DaytonDailyNews.com

Even though the Ohio State football team has missed its chance to play for a national championship, another kind of championship looms.

"If you walk around this facility, you see signs, 'The countdown to Michigan,' 'What have you done to beat Michigan?' " said Eddie George, the former OSU running back and Heisman Trophy winner. "Everything is directed to that game. It's the Big Ten, then it's Ohio State and the rivalry. That's something kids understand when they come here from Day 1."

It's something the coaches understand, as well. Plenty of attention this week leading up to Saturday's Ohio State-Michigan game has been placed on the two coaches, Michigan's Lloyd Carr and Ohio State's Jim Tressel. But for different reasons.

Tressel's teams are 5-1 against Michigan. That's the same record Carr collected against Ohio State during his first six seasons, but Tressel's teams have dropped him to 6-6.

Many are questioning Carr's ability to coach against Tressel, and perhaps his future with the school. This rivalry can make or break coaches, let alone a season.

"I think we just realize the importance of the game, just knowing that this game can define your season," OSU quarterback Todd Boeckman said. "It's not about what you do the other 11 games, it's about what you do during this game. That's how you're seeing it throughout the whole season."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.