Ohio is Buckeyes territory, that goes without saying. But in one small section of the state, there is there is a place where the Buckeyes don't rule the roost anymore.
That area is Cincinnati.
With coach Brian Kelly and his Bearcats coming off a 10-3 record in 2007, he has some strong words for Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes.
Is it the fact that Kelly was born and raised in Michigan? Most Ohio State fans would point that out, but I believe that it is Kelly wanting to change the fact that everyone in Ohio is a Buckeyes fan, and the Bearcats are an afterthought when it comes to college football in the state of Ohio.
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The idea was started when Ohio State wanted to back out of a game in Cincinnati in 2010, paying the Bearcats a reported $1 million to play in Columbus. Kelly was then asked by the media about Ohio State's backing out of the game in Cincinnati.
Kelly said, "We're going to work very hard on this end to make sure we play Ohio State," Kelly said. "I want to play them annually."
Later in the interview Kelly said he didn't care where he played Ohio State, even if it was in a parking lot in Xenia. Kelly apparently wants to start up a rivalry with the Buckeyes, and is showing that he and his players aren't afraid of the big bad Buckeyes.
At UC's game in 2007 against UConn, the score of the Ohio State-Illinois game was announced by the PA announcer, and I heard something I didn't think I would ever hear; a large roar of 35,000 people in the state of Ohio cheering an Ohio State loss.
So in Cincinnati, there is some bad blood against the Buckeyes. As Kelly begins to steal key recruits from Tressel and the Buckeyes, more and more tension will build up, and a rivalry may emerge that Tressel and the Buckeyes don't really want.
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3 months ago
LOL!!!
BK Broiler loves to talk that shit, doesn't he? Problem is, UC isn't on our level and we have no use for them. There's absolutely nothing in it for us. So I doubt OSU will be doing UC any favors anytime soon.
Ohio State is still more relevant in Cincinnati than UC football, and it will likely continue to be that way for a very long time. It's just something he's going to have to accept and deal with - or leave Cincinnati for a better job, like Dantonio did. He's not going to get his way with Ohio State.
UC stealing key recruits from Ohio State....LOL!!!
from about 1 month ago
Too funny. UC was one dropped pass from stopping your national championship run at Paul Brown Stadium. {sarcasm} ....but no......they're not in your league. {end sarcasm} Hilarious. Get a grip dude. All OSU has done is completely embarrass themselves and the Big Ten by pretending to be contenders.
It won't surprise me to see UC beat OSU. OSU is CLEARLY afraid of the Bearcats by backing out of games and refusing to play them. Even Thad Matta is a chicken-poop.......only playing UC when he has Greg Oden and UC's b-ball team was decimated by the firing of Bob Huggins and the inability to recruit.
The OSU program is simply full of pussies.
3 months ago
From someone who doesn't have a dog in this fight (UM fan), Ohio will always be a Buckeye state. UC can really do nothing about that. They don't have the history, tradition or prestige to be in the same league with Ohio State. (wow that hurt to say)
3 months ago
I think Justin should stick to cutting grass (Justin...I'm a Landscape Horticulture student at Cincy State)
and Kelly should just try to win a Big Least title before opening his big mouth and challenging the only college footbal power in OHIO.. When did Kelley steal a recruit? He may get leftovers or kids that couldn;t cut it at OSU or Mich and transfer in.. that's about it.
from about 1 month ago
LOL "Big Least"? check out BCS records the last few years. Your best team is 0- ever aginst the SEC in Bowl games, and Michigan .... well we all know about Michigan. If you are not scared of UC why are you paying $1,000,000 NOT to play them? Cheatie McSweatervest is chickensh_t.;
3 months ago
Which of our 5 star recruits did Cincinnati steal? CU or UC whichever it is is a joke!
3 months ago
Grow a pair and schedule UC annually in both basketball and football. It would end up being good for your program, if UC has a few more good years in football, OSU will be meaningless in Cincy, which is one of the more fertile recruiting grounds in the state, if not the most. There is a huge growing feeling of disrespect here in Cincinnati, and personally I love it. OSU makes me sick.
3 months ago
wait a few years Mike, it will happen.
3 months ago
Pick a fight with somebody across the border. Maybe Indiana. Ohio State needs to focus on the national scene for the time being. We need to play fewer, not more Ohio teams.
You came awfully close in the national championship year, though. Not sure how that might have changed your history - but it sure would have changed ours.
