A Mountain Became A Mole Hill

The weeks leading up to the Sugar Bowl are going to be brutal. The media is being relentless in their pursuit of advertising the "greatness" of the SEC. After watching interviews, players were pounded with questions about SEC speed, SEC talent, and basically anything else that made the SEC look like more than a conference, but a factory of which turns college men into NFL stars. I was not mad, per say, but annoyed with the assumption that the SEC is somehow the end all, be all of college football. Before Urban Meyer, Ohio State was not as prominent in the South under Jim Tressel, nor John Cooper. However, with Urban, more an more recruits are not only coming from the South, but everywhere else. Can it really be assumed that players from the South are faster, than players from up North? Absolutely not! There is no such thing as SEC speed, talent, nor anything else. A player who runs a 4 at 40 yards in Alabama, would do the same in Ohio or anywhere else. The reality of the matter is simple. Players are in the south because of where their parents are. For example, last year my family and I contemplated moving to Florida or Texas because of job opportunities. If you do not think other families have or are not doing the same, you are kidding youself. The fact of the matter is simple, if families from the South found better career opportunities in the North, and this was happening to hundreds of thousands of people, the South would have to spend much of its time in the North.

During the early 90's, the Big Ten was the dominant conference because the majority of jobs that were paying well and attracting people were in Big Ten country. If you think about it, the SEC was not really known much until Urban Meyer destroyed us in 2006. At that time, it was all about Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and a few teams from the West. You cannot deny though, that recently, as in the last 10 years, the SEC has dominated the National Championship bowls. If Tressel was still the coach, and Urban was still the announcer, Ohio State would be bigger underdogs to Alabama.

Anyways, back to my post. Since the beginning of the year, the Crimson Tide have been stepping on each step the media has given them, until they are so high in the sky, they look down upon everyone else. All I hear is how Ohio State is inferior to Alabama in every fashion, that the Tide are going to Roll. Urban Meyer is going to need more anti depressants, blah, blah, blah. It is inconveiable to think Ohio State has a fighting chance. Do these idiots understand that what they are doing is feeding a caged animal? The attitude of the players is starting to show with each interview. And while, they are being polite and respectful, the fact still remains the same, Ohio State has  great chance of upsetting the Giant that is Alabama. All I hear about is how Blake Sims, Amari Cooper, TJ Yeldon, Ed Henry, and Deandre White are going to torch our offense. The Tides defense is going to have their way with us. I say, BRING IT ON!!!!!!! First and foremost, Ohio State has the advantage. Saban and company have one film to watch featuring Cardale. Secondly, if our defense plays lights out again, TJ Yeldon and Ed Henry will be stopped, no doubt. Third, Blake Sims has an entire year of football underneath his belt, which is great because that gives us an entire year to see all his strengths and weaknesses. Only Ohio State knows his weaknesses and strengths, Alabama will only see his strengths. Fourth, ESPN and the media like to say how Amari Cooper is the second Heisman finalist we will face. That is hilarious, considering we held the 2nd place finalist to under 100 yards! And we have two Heisman quarterbacks on our roster. So take that and shove it!

When these teams walk onto the field Jan. 1, all the hype will be gone. The mountain will disapper underneath the Tide and the two will battle. At this point, the media will not be able to help. At this point, the victor will be who wants it more. Lets not forget that we are only human. Lets not forget that Alabama has lost before and barely won to those of lesser perceived talent. Lets not forget, that everything is settled on the field.

O-H

Bama Can Be Beat

 

The reputation of Alabama is almost as unbeatable as the team itself. While Saban has been one of the most consistent coaches in the country at winning and winning big, the Crimson Tide have not been perfect the last couples years. During last years Iron Bowl and Sugar Bowl, the Crimson Tide's weaknesses were exposed enough for them to lose. In this post, my strategy for beating Alabama will be put forth. Saban's defense has shown it's dominance versus teams that depend upon their running game to establish other parts of their offense. In which case, no running game, their opponent has a difficult time sustaining drives and winning the game. When Manziel was at Texas A&M, he beat the Crimson Tide with his feet and a weak, but experienced secondary. The same can be said for Auburn, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, which have all dealt the Crimson Tide an "L."

