Yeah, the Beanie hurdle looked pretty cool but for some reason, there is something about this team that leaves me wanting more. Sure, the offensive line stepped up against the Illini and gave Pryor and Wells the room both of them needed to knock up 100+ yard games. They pretty much ran the ball right down Illinois’ throat. But honestly, who hasn’t this season?
O.k., it was cold and windy and we threw the ball at least twice in the second half but does anyone out there think such a one-sided offense is going to play against a premier school?
Likewise with the Ohio State defense. Once again we let Illinois rack up some serious yards. The Illinois posted 400+ offensive yards and let’s just say it’s a good thing Juice Williams has gotten pretty good and giving the ball to the other team. It’s not like we were going after him or anything. The Buckeye defense cracked down in the second half abut again, this is Illinois we’re talking about here, not a Florida, Texas or USC. Defense like that just won’t play in the premier game.
And so I find myself a little uncomfortable. We’ve got one more game before Bowl preparations and let’s face it, it’s not like Michigan is going to give us much of a test. If they do, then I am more than worried about our post season fate.
At this point, I’m not sure what I want in the way of a Bowl game. Let’s take a quick look at the possibilities:
Rose Bowl
Face it, it’s going to take some serious luck for the Buckeyes to get into the Rose Bowl. Michigan State has to beat Penn State at home and you know they will bring out their beloved White Out once again. It’s not that I don’t think Michigan State can’t beat Penn but face it, Michigan State isn’t used to the big scary away atmosphere. I’m mean really, who’s their biggest rival - Michigan? Yeah, all those keys shaking and fans leaving early can be pretty scary.
If we go to the Rose Bowl, we could either take on Oregon State or USC. Personally, at this point, I like the idea of an Oregon State Rose Bowl. Oregon State is coming on strong and I think it would be a good game.
I’m not so sure I like the USC rematch. At this point, unless the Buckeyes manage some serious development between now and bowl time, I’m for saving the rematch for next year. While a win would be almost as good as a national title, I’m not up for the risk of a big loss. And believe me, I always want the Buckeyes to play the best teams out there.
Orange Bowl
There’s been some talk of the Buckeyes getting into the Orange Bowl but if Oregon State runs the table, don’t count on it. That would put Oregon State in the Rose Bowl leaving USC to take about the only open Bowl spot.
I like the idea of taking on an ACC school in the Orange. It might just be the bowl slump bust we need. I really like the idea of kicking the snot out of Maryland in the Orange for no other reason than living here in Maryland, it would be good to show Maryland fans once and for all what college football is all about.
Most Probable - Capital One
I’m going to say that the Buckeyes end up in the Captal One Bowl. Sure, it’s not the BCS but it will be a tough match up against an SEC team. I have no problems here. Alabama and Florida are probably going to find themselves BCS Bowls. That would put us against a Georgia or LSU? A LSU rematch would be interesting and I think we can play with Georgia.
If nothing else, a big SEC win would go a long way in silencing the critics.