3 months ago
Yeah, everybody across the nation wants OSU to play Cincy! We need to schedule Florida, Okie, Texas, USC, Georgia, LSU, etc... OSU has nothing to prove by beating Cincy every year so that the Bearcats can have a real payday. Become a true football power and then you can lobby fo OSU. Until then you are no more important than any MAC school and less popular.
from about 1 month ago
Well since the MAC is better than the Big Ten ill take that as a UC fan
from about 1 month ago
So us being in the top 20 last year and getting much better recruits now that we are in the Big East has nothing to do with OSU dodging us? You are such a typical OSU fan. OSU is paying a million bucks NOT to play UC but has at least 1 MAC team on their schedule thru 2012-2013. You scheduled us when we were a mid of the pack C-USA team, you want no part of us now.
from about 1 month ago
Hey Mike, get a fuckin' clue buddy. First off, OSU didn't back out of anything - we changed the site of the fuckin' game - Second of all, your fuckin' dipshit school accepted those terms so will you finally STOP FUCKIN' CRYING ABOUT IT?
You're getting better recruits now? Wow...fooled me.
3 months ago
Then schedule us in bball, cant wait to see this excuse...you have had 1 good year in that sport...but I'm sure Ohio State has the better program............Please, if your going to use that logic, use it in both sports, but at the same time 61 and 62, you guys were still better, and you won the national championship.
And for the record, playing UC would help. UC's defense is built like an SEC defense, you know, that conference you can't solve, I'm not saying the defense is as good, but Cincy's defensive speed is faster than 90% of the country. That might have helped you prepare for LSU, but I'm sure you'll disagree.
from 3 months ago
I am pretty sure that Ohio State would see ten times more defensive speed at their practice that they would playing the Cincinnasty
3 months ago
Last time I checked, UC basketball is terrible. UC football is improving, but that's only relative to the Big East. That article is nothing but wind from the mouth of a coach, who probably won't be there long enough to find an opening on Ohio State's football schedule (filled through ~2013)
At this point in time, Ohio State football AND Ohio State Basketball would kill Cincinnati. Ohio State football is at it's highest level in decades and UC basketball is at it's lowest point in decades, this makes UC's football improvements imperceptible in relation and your basketball school status a joke.
From what I’ve seen good Ohio HS football players who can’t get into Ohio State don’t go to Cincinnati. They go to PSU and Illinois. . .even though Cincinnati would be a much closer trip. Tell me, Coach Kelly, why is that? Why don’t you wait and see where you are after all of Dantonio’s players have moved on from the program, hmmm? because I follow college football recruiting and not only are you not making waves in Ohio football recruiting, you aren’t even making ripples.
from about 1 month ago
UC cracked the top 25 last year in BBall and watch next year and tell me if you still think they're a joke. Best player sidelined all year w injury last year will be back(Mike Williams). It's nice to be able to say worst in decades when they still were in top 25 at one point. Just wait and see OSU fans.
I'm just glad OSU will be out of the Nat Champ picture after week 2 this year. Man I hate hearing OSU fans talk about how good they are.
from about 1 month ago
Aaron.
1. Cute comment about the MAC being stronger than the Big Ten. Obviously by default, that makes it better than the Big East as well. Sorry.
2. UC got a vote in one of the college basketball polls last year, but never came close to being actually ranked in the Top 25 of either major poll. I like UC basketball myself, so that's not even a crack. I'm just saying..get your shit straight when talking trash.
3. Wow, you're going out on quite a limb predicting that OSU will lose to Ohio U. in week 2 this year. What was that I said about getting your shit straight when talking trash?
3 months ago
An intermural flag football team from Ohio Northern University wants a piece of the Buckeyes. They are calling Jim Tressel out. Their captain, a senior video graphics major, wants a game with them every semester. He'll assemble his guys and he wants Ohio State football on the line each semester to show who the best in Ohio is. So what's it going to be Jim Tressel? Are you going to schedule them or run and hide? FEAR THE FLAG. (We'd take you in chess too).
from 3 months ago
Exactly. If OSU had to play every little irrelevant school that challenged them, they'd be playing football games every day of their life.
Sorry UC - enjoy the PapaJohns Pizza Bowl against Conference USA
3 months ago
No no Tom. . .Cincinnati is going somewhere much nice than Papa John Stadium this December. They scheduled in a little trip to Hawaii for their last game of the season. Bowls? Who needs bowls when schools are willing to give Hawaii a home game without the need to reciprocate an appearance on the main-land. Brillant, coach Kelly!!. . . but it doesn't exactly exude the confidence that he's trying to blind Ohio State with.