With three weeks to prepare for a showdown, both Urban and Nick have ample time to realize and exploit each others weakness. The key for the Buckeyes is penetration and disciplined football. Many examples of this rest in the Big Ten Championship game, where Melvin Gordon was held to 74 yards the WHOLE GAME. Our defense will have to be very disciplined and physical. Bosa, Bennett, Washington, and Frazier (granted the front four were subbed in and out) did a great job of collapsing the pocket. Larry Johnson will have a fun time (yes I am being sarcastic) creating defensive line strategies that will confuse the Alabama offensive line enough to get pressure on a mobile quarterback. Luke Fickell will have to rotate and create different schemes, in which line backers are sent for blitzes, as well as keep them in coverage to guard against the passing game and running. Chris Ash and Kerry Combs have the task of guarding Amari Cooper and the rest of the wide receiving core. On the flip side, Urban and Tom have the task of creating match ups with the advantages going to Ohio State. First and foremost, I would have Jalin, Jones, Elliot, and a couple wide receivers on the field at all times. During the Big Ten Championship, Jalin did something Buckeye Nation has been waiting for, throw the ball. Now Alabama has to guard against Jones and Jalin having the ability to do the same thing accurately during any play they are on the field together. It is said that Alabama's defensive line will stop our running game. Well, that is a simple fix. At that time, we will have Samuel, Elliot, Jalin, and Wilson as players that can run from the back field, either as running backs or as hybrid backs. These four will have to run around the front 4 or however many players are on the line. Is it really that difficult to understand? Spreading out Bama's defense will allow running attacks up the middle, until their defense and Kirby Smart have to commit to stopping one before the other. Jones has already proved he has an arm, why not throw some deep balls to Devin Smith? Recently, Elliot has proven to be smaller version of Carlos Hyde with his ability to bounce off hits, run though tackles, and sprint down the field.

In the end, I think the Buckeyes stun College Football with a victory and send Nick back to Tuscaloosa with another "L." I come to this conclusion with this simple acknowledgement. At this point, what do we have to lose? If we lose, (granted I don't want to think like that) we were in the inaugural playoffs with the Nation's top, although it won't count for anything besides luck in the eyes of naysayers and those that believe the Big Ten is weak. However, with a win we move onto the "King" of them all against the winner of Oregon and Florida State (I am thinking the Seminoles.....unfortunately). In other words, we have nothing to lose. I keep hearing analysts and announcers say, Ohio State wishes they were put at #3 so they go up against Oregon, but than again, what better way to prove you're the best and the SEC is overrated, than to beat the King of the SEC?

In closing, this game should not be as lopsided as everyone thinks, and the only that happens is if Ohio State plays defense and offense as they have most of the year. However, we come away with a win if we play like we did at Michigan State and the Big Ten Championship.

GO BUCKS!

Ohio State and Alabama

Basically as soon as the Playoff Committee released their rankings there has been a constantly shackling of Ohio State, both by those who thought they should not have gotten in and those who are previewing the Sugar Bowl. Let me just say this to those who do not think we should have gotten in, "Get Over IT!" Now onto those who are saying the Sugar will be a shackling because of the dominate nature of Alabama and SEC, against the weak and laughable Ohio State and Big Ten. Every media clip I have seen has talked about the physical nature of Alabama and the preparation of Nick Saban. While Nick Saban is dominate, the same can be said about Urban Meyer. I have heard nothing but, with Nick Saban having more than a week to prepare, he is 42-7, which is fine. However, cannot the same thing be said about Urban Meyer? Look at how Cardale performed with a week of preparation. He was flawless!

Alabama's reputation stems from the fact that their National Championship runs are not few and far between, as in other conferences, but every year. Every year, the preseason polls have Alabama in the top 3, if not #1. And every year, they finish in the top 3 regardless of wins and losses. Ohio State on the other hand has a history of dominating or being stronger in more areas then they are weaker in, just to not finish the season strong. Is this season any different? One thing we can all agree on is this, Ohio State can play with any team in America. If you look at Alabama's schedule and Ohio State's play during the Championship, there is no doubt, that if the same effort is given, this will be a game. Alabama, as strong as they are, are weak as well. All someone has to do is watch Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn. These games show that Alabama, as good as they are, can be beaten.

