The Buckeye Blog

In a column titled “Blog…Enough With The Buckeyes!!!”, College Football News columnist Barette Sallee offers a preview of what we are up against this year.

And while I don’t really want to give him the honor of my comments, it pretty much outlines what I expect to hear echoed the entire season. No matter how well we do this season, no matter how badly we beat USC, the Buckeyes will need to overcome this sort of sentiment from the BCS voters.

Naturally, while Barrette points out that we travel to USC for what he terms an “early season beatdown” against USC, we only did it six years after the SEC began adding them to the schedule. He fails to forget however, that while his beloved SEC was playing USC, we were taking on a #1 or #2 ranked Texas.

He is right on one account — we’ve blown our last two shots at the BCS and having done so, no matter how bad we rampage through the season, we will have trouble convincing the rest of the world that we belong in the big game.

More than anything, I’m as frustrated by the schedule as anyone. I think the USC series is great. I only wish our other off-season games were as interesting. And yes, I understand the need for in-state charity games, but somebody please tell me how Troy University got on the schedule. (You have to give Troy credit though, they play LSU two weeks before they come to Columbus.)

Until the BCS initiates a playoff series (don’t hold your breath), the off season schedule is the one thing that we will have to go by. Unfortunately, in BCS terms, it doesn’t look much better down the road. In 2009, we’ve got the home game with USC, an opener against Navy and New Mexico State. While the Navy game is interesting, Navy’s got Notre Dame for their old school football fix. After the USC series, we open a two game series with Miami FL. Other games include Marshall and Eastern Michigan. I’m sure that when they scheduled Miami, they were a good team.

A couple of things have to happen for Ohio State to get the respect it deserves. This year, the Buckeyes need to walk through the season unquestioned. They need to put a serious hurt on USC but even that might not be enough. The Big Ten needs another ranked team and I don’t see one on the horizon (Illinois?). Even if the Buckeyes go undefeated and all other BCS contenders come out two-loss teams, it will only be used against us in the way the SEC claims that losing games proves they have a better conference.

Down the road, the Big Ten needs to get better. It used to be that winning a Big Ten championship was enough to put you in the hunt. Unfortunately, the Big Ten has let us down lately. Teams that could be counted on for a good game - Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, even Michigan - haven’t held up their end of the bargain. Until they do, it’s only going to get worse.

A couple of days ago, I posted the press release I received from ESPN about the big “pep rally” that was held yesterday…on a Thursday…at 10:30 in the morning…when most of the world is at work…and the students are out for summer break. And to be honest, I didn’t really read the press release too close.

Although I wasn’t the first to point it out however, the p.r. dept. at ESPN referred to two-time Heisman winner and president of the Ohio State Alumni Club Archie Griffin as “Archie Griffith.” I’m assuming that this is Andy’s illegitimate son and long lost half brother to Opie.

Those of you who read this know that I’m pretty good at making mistakes of this type myself. That has something to do with the first-draft nature of this blog (write, publish, edit in the morning). It may also have something to do with the fact that way too many of the posts you read here (this one included) are written well after I should be in bed. However, in my day job, I’m in public relations and business writing. Not really the type of mistake I would want to make in my other life.

(Oh, and by the way ESPN, if you’re looking for a good p.r. guy, I can be reached at…)

You can see the original post and press release here.

According to Coach, we’ve got the maturity and the talent. Oh yeah, we’ve got Terrell Pryor also.

(a big ht to my friends at the BuckeyeDome)

It took an overtime to do it but the Buckeyes came from behind at the half to put an end to Purdue’s Big Ten Championship dreams. If ever there was a game Matta’s boys needed to win, this was it. A loss to the Boilermakers and the tournament dreams would have been about dead. However, with a win over the #15 team, the Buckeyes place themselves firmly on the tournament bubble. A win over Michigan State would pretty much secure the spot.

Aside from tournament hopes, there was a lot on the line tonight. Purdue hasn’t won a game in Columbus since 1998 and have never won a game in the Schott. The game also brings an end to a painful four-game losing streak for the Buckeyes. Coach Matta has never lost five in a row with the Buckeyes.

Purdue wrapped up the first half with a four-point play to take the lead. Any momentum was killed as the game was delayed for almost 20 minutes due to a problem with the shot clocks. By the time the game got back underway, the Buckeyes recovered quick, exchanging leads but trailing Purdue for most of the second half.