3 months ago
Pat sounds like he must be from Kentucky! We are not the enemy Pat.... You will have to look at Meetchicken, Kentucky & Tennessee, they are taking all of the recruits who are not joining true scarlet & gray bleeding prep-Ohioans in Columbus.
3 months ago
Not surprised Kelly wants to play the Bucks. Most UC fans hate Ohio State with a passion.
Does that mean there aren't Buckeye fans in Cincinnati? Hell no (I was one of 'em until I moved).
Oddly enough, OSU-Cincinnati tends to be an interesting game every once in a while (2002 OSU vs. UC at Paul Brown Stadium comes to mind, the Buckeyes barely won that game)
3 months ago
I had no idea that there was a number of people from Cincinnati that dislike the Ohio State. I am kind of shocked, especially since there are a lot of players from that area that choose to play for the Buckeyes.
I think playing an Ohio team from the Big East would look make their schedule look better than playing an Ohio team from the MAC. However, I think Tressel is giving back to the state of Ohio and keeping the money in-state and at the same time, giving hundreds of players that grew up watching the Buckeyes, the opportunity to play in the Horseshoe.
However, the main reason has to be because Ohio State would lose a home game every 2 years and that means the loss of millions and millions of dollars for the university and the city of Columbus. At the same time, Ohio State knows that the MAC teams will gladly come to play in Columbus every year.
It is sad that in college football money determines who plays who and where they play (Bowl games as well). I am just glad Ohio State has been able to schedule all of these home and home games with USC, Miami, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and Tennessee.
from 3 months ago
If anything, Tressel and his coaches just need to up the recruiting and maintain a bigger presence in Greater Cincinnati. With Elder, St. X, Colerain and others, its one of the biggest (if not the biggest) high school football powerhouse regions in the state and an embarassment of riches for potential college players.
Most UC fans I know hold Bearcat football in very low regard given the team's mediocrity in past seasons, but if Kelly shows a commitment to improving the program and actually stays in Cincinnati instead of jumping ship (looking at you, Mark Dantonio), logic dictates that you'll probably start seeing more and more Greater Cincinnati high school players seriously considering UC over OSU, which wouldn't bode well for Tressel's in-state recruiting.
As for the diehard UC people who hate Ohio State, I have no idea where that stems from, or why. Jealousy, maybe? Cincinnati's kind of in its own little world and would probably secede from the state of Ohio if given the opportunity.
3 months ago
Cincy is never going to be a two way rivalry with OSU. It's the same way the Bengals think they are the Browns top rival and not the Steelers. Wishes don't come true without the genie's lamp.
The coach talks a good game. Do something in the Little Conference that can't and then talk trash.
from 3 months ago
Granted this is a college board... but Bengal fans thinkn the Steelers are their top rival not the Browns.
As much as I hate to admit it the Steelers represent excelence. The Browns... not so much.
from 3 months ago
I gotta agree with Eric for now: The Steelers are definitely a bigger rival to the Bengals than the Browns at this point in time, primarily because of Kimo Von Kneebreaker diving into Carson Palmer on the second Bengals offensive play in their first playoff game in 15 years.
Now, does that mean the "Battle of Ohio" is no longer relevant? Of course not, at least, from a historic standpoint. With Cleveland's revamped offense, we'll probably see them beat the Bungles more often than not, at least, until Mikey Boy dies or unruly fans storm the front office at PBS and run the team the way a professional sports organization is supposed to be run...
Then again, we're talking about the Bengals, who haven't been relevant in the NFL since the 1988 season.
3 months ago
All these Ohio State fans keep saying Cincinnati is small and unimportant. No threat to the Buckeyes. Then why not play UC every year and pick up an easy win? Its not like Ohio State has't mastered the art of putting together a powder puff schedule. Its simple, because your coaching staff is much smarter than you are. They obviously want no part of a rising power in their back yard.
from 3 months ago
Eric,
You're utterly clueless and equally retarded.
Powder puff schedules, huh? Tell that to Texas, USC, Oklahoma, Cal, Miami, Va. Tech, and Tennessee - these are all OSU non-conference opponents (twice each) from 2005-2019. Oh, I get it - you're using 2007's weak schedule and implying that OSU's schedule looks like that all the time - how clever! Did I mention that you're a complete jackass?