To say Ohio State has the chance because the essence of Nick Saban alone, will destroy our team is ludicrous. Ohio State has just as much of a chance of beating Alabama, as any other team that did beat Alabama. Think about the last couple years, the last two games of last year, Alabama lost. They lost against Auburn and Oklahoma, then this year, Ole Miss. Both Auburn and Oklahoma have spread offenses and defenses that are difficult to defend against. Nick Saban is a man of habit. Urban Meyer is a man that is constantly molding his offense to stout and aggressive defenses. I cannot say that Ohio State will win this game because one game of dominance does not mean this is what we have to look forward to, however; I believe we have a chance. If Ohio State wins this game, the essence Nick Saban and the SEC will begin to fall. Ohio State, itself, will not prove Alabama is a paper tiger, but it will prove something everyone outside the Big 10 thinks, that Ohio State is the only dominate team in the conference. However, if the Big Ten in general does well during the Bowl season, than the reputation of the Big Ten will increase. The nail in the coffin of the SEC will be the next coach of Michigan. When push comes to shove, I would never underestimate the Ohio State Buckeyes.

I cannot say that Win or Lose, this team will have proved something against Alabama, because a loss means Alabama and the SEC are as dominate as they are perceived to be, and that the Big Ten is as weak as perceived to be. Lets face, the Big Ten will be judged by Ohio State, not the other bowl games. We are the face of the Big Ten. I do not see a reason why we would not win this game, however; a win speaks volumes about both conferences. The Big Ten will be back someday, hopefully it is this year.

O-H!!!

Why Ohio State Won And Became #4

 

I think we can all admit that we didn't see the Championship ending the way it did. However, I'm not at all surprised. Ohio State entered the game underdogs by 4 points. The elusive Melvin Gordon was supposed to run all over our dilapidated defense. Stave was supposed to throw against our young and inexperienced secondary as he chose. Ohio State was supposed to shrink inside itself with a third string quarterback and have our defense be handled by an experienced Wisconsin Offensive line. I don't think I saw or heard one person, that was unbiased, pick Ohio State, which is quite typical. Even during the Michigan State game, we were underdogs and still won by a couple touchdowns. If there is one thing Ohio State has shown Buckeye Nation and college football itself, do not underestimate us!

Well let's just say Wow! Absolute domination in all areas of the game. Ohio State did exactly what they needed to, score early, score often, and stop the Badgers. Cardale silenced the critics on the first drive of the game. Elliot proved his worth by running for over 200 yards, against a defensive that was supposed to overpower us.This team played with emotion that Wisconsin could never match. Wisconsin could not match our intensity, nor anything we threw at them. The war was over before it started. Wisconsin believed in the narrative the nation was spewing out and Ohio State never did. Our coaching staff showed the country, Bring It On! Ohio State became the team Buckeye Nation knew existed all along. 

Last year, this team had a chip on it's shoulder. That chip was this, we will run all over you because we can. We will run all over you to cover up our weaknesses at wide receiver, and the defense in general. We thought, we were going to take it all. Obviously the Spartans took that all away and gave us the greatest weapon of all, the feeling of not finishing because we thought we had it. We entered this season underdogs as soon as we took the field. No one gave us credit, just a ranking in the top 5. We treated every team as if they were better than us, as if they were champions and we had something to prove. Like Florida State, a win is a win and that's all that mattered. Through all the turmoil the Seminoles have been through, they are still undefeated after 29 games. Quite amazing when you think about. Out of all the game film an opponent can watch on Florida State, no one has yet to beat them. In Ohio State's instance, the Buckeyes are young, very young, are operating under a new defensive scheme, considering Larry Johnson and Chris Ash are first year coaches here. The majority of our offense is new and has very little experience. Our first Heisman Candidate Braxton Miller went down before the year started. Second Heisman Candidate, JT Barrett learned the offense as quickly as he could, then went down during the last game of the year. Our third and final quarterback, Cardale Jones, put the offense on his arm during his first start and took it to the Badgers defense. Needless to say no one saw this season happening like this, except for the faithful.

