Also

I forgot to add, this is the first Michigan-Ohio State game in my life that my grandmother's husband, my Papa, Bryce Keough won't be on this earth to watch and take in his Buckeyes and listen to my dad and I give him hell about how the Maize and Blue will once again be the victors in this storied rivalry. He was the team captain of the 1955 National Champion Buckeye wrestling team, and was one of the most genuine and kind spirited individuals I've ever come across on this planet. Born and raised on a farm, he was the classic Ohio farm boy to the T. He lost half of his ring finger while working on his family farm, but for his entire life, nobody could ever give him a handshake as firm as his own. He is one of my heroes in life, and I know he's looking down at the Horseshoe today clad in Scarlet and Grey and in full throat. The man sat in the student section every time the game was in Columbus, and never hesitated to call my dad and I in pregame, midgame, and postgame, regardless of the score and outcome. One of my last memories of him was talking to him last football season, where he asked me, "I'm rooting for South Carolina now, when are you gonna start rootin' for the Buckeyes?" My answer? "Never." No blood connection or bribe could ever make me root for that team. Regardless, my Papa was one of my favorite people I've ever known, always smiling, always bringing a warmth and joy to whoever he came in contact, even dancing with the wedding crasher at my dad's wedding and not caring. Whenever this game happens, I'll always remember my Papa cutting firewood for us in 18 degrees of Michigan winter, making homemade peanut brittle for his grandkids, and crushing my hand every time we shook hands with the line, "Gettin' a grip now aren't ya boy?" Every day I see something that reminds me of him and I can't wait till we can jaw at each other again.