They’ve probably heard it hundreds of times since their 38-24 loss to the LSU Tigers, marking the second consecutive season that the Buckeyes lost in the national championship game to an SEC opponent: “They can’t beat an SEC team.” “Their schedule is too easy.” “Ohio State—and the Big Ten in general—is too slow to keep up.” “After two blowouts, they don’t deserve to be in the national championship game.” Truth be told, it is hard to argue with these statements.
After two consecutive years of playing weak schedules, the Buckeyes seemed ill-prepared for the BCS Championship Game. Whether it was the coaches’ lack of motivation or lack of focus on the players’ part, OSU hasn’t gotten it done on the national stage. This year, with an abundance of experience on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes have no excuses. Ohio State boasts an experienced quarterback (Todd Boeckman), receiving corps (Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline), arguably the best running back in the country in Chris “Beanie” Wells and a defense that features future high-round draft picks all over the field.
2008 was supposed to be the year Ohio State played for a national championship. If they get by USC in the LA Coliseum on September 13th, the Buckeyes will be on the fasttrack for another appearance. And the rest of the college football world will hate them even more.
4. USC Trojans (11-2, 7-2 in Pac-10, 2007 Pac-10 Champions)
Even with only four returning offensive starters from last year’s 11-2 season, USC should be in position to compete for a national championship again. SC Head Coach Pete Carroll has led his program to six straight BCS games (including a 5-1 record in those games) and looks to not skip a beat in 2008.
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