I think the magic number for Ohio State to win is to keep Oregon under 40 points. Our offense is more than good enough to keep up, but I don't ever feel comfortable in shootouts. Our pass rush needs to be effective in this game as well.
I also expect Dontre Wilson to make his presence known either on special teams or on a trick play. I bet he scores at least 1 TD.
While the idea of getting people motivated for the National Championship seems silly..
After the Wisconsin game, and the idea that OSU still possibly didn't "deserve" to be in the Final 4.. and then taking it to the #1 team in the country..
That's a lot of emotion that was expelled.. And now all week the OSU players have been hearing about how good they are..
I'm not saying they're going to come out completely flat and get blown out.. I think it's going to be a great game..
I could see it going either way by multiple scores.. In the event that one team pulls away late, and the other one maybe forces something and gives up another score..
Hopefully it's a great game so I'm not just sitting waiting for the Age of Ultron trailer..
Hate to agree with a Michigan fan, but you're right.
I think OSU's biggest challenge will be getting up for this game. The win over Alabama felt like a National Title game and they are hearing all the praise. Finally getting the SEC monkey off their backs, I think a letdown is probable. In other words, OSU's win over Bama had a lot more meaning than Oregon's win over FSU.
This falls directly on Urban to get them ready. I'm not saying he can't do it but this is what worries me most.
same here. after the game, the Oregon players were already set upon the next game. the Buckeye players were saying things like "we are good enough" and that's great for the moment, but I hope that they were able to drop it quickly.
then again, we might have had 2X the practice time that Oregon did due to a NCAA mix-up on pushing the Nat'l Title game back, so we had more time to drill that out of the team.
Meyer knows what it takes to win a Championship. Sometimes you need to build up a team that has been torn down by almost everyone outside of the program, just so they believe that they belong. Face it, they were down to their 3rd string QB, and no one gave them any chance to even win their final game of the season or their conference championship,let alone knock off #1 Alabama. Yet they did exactly that.
I think that he will have the team properly prepared, physically and mentally, for the challenge ahead.
I think it can work the other way too. Oregon was ranked #2 behind Bama, they have the Heisman winner, they beat the tar out of FSU, and they're the favorite again.
Bama might have been OSU biggest mental hurdle, but Oregon could be overconfident too.
if I'm Oregon this is how I defend OSU. These are our basic plays- bubble screens, 50/50 deep balls, shuttle passes, hand off the jet sweep, hand off for a straight ahead dive or QB draw.
Now here's what makes it hard to stop. Stopping Zeke is the #1 priority. If Oregon can't stop him, they need to just say "f it" and make the game a shoot out. Also, do NOT play zone versus Cardale. Cardale picked Bamas zone apart because he could rifle passes in the holes. Michael Thomas and Evan Spencer are incredibly intelligent and they find the weak spots.
Darren Carrington is out. Huge loss for Oregons Wr core. Who the hell does Mariota throw to now....? OSU can just stick Doran Grant on the best guy left.
Darren Carrington is out. Huge loss for Oregons Wr core. Who the hell does Mariota throw to now....? OSU can just stick Doran Grant on the best guy left.
I have only watched Oregon once or twice this season, but they're definitely impressive. They dictate the tempo and have so much athleticism on both sides of the ball.
I'm not sure if missing a WR will be that big of a deal, but you never know. But I do think it will be a pretty good game (and a high scoring contest).
I have only watched Oregon once or twice this season, but they're definitely impressive. They dictate the tempo and have so much athleticism on both sides of the ball.
I'm not sure if missing a WR will be that big of a deal, but you never know. But I do think it will be a pretty good game (and a high scoring contest).
I'll say Oregon wins a close one:
Oregon 41 Ohio State 34
Devon Allen was their fastest player & Darren Carrington was their best deep threat. It makes our lives easier if we keep everything Oregon does in front of us. They only have three players left who have caught more than 20 passes this season- Byron Marshall, Dwayne Stanford and Charles Nelson.
Oregon looked really really good in that last game when they played FSU.
Forcing turnovers, and looking like the other team was in slow motion.
I just hope Ohio State can look like they belong in the game.
In the past, something that has worked is if they don't give up on the BIG 10 style of play. Ohio State needs to play their game.
Ohio State once won a bowl game 38-almost nothing by running up the middle almost exclusively. One of the Rb's was Carlos Snow, and in the 2nd half, about all they did was hand the ball to him.