The Playoff Committee made it clear that each week the teams in the top 5 and 10 would be evaluated as if the last week did not happen, that conference championships would be honored, and wins and losses mattered. The first point, each week would be evaluated based upon a premise that the previous week did not exist explains the TCU and Baylor dilemma. The final week of the season ended a week early for TCU, but that is not the reason for their drop in the polls. TCU dropped three spots because of their final opponent, and had nothing to do with their brand name. TCU played Iowa State, and demolished them, like they should have. However, Baylor played a ranked Kansas State and Ohio State played a ranked Wisconsin. Baylor won, but did not blow out Kansas State, but also beat TCU at the beginning of the year. Ohio State destroyed Wisconsin with a blowout, which made a much stronger statement towards the coveted fourth spot. The final nail in the coffin for TCU and Baylor was no championship game and the manner, in which the Big 12 Commissioner handled the final week. First and foremost, to present Baylor and TCU as Champs is a slap in the face of Baylor, who beat them. If anything, Baylor should be the Champs of the Big 12, not TCU. Secondly, there is no championship game. Without a decisive winner and championship game, what is there to grade one conference on, that the others that do have a championship can not outright blow out of the water. I would recommend the Big 12 invite a couple teams from surrounding areas into their conference, in order to create a championship game. 

I would like to talk a little about what Kosta Karageorge ment to this team. Michael Bennett wore his number during the Championship. Elliot wrote something on his uniform, the entire team wore his number on their helmets, and twitter entry after entry paid homage to this young man. This young man felt like a failure even though he was anything but. His contribution to this team will never end because the memory of this young man will last forever. As a Buckeye Fan, his family has my condolences. 

Do Brand Names matter? Does playing for The Ohio State Buckeyes, The Alabama Crimson Tide, The Oregon Ducks, The Florida State Seminoles, or any other The ...... matter? To say Ohio State is #4 because they are Ohio State is stupid and ignorant. Ohio State is #4 because they are conference champions!Alabama is #1 because they beat the #1 team at the time and conference champions. Oregon is #2 because they are conference champions, so on and so forth. Having a title does not matter, it is up to the commissioners of each conference to put their teams in the best possible situation to play for it all, or fail and start again next year. TCU and Baylor should not be blaming Ohio State nor the Committee for their choices, but their commissioner for not having a championship game. Pundits and analysts should not be blaming Ohio State for being #4, nor the Committee, but instead the Commissioner of the Big 12. It is that simple! How is it a bad thing, to take on another team in a lower conference, and put them into a Power 5 Conference? Not only does your revenue increase because of all the profit one school brings to the mix, but also the television audience watching that team. Just look at the Big 10 taking on Maryland and Rutgers.

Leave a comment below answering the above?

The Battle Comes From Within, Not So Much On The Field

During my first deployment in the Marines, my unit, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq. My unit was facing an enemy that had nothing to lose and were willing to die for their cause. My Battalion SgtMaj. SgtMaj. Ellis gathered the entire battalion before traveling out to the city, and gave his Marines a speech I will never forget.

"We left Camp Pendleton, Ca 3 months ago, and ended up here. Does anyone know why Marines are kept on ship for so long? Sure it's nice to stop at Ports all over the world, but Marines don't want to stop at Ports, we want to watch each others backs in combat, like we are trained to do. Back to what I was saying, Marines are kept on ship and away from the combat zone so that when we do arrive to the fight we are angry and ready to rumble. We are angry that our brothers and sisters in arms have been hurt or are taken from us without us to have a say. Marines are born to fight, We are born to fight. Once we get to the fight, we take the fight to the enemy! We don't wait to get attacked, we attack! We train for war everyday we are in the Corp., and when we get to use that training we are perfect in our craft. That is why the United States is free and The United States Marine Corp. exists! So as we unleash hell upon the cities we go to, keep in mind who you are fighting for, your fellow Marines, your family, and the millions of people who make up our great nation! Ooorah!"

Near the end of my first deployment, SgtMaj. Ellis was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq, weeks before we were scheduled to return home. RIP.

I speak of this memory because the idea applies to this team Saturday night. The enemy we are encountering is a team that wants another Championship. We want our first. It is easy to make excuses for why we will lose: no JT Barrett, no Dontre Wilson, no Noah Spence, ect. At Ohio State, we do not make excuses, we make Champions. Urban Meyer and our coaching staff is my SgtMaj., and there speech is much the same. The game of football is nothing but a war zone on a football field. This team has been stopping at Ports every Saturday since September, on their way to the war zone. Lucas Oil Field is that battle field. This team is angry because they have every right to be. All year long we have been downplayed, disrespected, and tossed to the side. This game, we will unleash Hell upon the Badgers. Our defense has had instances of dominance and laziness, but all of that comes to an end starting this Saturday. Our players and this coaching staff understand what is at stake, and it is much more than a Playoff bid, it's pride! Last year we came up short, this year we had a hiccup, but we have come back roaring. Saturday night will be our Finale.