OSU "wants no part" of Cincinnati? Yet they are scheduling opponents like USC every year...you're putting UC on an awfully high pedestal by implying that OSU is in any way "afraid" of playing the Bearcats. Are you sure you want to be doing that, considering UC's history as a football program?
Cincinnati strives to be a "big time" football program. It is not in OSU's best interest to assist them in doing so. Appearing on Cincinnati's schedule every year helps Cincinnati and does nothing for Ohio State. Is this difficult for you to follow?
from about 1 month ago
rasheed are you aware that OSU has 3 wins in the last 2 years combined against a team who finished in the AP top 25 at seasons end. Yes, I call that powder puff.
'06
Michigan #8
Texas #17
'07
Michigan #18(and wouldn't have been had they not crushed florida in bowl, but they did so i guess they deserve it)
about 1 month ago
Powder Puff schedule oh yes!
Look at their non-conference schedule from 2002 through 2012.
Ohio Univ.?
Texas Tech?
Sand Diego State?
Akron?
UAB?
Miami (of Ohio)?
Toledo?
Marshall?
Eastern Michigan?
Navy?
New Mexico State?
Youngstown St.?
Troy?
Keny State?
Bowling Green?
Northern Illinois?
Many of the teams mentioned above have been or are scheduled 2-4 times over that span. Ohio State is gaming the system. Until the strength of schedule is returned to the BCS computations OSU has no incentive ot play anyone tough. And sorry Bucks fans, one Texas or USC game every two years doesn't make the program legitimate when it's surrounded by the teams mentioned above. Plus, the Big Ten is weak. This is no way to build a top 5 program and no wonder the Buckeyes can't get any love outside Columbus.
In order to gain more legitimacy in college football and in the minds of the rest of America outside of Columbus the Bucks have to quit scheduling a patsy for their season opener. This idea of keeping the money in Ohio is a cop out. USC takes on the the SEC and look at the respect it gets them. If you want o be th ebest you have to tak eon the best and OSU won't do it.
In fact, I'm kind of shocked OSU doesn't want to schedule UC annually given UC has had maybe five respectable years in 50 - half of them coming this millenium. Maybe the fact they're not in Conference USA anymore worries their AD. Why should they when they can line up half of the MAC and the BCS doesn't penalize them?
And BTW, UC basketball will be back. OSU would be stupid to schedule an automatic loss on their schedule by matching up to UC each year on the court.
about 1 month ago
I cannot believe that there are OSU fans who think they out weigh UC fans in Southwest Ohio. This area has a growing disgust of OSU. It started with "THE" being put in the name and then OSU who has un popular for marketing colors trying to steal the UC Black! How about the fans in Columbus who for years were on Huggs, when Tressel has had over 30 players arrested. Win a National Championship with Maurice? You have to be kidding! It seems that things have settled down for the good on the UC Basketball front and the OSU Football front which is good for the State in general. For OSU fans not to think what is happening at UC is not Big is just funny. UC plays in the best Basketball Conference ever created. It dwarfs the Big Ten! In football the 4th rated conference at least in bowl revenues. UC will never rule Ohio nor is it the goal. UC wants the bulk of Southwest Ohio just like UL, Pitt, and Memphis have in their states..... and alumnus across the state. What is funny is that of the four schools mentioned Two Big Ten teams are the ones afraid to play each year but the two SEC schools are not afraid??? UC plays three Away games at BCS Top Ten 07 Schools who do the Buckeyes play? USC is one...To say Buckeye fans would rather see a MAC school play is stupid! UC is so far ahead of the MAC schools the last couple of years in recruiting and facilities. Even the UC weight room is bigger and better than OSU. There is plenty of room for two BCS teams in OHIO so just move over because we are here whether you like it or not. As soon as we get the respect we can go back to rooting for OSU too. Remember most of us WERE OSU fans at one point before the arrogance became too much to stomach. UK is much bigger in Greater Cincy than OSU anyway. Go Bearcats! Go Big East!
about 1 month ago
You guys have it all wrong. The reason OSU won't play UC is because they are scared they MIGHT lose to us. I'm not saying UC is better at this point, but there is definately the potential for a UC win... just look at 2002, we had that game won if our receiver doesn't drop multiple passes in the end zone. tOSU is way too cocky to lose to an instate program and the potential fallout of recruits. It would also bring out all of the anti-OSU fans that keep their mouths shut because they are sick of OSU fans excuses for losing the title every year and that they are so much better than everyone in exsistence. I say prove it, its just like how the one and only time they play UC in bball is when they are having their best year and we are having our worst. It's funny how it always turns out that way, they can't bare the fact that they could lose to us EVER.
