Ohio State Football's Judgement Looms: Are the Buckeyes Championship Game Bound?

Dave Thurman (4:57 pm)

The Buckeyes travel this Saturday to Iowa City with the 2010 season resting in the balance.  It may not seem fair to say that one game will make or break an entire year, but that is pretty much the reality for this week's contest. With a win Ohio State can keep their hopes alive for at least a share of the Big Ten title (their sixth in a row) and a BCS Bowl game.  If there were to lose, however, those aspirations go down the drain and relegate the Buckeyes to a less than desired destination for the holidays. 

Remember, this season began with high expectations for the coaches, players and fans alike. They all hoped (maybe expected) it would wind up in Arizona and another shot at a national title. 

Those dreams faded fast with the loss to Wisconsin. But, there was still a great deal at stake: Nobody ever has to apologize for a Big Ten title or securing a BCS bowl bid.  

However, if Ohio State takes it on the chin this weekend, even the most optimistic among us would have to consider 2010 a grave disappointment. 

A team that seemed to have all the pieces in place — senior leadership, confidence, hunger, a favorable schedule, a superstar quarterback — would wind up missing out on all of its goals.  That would be an awfully tough pill to swallow, although it wouldn't quite rank up there with the disasters this year in Austin, Texas and Gainesville, Florida.  

Anyway, choose your favorite cliche because it's all on the line this Saturday, Judgment Day 2010, the defining moment of the season. 

Indeed, the pressure is on, and the question is: Are the Buckeyes up to the task?  Let me go on record as saying that I am more than a little bit nervous. 

Consider the following:

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1) Iowa has circled this game and will be ready. 

I realize that since the Hawkeyes decimated Michigan State, they have struggled mightily on the road, barely winning at Indiana (thanks to a dropped Hoosier pass in the end-zone) and getting upset at Northwestern.  But don't let that fool you.  Iowa always seems to play Ohio State tough and has waited a year for revenge. 

Remember, last season they were heavy underdogs coming to Columbus with a backup quarterback, but took OSU into overtime before falling.  Had the Hawks pulled the upset, they would have headed to the Rose Bowl instead of the Buckeyes.  

2) Iowa is a much better team at home. 

They have not played well on the road all season, but have been pretty stellar at home.  They did lose to Wisconsin in the friendly confines of Kinnick Stadium, but played an excellent game and might have pulled it out if not for some clock mismanagement at the end of the fourth quarter. 

Outside of that one-point loss they have manhandled everyone at home, including Penn State and Michigan State.

3) The Buckeyes have struggled away from Columbus. 

Let's be honest, Ohio State didn't look good at Illinois and were even less impressive at Wisconsin.  Pryor has had his issues away from home for whatever reason, and the whole team has followed suit.

4) Ohio State has been slow out of the blocks. 

Against easier opponents, the Buckeyes have gone for the jugular early. but when playing decent teams they have struggled in the first half (see Illinois, Wisconsin and Penn State).  A similar beginning at Iowa City on Saturday might well spell disaster, and is another reason for heartburn.

While I have not given up hope of a big victory this week, there is plenty about which to be concerned.  And like it or not, 2010 season will be judged greatly on Saturday's result.  Judgment Day is upon us!