The stage is set and we are underdogs. I don't mind, considering we play at our best when we are expected to lose. I am nervous about this game, but that won't end until the ball is kicked. As long as this team believes in itself and relies on their instincts, rather than over thinking where they should be, we will be Big Ten Champions. It does not matter who our quarterback is, Urban Meyer has built this team to spread the load around. We simply need to play smart football and play at our level.

Have faith Buckeye Nation, even if no one else does!

The Beginning of the End for the SEC

Brady Hoke has been officially fired at Michigan. I think we can all agree this a little later then what we, Big Ten fans wanted. The beginning of this title, The Beginning of The End for the SEC is reflective of this decision. Michigan and Ohio State built the Big Ten and made all the other conferences nullen void. During Lloyd Carrs time and before that, Michigan was in it's prime. Ohio State fired John Cooper, and hired Jim Tressel, the answer to our losing to Michigan ways. Fast forward ten years, and now we have Urban Meyer, the king of overcoming adversity, and the next coach of Michigan, which will become the king of bringing Michigan back.

It is fitting though, that this year, prior to all the talk about how dominant the SEC is that the most dominant skill positions are not in the SEC. So how are they dominant? The running back is dominated by the Big Ten, the quarterback is dominated by the Big Ten and PAC 12, and the only reason why a receiver is put into the Heisman talk is because people feel the need to put Alabama in every discussion they have pertaining to an award. Otherwise, the majority of the conferences are doing things the SEC is not.  The most wins the SEC will have is the same if Ohio State wins the Big Ten and Oregon wins the PAC 12. How fitting. The ACC is relevant because of Florida State and its lack of ACC strength, but still undefeated season. As much as I would love to see Florida State finally fall at the Championship game, I am more interested in Missouri upsetting Alabama, and Ohio State beating Wisconsin.

The Big Ten Championship, granted Ohio State wins, will decide the #4 spot in the playoffs. However, with more attention of Michigan, it is imperative that the hire is made immediately, after all the entire off season has begun. While Ohio State and remaining Big Ten teams are practicing for Bowl games, Michigan could be turning their program around. First and foremost, the hiring of a new coach and coaching staff, which could hit the road recruiting now. I would say, depending on the coach, give Michigan two seasons before they are ranked and relevant. Secondly, hire an AD that understands the rivalry and Big Ten. The Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry used to decide the National Championship. Since Hoke took over, it has been second two anything the SEC has. No More! I forsee a rivalry game starting at 330 or maybe even 8 pm. I know that it is tradition for the game to be at noon, but times are changing, and everybody watches football at night, but works during the day.
There are traditions to keep alive, and some that change. It does not matter what time the game starts, what matters is the two teams. With a New Michigan and Ohio State, Auburn and Alabama and whomever else in college football will become second best.

It may be wrong to revel in the misery of another, but in the interest of a dying super power, we have no other option. Why feel bad for Hoke, when the next coach could take the program in the opposite direction and quickly? I am sure he will find another job, I just don't care where.

Here is some food for thought. For years, Ohio State fans have been wondering about the stability of our linebacker core. A complete overhaul of our defense may not be done. What if . . . . . .  the new head coach at Michigan fires most of his coaches or the other coaches put their faces on the block for going else where? What if . . . . Luke Fickell takes a head coaching job at a MAC team or elsewhere? What if . . . . . . Greg Mattison sees Luke leave and calls Urban for that spot? I'm not saying this will happen, but much weirder things have happened. Think about, how many coaches from Tressel are left over? Not many. The only player left from Tressel is Taylor Decker, otherwise this team is 99% his recruits.

Is there too much wishful thinking, to think that the all mighty SEC may be on its way down? It is too far fetched to believe, that the Big Ten is inching towards the powerhouse it once was? We all believed that Ohio State was done after Braxton Miller, but JT Barrett took college football by storm. JT Barrett goes down, and now we have a third string quarterback starting in the Big Ten Championship and beyond. I do not think these ideas are too far fetched, as much as I believe that Ohio State will still win the Championship, Semi Final, and Final. One thing that I will always do is keep the faith in this team.

O - H!!!!

Barrett's Gone - That's Okay, We Have Cardale!

