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Ohio State's Family Feud: Saliva Edition
David ThurmanFeb 15, 2011
Family Feud is a feature where Dave and Drew throw their opinions in on various Buckeye football subjects, which many times are quite opposite. This edition takes a look at some of the hot topics in Buckeye Nation including the spitting incident, rankings, and the 2011-12 football season.
1) What is your reaction to Jared Sullinger's allegation about getting spit in the face by a Wisconsin fan? What do you think about Bo Ryan comments about the incident?
Dave: I am fed up with fans who are out of control, whatever the venue, and I have visited enough places to see some pretty reprehensible stuff - including from some "so called" Buckeye fans. However, Wisconsin has the reputation for having the most obnoxious fans in the Big Ten, and for years football players have told stories of what they have been forced to deal with on the sidelines. It is time for the Wisconsin administration to do something about the situation and quit looking the other way. Bo Ryan showed himself to be completely classless, and instead of trying to rein in the student body he merely enabled them to continue their bad behavior. Say what you want about Bob Knight but he would have been on a mission to find out who had been involved and make sure they never attended another game. I hope the Buckeyes destroy Wisconsin when they come to Columbus, and I can honestly say that at this point the Badgers have become public enemy number one in my book.
Drew: I totally hear where you are coming from. While the incident itself is pretty reprehensible, I'm more bothered with the reactions since Saturday. Bo Ryan had every opportunity to show some sportsmanship and express his disappointment with the possibility of this happening. Personally, if I am him, I'm apologizing to Sullinger for this happening, and conveying that I hope that it didn't take away from a great game with a great atmosphere. Instead, Ryan has drawn Sullinger's credibility into question for the fans and media to see. A very similar reaction is being expressed by Wisconsin fans all over the web. Sullinger is being called a poor loser and liar, and many seemed convinced that this would have been caught on camera if it really happened. I agree with Alex from 11W, that I hope nothing like this happens at Ohio State, and if does, Buckeye fans can handle things in a much more classy manner.
2) The Buckeyes fell to No. 2 in the AP poll and No. 3 in the Coaches poll, your thoughts?
Drew: Rankings honestly mean very little to me in college basketball. Unlike the ridiculous BCS, college basketball at least allows teams to settle it on the court. I get more worked up about NCAA Tournament seeding than I do mid-season "power rankings." With that said, it is comical how in love the media (namely ESPN) is with the Big 12. Ironically, Kansas showed they weren't able to handle the No. 1 ranking against a very mediocre Kansas State team. Let's hope this helps the Buckeyes gain some respect for what they have accomplished this year. I'm not holding my breath though.
Dave: I figured it would happen, and it might be good for the team, but it probably isn't fair. The team has one bad four minute spell against an excellent opponent in a tough place to play. In my book OSU is still number one, but I'm glad to let Kansas have that bullseye on their back (note: after I wrote this the Jayhawks promptly went out and spit the bit, losing to Kansas State). However, there is no way a three-loss Texas team should have leaped the Bucks as occurred in the coaches poll, but it is what it is.
1) What is your reaction to Jared Sullinger's allegation about getting spit in the face by a Wisconsin fan? What do you think about Bo Ryan comments about the incident?
Dave: I am fed up with fans who are out of control, whatever the venue, and I have visited enough places to see some pretty reprehensible stuff - including from some "so called" Buckeye fans. However, Wisconsin has the reputation for having the most obnoxious fans in the Big Ten, and for years football players have told stories of what they have been forced to deal with on the sidelines. It is time for the Wisconsin administration to do something about the situation and quit looking the other way. Bo Ryan showed himself to be completely classless, and instead of trying to rein in the student body he merely enabled them to continue their bad behavior. Say what you want about Bob Knight but he would have been on a mission to find out who had been involved and make sure they never attended another game. I hope the Buckeyes destroy Wisconsin when they come to Columbus, and I can honestly say that at this point the Badgers have become public enemy number one in my book.