Toward the end of the second half, OSU stymied Purdue forcing three consecutive turnovers. After forcing Purdue to use their last time out on the baseline, the Buckeyes recovered the ball with the score tied and the shot clock turned off. They failed to convert forcing overtime.

Getting more than a little help from the crowd, the lead changed back and forth until finally, the Buckeyes got on top to hold on for the win, 80-77.

The Buckeyes will have a chance to prove that this wasn’t just a flash in the pan as they take on Michigan State Sunday to wrap up the regular season. A win over the Spartans would probably put a look at an at large position in the NCAA Tourney. After seeing what the Spartans did to Indiana however, it looks like the Buckeyes have their work cut out for them.

And, you thought I’d end on lucky Number 13? Like Punxsutawney Phil, I thought I’d stick my head out to end your finger-pointing and crying. Erase everything from your minds. Cease and desist. You’re good fans and the Buckeyes are worth cheering.

It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that OSU lost to LSU. We were rated 3rd preseason in the weak Big 10 with a patsy schedule. Serendipity or dumb luck allowed us to sneak in the back door. At least we didn’t get screwed like Georgia. They were 4th and OSU was 3rd going into the Missouri and the Mountaineers choking. The “Show Me State?” I’ll show you a spanking to Kansas. And, Pittsburgh beating WVA. Please… Where’d LSU come from?

As an English major it makes plain sense to me that 3rd goes to 1st and 4th goes to second. The University of Spoiled Children (USC) looked like axe murderers at the end of the season — a little too late. Pete Carol lobbied and cried like Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops (who was rated 9th in BCS strength of schedule going into their last game). Bob are you smoking dope or are you stupid?

Okay, the BCS isn’t perfect, but it’s all we have and we tweak it every year. If all you babies were in the championship game, you wouldn’t utter a freaking word would you? Pete needs to win another championship before the New York Jets offer him the coaching job to derail the guys who kicked him to the curb, Bill Belichek’s (I mean Mr. Kraft’s) New England Patriots. Good luck. You’d do a better job hosting The Price Is Right.

Michigan was preseason 5th in the country and look what Appalachian State did to them. Face it. It was a weird year as NostroCraigus stated earlier and repeatedly. How many times do I have to hit you on the nose with a newspaper to get the point across? I was as pensive and leery as every one of you.

Now, let me rub salve on your American Express Card — I mean wounds. Here’s the breaking and final news for the 2008 Buckeyes. We have 19 out of 22 starters returning for next year including James “Little Animal” Laurinaitis. Most teams are happy to return half their team, but 86%? Yes, I cheated with a calculator because I know one of you smarmy weasels would correct me and email bile my way. Where are you Nitany Cryin’s? I miss your spite. Gus and Ollie, you out there? I know better. They’re out ice-fishing (hiding from their wives until the Packers game on Sunday).

Anyway, other than exiting senior fullback Dionte Johnson, OSU needs to replace only two starters, DL Vernon Gholston who should be a 1st round Pro and MLB Larry Grant. You can’t blame Gholston for taking the money. But, hats off to the young gentlemen taking the high road that are going education first, then cash secondly. They’re pissed off and are on their way to a third BCS trip in 3 years. Where the heck are we going? Email me and I’ll reserve a Timeshare tomorrow.

So, we lost two championships back-to-back. Maybe we’ll win another national championship for our third try. But, hey, we’d be there 4 in 7 years. Gators and Tigers, SEC — shut up please. Notre Who? OSU might even be ranked the preseason #1 for next year. Great…

Michigan Freshman phenom, Ryan Mallet is considering transferring to A&M, Tennessee, UCLA — anywhere but Michigan. Is this writing on the wall? With yet another year of eligibility left, although he looked poised and tough winning the Alamo Bowl, we know Chad Henne is almost as bad as Chad “Choke” Navarre. With new run-and-shoot coach from West Virginia, Rich Rodriguez might win the battle for all-world QB, Terrelle Pryor — where Michigan can fully utilize his Vince Young skill set — and he can start on a hapless Michigan basketball team.