Is there any reason to think what happened with Barrett cannot happen with Cardale? Braxton goes down, and so did our hopes for a great season right? Wrong! Barrett took his new command and ran with it. He trusted in his team and coaches and broke records on his way to a one loss season, but undefeated conference schedule. This is Ohio State's third time doing so since Urban Meyer became head coach. Here is my train of thought. Ohio State has suffered through multiple losses through the year and yet we are still 11-1. Before the end of the Michigan State game, everyone had Michigan State beating us and easily at that. However, we beat them and everyone else on our schedule (except VT). So I say now, what is the use in dooming this team? Barrett stepped in front of a Two Time Big Ten Player of the Year Recipient and Heisman Trophy Candidate to become one himself. Why suspect Cardale cannot step in and finish the job?

Reoccurring thoughts of strategy, none of which I know about keep running through my head. Conservative or Go Big? We don't yet know what Cardale can do, more than what he has currently done, but what we do know is that this coaching staff will not go down without a fight. Does anyone really believe Urban and Tom cannot formulate a plan to win this game and the rest of the year? We will persevere! A conservative approach might entail finding different ways to run the ball, do some wildcat formation, maybe try a few quarterback draws? Elliot can power through anyone, but going toe to toe with Gordon may be a bit misguided. Wisconsin knows that once they see Cardale at a Wide Receiver position, and Marshall at the quarterback, it'll be a draw. They also know that an empty back field, with 5 wide is a quarterback draw.

Go Big or Go Home. I would favor this approach just because I have confidence in our team. Why not take shots down field? Why not try a few trick plays? Everyone knows Ohio State will run to the edge because we have speed. Wisconsin will put their best tacklers on the edges, call for corner blitzes, and bring the pressure. The Indiana game brought to light a very creative, but effective formation. Barrett was in the backfield, Elliot was offset to the left or right and Curtis Samuel was flanked to the opposite side. The purpose of this play is to confuse the defense. Barrett looks at the defense, then decides based upon what is being shown, which runner will play to the defenses weakness. It was absolutely magic! The Michigan State saw a game plan that included short passes being used to open up the running game, which worked very well. Knowing that Wisconsin will get creative with their defense, why not have Cardale, with a double set backfield, that way he can hand off to one, or if pressure comes throw to the other? The most aggressive team can be beaten without question. Ohio State's defense will have to dedicate one person to watch Gordon, while another line backer watches the quarterback. Our defensive line will have to get pressure with four or maybe 5 people. Otherwise if we commit to many to the line, Gordon could run around the formation with his speed.

Wisconsin has not played a team that can play the entire game. Michigan State gave up in the fourth, Michigan gave up after half time, and everyone else we have played, we have pulled away in the second half. Is there any reason to think we cannot again? While I do think this will be a game, I do not think Ohio State will pull away more then 10 points. These teams are simply too good and Urban does not lose the same game twice. As many weapons as Gary Andersen has, the most important weapon is the one that Urban has the advantage of, his mind. Urban Meyer is a mastermind in planning for games and motivating his team. The odds have already came out and Ohio State is projected to loss by 4 points. Not that I am bothered by this, because I like being underdogs. We seem to play better when we are expected to lose. Take for instance the 2002 National Championship. The Miami Hurricanes were supposed to beat us and they lost in double overtime. We are a team that loves adversity.

The Selection Committee will most likely put TCU in the 4th Spot, while Ohio State will be in the 5th. The last week of the season is upon us and sure to created headaches and plenty of yelling at the television screen. If Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship, even with the hand we have been dealt, the 4th spot is ours. I can hear the Big 12 crying now, especially about a 6 or 8 team playoff. My biggest laughing moment will be when Baylor and TCU switch spots because Baylor won the head to head, then Ohio State jumps them both into the 4th.

As Buckeye Fans we have to have confidence in our Team!

O H!!!!!!

