Ohio State Football: 2011 Buckeyes Should Not Be Viewed Too Negatively

The last time Ohio State did not win at least a share of the Big Ten title was in 2004. 

There are some eerie similarities between the 2004 team and that of 2011.  Both teams were starting brand new quarterbacks and both started the year not knowing who would be No. 1.  Both teams played horribly in the beginning, especially on offense.  Both teams lost to Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The 2011 team, however, had much more to overcome—not to mention all the scandal that cost Jim Tressel his job.  Even if Tressel was still here, the 2011 team would be a challenge.  People have been down on the offense all year and the defense has shown that it is very young. 

The 2004 team did not have all true freshman receivers. Santonio Holmes and Roy Hall were both in their sophomore seasons.  The 2004 team also did not have to replace seven graduating seniors (Dexter Larimore, Cameron Hayward, Brian Rolle, Ross Homan, Chimidi Chekwa, Jermale Hines and Devon Torrence). The 2004 team also did not have one of their top defensive lineman, Nathan Williams, lost for the season after the opener.  Neither Justin Zwick nor Troy Smith were true freshman, they were both redshirt sophomores. 

Braxton Miller is a true freshman like Terrelle Pryor, but Pryor had Brian Robiske and Brian Hartline his freshman year. Where would Miller be if he had those two to throw to. To put things into context, Denard Robinson was essentially a wildcat runner his freshman year. Tim Tebow was the same except for a few lob passes on the goal line.  Braxton Miller has already lead OSU to a comeback and a near comeback at Purdue.

The challenges the 2011 team has faced have been almost insurmountable and up until a blocked extra point, the team controlled their own destiny in regards to the Big Ten Title. 

People are down on offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and have already accepted the fact that Luke Fickell will not be retained and Urban Meyer will be the next coach.  This may be true and Urban would be a good hire, but let us not compare the 2011 Buckeyes to the previous six teams who were in two title games, six BCS bowl games and won at least a share of the Big Ten title. 

The closet comparison would be 2004.  But with the extreme youth on offense and replacing too many starters on defense, to have a seventh straight Big Ten title thwarted by a blocked extra point is not that bad.  The 2004 team was out of the Big Ten title race at the same time.  I am not arguing to keep Luke Fickell nor am I advocating that Jim Bollman is a great offensive coordinator, but if you look at this year's team in light of 2004, for Ohio State to be discussed in the Big Ten title hunt at Game 10 of the season is an accomplishment.

The Buckeyes will become better by addition as Devier Posey rejoins the team and hopefully Corey "Philly" Brown can get healthy, but this year's team has done more than we are giving them credit for.  We have been spoiled by the years of success but in light of these facts, the 2011 season is not that bad. 

A few weeks ago, after the collapse in Nebraska, OSU fans were wondering if the Buckeyes would even make a bowl game. Up until the blocked PAT in Ross-Ade Stadium, we were predicted by some experts to go all the way to the title game.  It is no consolation.  The defeat at Purdue hurt and the way we lost hurts more but there is still much to be proud of this season. And there are still two games left. 

In 2004, after losing to Purdue, Ohio State was a nine point underdog to Michigan in the final game of the season. Troy Smith had his best game of the year and freshman receiver Anthony Gonzalez had a break out game. Ohio State defeated Big Ten leading Michigan 37-21. 

Let us hope lightning strikes twice.  It would make the 2011 season a success.