from about 1 month ago
I love how UC football fans act as if an OSU loss would instantly give UC some kind of "leg up" in recruiting. Jesus Christ.
about 1 month ago
You OSU people brag about how good your 5 star recruiting is but even with all that you can't beat the Florida teams and the Michigan guys. It all goes back to the basketball days when you lost two NCAA basketball championships to UC. Are your colors crimson and grey or are they yellow?
from about 1 month ago
Don,
Florida? Don't they typically end up higher on yearly recruiting lists than Ohio State does? So what does 5-star recruits have to do with beating Florida?
Michigan? Don't basically beat them every year nowadays?
about 1 month ago
The only thing that I have to say if in fact that the BCS system works in UC favor this year or in the next Few years and Yes this can Happen We could see UC Play O$U in a BCS Bowl game if u don't beleive me UC is going to stay ranked when UC beats Oklahoma this year. It has been said in the media that if THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, by the way the longest football program in Ohio, Beat Oklahoma UC is in National Champion Contention. OOOOHHHH NOOO watch O$U squirm. By the way I hope Carson Palmer gets his wish of watch USC beat the Crap out of O$U in the shoe. I will definitely be enjoying myself with that one too.
from about 1 month ago
Steve, you don't follow football too closely do you?
about 1 month ago
Just as I thought...the Anti-OSU/Pro-UC brethren come out in full force. I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner, like when the article was first published three months ago.
from about 1 month ago
It just got put up on Bearcatnews.com why us UC folk are all seeing it now.
about 1 month ago
I used to think that Cleveland Browns fans were the most delusional, dim witted morons, I have ever come across, but now I am convinced that they share that mantra with the Ohio State Suckeye fans.
The real rub here for Suckeye fans is they can't believe that their beloved Buckeyes are not #1 here in Cincinnati. We don't care about your team, stop being so surprised that OSU football isn't a birthright here. We have our own team! we don't need or care about yours!
And don't get us started on basketball. OSU and Andy Geiger spent the entire Huggins tenure ducking UC because "OSU wasn't good enough". (Geiger's words by the way, not mine)
Add that with the ticket fiasco in 1992 over the offer to play a game, and you can see why we really don't care much for your school or athletic program.
So if OSU doesn't want to play us, fine we don't need them anyway. I could care less. I am more excited about future games with Oklahoma, Miami (FL) and Va Tech anyway.
about 1 month ago
Yeah all you OSU blowhards are right..... keep walking through your season playing one tough out of conference game so you can continue to be taken behind the woodshed by your pick of the SEC. OSU is a joke soon enough the BCS will stop even giving them consideration for a National title game because you keep getting blown out. You dont want to play in Cincy because the one year you did it was almost the biggest upset in the history of the state. Whatever we dont need you anyway we've got real BCS schools coming here... thanks OU and VT
from 23 days ago
OU? Have you taken a look at their record in BCS games lately? Seriously, stop being a hypocrite.
about 1 month ago
"As Kelly begins to steal key recruits from Tressel and the Buckeyes, more and more tension will build up, and a rivalry may emerge that Tressel and the Buckeyes don't really want."
With all due respect, I highly doubt Brian Kelly will steal key recruits from Jim Tressel and Ohio State. Will there be recruits that fly under the radar that Coach Tressel and other Big Ten schools may overlook that wind up at UC and turn into good players. Absolutely - it happens, and has happened at other schools. Classic example - QB Ben Roethlisberger turns down a late Ohio State offer from John Cooper to stay true to his commitment to Miami University.
