In what has become something of a tradition, an Ohio State men’s team lost yet another national title last night, making that the fourth runner-up trophy THE university has accepted in one calendar year. The football team has lost two straight title games to SEC schools, getting blasted by Florida and pummeled by LSU—whose coach, Les Miles, is of course a Michigan graduate.
More alarming, however, is that OSU is now 0-9 vs. the SEC in bowl games, seemingly putting to rest the old SEC vs. Big 10 debate.
A little less than a month ago, the OSU men’s soccer team took a 1-0 halftime lead in the title game, but the Buckeyes ended up losing 2-1 to Wake Forest.
Interestingly enough, OSU entered the contest undefeated when scoring first, and unbeaten when leading at halftime.
And, finally, last season saw the Buckeyes basketball team taken apart by the Florida Gators in the final game of the NCAA Tournament.
For the record, this piece isn't meant to bash Ohio State. In fact, to get to that many title games is nothing short of amazing—and much should be said for the jobs done by athletic director Gene Smith, all of the coaches, and, of course, the rabid fans.
To make it to one national championship game in any sport is a major accomplishment. To be as dominantly well-balanced as OSU borders on freaky.
You have to wonder, though: Is the psyche of the Buckeye Nation damaged?
Could students begin to think, “Oh no, not again,” when the Buckeyes end up in another title game? Worse yet, can this filter down to the players, even the coaches?
Or has it already?
Are the Buckeyes—gulp—the new Buffalo Bills of college athletics?
Sports have been known to produce some odd streaks: the Bills' Super Bowl flops; the Curse of the Bambino; Notre Dame’s run over Navy; the Cavs’ struggles in the postseason; the Cubs’ World Series drought.
The list could go on and on.
OSU's streak will end, just as many of the examples above did—but the question is when.
Ohio State’s basketball team was hit hard by early departures last year, and it would seem unlikely that they'll get back to the title game anytime soon.
The football team, however, should challenge again next year. While the Buckeyes travel to USC in the third week, the rest of the schedule is manageable. Jim Tressel’s team returns a bevy of major contributors, and has to be considered a legitimate contender again in 2008.
Georgia, USC, Oklahoma, and Missouri also look to be players for next year’s title, but all have tough roads to travel.
A wild card to consider: Could we possibly see a rematch of 2007?
In the SEC, the Gators return almost the entire offense and defense—and the Heisman Trophy winner. To top it off, Southern Cal transfer Emmanuel Moody enters as the new tailback, and Florida's schedule, while still difficult, is more favorable than that of this past season.
In any event, Ohio State and Florida will definitely both be high in preseason rankings.
For the sake of Columbus, let’s hope it’s not déjà-vu all over again for The Ohio State University in 2008-2009.
Cody Blubaugh walks you down the recruiting trail at Ohio State and brings you up to speed on the latest commits on the gridiron and the basketball court. (Read More)
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6 months ago
Ohio St. never deserved to play in this game. The Buckeye's schedule wasn't any better than Kansas'. At least Kansas played up to it's ranking. Ohio St. isn't even a top 10 team.
from 6 months ago
Smartest comment I've heard all day. OSU's schedule was a joke and they were wildly overrated. Last night's game proved it.
from 6 months ago
Deserve? What does "Deserving" have to do with it? OSU played their schedule and were subjetc to
the polls as was every other team. There was schedule was weak, no doubt. But don't act like OSU is the only program in the country that plays a couple to a few weak opponents. This was suppose to be a down year for the Buckeye's. Save your tiring articles for 2008 when there in the mix again.
from 6 months ago
Brandon, are you suggesting that OSU is going back to the title game next year?
from 5 months ago
"Brandon, are you suggesting that OSU is going back to the title game next year?"
Oh great... another 2nd place finish for THE Runner-Up University in 2008/2009!!
6 months ago
I'm still proud to have friends who are Buckeyes. They are very good-natured people.
I like Georgia vs Ohio State for the title next year. There's no way OSU can lose three in a row.
Or is there?
from 6 months ago
you mean theres no way ohio state could possibly be overated 3 years in a row. ohio state had no business in that game and never desreved to get a runner up trophy. the schedule is one of the waekest of any team that is supposed to have a decent program. OSU needs to give up their bullshit way of thinking and play a difficult schedule and prove that they are worthy of being in contention because that wont happen again
6 months ago
Ohio State and the Big 10 are consistently overrated.
0-9 vs. the SEC says it all.
