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Ann Arbor, Michigan

Monday, November 28, 2011

michigandaily.com

MICHIGAN 40, OHIO STATE 34

Hoke's irst team tastes redemption

Those who stay will redeem them-
Ryan Van Bergen stayed.
While his teammates mobbed Courtney
Avery, whose interception for the Michigan
football team sealed the 40-34 win over Ohio
State on Saturday, Van Bergen slowly walked
to the sideline, his hands on his head.
He flipped off his hel-
met, collapsed on the blue
bench and wept.
The crowd's roar was
deafening as Jake Ryan
pulled Van Bergen close,
whispering in his ear.
Then Craig Roh did the
same. They told Van Ber-
gen how much his leader- TIM
* ship meant, how much of ROHAN
an impact he had on them.
The fifth-year senior
had to answer for why the defense was so bad
for three years. Now, he could stand proudly
and boast about one of the best units in the
country.
"Michigan probably needed this win to
solidify what we've done this season as a
program," Van Bergen said after the game.
"This game is more than a win in the win

column. It's bigger than that. It encompasses
way more. Our team feels like we finished the
season. ... We went out the way we wanted to
go out.
"We put Team 132 in the books forever. I
think this team will always be remembered
as the team that set a new standard and re-
established what Michigan is supposed to
be about. I'm just glad I was a senior, being a
part of it."
Denard Robinson stayed.
When the game ended, he led the sprint to
the student section to sing "The Victors." His
337 total yards and five touchdowns will be a
part of history, but Team 132 will remember
how he willed Michigan to finally beat the
Buckeyes.
Brady Hoke finally found balance for Rob-
inson in a "makeshift" offense, one that fit the
quarterback who once thought of transfer-
ring before Hoke arrived in January.
Now, the quarterback who had been beaten
up - by his critics and by Big Ten defenses -
smiled wider than ever.
"I'm just glad I'm playing with these guys
because I wouldn't rather be (anywhere)
else," Robinson said.
"I'm glad I stayed."
See THE GAME, Page 8A

SPECIAL
COVERAGE
Losing streak snapped
Hoke and Co. over-
throw Buckeyes'
seven-year reign in
The Game. 1B
Robinson rolls at QB
In a season of
doubt, Robinson
shines on the
biggest stage. ) 3B
'Urban' development?
Urban and Brady could be the
next Woody and Bo. >) 2B
IS
'U' wins Blood Battle
In the 30th anniversary of the
competition, Michigan beats
Ohio State by 226 pints. P 5A

MARISSA MCCLAIN/Daily
"We put Team 132 in the
books forever." - Ryan Van Bergen

A