Today’s big matchup against Indiana is proving itself to be a real challenge…for Ohio State sports writer’s that is –this one included. Yes, you can find the in-depth analysis of the game but even Buckeye Planet, famous for an encyclopedic breakdown is almost phoning this one in. Written before the Iowa game, it fails to take in the most interesting thing about Indiana this year–that they beat Iowa.
And let’s face it, you can compare stats all you want, the reality of this lopsided match doesn’t change.
Often, I like to open my pregame reports with some personal story about the game or school. Unfortunately, I got nothing here. The most amazing Indiana game I can remember was in 1996 when visiting Ohio State fans tore down the Indiana goal post. Ohio State had just beaten Indiana to secure the Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl berth (pre BCS). I wasn’t there but I did watch it on TV.
Other than that…I liked Breaking Away. (Whatever happened to Jackie Earl Haley anyway?)
Bottom line, this game comes down to mental toughness. Will Ohio State be able to stay up mentally against such a lopsided opponent. If this was a previous coach, I would be very concerned but again, as I’ve said before, that is what makes Tressel such a winning coach. He gets his players to focus, no matter who the opponent, and gets the job done.
At this week’s press luncheon, Tressel commented on just that question:
COACH TRESSEL: I think the only indication you can have on that is how do we do in meetings in practice and then how do we do in a game? And I thought we’ve done a good job. In our meetings in practice and in the last couple ball games, I don’t think there’s been any lack of focus. We haven’t been perfect. And I would expect today that we’d have excellent focus, and then I think it starts, and as I’ve said for weeks, it starts with the maturity of those older guys who have seen so much and learned so much.
People see Troy Smith working on his footwork like crazy or they see Quinn Pitcock living in the film room watching every move that every lineman makes, I think that makes a difference.
The players are also talking like they’re focused on the goal at hand. Freshmen wide receiver Brett Heartline added:
“Indiana is a dangerous, upcoming team. With teams like this, you never know what team you are going to get. Those are the dangerous teams and we always think of the threat they may bring.”
That’s about it. If Ohio State can stay focused, it won’t be much of a game. Ironically, while fans in Columbus won’t be able to see the televised game until the 11:00p.m. replay, I think we get ESPN U here in Maryland. Go figure.
I however, may suffer my own drought of college football. My wife has the “fall festival” bug and if you’re going to pick a weekend, this might as well be the one. Pray for me.