Personally, I would prefer that Ohio State routinely schedule UC as UC is in the Big East and that would be better schedule-wise versus a Youngstown State (as OSU had last year and the first game this year). Maybe it will start to happen more and more. I just wonder if Brian Kelly will be there to realize the rivalry; if he continues having success at UC, he may leave as other successful UC coaches have in the past (Mark Dantonio being the most recent example).
about 1 month ago
The buckeye has chicken liver in their blood, they know their time has come the. bearcats will beat them by 15 hand down, ohio state is just a big pussy/i
about 1 month ago
Well Muldoon has already eliminated OSU and the Irish from his recuriting list, but Cincy is still one of four standing. Cincy is definitely competing for recruits with Purdue, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (Woods was committed to Cincy). They are also winning there fair share of those recruiting battles. So I would say the recruiting thing is beginning to happen....not at a great level, but it is changing. Keep those blinders on until that truck runs over you.
from about 1 month ago
You keep on believing that Joe. OSU's already got what, 23 commits for next year? Something tells me Muldoon wasn't all that important to them.
about 1 month ago
This is laughable at best sorry to all you cinci fans but i was born and raised in ann arbor and taught to hate osu but also respect them. and even i can say that cinci is not even worthy of cleaning the mud of osu cleats after a game let alone be their rival. that would be like central, eastern, western, or michigan state saying that they are worthy of being rivals with michigan. sorry michigan has two rivals Notre Dame and THE Ohio State University.
from about 1 month ago
Jay I am not a Michigan fan, I am a UC fan. I don't like ur post but anyway.....Michigan might struggle early with new system but I wouldn't be surprised if you kick the crap out of OSU this year since they have proven they have no idea how to defend a spread offense.
Go Bearcats
Go WhoeverisplayingOSU
about 1 month ago
Great article, who knows? Maybe down the road Cinci will be something comparable to the Bucks
about 1 month ago
Aaron believe me if i ever see cinci playing osu i will be cheering for cinci but do you really think that a mac team will ever be able to be looked at in the same light as the kings of the big ten. Whether it is Michigan, OSU or Wisconson? I am just being realistic. Also don't be surprised if michigan sneaks up on people this year while i am not predicting undeafted or anything of that sort i also wouldn't be surprised even though i don't like rich rod. if you ask me west virginia is a joke with a cake schedule what makes him capable of coaching the winningest program ever i would have much rather had Brian Kelly as our new coach.
from about 1 month ago
Some one is arguing that the MAC is Comparable to the Big11Ten?
Not sure if someone may have this info available, but what is The Big11Ten's Bowl Record comparable to the Big East (since expansion)? I guess my thought is that the Big East is a little under-appreciated and if I were Tressel I would want ANY chance of fueling UC's fire. Besides, as it was noted, without S-O-S playing a large roll in the BCS formula, I would play anybody tough anyways.
about 1 month ago
A rivalry with OSU might be a stretch, but what most OSU (and Michigan) fans don't realize (or don't want to) is how quickly things are changing now that UC is in the BE. Was Louisville good enough for 2 or 3 years to have given OSU a run for their money? Yes. And there's no reason UC can't reach that level. And OSU fans can trash the BE all they want, but the fact is, most commentators have ranked it above the B 10 the last two years. Kelly out-recruited B10 schools for several of his 09 commits. If UC can hang onto him long term, they WILL compete with OSU in the state of Ohio. As incredible as this may sound to OSU fans, it can happen.
about 1 month ago
$1,000,000 not to play UC? That is a lot of money, even for OSU. That is like 3 maurice clarett game checks
from about 1 month ago
Mike,
You typed the same fucking innaccuracy THREE TIMES already. Get your god damn fuckin' head out of your fuckin' fat ass and learn to fuckin' read. OSU paid UC $1mm to change the site of the game. First of all, they could have flat-out bought out of the game for even less than that. Instead, we're paying your monkey asses MORE MONEY to keep you on the schedule, only to play us up here.
Go back to what you're best at, MIKE - eating cold dried up human shit.
about 1 month ago
Xavier, settle down. Why is it all the Buckeye fans are so militant about this team? It's just a game yet you will nearly come to fisticuffs by simply stating OSU is over rated to any Buckeye fan. These fans are some of the most belligerent people on the face of the planet and I know rather well what Carson Palmer was referring to when he made those comments out in LA.
Buckeye fans believe their team is the greatest of all time yet they play in a weak conference - granted no fault of their own - and their non-conference schedule is a joke (e.g. home games against 1AA and MAC teams). If you have the time search for Colin Cowherd's skit when he went to Columbus and aired a spoof on the typical Buckeye fan. It is hardly a caricature - I should know I live in Columbus. I wonder if the over zealous Buckeye pride, and the self-perceived superiority of the university for that matter (they act like it's Yale), stems from the fact there isn't anything else in Columbus. Quite sad when you think about it. They deify this university and anything related to it.
