186 Miles And A Cloud Of Dust

Three years ago, the Michigan FIJIs suggested to their Buckeyes brethren that they become the longest-running Greeks since Pheidippides left Marathon. And thus was born the FIJI Rivalry Run, which last year raised $25,000 for the American Cancer Society. If you've never put money down on a big game, now's a good time to start, at www.fijirivalryrun.com.

On Saturday, having slept a little and schlepped a lot, Buckeyes and Wolverines FIJIs will watch the game together in Columbus. But their love has its limits. " Ohio State's the only place I've been where they throw full cans of beer at you," says Chiambretti, whose leukemia has been in remission for nearly five years. During that time the 23-year-old Michigan sophomore has changed his major from engineering to nursing, out of a profound admiration for his caregivers.

So let me handicap Saturday's game. The most important stat will be the combined rushing total for teams from both schools, before kickoff: 327,360 yards.

If you have a comment for Steve Rushin, send it to rushin@siletters.com.