6 months ago
Whoa, let us not make the record of one team in the Big Ten against all other SEC teams in the last ten outings be the final word in the conference comparisons. Have we forgotten the whooping just delivered to Florida and their beloved Heisman winner by an unranked Michigan? Without the two fumbles on the one yard line that is a joke game. Timmy had two and a half seconds to throw or run for his life. No game time or half time adjustments were evident.
Have we forgotten the wins by Iowa over Florida in the Outback Bowl then to LSU (and Saban) in the Capitol One Bowl in consecutive years? There are many other examples in recent history, but way to much time needed to review. It would not matter to SEC fanatics anyway.
Overall conference strength in this era goes to SEC, no argument, but that can change very rapidly. The team speed thing is over. The Big Ten is not in the throes of death but in remission. The curse of Ohio State may be developing as one of the more significant ones in college football. Great Point by Pollock. The Red Sox are in a different position now and the Buckeyes could have the same experience any time.
from 6 months ago
there is no curse of ohio state. a curse it bad luck. you are overrated .
6 months ago
Big, a whooping? sorry, but a whooping is when you win by more than a touchdown. As far as conferences all have up and down years but whats really unfair is all do not play conference championships and some have automatic bowl bids. Don't you find it funny that right now 2 conferences are against the plus one. The Pac 10 and the Big Ten. You would think all would be in agreement to make things even and fair but that does not seem to be the case. And you wonder why all the SEC fanatics are fanatics? It is not the speed thing. Its the fair thing.
6 months ago
BLAH...BLAH>>>BLAH
THE SEC IS DOMINATING.... SLOWHIO STATE is 0-9
6 months ago
ONCE AGAIN THE ARROGANT CHUMPEYES GET THEIR UNDESERVING TEAM IN THE NATIONAL TITLE. ONLY TO SHOW THE WORLD AGAIN THAT THEY HAD NO BUSINESS PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS. HOPEFULLY THIS CONSECUTIVE LOSS WILL KEEP THEM OUT OF OUR FUTURE TITLE GAMES.
from 6 months ago
How does a team with the only 2 time Heisman Trophy winner, (and several other winners), with as many National titles, and such a storied rich history be referred to as the Arrogant Chumpeyes? I feel sorry for you that Daddy didn't teach you things like sportsmanship, professional courtesy, and respect. Here's some advice for you, join the service and let them beat it into you. Fidelus et Verus.
6 months ago
It wasn't the Buckeyes lack of speed. If you noticed, our 235 pound running back outsprinted your All-American DB's. The Buckeyes had the athletes to compete. It was the conservative, predictable playcallng and poor discipline that did us in.
And no, OSU is still better than Kansas. Kansas didn't even play anyone even in their conference (didn't play UT, Texas Tech or OU). At least we beat UM, PSU, and Wisconsin
from 6 months ago
if you lost to illinois and USC tooled them around like they did, good luck next season trying to show that you are still worthy of the outback bowl
from 5 months ago
No david, youre right, it wasnt the lack of speed..Chris wells outran everyone on the first play to debunk that argument..but i think it was LSU's athleticism that did OSU in..The tigers had more playmakers at almost every level(im sure you noticed guys at wr like doucet, byrd, toliver, holliday,etc. and at running back..and chris wells is kind of a slower, beat it down your throat back that LSU's defense was able to stop...i think that LSU deserved to be in this game, ohio state, as we learned, couldnt really compete as well as some thought against LSU..but in this crazy year of college football it was the best matchup based on fairness of strength of schedule
6 months ago
Speed in football doesn't just mean how fast players can run 40 yards. It also means, for example, whether defenders can keep up with their assigned receivers, or how fast the defensive line can get to the QB. In that more proper meaning of "speed" in football, LSU had far more speed than OSU.
from 6 months ago
That isn't speed...that's talent
from 6 months ago
I'm going to agree here. One time I saw Hester make a DB miss and he left his jock strap lying on the turf.
6 months ago
I think the reason is very simple. The Big 10 is an average conference with the exception of two teams. Therefore, OSU goes all season and really has no way of measuring how good/bad they really are. The strength of a conference lies in every team, top to bottom, all year long. It does NOT lie in bowl victories. Unlike the regular season, bowl games always mean more to one team (with the obvious exception of the championship game). Measuring bowl victories is one of, but not the only way to handicap a conference.
OSU fans shouldn't expect to gather that much more information about your team next year just because you play USC early. It will help, but it will still not provide a measure of how tough your team is week in and week out. You will never know this until your conference catches up to you.