Bad news for Michigan though. Not only did mouthy running back (0-4) Hart graduate, but WR Mario Manninham and WR Adrian Arrington are leaving early for the Pros. Who’s Pryor going to throw to — his own shadow? If you’re going to run and suck, you might as well go to Penn State where they know how to run and suck. Pryor lives in PSU’s back yard too. Easy decision if it were me. Wow. And, Michigan’s new coach is being sued for $4 million for breaking his contract. Looks like bad theatre up North.

OSU’s 3rd-string “Gunslinger” Schoenhoft transferring to Delaware might be telltale as well as the Michigan QB gyrations. Antonio “I was set up for soliciting prostiution” Henton is a scrambling QB with about 30% less stuff than Pryor – and with starting QB Todd Boeckman leaving, Pryor could be king of the Horshoe.

“But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive.”

(William Shakespeare, King Henry V, Act IV, Scene iii)

The Columbus Dispatch reported today that LSU players will be watching the movie 300. When Coach Tressel was asked about the movie, he had never heard of it.

Kirk Barton told the Dispatch that the only film he would be watching is game film.

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.”

Ok, so it’s about 1:45 mountain time New Year’s morning. About an hour ago, I found myself in the desert west of Phoenix celebrating New Years with a couple of Afrikaners and discussing the history of the Dutch settlers in South Africa and how they have been mistreated by the current South African government for the last 15 years (go figure).

At one point, I remember singing something about, “Und Faderland,” and God only knows the rest of the translation. I’m pretty sure this is the closet I have come to Nazi Germany and let me just say, the view is not pretty.

Anyway, I find myself here at the early hours of 2008 with an urge to cleanse myself of a somewhat biased lesson in the history of Apartheid and to take out my frustrations on our old favorites, the University of Michigan.

Yes, in a few short hours, Michigan plays our beloved Florida in whatever bowl they managed to land (Oh yeah, the Capital One Bowl). And have you ever seen a more ridiculous story line for a bowl game. You would think that a game in which the first sophomore to win the Heisman trophy would be the feature event but no, Michigan, in their utmost failing, has managed to steel the spotlight.

If ever a team had something to prove, Michigan would be the team. However, how many times have we been through this. And what a slap in the face Michigan got. A coach, fresh from trashing a national championship to Pittsburgh, comes in and proceeds to fire the entire staff. Add to that the fact that Chad Henne, Mike Hart, et all, the team that was supposed to waltz their way to a national championship game, has still failed to win a bowl game or, of course, beat Ohio State.

So this is the last hurrah. Is there anyone out there who thinks they have a chance?

You might think that if there was ever a game to win, this would be it but Michigan has been a let down how many times now? Seven? If they can’t get up for a win against Ohio State, don’t expect big things from the bowl.

Oh, and did I mention Florida’s spread offense? Yes, Florida not only has a quarterback that can stymie the Wolverines, they have a coach that can run Llllllloyd Carr right into the ground.

While I wish there was a way that both teams could lose this game, I expect a score like 41-14 would be a gift for Michigan. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that this game will be yet another chance for the SEC to trash the Big Ten. No, it is not a good match up and no, Michigan doesn’t really deserve a New Year’s day bowl game. They’ve got it though. Great.

So with that, I leave you with the end of an era and of course, the last time I get to link to this video (now viewed more than 160,000 times):

With six bowl games today, you’ve got plenty of time to rest up for whatever New Year’s Eve may bring. I can’t say that I’m overly excited about any of these games but, they are bowl games. How I long for the days when the big bowl games were over by holiday. Instead, I get to look forward to weeknight games with work looming in the morning.

Anyway, let’s take a look at a couple of today’s games:

Insight Bowl: Indiana vs. Oklahoma State

How can you not root for Indiana? If this team doesn’t have something to play for no team ever will. With the passing of Coach Terry Hoeppner, the Hoosiers have fulfilled the late coach’s dream of a post season game. And it’s been a long bowl drought for Indiana as they haven’t seen bowl action since 1993.

Indiana has the talent to keep up with the other Oklahoma State but the Cowboys have a lot to throw at the Hoosiers. Indiana has the heart and the motivation to make this a good game.

I’m rooting for Indiana but I don’t know if I’d put my money on it. Ah heck, Indiana it is…Go Hoosiers.

Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Florida State

Oh boy, am I going to enjoy this one. There is nothing I love more than watching a Florida team get their ass handed to them, especially by a team like Kentucky. With most of the Florida defense suspended, at least Bobby Bowden will be there to suffer yet another loss. I’m not about to miss this game and I’m looking for Kentucky to run the score as much as possible.