Drew: I totally hear where you are coming from. While the incident itself is pretty reprehensible, I'm more bothered with the reactions since Saturday. Bo Ryan had every opportunity to show some sportsmanship and express his disappointment with the possibility of this happening. Personally, if I am him, I'm apologizing to Sullinger for this happening, and conveying that I hope that it didn't take away from a great game with a great atmosphere. Instead, Ryan has drawn Sullinger's credibility into question for the fans and media to see. A very similar reaction is being expressed by Wisconsin fans all over the web. Sullinger is being called a poor loser and liar, and many seemed convinced that this would have been caught on camera if it really happened. I agree with Alex from 11W, that I hope nothing like this happens at Ohio State, and if does, Buckeye fans can handle things in a much more classy manner.
2) The Buckeyes fell to No. 2 in the AP poll and No. 3 in the Coaches poll, your thoughts?
Drew: Rankings honestly mean very little to me in college basketball. Unlike the ridiculous BCS, college basketball at least allows teams to settle it on the court. I get more worked up about NCAA Tournament seeding than I do mid-season "power rankings." With that said, it is comical how in love the media (namely ESPN) is with the Big 12. Ironically, Kansas showed they weren't able to handle the No. 1 ranking against a very mediocre Kansas State team. Let's hope this helps the Buckeyes gain some respect for what they have accomplished this year. I'm not holding my breath though.
Dave: I figured it would happen, and it might be good for the team, but it probably isn't fair. The team has one bad four minute spell against an excellent opponent in a tough place to play. In my book OSU is still number one, but I'm glad to let Kansas have that bullseye on their back (note: after I wrote this the Jayhawks promptly went out and spit the bit, losing to Kansas State). However, there is no way a three-loss Texas team should have leaped the Bucks as occurred in the coaches poll, but it is what it is.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
3) With six games before the Big Ten tourney, how do you see this team finishing up?
Dave: I think they may lose one more, and it wouldn't shock me if that happened at Purdue, who willl be out for blood. That would still allow Ohio State to be the undisputed Big Ten champion, and unless they have a meltdown in the conference tournament would secure a number one seed for the Big Dance. I will take that any day of the week.
Drew: Totally agree, another loss could very easily happen. With the undefeated season now no longer a reality and the Big Ten regular season championship in reach, a slip up could happen. It's amazing how one loss can quickly turn into two or three in college athletics. The game in West Lafeyette will definitely be a crazy environment, and anything could happen that night. I still worry about Wisconsin coming to town on March 6th though. The players and the fans will want revenge, and many times emotion isn't always the best thing as it distracts. Between those two, I think this team only possibly losses one other game going into the NCAA Tournament. Which, of course, means I am predicting them winning the Big Ten Tourney.
4) On to football. Looking at the possible two-deep for next year when the Buckeyes open against Akron, there are a lot of new names on both sides of the ball. Any position have you worried?
Drew: I am mostly concerned about the lines. On the offensive line, depth is majorly lacking, especially with Mike Adams out early in the season. If someone goes down, the staff will be giving minutes to a walk-on or a freshman. Not exactly an ideal situation with new starters at quarterback and in the backfield. The defensive line is equally as green and thin. While Nathan Williams, Jonathan Hankins and John Simon return to provide experience, strongside end is still in question and the second string is unproven. I'm hoping one or two of the freshman defensive lineman can come in and contribute right away.
Dave: Yes, there are two or three positions that cause me some concern, but none more than wide receiver. With DeVier Posey out for the first few games, there are simply no proven commodities. Philly Brown showed big play ability but dropped as many as he caught. We hear good things about T.Y. Williams but he has never played a down to this point, and the light has yet to come on for Chris Fields. I am hoping that the true freshmen, Devin Smith and Evan Spencer, come in ready to play. Outside of receiver I am a bit anxious about the offensive line (lack of depth) and cornerback (very green), but I still think wideout is the biggest concern, at least until Posey returns from his suspension.