LSU beat Virginia Tech, Florida, Auburn, and Alabama during the season. Then they lost to Kentucky and Arkansas. All of the SEC contests listed were won/lost by roughly a TD. That means that all of the teams mentioned are on the same level, but the difference was that LSU had that extra bit of ____ needed to win their games. Beating Ohio State was easy compared to surviving week in and week out in the SEC. This is the exact same point that was made a year ago. LSU simply confirms any of the lingering suspicions.
I cannot believe that a Big 10 fan would come out trumpeting the Michigan victory in the Capital One bowl, by the way. It is mind boggling.
from 6 months ago
Geaux ask the LSU players how easy it was to beat OSU. They had to fight tooth and nail to win that game. Just look at the stats, it was closer than you think. It came down to momentum, which (wow) was in the favor of the team that plays in that arena every year, what a shocker. Most if not all of the OSU players had ever stepped foot into that dome, including the coach. You would think they could have practiced in there at least ONE day. And you still think it was a fair contest? LSU held the cards the entire ride...Your comments only tell me that you never strapped a helmet on and took a hit so hard that you forgot your name. Well, if you had, you would realize how hard the game really is. Geaux eat your gumbo, I hope it gives you the shits like it did my brother!!
6 months ago
Great article, Tim.
OSU was the only pre-bowl one-loss team in the nation, and though their schedule was easy, their record and conference were enough to land them in the title game. They were certainly deserving. Just like last year.
What scares me is the possibility of the buckeyes returning to the title game next year, and then following year, and the following year, only to get blown out by (insert better football team here).
What happened to the days of great championship games? I know that the title game isn't designed to be entertaining, but if osu returns to the title game next year, will it even be worth watching?
from 5 months ago
Tyler, yeaux caint be seriouz, boudreaux!! It was 38-17(which is an ass beating in itself right there)and put in their backups and ohio state had the last touchdown to make it slightly respectable..But in the end, the boys from Louisiana(i kneaux yeaux hate that word)had much more talent and you didnt have to put a helmet on to see that..remember ali highsmith coming up the middle to closeline boeckman? or harry coleman smashing him again when he threw that interception to chevis jackson?or how about that fg block by ricky jean-francois?or that easy as hell touchdown throw to richard dickson by matt flynn? i could go on and on..dont tell me ohio state "let" LSU win this game or lost because tressel had conservative playcalling(wait, i thought it was miles liberal fanatic playcalling that got all you people mad at him in the first place?)
6 months ago
whats great is that 19 of 22 starters are most likely coming back next year. lets hope that number stays high.
not only that, USC away on the schedule for the buckeyes. so hopefully that will put a big game in the strength of schedule to put them back in the title game for another shot.
man it sucks to be from ohio right now though. LSU really showed how good of a team they are when they went down 10-0 and put a bunch of good drives together. that offense really got in sync and i applaud them. another choke job by the buck's. i knew if boeckman had to start throwing the ball the game would be over. shit. maybe we'll see you there again next year. :-D
6 months ago
The Big Ten might not be the conference that the SEC is, but they are coming back. Illinois and Ron Zook are getting entered into the mix, Michigan State is doing very well recruiting, Wisconsin is a decent team that gave Tennessee a game. Granted, top to bottom, the Big Ten is weak. In order, I'd probobly put them fourth overall. But don't say its a two team conference. There are up trends and down trends in programs. Washington won the Rose Bowl in 2001 but they're not so good anymore. Miami FL has gone down the tubes, but do you not think that they too will see a resurgence at some point? The Big Ten will be back. Have a little respect. Its hard to earn respect when you don't give it.
from 6 months ago
RON ZOOK!!!! HAHAHAHA SEC Fans...do you see this?!? Does anybody remember what this guy did at Fl? His coaching is winning in the Big Ten...that should be a tell-tale sign that your conference is struggling...hello?!?!?!
6 months ago
"maybe we'll see you there again next year. :-D"
LETS HOPE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
from 6 months ago
Hey Chris, Florida won last year with Zook's recruits, Have a look at a four loss team this year with almost all picked by the Urban crowd. What does that tell you? If this had been Zook, he would be one loss from being fired.
Eric, you want mind boggling look at the comment regarding the two conferences being based upon Ohio State's loss to LSU. Shouldn't someone say something? That is no measure. And let me remind you, Michigan got beat by App State. Is this one of the two teams you claim are good in the Big Ten?
The BCS CFBC game was a home game for LSU, as most of the bowl games are for west coast and southern teams. You always minimize that because it hurts your POV, which is blinded by your lack of objectivity.
