Michigan can rescue Rodriguez

Scrambling with reckless abandon and throwing darts, freshman sensation Tate Forcier appeared to be the quarterback to lead Michigan into a bright future. Forcier was the savior as he stuck it to Notre Dame in dramatic fashion.

The Wolverines beat the Fighting Irish 38-34 on Sept. 12. Since that memorable day it has been misery for Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, who probably feels as if a psychopathic Kathy Bates is breaking his ankles with a sledgehammer every weekend.

Rodriguez should get another season. Forcier still looks like he'll be a heck of a quarterback.

But if the Wolverines get bludgeoned and embarrassed by Ohio State in the Big House on Saturday, Rodriguez could become available for the UNLV football job.

''If they lose and finish 5-7, Rodriguez might be done after two years,'' Northcoast Sports handicapper Phil Steele said. ''I've spoken to a lot of people and alumni who say, 'Let's get Rich Rod out of here.' ''

Michigan is on life support to gain bowl eligibility only because it bullied a patsy opponent, Delaware State, on Oct. 17. Since that joke game, the Wolverines have been outscored 156-83 in Big Ten losses to Penn State, Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin.

It all unraveled when Rodriguez got blown out by Ron Zook, which is similar to getting blown out by the Cleveland Browns.

Now showing up to show no sympathy is the human sweater vest, Jim Tressel, who is 7-1 straight up and 6-2 against the spread versus the Wolverines.

Sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor is playing better for the Buckeyes, who clinched a Rose Bowl berth by beating Iowa in overtime.

''I've got a picture of Tressel sitting up with a rose in his hand, so you've got a fat and happy Ohio State team,'' Steele said. ''It might be blasphemy, but I don't think you're going to get the Buckeyes' A-plus game this week.''

Ohio State is a 121/2-point favorite, the first time the Buckeyes have been double-digit favorites in Ann Arbor. The last time they were favored by more than a touchdown, in 1995, they lost outright, 31-23.

It's a risky call, but Steele is touting the Wolverines as his Underdog Play of the Week in his ''Power Sweep'' newsletter. (Two weeks ago, his top 'dog play was Northwestern plus-17 over Iowa, an upset winner.)

''If Rodriguez gets Forcier playing how he did at the start of the year, Michigan has got a chance to win,'' Steele said. ''Underdogs usually do well in rivalry games. This is it for Michigan's season. It should be a good game.''

If NCAA investigators aren't watching, Rodriguez will practice his team a few extra hours this week.

Michigan opened the season 4-0, and its regular-season win total was six at Las Vegas sports books. In August, most bettors were playing that over the total. It will take a miracle just to get a refund now.

Rodriguez went 3-9 in his first year, when the Wolverines lost 42-7 at Ohio State. If he gets a third year, expect changes on the coaching staff. Those should start with the firing of defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, who flopped at Syracuse and remains clueless.

One of the top defensive coordinators in college football is Tennessee's Monte Kiffin, the longtime brain behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defenses.

In a rivalry that means nothing outside the Smoky Mountains, the Volunteers are 17-point home favorites over Vanderbilt.

Steele (philsteele.com) recommends betting Tennessee, which is 5-5 and headed for a minor bowl game. The Commodores, crippled by injuries and playing for the 12th consecutive week, have averaged eight points in losing all seven of their Southeastern Conference games.

''I like how Tennessee's offense has improved, they need the win, and they have put the hammer down on some teams at home,'' Steele said.

* CLOSING NUMBERS -- It has been a tough season, and I know how Rodriguez feels. But I'm slightly encouraged by going 4-2 last week (24-30 overall), so here are six picks for Saturday (home team in CAPS):

MICHIGAN (+121/2) over Ohio State; STANFORD (-7) over California; MISSISSIPPI (-4) over Louisiana State; Kansas State (+17) over NEBRASKA; Southern Methodist (+31/2) over MARSHALL; Louisiana-Monroe (-3) over LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE.

Contact sports betting columnist and reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.