re: Surprise. OSU, PSU opt-outs are now opting back in. Meanwhile, mich loses QB and top WR

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Then explain why teams like Purdue, Iowa, psu, and MSU have given OSU far more fits than mich has?

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Well PSU is a good team and as talented if not more talented than UM) most importantly at QB position. I also think they've had a better offensive philosophy. Not to mention, they have arguably the best home field advantage in all of the NCAA.

Michigan State has lost 3 straight by an average of almost 30 points and lost 5 of the last 6. And they had a pretty great when they have one recently. Not to mention the combination of Tim Beck as OC (see how much better the offense was with Herman before him and Day after him; plus barely gave Zeke the ball) and terrible weather contributed to the 17-14 game.

The Purdue and Iowa losses were probably an issue of motivation (big game for them; overlooked by OSU) and just kind of a hallmark of Urban's career (Ole Miss in 2008) where there was one big letdown game. But those happen in any sport at all levels.

There is no motivational excuse for the OSU-UM game, although maybe you can argue that OSU's focus on that game in all facets of the program plays a role (but I think that's overstated). The fact of the matter is that OSU has been much more talented than UM, especially at QB. And in a big game (no let downs) talent is going to be far more important (as well as game plan).