Even when someone concedes that the SEC is the best conference in the current era, as I just did, you cannot concede that there was a huge exception when the Wolverines took the field in Orlando.
And ,Anonymous, thanks for being cowardly or not taking the time to register, such a burden. A whooping is what Michigan gave Florida. They dominated every aspect of the game and if it had not been for Hart's fumbles it would have been a laugher in the score. If anyone saw that game and did not think the Gators got beat from coaching to all aspects on the playing field, let me give you a ceramics web site, you would be better suited for that.
6 months ago
umm, Chris:
not exactly sure where you stand on this issue, your comment is somewhat vague aside from calling out SEC fans, but I'm not sure if you stand with them or against them.
I hate the SEC, but your statement endorses their credibility.
If a coach isn't successful in the SEC and then moves to the BigTen and is immediately successful there, it makes the BigTen look like the easier conference.
....if that is the point you were trying to get across, great.
6 months ago
Andrew, that is the point. Thanks.
Big, that is exactly what I am saying. His talent won a title...with a decent coach. He can't coach worth a flip. Yet he goes to the Rose Bowl from the Big Ten. See the point yet?
from 6 months ago
So Chris, how well did UF fare with this brilliant new coach? With his own recruits and the Heisman winner? What did he do to off set the pressure Michigan put on Tebow, nothing. He just had to prove his spread formation would work against anybody. Sad.
So Les Miles is a genius for beating Ohio State, and yet Zook cannot coach worth a flip. I see, I understand. You do know that Zook gave OSU its only other loss, right? Zook took the bottom of the Big Ten barrel and in two years of recruiting led them to the Rose Bowl and a victory over the top ranked team. Urban recruited from the top of the SEC and the National Championship and had the best football player in the country and lost four games. Who is the better coach?
Zook was screwed as badly as Dungy. Almost Parallel circumstances. Dungy has proven it was not him and I think Zook is in the process of proving the same thing. I hope so he is one hard working deserving guy. Politics brought Urban to Floirda, not poor coaching. Set conferences aside, lay off Zook.
from 6 months ago
I NEVER said Les Miles was a genius! He had the most talented team in the country sans USC this season. I'm sorry, but Zook is a pathetic coach. He can recruit with the best of them, but I can tell you as a former Crimson Tide fan that good recruiting doesn't win. (Bill Curry). So, in the past while Zook couldn't win in the SEC, now he is winning in the Big Ten. Makes me wonder about the conference...that's all I'm saying. The conference had a down year. That's all. Next year, the Big 11 may be the best conference in the country if OSU, Wisconsin, PSU and RichRod can do something.
6 months ago
Also, Big, I would like to agree with you that Florida GENERALLY has had a lit of trouble against the Big Ten. Most everyone else, however...
6 months ago
Like David, I would like to point out that Ohio State's lack of speed is a bit of a myth. I mean Ohio State has a number of players in the NFL and you don't end up in the NFL by being slow. Ohio State just didn't execute at all against LSU. Turnovers, blocked kicks, penalties, poor tackling...that's not a lack of speed, that's a lack of discipline and a lack of execution.
In fact, LSU was more physical all game long, dominating both lines, tackling well, and breaking tackles. You can say that Ohio State played faster than LSU but LSU played more physical than Ohio State.
from 6 months ago
... and lack of talent. welcome to the SEC
6 months ago
the SEC is where its at in football.
from 6 months ago
oohhKAY Mr. SEC, the rest of the conferences just don't rate.............
6 months ago
As far as the notion that Urban Meyer won a championship with Zook's recruits, hey, no argument here. But, he didn't have a title under his belt to help with recruiting his first season, and FL hardly played any true freshmen this year. Trust me, the Gators are going to be nasty next year, and the year after that, as well. So much vitriol was spewed at FL fans this year, but no one in Gainesville expected us to be in serious contention in '07. It was a rebuilding year. Don't expect the same kind of production out of Tim Tebow next year, but our retooled offense is gonna do some damage on the ground, I think. Urban's no dummy, and the two teams that really hurt us this year did it by running the ball well. Part of the trouble in the Bowl game was trying to run the ball a lot more without the personnel to do it effectively, especially against a Big Ten defense that's used to stopping the run.
And from a Gator who was sitting way up in the cheap seats, DEEP in the Michigan section at the Capitol One Bowl this year, the Michigan fans I sat with were classy and enthusiastic the whole way through, and shook my hand and gave us hugs and whatever afterward. Good show for the Big Ten, and even though I still think they're overrated as a conference, I'm starting to think OSU is the school with the big mouth. I've actually been to the OSU-MI game in the Big House before, (with Michigan fans,) and found the OSU crowd to be a much less desirable opposing fanbase.
