Multi-National Division Baghdad

Courtesy Story

By Spc. Brian Johnson

BAGHDAD – For over 100 years, there has been a hotly contested rivalry that boils over to an all out war for three hours one fall Saturday afternoon in November.

This war is not between religious factions or different countries, but between two college football teams: The University of Michigan Wolverines and The Ohio State University Buckeyes.

This rivalry is deeply rooted in both teams' history. Since 1935, the Ohio State and Michigan match-up has decided the Big Ten Conference championship between the two teams 23 different times. This game has also had implications on determining the conference 24 times.

This year, that rivalry spills over, here, in Baghdad for Soldiers of the 16th Engineer Brigade. For troops from the Ohio National Guard's 1192nd Engineer Company and the Michigan National Guard's 1434th Engineer Company, the game has a special meaning.

Both companies work very closely together, both units of the 101st Engineer Battalion and both located in the same building. They have even worked on many projects together. However, this one week, on Nov. 21, all the teamwork and camaraderie that the two units have built up will be set aside.

As the old rivals square off on the football field, a lot of "trash talk" starts to happen.

Soldiers of the Michigan-based 1434th Engineer Company differ slightly on how they think their home-state team will fare.

Sgt. Randy Lloyd, of Traverse City, Mich., said that Michigan will be ready to go.

"[The Wolverines] have had a rough last two years, but they will be ready to beat Ohio State," Lloyd exclaimed. "Michigan will win on a final field goal with a score of Michigan 31, Ohio State 28. GO BLUE!"

Spc. Humberto Fraire, of Fennville, Mich., also predicts that the game will be close but refused to predict a final score.

"All of the Ohio State fans will cry when the game is done," Fraire said, with a smirk. "It will be great to watch."

Sgt. Chris Notestine, of Boyne City, Mich., had a slightly harsher prediction for the game turnout.

"Only the Ohio State cheerleaders will show up out of fear," Notestine said.

1st Sgt. Tim Lamphere, has a slightly different prediction.

"Ohio State should win the game, but I will hold out hope that Michigan will pull it off," said Lamphere. "The final score will be Ohio State 20, Michigan 10."

How do the Soldiers of the Ohio National Guard's 1192nd think that their home-state team will do?

Staff Sgt. Josh Lenhart, of Akron, Ohio, knows that the game will be a blow out.

"Michigan doesn't stand a chance," said Lenhart. "Ohio State will easily win with a final score of Ohio State 35, Michigan14."

Sgt. Zach Caudill, of Plymouth, Ohio, echoes the same sentiment.

"Ohio State will put a whoppin' on Michigan. I expect nothing less from them every year," said Caudill. "The final score will be Ohio State 38, Michigan 17.

Spc. Heather Todd, from Lisbon, Ohio, thinks that the game will be close.

"Michigan is very good," said Todd. "They will give Ohio State a good run. The final score will be Ohio State 25, Michigan 17. That's because Michigan is not good enough to beat Ohio State, EVER!"

1st Sgt. Keith Moore, from the 1192nd, is not a fan of his home state team, but rather a fan of Michigan.

"This year we [Michigan] are not good. I don't think we will win at all. The final score will be Ohio State 27, Michigan 17," Moore said.

Capt. Joseph Ayers, commander of the 1192nd, is also a fan of Michigan.

"I would truly love to say that Michigan would win, but I don't think it will happen," said Ayers. "I think OSU will beat us, with a final score of Ohio State 42, Michigan 17."

Who is ultimately going to win and have bragging rights for the rest of the deployment? On Saturday, Nov. 21, it will all be decided.

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