That reminds me. In their last game, Ohio State did not find a way to stop the outside run to the defense's left, away from Bosa, Alabama got more than 4 yds every time, on their first Td they went to it 4 times in a row 5 out of 7 plays, I said they'll do this till they stop em.
Eventually Ala. started doing something else, I don't know why, because Ohio State didn't stop that play once all game.
You can get 40 points in 3 quarters running five yards a pop exclusively.
Feel the same way you do. Keeping it close makes it uncomfortable for Oregon to just keep playing fast. Hard to put a team away and melt clock when you want to constantly 100 mph
For the record (and yes, I just stated this on Facebook, but I'm repeating it here):
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife website, it is quite clearly Rabbit season right now. However, here we are with a team mascot that bears more than a striking resemblance to Elmer Fudd about to square off against a bunch of Ducks.
It's obviously a setup, but I think we come out on top!
This is gonna be a game of runs, I just hope our fans don't freak out if we start off slow or go down by 14 at some point. I won't feel comfortable if we're up 14 either. I do NOT want the ball first. Let our guys settle down early in the game. Offense needs patience and stability. Also FGs are about as meaningful as punts in this type of game. Hell, I'd rather put Oregon inside the 5 instead of attempt 45-50 yard FGs.
I don't think you can say one way or another. Roth is, at this point, certainly better. Jones, with not even 3 games under his belt, is certainly showing up on NFL scouts radar. Size, can run, and has a rifle arm.
Had a Steelers fan say that to me not 3 hours ago.
I watched every game Roethlisberger played in college.
First off, Ben is faster.
Any other comparison is unfair to Jones as it's kid vs. man.
But to say he is a better runner than Ben is simply not true. Could he be someday? I doubt it, but it's certainly possible.
Well, the guy who offered me his opinion has watched every game Ben played as a Steeler. I can see how you would think Ben is faster being he was playing in the Mac conference. All I know is Jones looks like he's get more upside than Hoyer (of whom I am a fan) or Manziel.
How is Oregon not jumping every snap. Against Alabama we varied up the claps. Today it's one slow clap and a snap... but I guess we got away from it on the last few on the way to the ENDZONE! HUZZAH!
How is Oregon not jumping every snap. Against Alabama we varied up the claps. Today it's one slow clap and a snap... but I guess we got away from it on the last few on the way to the ENDZONE! HUZZAH!
My guess is because as soon as they get close to doing it, we're going to start changing it up.
How is Oregon not jumping every snap. Against Alabama we varied up the claps. Today it's one slow clap and a snap... but I guess we got away from it on the last few on the way to the ENDZONE! HUZZAH!
My guess is because as soon as they get close to doing it, we're going to start changing it up.
Yeah as soon as I opened my mouth they switched it.
We were attacking the potential of the read option earlier and missing (#13) now we're hanging back and stringing it out. love it and then we give up a floater. Son of a gun.
Watching Oregons band on ESPN makes me realize how spoiled I've been growing up with TBDBITL on the Ohio University Marching 110. They look like a high school band.
I went to high school at Boardman. We had a great marching band. I think there were like 800 people in it.
Every year, we'd play Cardinal Mooney high school in football. Mooney's team would destroy us, but Mooney's band had I think 4 people in it. It was like listening to the "rubber band" on Looney Tunes.
I've seen the commercials for heartbroken matchmakers or whatever. Is that some joke that Ohioans are a bunch of hilljacks or a real love connection thing?
I wanna know how the kid with the Kid'n'Play haircut with the vanilla swirl is always on the sidelines.
He's the ballboy. I'd imagine he's pretty damn good at his job, considering the pace that Oregon plays at. Can't slack too much with that team.
Really like where we're at right now. Oregon is not a team that likes to play behind (I know, who does) They're just not built for it.
Ohio State needs to keep riding Elliot and moving the chains. For the love of God hold on to the damn ball. A few more stops on defense, and the trophy is ours. Long way to go.
Oregon is not a team that likes to play behind (I know, who does) They're just not built for it.
Thanks for the heads up on the ballboy. Should have figured when he's always by the sticks.
Nobody wants to play from behind, but why do you say that Oregon isn't built for it. If Ohio State can keep stopping the run up the middle and stringin' out the read than we'll make them one dimensional, but we're far from Oregon feeling desperate.
Yep. In football, the basics never change. You can run the ball, you control the game.
