Why Hate the Buckeyes? There Are Some Very Good Alternatives

You have got to love college football season. 

Carson Palmer slammed Buckeye fans as if he is surprised that people are passionate about Ohio State in Ohio. 

"I cannot stand the Buckeyes" The Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback told listeners of KLAC in Los angeles by telephone. 

"It’s amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I got to put up with being back there. I just can’t wait for two years from now when ‘SC comes to the ‘Shoe ....I’m really getting sick of it. I just can’t wait for this game to get here so they can come to the Coliseum and experience L.A. and get an old fashioned, Pac 10 butt-whooping."

   You can expect that to happen when you make it to the title game as often as Ohio State has in the past six years. For some fans its actually a complement.  No-one would care what the fans think if your team isnt in contention. 

   In fact, that is the very reason Buckeyes fans are so enthusiastic. There has been a lot to get excited about in Columbus, unless you are a fan of USC (LSU or the Florida Gators)

     If you base your displeasure on embarrassing losses by number one teams (Buckeyes have finished the last two regular seasons ranked No. 1), then may I offer some equally deserving alternatives.

Ohio State is 1-2 in title games over the last six years.  But to match the accomplishments of the FSU Seminoles, the Buckeyes would have to appear in the next two consecutive championship games and win only one of them.

In the past 35 years Florida State has been the preseason favorite more often than any other team—six times (1999, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1988).  They have played in five national title games between 1993 and 2001 and won only two of them. 

But Ohio State looks great compared with their much-vaunted week three opponent USC. 

Southern Cal has been the number one-ranked team in preseason five times since 1973 and has won only once in those years.  (They have won two national championships but were ranked 11th in preseason for one of those). 

College fans are a passionate bunch, but don't lump all of your jealous rage into just one scarlet and gray basket—the Buckeyes are probably going to be in the hunt for a good long while