6 months ago
Yep Big a burden to me sorry if it bothers you but so a name really why do u people make such a big deal about a name.
Big, Michigan outplayed Florida no doubt but ass whooping sorry not with that score and if you want to talk about 3 fumbles talked about the TD that was called back on Florida (bogus call) and the missed field goal and the scoreboard goes in whose favor. Mike Hart's fumbles were not in the endzone. But enuff said about that game really who cares but I agree Michigan outplayed them.
Big-- I also notice you did not touch the comments about a Big Ten conference championship or the Big Ten's refusal to discuss the plus one or the bowl contract with the Rose Bowl placing Illinois over a better SEC team UGA then you wonder why people hate the Big Ten
from 6 months ago
Dude. If you don't understand why submitting comments anonymously is lame, then you should think about it. Tagging your comments with your name is a way of keeping folks accountable for what they write. It's a basic community principle. Bleacher Report makes this very clear by tagging anonymous comments with the name "anonymous coward." Obviously, they want traffic and activity at the site, so they keep it wide open (for now). At the same time they are jokingly ackowledging the cowardice of an anonymous contributor.
I don't want to take away your right to comment anonymously but I think it would give you more credibility. Plus, these things are more fun when you know who your dealing with.
Now you know I'm the author's bro (if I signed up correctly). Who are you?
6 months ago
Yep Big a burden to me sorry if it bothers you but so a name really why do u people make such a big deal about a name.
Big, Michigan outplayed Florida no doubt but ass whooping sorry not with that score and if you want to talk about 3 fumbles talked about the TD that was called back on Florida (bogus call) and the missed field goal and the scoreboard goes in whose favor. Mike Hart's fumbles were not in the endzone. But enuff said about that game really who cares but I agree Michigan outplayed them.
Big-- I also notice you did not touch the comments about a Big Ten conference championship or the Big Ten's refusal to discuss the plus one or the bowl contract with the Rose Bowl placing Illinois over a better SEC team UGA then you wonder why people hate the Big Ten
6 months ago
Without two fumbles on the one yard line, Florida has tremendously better field position (they have nice sp. teams), and more room to open the offense. Stupid argument.
6 months ago
What???!!!!Better field position after Michigan kicks off after scoring two more touchdowns. You want to talk about a stupid argument. You need to remain anonymous. We are talking about first and goal twice.
6 months ago
I love seeing Ohio State lose!!!
from 6 months ago
I bet you do since your beloved Wolverine's haven't been able to pull it off over the last 4 years!
6 months ago
but Tim's brother is not a name nor is big or all the other bogus names that are signed in and does bleacher report keep my email address private or any other info that is required for sign up and can anyone sign in with Tim's brother. More than one person to a name? Give me a break that was an excuse so he did not have to answer my real question and you know it.
from 6 months ago
My name is Todd. My email address is todd.pollock@yahoo.com. It's really not that big of a deal. I am actually the brother of Tim, who wrote this article. You can send me a mean email if you want.
That's not my point though. If you post anonymously, it is much harder for the rest of us to interact with you. You might post every day. You might post once in a lifetime. We have no way of knowing. If you sign in before posting, the other folks on the site can track your previous comments and articles and can appreciate some context about you. It's helpful and it makes the site more fun. I mean...that's why we're here, right? Having fun. Working on our writing skills...whatever. I just think that by signing in, it helps you and us.
And now that you mention your "real question" that wasn't answered - I really don't even know how to find it. I'd have to sift through a bunch of other "anonymous coward" posts and find yours. It'd be a lot easier if I could just look for your username. Know what I'm saying, bro?
Join the community, dude!
6 months ago
I agree. The only people who are not anonymous are the writers who post legit first and last names and pictures.
6 months ago
Big talking about defense on the one yard line. hart just did not hand them the ball and that was a bad call on fla td. A whooping let me give an example of a whooping besides last nite. Georgia vs Hawaii, WVU and Oklahoma, USC and Illinois and I give you sec examples if you need them. Whooping to me is a big score not winning by 6.
6 months ago
Let it go, Florida got their heads handed to them.
from 6 months ago
Since I'm the only one blinded by my lack of objectivity, let me feel my way through the dark and respond to your previous sentence. Florida's defense, the glaring team weakness consisting of 9 first year starters, got its 'head handed to them.' They gave up 41 points to a senior laden team who was finally healthy for the first time all year, in Lloyd Carr's final game. And last time I checked, forced fumbles are credits to the defense. Especially when the guy turning the ball over had not done so in his previous thousand attempts.