I find it funny that people say the RB position isn't as important anymore. I don't care what level you play at-if you're one dimensional, you're to going very far.
Yep. In football, the basics never change. You can run the ball, you control the game.
I find it funny that people say the RB position isn't as important anymore. I don't care what level you play at-if you're one dimensional, you're to going very far.
Yep. In football, the basics never change. You can run the ball, you control the game.
I find it funny that people say the RB position isn't as important anymore. I don't care what level you play at-if you're one dimensional, you're to going very far.
Tell that to Andrew Luck.
Dan Herron is doing a fine job running the ball for those guys.
What is so great about this game is that my 3 yr old son is becoming genuinely interested in football. It's the birth of a new fan.
Awesome. It took me until thus year - my son started going to the Browns games as I have season tix. Tonight his mom called and didn't believe I told him he could stay up for the game tonight. I said heck yes I did! It's fun to share this with your kids.
Why did Zeke pull his shirt down to his pants. Back in the 90's all the ballers cut their shirts off above the belly button. Dem girlies love da belly button.
I was at my buddy's house with a bunch of people. It was a much more tense atmosphere compared with now, when I'm sitting in my own living room while my 2 kids sleep.
Can all of those who have demeaned Luke Fickell, and who have called him everything except a quality defensive coach, acknowledge the incredible job he has done, especially the Wisconsin game, and tonight?
Imagine if I would have told you that the Buckeyes would hold Oregon to 20 points ...... and with 4 OSU turnovers yet?
Here's toast to the OHIO STATE BUCKEYES WINNING the first Collage Championship playoff National Title ..
WE just Bad Asses.... Showing Big Ten Power..We beat the Ducks ...fill up our glasses...drink up and ...get in the shower ..(cany really say what I wanted to )
I was at my buddy's house with a bunch of people. It was a much more tense atmosphere compared with now, when I'm sitting in my own living room while my 2 kids sleep.
Perspective is a funny thing and I wouldn't change my experience for the world, even though I had some good f'in times. I remember I made the biggest batch of nachos ever for that game. When I got to my buddies house the bald ass tires on my truck slid in the driveway and I took out my friends dad's front quarter panel... I don't talk to a singlel one of those dudes today. Life's strange.
Here's toast to the OHIO STATE BUCKEYES WINNING the first Collage Championship playoff National Title ..
WE just Bad Asses.... Showing Big Ten Power..We beat the Ducks ...fill up our glasses...drink up and ...get in the shower ..(cany really say what I wanted to )
here's a toast to you...
Here's to it and from it and to it again... And damn the man who didn't do it when he got to it, may he never have the chance to do it again. Hear, Hear!!!
I knew we had a chance, maybe biased as a homer but especially after the Alabama game I was more confident.
Beating Alabama was monumental.
Yeah it was, I had some nerves going into that game but then we ended up being able to run with them. We are a faster team than I thought we were before that game.
But you gotta hand it to Oregon, they were as fast as advertised to be sure. They have a lot of guys who will be playing on Sunday.
I was loving it! I'm in the heart of SEC country and all I heard was that there was no way that tOSU could keep up with Mariota and Oregon's offense. That front 7 took away the run and performed extremely well. Zeke and the offensive line busted out an amazing performance. It's crazy to think that this team is built to repeat with all the players returning!
Congrats to all the OSU fans. It's a great night for Ohio.
While I'm a Toledo Rockets fan, even I can enjoy our big brother winning a national title.
I passed the game after C.Jones fumbled back near the 20 and I thought it was over. But they held them to a FG and then scored 21 unanswered points in a bruising way. Amazing.
" Post here if you carried your conference for the last decade plus!"
Notice how all the post game glitter was Oregon yellow? Haters.
What if's those two catches out of bounds in the end zone, one by Ohio State, and 2nd by Oregon, both incomplete passes.
What if, that fumble on the first drive.
Wow! How Oregon got a turnover at least twice almost immediately following the Bucks getting a 4th down conversion.
Oh, Another 14 win season for Ohio State. Oh, That Win over Arizona State in 1996 should have given the Buckeyes the Title that year, this year enhances my argument, but, ancient history that is.
Some story they will make on this season 16-20 years from now on the look back. Three Qb's and overcoming 4 turnovers in the final game.