I’m going with Kentucky to blow out the four point spread.

Sun Bowl: South Florida vs. Oregon

Weren’t both these teams in the top five at one point this year? At least this game matches up two teams might have met in a big BCS game. However, South Florida collapsed and Oregon lost quarterback Dennis Dixon to a season ending injury. Since the injury, Oregon has completely fallen apart.

For South Florida, this is a big bowl game. For Oregon, it is a vision of what could have been.

South Florida to beat the six point spread.

That should get you started. And remember, BCS games start tomorrow!

I don’t know what feels better. Ohio State beating Michigan again or watching Michigan lose yet another game to the Buckeyes.

While last year’s game was one for the record books, this year’s game is about complete and total humiliation. I don’t know if it’s watching Carr most likely end his season with a loss placing him at 1-6 against Tressel or knowing that Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Jake Long and the other seniors will never know what it is like to have beaten Ohio State. One of the few classes in Michigan history to experience such devastation. It is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Whatever it is, Ohio State played a glorious game completely dominating the Wolverines holding them to all but a field goal. Beanie Wells was on fire coming through with more than 220 yards. Vernon Gholston played inspired leading a defense that absolutely stymied the Michigan offense.

And while I’m sure that Mike Hart is getting up in front of the press as we speak and telling the world that Ohio State isn’t really that good a team. That they should have beaten the Buckeyes without difficulty. We’ve heard it all before.

As he speaks, remember, if you look close enough you can see the “L” already forming on is forehead. A brand he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

At some point, every warrior comes to the revelation that we are more like our enemy than we ever want to admit. For Michigan fans, things have been tough. But for those of us old enough, we remember the pain of the 90s, the emptiness of the Earl Bruce years as we searched for another Woody, the pain of watching John Cooper repeatedly steal defeat from the jaws of victory, until finally, the renaissance of Jim Tressel and the decade of the Buckeyes.

Michigan fans sit where we did at the end of the 90s. They are at the end of an era filled with pain and disappointment. An era which at the outset held such hope, such dreams, only to be dashed repeatedly during recent years. The Michigan seniors who returned, passing up the fortunes of the NFL and boasting of a national championship are now battered and injured. Yet today, the injuries will not matter. Regardless of the pains that ail, this is the big game. A failure to win today will live with them until the day they die.

If you saw the HBO special about The Game, a former Michigan player (I don’t remember who) discussed the term Schadenfreude, a German term translating to pleasure taken in the pain of others. He told how he has releshed in the schadenfreude of a victory over Ohio State.

Today is a day for the Buckeyes to secure their schadenfreude for years to come. If the Buckeyes can send LLLLLLoyd Cooper into the sunset without a final victory, if the Buckeyes can keep the boisterous Mike Hart, Chad Henne and the rest of the Michigan seniors from the experience of a win over Ohio State, they will deliver a malicious joy that will be hard to match.

With that in mind, I direct you to a post by one of the best college football bloggers on the internet, Brian of Mgoblog. Brian has written an amazing post describing the current state of today’s Michigan fan. And I send you to this post not to express my schadenfreude at his suffering but to remind us all of the joy, the pain, the dreams, the dashed hopes and the memories that this game evokes.

Michigan is facing the end of an era. Next year, possibly with current LSU coach Les Miles at the helm, will start a new day for the Wolverines and new challenges for Ohio State Buckeyes. There is no question that Carr has lost his grip on the Ohio State/Michigan game. We all know that Michigan will recruit a coach in the same way that Ohio State recruited Jim Tressel. The number one priority will be to find a coach that understands the importance of “The Game” and knows how to prepare for a game like no other in college football.

The sun sets today over an epoch in college football history. And while I’ve enjoyed our recent dominance, the next could bring on battles reminiscent of the Ten Year War. Tressel has it in him, I believe the next Michigan coach will also.

So for now, during a brief ceasefire before the final battle, I ask that you cross enemy lines and tend to the wounded. Brian is a great writer and he truly captures the feelings embodied in this glorious battle.

When you return, it is back to battle stations. Bring on the game, bring on the Wolverines, bring on the schadenfreude of a glorious victory in their own house. For this is the day of the Ohio State/Michigan game!