5) There has been a lot made about Ohio State's lack of offensive line recruiting over the past several weeks, are you pressing the panic button?
Dave: Not pressing the panic button, because I see six or seven very nice players on the line, and if they stay relatively healthy the Buckeyes should be fine. I also think there are two or three d-linemen who could move to offense and probably hold their own. However, I do think the coaching staff needs to offer more scholarships at this position, and not allow this situation to happen again. Let's just hope the line stays healthy like they did in 2010.
Drew: I'm not pressing the panic button either, but I as I stated above, I am worried about this season. The depth is very thin, and with Brown, Carter and Underwood all perceived projects, injuries could spell problems. As for the future, my hope is that 2012 can turn the tide. With Boren and Kalis already in the fold along with numerous other possible prospects, we won't have to bring this topic again next year at this time. Also, if the staff is able to make something of the three aforementioned "projects" quicker than we expect, that would be a pleasant surprise.
Dave: I think they may lose one more, and it wouldn't shock me if that happened at Purdue, who willl be out for blood. That would still allow Ohio State to be the undisputed Big Ten champion, and unless they have a meltdown in the conference tournament would secure a number one seed for the Big Dance. I will take that any day of the week.
Drew: Totally agree, another loss could very easily happen. With the undefeated season now no longer a reality and the Big Ten regular season championship in reach, a slip up could happen. It's amazing how one loss can quickly turn into two or three in college athletics. The game in West Lafeyette will definitely be a crazy environment, and anything could happen that night. I still worry about Wisconsin coming to town on March 6th though. The players and the fans will want revenge, and many times emotion isn't always the best thing as it distracts. Between those two, I think this team only possibly losses one other game going into the NCAA Tournament. Which, of course, means I am predicting them winning the Big Ten Tourney.
4) On to football. Looking at the possible two-deep for next year when the Buckeyes open against Akron, there are a lot of new names on both sides of the ball. Any position have you worried?
Drew: I am mostly concerned about the lines. On the offensive line, depth is majorly lacking, especially with Mike Adams out early in the season. If someone goes down, the staff will be giving minutes to a walk-on or a freshman. Not exactly an ideal situation with new starters at quarterback and in the backfield. The defensive line is equally as green and thin. While Nathan Williams, Jonathan Hankins and John Simon return to provide experience, strongside end is still in question and the second string is unproven. I'm hoping one or two of the freshman defensive lineman can come in and contribute right away.
Dave: Yes, there are two or three positions that cause me some concern, but none more than wide receiver. With DeVier Posey out for the first few games, there are simply no proven commodities. Philly Brown showed big play ability but dropped as many as he caught. We hear good things about T.Y. Williams but he has never played a down to this point, and the light has yet to come on for Chris Fields. I am hoping that the true freshmen, Devin Smith and Evan Spencer, come in ready to play. Outside of receiver I am a bit anxious about the offensive line (lack of depth) and cornerback (very green), but I still think wideout is the biggest concern, at least until Posey returns from his suspension.
5) There has been a lot made about Ohio State's lack of offensive line recruiting over the past several weeks, are you pressing the panic button?
Dave: Not pressing the panic button, because I see six or seven very nice players on the line, and if they stay relatively healthy the Buckeyes should be fine. I also think there are two or three d-linemen who could move to offense and probably hold their own. However, I do think the coaching staff needs to offer more scholarships at this position, and not allow this situation to happen again. Let's just hope the line stays healthy like they did in 2010.
Drew: I'm not pressing the panic button either, but I as I stated above, I am worried about this season. The depth is very thin, and with Brown, Carter and Underwood all perceived projects, injuries could spell problems. As for the future, my hope is that 2012 can turn the tide. With Boren and Kalis already in the fold along with numerous other possible prospects, we won't have to bring this topic again next year at this time. Also, if the staff is able to make something of the three aforementioned "projects" quicker than we expect, that would be a pleasant surprise.
Chapman's Game-Saving Play 😱
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