We got commitments from 5* 2017 CB Shaun Wade, 5* 2016 RB Kareem Walker and 5* 2017 ATH Bruce Judson. Terry Beckner Jr. named OSU his leader, Damarkus Lodge puts OSU in his top 5.
I knew we had a chance, maybe biased as a homer but especially after the Alabama game I was more confident.
Beating Alabama was monumental.
Yeah it was, I had some nerves going into that game but then we ended up being able to run with them. We are a faster team than I thought we were before that game.
But you gotta hand it to Oregon, they were as fast as advertised to be sure. They have a lot of guys who will be playing on Sunday.
Alabama was the most physically imposing team OSU will play in a long time. They scared me more than Oregon. Just look at guys like Derrick Henry and their front 7.
I'm not into college football, but woke up and watched the second half of the game. That was very cool we Ohioans won it all!!! All I can say is hey-now!
Several things happened, they were physical with the Ducks,just like Stanford gets with them. Bucks made some mistakes that otherwise ,would have blown them out early. Once the defense got comfortable and had seen that speed stuff early, they took away the Ducks running. That was the only reason I was worried, if OSU could handle that speed spread that they run.. They made MM throw the ball. even though he had some drops and that one long TD, they contained him.
Next , the Bucks ran the ball down their throats and punched them. They had no answer for Elliot..none..I told a co-worker, if they run him more than 20 times, Oregon won't have the ball much and will get worn down.
I dont like to say so afterwards, but I didnt want to jinx things by saying it, but this game is the way I thought it could go. Speed is nice but football comes down to the trenches and moving the other team to allow that speed space to operate. I thought we were going to smash them in the mouth, and we did.
I love Tressel, but the mistake he made against Florida in that NC game was he tried to go spread and match speed and played their game. If we had played power football in that game we probably would have won easy.
That was a great game for the Buckeyes. Jones and Elliot and that OL... man that was awesome. What a great win for O-H I-O.
The run defense really stepped it up. After getting blown back at the beginning they really tightened it up against Tyner. Oregon's run game scared me much more than their pass game since Ohio State's secondary is so danged good. I think Eli Apple gets too much flack, he's played really well this year overall. However, the last three games I watched (I didn't catch the shellacking vs. Wisconsin, but I saw them beat that team up north, Bama, and Oregon) Joey Bosa did almost nothing good. He also did something really dumb in almost every one of those games as well. For all the hype he gets he really went to sleep when the games got big. He wasn't being double teamed or anything, and after making some game changing plays early in the season, he ended up playing like an entitled punk the last few games with the penalties and should have been penalties.
But man, overall the team was just so ready to dominate at the end of the season. I love that it was a Cleveland kid leading them to the National Championship, and that he was finally getting his due respect. I still like JT Barrett a ton, but some of the plays Jones was able to make in the playoffs were damned-near heroic. I really think both guys are better than Miller, and if one guy ends up transferring, I hope it's Braxton. I don't wish him any ill will, I hope he does well wherever he goes (as long as it's not Michigan), but I wold hate to lose Barrett or Jones. Hopefully they all stay.
Side note, what the heck is wrong with John Saunders? First he basically trashes Cardale Jones after the Bucs beat Alabama on the trophy podium, then he asks Ezekiel Elliot "is it worth disappointing your parents to win a national championship?" while he hasn't stepped off the field yet. What a jerk.
I love Tressel, but the mistake he made against Florida in that NC game was he tried to go spread and match speed and played their game. If we had played power football in that game we probably would have won easy.
Yep. The gameplan was all wrong when Tressel and Troy lost to Florida. They were so successful with it the prior game when they played Michigan, but Michigan was all about power. They had the top run defense in the country. Smith played amazing passing the ball that game and they tried to do the same thing against basically the polar opposite defense in Florida. It was terrible. Even after their top WR went out after the opening kickoff.
Man, what a great win. 4 turnovers and we still won (we were up 21-20 after 4 turnovers). Should have been a blowout. So proud of this team. My kids waking up this morning watching ESPN while eating breakfast was a great moment for me. I hope one day after the Superbowl I can have the same moment with them.
Question for all of the Draftniks... what does this loss do to Mariota?
I'm no draftnik, but I think Mariota is another in the long line of College QB's that don't pan out in the NFL. He threw to wide open WR's in college. He won't be able to throw into tight windows in the NFL. JMO
If I was a scout, I would only be concerned that he injured his throwing shoulder when he got rototilled by Bosa, and had to leave the game for a few plays. He came back in, but the pass he threw at the end of the game was way underthrown. If his shoulder's okay, I would still consider him a first round QB.