Florida's offense scored 35 points and had two opportunities to win the game at the 4:00 and 2:00 minute marks. Neither worked; also a credit to the Michigan defense.
41-35 = getting your heads handed to you
38-24 = not enough information to make an accurate observation about the Big 10 and SEC conferences
Fair enough. I'm off to www.ceramicsarenotjustforbaking.com
6 months ago
Big, if that is how you feel that go with it florida got their heads handed to them and a whooping like you say go right ahead I just view things a little differently thats all. Now, last night that was whooping in my world. I am not a florida fan so its whooping if you say so.
I notice you went on a rant about anonymous to avoid answering about your big ten conference. What to you think about them not wanting a plus 1 and not having a conference playoff?
and really what's the difference with a name like big or anonymous.
6 months ago
I think the dude posing as my brother gave a very good reason for not submitting comments anonymously.
Let me divert this somewhat digressing discussion: Is there any way Tressel (who is a great coach) can ever bring a title to Columbus? I can only imagine what coaches are saying to recruits about OSU's embarrassing losses.
That said, is Tressel the new Lloyd Carr?
from 6 months ago
I think he could just use a solid coordinator that makes sure the gamecalling is less predictable. I really think it's not talent at all but gameplanning. Let's see...it's first down and the Buckeyes are in the I-formation. They don't audible. Can anyone guess what they're about to run??
from 6 months ago
David, is there talk of hiring a new OC, or is that just from you?
from 6 months ago
That's just me. Our coordinator still led his team to score 32 a game so he's doing fine. But in big games our offense struggled. They just seem too predictable. It's one thing to line up and play smashmouth football when you are clearly a more physical team. But when that's not working the coordinator has to be able to think of something more innovative. It's just frustrating to see an offense that has the players but not the scheme. If we had more of a spread O we could have utilized Robiskie/Hartline/Small/Saine much better in space with the threat of still pounding it up the gut w/ Wells. Just my opinion
6 months ago
Eric, now I am confused. Is the Big Ten team, Michigan, good when you want them to be, that is when they beat UF? Or is the SEC so strong that they dominate the Big Ten? Strong teams who deserve to be ranked 12th do not have glaring weaknesses, I thought. Is the Florida defense the weak link, or do they force fumbles from those who do not normally fumble. I keep stumbling over contradictions. That is a very good ceramics web site you selected, incidentally. Tell Larry to forget KY round ball this year.
from 6 months ago
He has already forgotten it.
Michigan and OSU are the two teams in the Big 10 that I consider to be strong on a yearly basis. This year's Wolverine team defied all logic, but proved that when they were healthy and played hard, they were a very formidable team. Lloyd Carr said so himself after the game to Urban - "One day you'll retire and your kids will play as hard for you as mine did."
My point, again, is that if Ohio State played an SEC schedule, they'd evolve into a much better team. More Georgias, Floridas, and Vols. Less Hawkeyes and Boilermakers. Competition like that would help them identify their problems much earlier in the year and their new high standards would be tested on a near weekly basis. They've got all the speed, size and talent required to win a championship. They just don't know what it takes to win one until around midnight on January 7th every year.
6 months ago
Ohio State is way over rated and everyone knew this going into the NC game..it was no surprise to any of us even the Buckeye fans how the game would turn out...I know my team WV lost to Pitt...but in my opinion we would have put up a hell of a lot better fight than the SUCKEYES. But you know what who cares we won our game and just like the last 3 years we are Champions...Sugar Bowl 06....Gator Bowl 07......Fiesta Bowl 08....2 BCS wins in 3 years not bad for the Mountaineers of WV. Ohio State it doesn't matter if you play in 30 National Championships if you don't win...but who cares you'll always have your "powerful" big(small) 10 trophies.
from 6 months ago
You seem to have forgotten that whole OSU winning the BCS in 2003 (+ a Fiesta Bowl win in '05). Doesn't that sound like 2 BCS wins in 3 years also?
When was the last time WV finished #1? Last time we finished #1 was '03. I don't think your program can say that. Suckeyes, that's cute. I think Slowhio sounds a little better. Such intelligent insults
from 5 months ago
Wow...David you are an idiot aren't you. Just when you thought you were gonna prove a point you forgot to finish basic math in Mrs. Smith's class. We are not talking about 3 years when ever,you reject. We are talking about NOW the LAST 3 years. Good you Buckeyes continue to live in the past. How many times must the nation tell you this.
