Michigan never beat former Ohio State running back Beanie Wells.
But in 2006, before he became an Ohio State legend and first-round draft pick, he was former five-star recruit out of Garfield High School in Akron, Ohio. The night before The Game, Troy Smith laid down the stakes in his hotel room among "key members of the team."
From Wells' "Dear Buckeyes," letter, published Friday morning by The Players' Tribune:
“Beanie,” he said. “If you make a play in this game, and we win, you’ll cement yourself in Ohio State history forever. You’ll be a legend. That’s the magnitude of Ohio State vs. Michigan.”
Wells admits, due to his fumbling issues, he didn't expect much burn. As a freshman, he was starstruck when he looked over and saw Derek Jeter on Michigan's sideline. (See, we don’t have a lot of celebrities in Columbus, Ohio...")
But after running backs coach Doc Tressel summoned him into the game. Tied 7-7, the Akronite broke it open:
[Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable] got such a good jump off the line that the only thing I could think to do was put a spin move on him and hope his momentum carried him past me and further into the backfield.
When I spun, Shawn flew right by me, and I somehow ended up square with the line of scrimmage, with an open hole right in front of me. My line had opened a gap that was was so wide open that I could actually see the end zone 50-something yards away. There was nobody in my way.
Ohio State never looked back.
By the way, there are worse ways to spend the next 25 hours before the 113rd rendition of The Game than by reading Beanie's letter in full.
It's like a hype trailer, but with words.