Question for all of the Draftniks... what does this loss do to Mariota?
Originally Posted By: PrplPplEater
Question for all of the Draftniks... what does this loss do to Mariota?
Love him as a prospect, even after last night. It's just that whoever drafts him is really going to have to be patient. Much like Johnny, there is a lot of work to do. He has s better head on his shoulders than Manziel. He's a great kid. It was tough hearing him talk after the game last night.
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
Oregon kept calling timeouts when the game was all but over. If they didn't want to get scored on again, quit stopping the clock. I have no problem with them scoring because of that.
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
Oregon kept calling timeouts when the game was all but over. If they didn't want to get scored on again, quit stopping the clock. I have no problem with them scoring because of that.
I personally don't care, if you can't stop it then get better. But Oregon stopped calling time outs after the off-sides penalty gave us a first down, that's why people are calling it classless.
my opinion is that it was a 2-score game and we needed to either run the clock out or, if we couldn't, then score. don't get cute and have something weird (1 big play) setup a possible on-side kick recovery.
the game is not over until there are all 0's on that board.
You mean the same Oregon team that ran the score up on everyone else they played?
Good point.
Originally Posted By: DIEHARD
It was only a 2-score game and the right call. Why risk getting a FG blocked/returned? The safe route was to keep pounding it on the ground.
Yeah I had similar thoughts as it was happening. FG didn't seem right... I think people had issue with not kneeleing when they could have run out the clock after getting the first and goal.
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
I figured some would call it classless, but it's not like they were passing the ball. They were running the ball up the gut. And yes, it was only a two score game.
Sure, they could have gone into victory formation, but that's a rare move in college football. Oregon is well known for running up the score. I'm not saying OSU doesn't run it up too, just saying, all major programs keep their foot on the pedal until zeroes are on the clock. It's normal.
And anyway, this isn't Pee Wee football or some friendly rec league game. If you want your opponent to take it easy on you and not hurt your feelings, this isn't the sport or stage for you then.
The final TD was necessary. The Ducks would have called their time outs forcing the field goal anyway. It's how they coach. We just stuck it to them. I have no problem with it.
If Oregon had done it you guys would of called it classless.
You guys sound like Steelers fans after an illegal hit "That's just Steelers football"
This and now how we should apparently draft Cardale Jones in the 2nd round..
You guys are a trip..
I can't speak for everyone else, but I've never been upset at a team for running up the score. I remember the 2000-something Patriots, the undefeated regular season version, passing on 4th down late in the 4th quarter up 28 and thinking...if the team doesn't want to be scored on, do something about it.
I've seen enough 21-point 4th quarter comebacks or a team scoring 2 or 3 late TDs using onside kicks (see the Pitt bowl game this year) to know that you always try to keep scoring, always.
I was a little surprised they didn't take a knee. I remarked to my wife that Tressel would have, but Urban was a different kind of coach than JT. I think it was a gift to his players, well deserved. Like others have said: if you don't want them to score, stop them. Watching the coaches meet at midfield after the game, the Oregon coach didn't seem to have a problem with it.
All it takes is one weird play, one big play and all of a sudden we are one score away from losing.
And we had SEVERAL weird plays for turnovers - Cardale dropping the ball, off the chest of Marshall right into the hands of an Oregon defender, Cardale trying to give the ball to Elliot twice on the option.
And as was stated, Oregons coach didn't seem too upset, as he shouldn't be due to the fact they do the exact same thing to every team they play when they are winning.
I'm not disgruntled.. maybe just slight.. gruntled
My lfe would of been so much easier had I grown up a Packers (born in WI) and Buckeyes (grew up in Ohio) fan.. But no.. I had to be difficult..
That first Quarte was pretty good for Oregon.. but after OSU shut their run game down I think they were to focused on it and got in way too many 3rd and longs..
I thought they had it when it was 21-20, but they couldn't stop OSUs run game.. I don't even know why OSU threw the ball in the 2nd half. At 28-20 I think Oregon then went 3 and out and I knew it was over.. my roomate told me to shut up.. he wasn't convinced until that final TD.
I've watched a rival of my team (OSU, Pitt, Bal) play in 9 title games, and win 6 championships.. its to the point it doesn't even bother me as much, I almost assume it will happen..