By the way don't get me started on that give it to me by an official Championship.
6 months ago
I'm not so sure about 19 returning. OSU has a huge rep for quality players bailing to the NFL after a big loss. Look at all the players that left last year. Did any starters return for their senior season??? The team has a rep for being selfish. (BTW live in Columbus-I Know) Let the rioting begin.
6 months ago
Big,
The Big 10 team Michigan is good and the were healthy when they played Florida and they where not healthy when they played OSU. Big difference when you play makers are 100% Florida defense is the weak link this year. Freshman 9 of them starting is the point they are not consistent why because not all played defense in high school. BTW if that Michigan team was healthy all year...doubt OSU would be in the NC.
6 months ago
My hat is off to LSU. However, OSU will be back in it. For all that love to bash Ohio State...and call them overrated..due to the talent Ohio and WEstern PA. produces year in & year out on the H.S. level, OSU will consistently challenge for the NC.
They'll be in the mix again in 2008.
from 6 months ago
Brandon, you're right. They are good. Only negative comment or suggestion would be to be more aggressive after getting up on us by 10 points. Miles has got a knack for comming back. Anyway, really enjoyed meeting the OSU fans. They were very nice and polite. Kinda sad they had to go home like that. Anyway, Geaux Tigers. (Go to hell Nick Saban, You nappy headed ho)
5 months ago
I don't think anyone is saying Ohio State has seen its final competitive days. They'll get their kids.
But at the same time, this ain't your daddy's Big Ten anymore. The power has shifted to other conferences and I don't think the Midwest is ready to admit it.
5 months ago
SEC fans get ready, If the chips fall anywhere it the neighborhood of The Ohio ST, you can bet they will again play for the mythical national championship, we all have to reliaze that they have a lobbying committe ( ESPN) most of the game day crew went to school in OHIO, Mark May Kent St, Herbsreeet Ohio St, I can't remember the other two but their are 4 from Ohio one from Michigan and another from Colorado ,Oh and one that went to Fla St, Ever wonder why these guys love Ohio St.
Ever wonder why teams that meet the SEC champion O.S. Okla. come in with all world numbers and get the crap kicked out of them and their all world numbers come crashing down, they have been over rated by ESPN. A few years ago these blowhards said that Okla was not only favored over LSU but they were the best team in college football history, remember how that turned out? Even Hawaii can have remarkable numbers like they had this year, if you look great against weak comp it means nothing.
Pcc 10 and Big 10 will fight a real playoff tooth and nail, they had better, if we have an eight game playoff it won't be long till we see two SEC teams in the championship game and it won't be a fluke or a sham.
from 5 months ago
Your Michigan guy was raised in Cleveland by the way...
5 months ago
Can't say I agree about the ESPN bias. If anything, they have been shoving the "SEC Speed" down our throats recently.
Mark May - Pitt
Lou Holtz - Kent St.
Herbie - Ohio State
Corso - FSU
That's only one Big 10 rep. Plus, Holtz coached at ND and South Carolina, and he always picks the SEC teams.
Most recently, ESPN picked up Jesse Palmer, who played qb at Florida.
They aren't perfect, but I think they've done at least a better job at leveling the remarks from their commentators.
5 months ago
ESPN game day crew.
Chris Fowler Colorado
Herbstreit Ohio ST
May Kent st in Ohio
Holtz Kent st in Ohio
D Howard Michigan
Corso Fla St He picked Hawaii to beat UGA in Sugar Bowl.
Do you think the lobbying would have a different flavor if all but one of these guys grew up in the South?
Do you honestly think a SEC team that lost 9 in a row to the Big 10 would be a top 5 to begin next season. Ohio St will get the benefit of the doubt well beyond what they or any team with their record deserves, next year and into the future.
We need a 8 team playoff to somewhat negate the ESPN BIAS.( Speed deficet is obvious ( 0 and 9).
from 5 months ago
Fowler doesn't make any picks and is not considered an analyst.
Again, May went to Pitt
Holtz is the biggest SEC supporter ever
D-Howard rarely makes picks
Jesse Palmer, who is stealing air time from everyone, played for FL.
So Corso was wrong about his Hawaii pick. Did you pick all the games correctly?
Didn't we just go through this?
5 months ago
Georgias 2008 schedule. ( THIS AINT NO OHIO STATE SCHEDULE)
GA southern Athens GA
Cent Mich Athens GA
South Carolina Col. SC. Spurrier won NCG at FLA.
