Perception vs. Reality

This game is more than just Ohio State vs. Alabama. It's about the pride of conferences. Granted, one would like to think if either win or lose the effect would only effect the teams and not the conference, but we both know that's not true. Alabama wins and the SEC is Gods gift to college football. Alabama loses and the SEC is still Gods gift, it's just this year is a rebuilding year. Nothing changes perception wise. Ohio State on the other hand is simple. You win and you were lucky. You lose and you've done what was expected. Sense some disrespect?

 

The truth is simple. Against LSU, Miss St, and Arkansas, The Tide nearly lost. LSU took them into overtime. Miss St. lost by 5 points, and Arkansas lost by 1 point. LSU lost to Notre Dame, Miss St. has yet to play, and Arkansas destroyed a down Texas Longhorns. These are basically Bama's key wins. If you take 10 minutes and watch highlights of these games, you'll wonder where all the hype is coming from, after all that's the same Bama team we're playing tomorrow night. The hype is coming from the simple fact that Saban's reputation is almost as big as his team. The media can't help but bring up the past successes of both, Urban and Nick, when discussing the keys to this game, as if they mean anything. As there been a vastly dominant team during the entire schedule? No, not really. Auburn and Arkansas had the toughest schedule this year, and they both have at least 3 loses. Oregon has been the most dominant when facing quality opponents, and they have one loss. Even the undefeated Seminoles have come close to losing more then they have blown out an opponent.

 

Anyone that looks at Ohio State may not dig deeper than what they have to, after all it is easy to say the Buckeyes will get manhandled by the infamous Nick Saban. However, for those that follow the team, the infamous Nick Saban may be in for a rough night. Was it not a year ago at this time, that Oklahoma was going through the same situation. In fact, there was not a single analysts nor commentator that did not pick Alabama, furthermore; Alabama was said to be superior at every position. That superiority may be true, but that does not change the outcome does it? This years Ohio State Buckeyes have a striking resemblance to the Ohio State team of 2002. While Nick Saban and Urban stay respectful before the game, during the game may be a different issue. This team has a new face, new attitude, and new personality. It seems the biggest Wild Card is none other than Cardale Jones, which has taken the task of becoming more than just a shadow, but the leader of a National Championship contending team.

 

Sweat does not rise from the body of Cardale Jones, but rather anger and focus. Cardale is angry at the media perception of his own abilities to lead this team. He has made the comment several times, that if J.T. Barrett or Braxton Miller were the starter we would probably be about equal if not favored, but instead because of people's perception of him, they are underdogs. Needless to say, he is out to prove a point. My point is simple, the national perception is that Ohio State will be anything but competitive, when the exact opposite it true. How can one person say Ohio State has no chance when those calling the plays are award winning coaches? 

 

O-H!