any kind, if you haven’t already noticed, has been in the form of the effort put forth in four of the last five OSU victories. Use that for reassurance. Tressel has called upon his players to speak and to let the nation know his team will continue to perform in pressure situations.

OK, well that’s a relief. But what about the team up north licking their chops, ready to send the Buckeyes home crying yet again?

It’s valid question but look no further than the Illinois or Purdue game. OSU has continued to simply do what it takes to win. The Buckeyes are 12-0 and have made every big play when it has mattered.

So now the bull’s-eye is on their backs just in time for Michigan to play spoiler, right?

I hate to break it to all of the U of M fans out there who are banking on their past success to give them this game, but it’s not going to be that easy. The Wolverine mystique left Columbus when ex- OSU football John Cooper packed his bags and caught the first train out of town.

Please excuse me for a moment, and let me apologize. I don’t have a split personality. I’m just trying to answer the voice of reasoning in my head that has seen our beloved Buckeyes come so close, only to fall short. Be that as it may, I shall continue.

Before our prayers were answered, when Cooper was still around, I would even have bet on OSU to choke again and blow its chance to play for it all in Tempe. But folks, Tressel is not Cooper. Tressel is a proven winner. He can win the big game and has done so this season.

Luckily for Buckeye fans, the players have taken their coach’s philosophy to heart. The team, at least for the most part, has transformed from prison-bound thugs into respected student-athletes. They have focused on each game, one at a time, knowing well the importance of every single snap. I know there have been a number of wins where the Buckeyes have escaped by the skin of their teeth, but they did escape, didn’t they? Where I come from, the end result is the most important, and that is exactly what Tressel has given us.

Another question I must ask myself is why do the “experts” continue to scrutinize Tressel’s coaching style and his team’s readiness?

I’m going to have to play my 12-0 card again. Yes, there have been a lot of teams that have won 10 or 11 games, but when was the last time an Ohio State team has done so in such dramatic fashion? It takes a little bit of character to continue to pull them out the hard way, and since when does it matter if you win 10-6 or 42-38? Somebody please tell the voters that the Big Ten plays a different style.

Regardless, Tressel has been there before. He has won four Division 1-AA championships and knows you must win with defense. OSU did not let up 45 against Texas Tech – that was Texas. The Buckeyes did not get burnt for 30 points against Texas A&M – Oklahoma did. Tressel may be conservative, but it’s his team, not those previously mentioned, that still has a shot at the Fiesta Bowl.

I guess all I’m trying to do is convince you why OSU knows they can finally beat Michigan. Tressel’s demeanor has rubbed off on his players and has forced them to believe in themselves. No one here is celebrating just yet, but be happy because a new era has bestowed good fortune.

On the other hand, maybe I’m just delusional, and the season will all come crashing down on Saturday at high noon.

Nope, not this time.

Eric Egan is a senior in journalism. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].