Ariz ST. Tempe ARIZ. Dawgs dont loose to out of confrance teams.
Alabama Athens GA Saban won NCH at LSU.
Tenn Athens GA Fulmer won NCG
Vandy Athens GA
LSU Batonrouge LA Defending nat champs.
FLA Jacksonville FLA last years champions.
Kentucky Lexington KY Beat LSU last season.
Auburn Auburn ALA. 13-0 SEC champs Got cheated out of NCG.
Georgia Tech Athens GA 1990 Nat champs should have had it alone Col got 5 downs
To all who question why SEC teams don't play great out of confrance teams. (UNDERSTAND NOW!!!!!!)
from 5 months ago
C'mon Mark.... Did you really just refer to a teams 1990 season to show there strength and another due to a coach that won with another team? Your better then that... You have to be.. PS. I dont question the SEC schedule at all... Thats a tough conference to play no matter who you are...
5 months ago
I think all you people are retarded because I dont see any other teams going to the national championship two years in a row.
5 months ago
79-38
5 months ago
You suck. Obviously a Michigan grad with the way you're openly bias towards The Ohio State University.
from 5 months ago
Why do Buckeyes insist on saying "The Ohio State University?" I'm just sayin'.
5 months ago
I've never even been to Michigan.
This is not breaking news, Ike; the entire country is saying what I'm saying.
But yes, I suck.
5 months ago
"I think all you people are retarded because I dont see any other teams going to the national championship two years in a row."
Oklahoma went two years in a row.
And just like Ohio State, they stunk up the place two years in a row.
5 months ago
Miami went back-to-back as well--it was mentioned in the article.
5 months ago
OSU didn't put themselfs in the NC game the BCS did ,and yes the Big Ten has been weak for a couple of years and the 2 top teams are far better than the rest of the conference. To say the SEC is faster NOT!! Not even in football speed OSU was young and wasn't even suppose to win the Big Ten title let alone play for a NC. OSU shot themselfs in the foot with penalties and 2 turnovers and still had a shot to tie or win the game. They were a very young team and LSU was the older wiser team that captalized on OSU mistakes.I give props to LSU clearly mentally better football team and deserves to be the national champions. I am proud of our BUCKEYES for over acheving and look foward to very successful season next year GO BUCKS!!!! That is my opion and opions are like assholes everybody got one and they all stink!!!!!
5 months ago
In a RELOADING year the Buckeyes shot themselves in the foot with the schedule they played... It put them in a championship game they probably shouldnt have been in.. But gez o man some of you are ruthless and just go above and beyond reality with the things being said about them.. They are still one of the premier schools in the country and people who only saw them in the national spotlight are just simply going overboard. The stats in the LSU game were actually very close w the slihgt edge actually going to the Bucks.. In no way do I think they were the better team but the Buck are still without a doubt one of the top teams in the nation... Say what you will,but everyone needs to take a look at the college they root for and compare them to the Bucks over the last few years.. Not many teams can compare.. Obviously I am a touch biast but, the numbers don't lie...
5 months ago
good post james...osu should be proud for reaching the national title game..the way they ran up and down the feild on teams at times they looked unbeatable..hopefully perrilloux takes care of the qb position next year for our tigers
5 months ago
Enjoy it while it lasts....As Vernon Gholston stated, "we just didn't execute"...
Signed,
A Proud Buckeye fan
5 months ago
I agree with James for the most part. Ohio State was not supposed to win the Big Ten conference, let alone play in the National Championship game. The Buckeyes made a lot of costly errors agains LSU due, mainly, to their inexperience. They are a very young football team. The SEC is not faster than the Big Ten. LSU just made fewer mistakes than Ohio State. And, to whomever writes that they don't understand why OSU is referred to as THE Ohio State University.......you just don't get it and you never will.
Signed,
PROUD TO BE A BUCKEYE
5 months ago
.The football team has lost two straight title games to SEC schools, getting blasted by Florida and pummeled by LSU—whose coach, Les Miles, is of course a Michigan graduate.
OSU is now 0-9 vs. the SEC in bowl games, seemingly putting to rest the old SEC vs. Big 10 debate.
Are the Buckeyes—gulp—the new Buffalo Bills of college athletics?
The list could go on and on.
For the record, this piece isn't meant to bash Ohio State.
Oh O.K.
thank God you wasn't trying to bash the Buckeyes. By the way you forgot to mention what team you follow, and how far they got the last two years.................
5 months ago
What you quoted from my article was simply facts, Richard, and nothing more.
That said, the game was a month ago. It's time to move on.
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