Is Ohio State's Season Over?

The 2008 Buckeye football season had so much promise.  Most of the best underclassmen decided to stay in school for one final run at a title.  Jim Tressel had secured the No. 1 ranked recruit in 6’6” robo-quarterback Terrelle Pryor. 

Now, three weeks into the season, it’s a totally different story. 

I flew down to Los Angeles last weekend to tailgate and party with a bunch of friends for the much-anticipated Ohio State-USC clash.  Even though the Buckeyes had looked worse than a Roseanne Barr/Rosie O'Donnell girl-on-girl Penthouse spread the week before against Ohio U, Buckeye fans were still excited about the team’s chances of shocking the Trojans.

Then came the news that scary-monster-RB Beanie Wells would not play in the showdown.  Even after that news, trying to stay positive, I felt that it could work to Ohio State’s advantage to have the element of surprise on their side for this matchup.

“With Beanie, USC would know exactly what we’re gonna do.  Without him, they have no clue what we’re gonna do,” was my reasoning to fellow distraught Buckeye lovers.

At around 5:00 PST on Saturday, about 17 Budweisers and more than a few scattered swigs of Jack Daniels deep, I settled in to watch the ballgame in our party bus with about thirty other fans. 

And, well, you all saw the game.  A questionable (and I’m being nice with that word) holding call, which negated a Brian Robiskie touchdown that would have cut the deficit to 14-10, was like a Karl Malone elbow to the groin.  Then a Rey Maualuga pick-six made it a full 14-point swing, and the game was basically over. 

Luckily for me, I was in the midst of partying in L.A., so I was pretty numb to the fact that my team just got its collective ass kicked.  But I have to admit my interest in Ohio State football has now dropped off the face of the Earth.  I haven’t read a single article all week.

I found out last night that Beanie Wells is most likely still out.  So as the Scarlet and Grey prepare to attempt to bounce back against oft-overlooked Troy on Saturday, I’m planning on enjoying the last bit of sunny Washington weather and going on a hike instead of watching the game. 

Normally we all wake up at 7:00 AM to watch GameDay and get rowdy for the Buckeye game, no matter who they play.  But now, with what’s occurred so far this season, nobody seems to care. 

But relax, Buckeye Fans—it’s not that bad.  Remember, this program won a national championship just six years ago.  Not many programs can say that.  We should also be able to enjoy a Terrelle Pryor/Beanie Wells backfield next season. 

So while the USC debacle is not the end of the world, it sure looks like the end to this season.  And that’s fine with me—there are plenty of other things in life to enjoy.  Like It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, for one.  And hot chicks.  And eating.  The list can go on and on.

OK, I've said my piece...now if you'll excuse me, I have to go watch the season premiere of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia with a hot chick and a buncha junk food.