Expectations vs. House of Cards

 

If you're like me, and something says that you are, you watch and listen to sports shows. Out of everyone interviewed in the past week, there's been maybe 4 or 5 people predict Ohio State wins the Sugar Bowl out of probably a hundred people. It's so bad that entire conferences and those within are picking Alabama to win. The expectation in this game is simple, Alabama wins. However, what is even more dangerous than expectations is knowing you have nothing to lose. If Alabama wins, Ohio State lost to the #1 team in the nation, that's no surprise. If Ohio State wins, it's because Alabama was looking ahead to the title game. Credit will never be given, nor will it be said that Ohio State was the better team that night. On the other hand, if Alabama wins there house of cards becomes a little less vulnerable to the other conferences. Alabama is a great team, there's no question, but they are beatable even during times of extended practices (Oklahoma). One might say, well Stoops is a better coach than Urban Meyer, which is arrogantly stupid. Stoops is a good coach, but Urban is much better. Every game Bama wins, another card is added to their house, every game they lose, one falls off, after all it is very difficult to successfully build a house of cards. If Ohio State wins, a massive amount of cards will fall down, but not the whole house.

 

I read an article that said Alabama just got their scout squad uniforms that had Ohio State's player numbers on them so that the starting team could practice against the real numbers. Here's my question, what good does that do? If you stop the run in practice, but can't in the game, those magical jerseys do you no good. It's laughable the amount of media attention everything Alabama does gets. This game is all about who wants it more, that's it. Nothing else.

 

I listened to the last press conference Urban Meyer had before Christmas and practice started. I got the feeling that the Christmas holiday is doing something, other than letting the players go home. That something is very powerful. Our players left their homes because of something three parties decided, Ohio State is the right place to play college football. Their families have undoubtly watched and attended games. Their families would greatly benefit from being drafted in a couple years and have benefited from scholarships from Ohio State. Our players will be amongst friends, family, and those that look up to them. Our players have set a standard for themselves and their loved ones to imulate. Before our players return home they will be reminded of who they are playing for; not only each other but those at homes as well. For a mother, father, or any other idol to tell these players they are proud of them will pay its weight in gold during the Sugar Bowl. For anyone that is younger than them or looks up to them, that persona will pay its weight in gold, and a chance to go home for the holidays will humble these players in a manner that will become threatening to Alabama.