Read my previous post from above. All I would like is a little humility from the fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes. This team is not all you people make it out to be. It's good, but far from great. All the comments from the SEC fans are correct. Sorry to burst your bubble but if the Buckeyes were in that conference they'd be middle of the road and 7-5 maybe 8-4 at best.
about 1 month ago
everyone complains about the Buckeyes soft OOC schedule why not schedule a team like UC since its in the Big East which happens to be a BCS conference.....i'll give u buckeye fans credit for scheduling USC this season but why not repace those mediocre teams like Youngstown St or Ohio with UC
about 1 month ago
Because the Buckeyes athletic director has the BCS figured out, James. The Buckeyes have no intention of playing a schedule any more difficult than they need it to be to be considered for the national title. Until the BCS weights strength of schedule again the Buckeyes should NOT play anyone but who they have been playing all along - Ohio Univ, Texas Tech (long before they were decent), San Diego State, Akron, UAB, Miami (of Ohio), Toledo, Marshall, Eastern Michigan, Navy, New Mexico State, Youngstown St., Troy, Kent State, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois - as mentioned in my previous post above essentially a bunch of MAC and 1-AA schools (AT HOME!).
This is actually smart scheduling and I place the blame on the BCS committee for their condoning such a powder puff schedule and putting OSU in the national title for which they were overmatched because of their weak schedule. But I do not blame the Buckeye athletic program. They're just gaming the system.
about 1 month ago
However, what I cannot stand is the militant and belligerent nature of the fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes. They claim this is the greatest team of all time and best program in the land - and many think Ohio State is on the same academic level as some Ivy League schools (not making this up). Then I must ask them why not schedule the best? And please, the occasional Texas or USC every 3 years bookended by the schedule I outlined above does not impress anyone when your conference is weak (again no fault of their own).
I would just like a little humility from these beer slugging, fat slobs that run around loaded on booze and redneck pride yelling O-H-I-O and referring to OSU as THE Ohio State University at their hineygates and anywhere else for that matter. Get over yourselves. The team hadn't won a national title since 1970 until Maurice "give me your money" Clarett came along and singlehandedly carried the team AND saved the game for the Buckeyes against Miami in the title game, not only carrying the load and scoring the winning TD but also stripping and recovering Sean Taylor's INT of Krenzel which resulted in a 3 point swing to keep OSU in it. You can credit Clarett for the 2002-2003 title. Without him it's safe to say the Buckeyes would have been a .500 club that year based on how close all their games were. Were they still screaming at every dissenter who didn't worship the program when Lorenzo Styles was the best player on the team?
about 1 month ago
Furthermore, Buckeye fans act as if Tressel is squeaky clean but his program, like just about any in college ball, is littered with criminals and men of questionable character. I have to believe there is some merit to what Clarett said about Tressel "making everything all right" and covering up Clarett's favorable treatment. It likely still happens to this day with boosters, etc. Except for a few moderately competitive programs out there, this is the state of college sports today; I get it. Just don't deify your coach when he exudes such behavior. Sit on the coach, watch your team, and shut the hell up. No one wants to hear another drunk bellowing O-H-I-O nor does the average person care how many Buckeyes stickers, flags, and license plate brackets you can fit on your car.
Humility, please, buckeye fans.
26 days ago
Having gone to both UC and Ohio State, and having lived in Cincy during my first 20+ years, I must say that I only see a thread of truth in this article. Sure there is less Scarlet and Grey mania in Cincy than in Columbus, but I mean really, there is more OSU support in Cols than virtually any professional team could ever muster anywhere in the country.
The bar has just been set ridiculously high by OSU/ Columbus.
As far as Cleveland goes, of course they latch onto OSU a little more than Cincinnati. What else are they going to latch onto? The Clowns? Their dirty little town on their overpolluted lake? The Indians? They. like everyone, has to be able to follow a winner now and then, just so they don't get completely sucked into a quicksand of melancholy and despair, never to escape their depressing land of past industrial success turned mass-layoffs, and unemployment.
It seems that the level of support for a team that is 100+ miles away, from a fairly small city that nevertheless hosts 2 of the oldest teams in their respective professional leagues, is actually pretty good. When you also have UC and XU a couple miles apart, the fan base there is actually fairly impressive.