Our Destiny Awaits

There are a few things I want to cover in this post: The Big Ten Championship, coaching changes are in season, and the Big Ten Will Be Back. Urban Meyer does not lose the same game twice, nor make the same mistake. The task of stopping Wisconsin seems almost too much to bear, but did we not hear the same thing the entire season, leading up to Michigan State. Granted our quarterback was not in his first start, but does it really matter? Last year, Michigan State, the first game, crushed our hopes of a National Championship with a defeat. This year, we face a Wisconsin team that has a crushing running back. Likewise though, if this team and season has proven anything, it is that they can overcome anything and triumph. This is why I have complete faith in Cardale. With the firing of Bo Pelini, and inching towards the same for Brady Hoke, schools are realizing their need to compete and their need to open their wallets much wider than usual. Nebraska realizes the same as Michigan, the need to hire a great coach is paramount to a speedy turn around. Every school in the Big Ten is looking for an Urban Meyer-ish hire. This means, hiring a coach that is a brand himself, that does not necessarily need a school, but instead builds and creates a brand from his own personality and traits. The marriage of Ohio State and Urban is a match made in heaven, and that coupling is something Nebraska and Michigan are looking for. When Lloyd Carr, Jim Tressel, Joe Paterno, and Barry Alavarez/Brett Bielema ruled the Big Ten, the SEC was no where to be found. However, since the recent downturn, the SEC is all you hear about.

A win in the Championship puts Ohio State into the Playoffs. As much as TCU would like to think they belong in the #4 at the end of the year, they don't. The Playoffs is going to be about the biggest names against the Biggest names, until the Big 12 has a Conference Championship. The Four Best Teams are the Four Biggest Names in College Football: Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Jimbo Fisher, and Mark Helfrich. Each of these teams has produced multiple Heisman Trophy Winners and Candidates. When people speak about these teams, their coaches names are mentioned as if they are sitting atop Mount Rushmore. When people speak about TCU or Baylor, their mentions are subtle. Could anyone imagine a better match up than Alabama and Ohio State, Florida State and Oregon. These match ups alone may be bigger than the National Championship itself. 

College Football Playoff

As an avid Buckeyes Fan, I feel as though our backs are always against the wall. No matter what we do, our schedule is never tough enough and even when it is the teams we beat (if we do), those teams are having a bad game and does not mean the other conference is weak. The old BCS system was a computer program created to put the best teams at the front of the line, competing for a National Championship. The BCS put two teams in the National Championship every year, no more and no less. However, with the creation of the College Football Playoff system, 13 experts are thrown into a room and told to create a list of the best teams in college football. Some would say this is awesome, some would say this is a joke. I, for one, think there are many cons. First and foremost, the replacement of computer programs to human beings is a bad idea. 13 people deciding on what teams deserve to be where is subject to bias. There is no way for bias not to enter the equation. This past Saturday, Ohio State beat Minnesota in 20 degree weather, with snow falling. Alabama and Mississippi State played in 60 degree weather, with nothing but sunshine above. Will this be taken into account once the committee releases their top 4? Should it be? Are the conditions, with which a team has to play in really that important? I would contend that they most certainly do. For any team to travel into a different climate, that is drastically, the results could reflect a totally different outcome. Could any team outside of the Big Ten play and dominate in the weather Ohio State just played in? This is where bias comes in, in regard to what different members of the committee understand and know from experience.

Even if Ohio State’s wins at Penn State and Minnesota are not impressive, but still result in a W, the environment is the reasoning. I just watched an ESPN clip, where the hosts were discussing the #4 spot in the playoff rankings that were being released. Once analysts said they feel Ohio State should be #4, but that they won’t get it because of their resume. The other analysts said they wouldn’t have even mentioned them at all, that the loser of Mississippi and Alabama deserves to be in that spot. Ohio State is overlooked because the argument is never had on national television. While the committee members have to make a choice, if any portion of that choice is based upon television super powers, which choice has to take into account the growth of a team, not the blemishes of that team. To say the Buckeyes are not worthy of the 4^th spot because of Virginia Tech, is to say that a late season loss is college football suicide. In the interest of fairness, is this not the case? At this point in the season, conference championships are what matters.

Why should a conference champion be substituted for a one loss (at the moment) SEC team? This in my opinion is the exact reason for why the Playoff Committee is useless. If the BCS system were expanded to include 4 teams the rankings would be based solely upon computer programing taking into account key aspects of a game. Secondly, a 4 team playoff is far too short for anything meaningful to happen. This playoff formula needs to include 6 teams, which would include the Conference Champions, then two other wild cards that could come from any conference. I believe Ohio State will end up in the 4 team playoff because of this, by the time Ohio State gets to the Conference Championship, Wisconsin should be in the top ten, which if Ohio State wins the Championship, that win will be more impressive than anything TCU and Baylor has, considering the entire country knows how dominate the running game of Melvin Gordon is, especially posting 400+ on Nebraska. If Ohio State stops him, and wins the Championship, we are in. Is there any other team that can boast that dominant of a running game?

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