In going over it, I can't really say as UC has any overriding school spirit to speak of anyway. Certainly nothing to compare to OSU. Growing up in Cincy, even going to UC for college was almost like admitting defeat. In comparison, once I finished up and went to OSU, I realized what school spirit actually was. Showing up hours before the game, only to meet a standing room only crowd to see the MARCHING BAND? I was like, WTF? The Bengals couldn't even fill the 25,000 seat Riverfront Coliseum, yet the Buckeyes consistently filled their 100,000 seat stadium week after week for the band? In comparison, I used to just be able to walk into UC football games, because no one was even there to take tickets after the first quarter or so, and no one else wanted to be there anyway. . .
Even when I started to get into UC basketball, my interest in supporting my former alma mater was quickly stifled when UC fired Higgins for no reason other than personal animosity. I don't look up to coaches for educational fulfillment, I look at them to win games, exhibit sportsmanship, and garner fan support. When for the first time in history, you fire that person who actually does these things, because a small infraction unrelated to his job occurs, I realize that the school is not committed to it's athletic program. Which is fine, but if that is the case, why even waste the money and time to pretend that you are? Uc shouldn't get the shot at OSU they crave, because they don't deserve it, there are too many other schools out there that have invested in their teams that deserve OSU's schedule slot.
Sure, UC would love to become the next Michigan to OSU. Look how much $ it would bring in. HAve you ever been anywhere near OSU during the Michigan game week? You would think the Olympics were in town. But what has UC ever done to deserve this gravy chain? nothing, and that is what UC thus means to OSU.
So UC has no school spirit, Cincinnati has enough other teams to root for, and Columbus is just ridiculously over the top with school pride. I don't see any real connection here, just a confluence of unrelated factors.
And that is why Carson is getting a pass, at least from me. Initially, I was irritated a little, but for the first time in a decade, I think Mike Brown actually handled something perfectly. He simply gave Carson a history lesson and let Tressel et al do the rest. Hopefully OSU can walk into SC and hand the rest of the message to them in person. While Carson has a big mouth, at least USC has done what it takes to deserve OSU's attention. Carson has earned his place at that table, and the right to spout in support of his team. There will be enough Buckeyes in his face this year, across every team in the NFL, to drive home the idea that he might want to speak with a touch more respect from now on.
26 days ago
Good read.....I think it would be good for them to start up a series....it would be a lot more respectable than playing Youngstown St every year.
23 days ago
You guys are nuts. Every big-time program "games the system." I don't see very many top-tier SEC, Big East, and ACC teams scheduling home and homes with Texas or USC. Seriously Ohio State isn't doing anything that the other title-contending programs aren't also doing.
And billy, seek professional help. Your hatred for and obsession with Ohio State is quite over-the-top. Actually, now that I'm going back and reading some of the other comments, it looks like you could have a group therapy session with a number of the other people who have a pathological obsession with the Buckeyes. My initial diagnosis would be jealousy and a good ol' case of little brother syndrome.
17 days ago
No, Ryan, not EVERY "big time" program games the system. There are a handful of programs that do it the right way and actually schedule other top or mid-level teams. And even if they did schedule inferior teams they wouldn't insist it be at home and their fans would at least acknowledge their team's schedule was weak. Again, the beef here is not with the program - it's doing what it has to to win 10 games a year - but rather the fan base.
To correct you, USC has scheduled games with the SEC. In 2006 they opened against a tough Arkansas team. The next year they played a traditional power in Nebraska and this year they are playing a top team from the ACC in Virginia as well as taking on your Ohio State Buckeyes all the while in a tougher Pac-10 conference than the Big-10. We can also look at Florida who on top of playing in the toughest conference in the country plays traditional powers Miami U and Florida State. Even the Vols ponied up to play Notre Dame and lost when they were at least still respectable. And if that isn't enough evidence even lowly Cincinnati is playing top 5 ranked Oklahoma this year.
Before you go spouting off your vitriol get your facts straight. Other teams play tougher conference schedules and schedule respectable non-conference games. This is why no one debates whether Florida or LSU deserves a National Title shot. If your views weren't so provincial in defense of Ohio State perhaps you'd see that the program does not get the love it does in Columbus because the rest of the nation doesn't bleed scarlet and gray.
In closing, the fact you singled me out for a personal attack is proof what I am writing has merit. It must sting a little for you to isolate me from all the other posts on these boards. Wallow in you shattered pride when USC beats the bucks and keep telling yourself "Ohio State is the best team in the whole wide world."
17 days ago
Ryan, please read the following bleacherreport article for more clarification on the pathetic schedule OSU plays:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/48537-ohio-state-football-how-scheduling-should-work
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