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
You mean the same Oregon team that ran the score up on everyone else they played?
It was only a 2-score game and the right call. Why risk getting a FG blocked/returned? The safe route was to keep pounding it on the ground.
It's not like they were passing down field to get points or going for 2 after a meaningless TD.
If Oregon had done it you guys would of called it classless.
You guys sound like Steelers fans after an illegal hit "That's just Steelers football"
This and now how we should apparently draft Cardale Jones in the 2nd round..
You guys are a trip..
Oh shut up with your sour grapes, Michigan fan. One day your program may return to relevance. Oregon was still firing off the ball and going for a T.O. We handed the freaking ball off, its not like we were running a reverse.
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
You mean the same Oregon team that ran the score up on everyone else they played?
It was only a 2-score game and the right call. Why risk getting a FG blocked/returned? The safe route was to keep pounding it on the ground.
It's not like they were passing down field to get points or going for 2 after a meaningless TD.
If Oregon had done it you guys would of called it classless.
You guys sound like Steelers fans after an illegal hit "That's just Steelers football"
This and now how we should apparently draft Cardale Jones in the 2nd round..
You guys are a trip..
Oh shut up with your sour grapes, Michigan fan. One day your program may return to relevance. Oregon was still firing off the ball and going for a T.O. We handed the freaking ball off, its not like we were running a reverse.
You could look at it two ways, either we're piling on, or we're getting some cushion.
On a team like the ducks, I get some cushion and they should consider it a sign of respect.
*Arkansas and Tenn both ranked. I guess you could pick 1 to be a surprise team, but picking both is pretty ridiculous.
*Neither SEC & ACC not represented in top7. Georgia @ 8 and Clemson @ 9 the highest ranked from those conferences.
*USC @ 4. Talent isn't an issue and Kessler looked amazing at times, but no consistency continues to plague them and the Pac12 South is deep.
*Ole Miss @ 11. Nice story this year, but they were pretty well exposed as the season progressed and fell apart aside from the Egg Bowl.
*GaTech @ 18, FSU @ 19. I think they should be higher. GaTech returns their OL and QB and most of their defense. RBs and WRs there tend to be more easily replaced. FSU is stacked and can put the Winston mess behind them (despite his talent).
Whatever happens, OSU needs to do everything humanly possible to keep Ed Warinner. He's an elite recruiter and the best offensive line coach in football.
First off...... This team was a team of destiny. I said it a few weeks ago and truly believed it!! They had the same "feel" as the 2002 team. For some reason, you just knew it. I think I sobbed a bit last night. lol.
That said, I've been reading different articles all day about the team and Urban Myer. In the discussion/comment forum, there were several people saying that the National Championship should have been 'Bama and FSU. Really????? So, the two teams that lost in the first round really deserved to play against each other for all the marbles? SMDH
People still can't admit that OSU is an elite program and elite team. And, I wonder if Mark May was the one that started the ESPN poll. I hope we get to play TCU next year and run them out of the stadium....
Just amazing to think he at one point had Leak / Tebow / Newton. I remember some people saying Urban wouldn't win a title here after we lost to Clemson. Next year is going to just as fun, buckle up guys.
Even though polls this early are stupid I don't see how tOSU isn't ranked number 1 other than the fact it is ESPN doing the poll.
ESPN likes trolling the public. So, saying TCU is #1 lends to the arguments about how they could have been apart of the first playoff through the silly logic that a team cannot drop when they win despite playing a poor team compared to other teams playing very good teams (small bump to their resume, big bump to opponent resumes).
Also, notice the SEC teams ranked #8 as the highest team. Another troll job here though done deceptively. Get the SEC fans up in arms about the lack of respect, while also putting some likely undeserving SEC teams in the bottom of the top25 (hey, look Mizzou just beat a top25 Tenn team, they must be good?).
ESPN is king of the trolls. Much respect to them for it.
*Arkansas and Tenn both ranked. I guess you could pick 1 to be a surprise team, but picking both is pretty ridiculous.
Arkansas was a completely different team the last month of the season + bowl and Tennessee's fresh and soph classes this year were nuts. They look real good going forward I think.
Just amazing to think he at one point had Leak / Tebow / Newton. I remember some people saying Urban wouldn't win a title here after we lost to Clemson. Next year is going to just as fun, buckle up guys.
The one thing I thought was pretty amazing was how these kids, who are all still so young, and so early into their college careers, were very happy and thrilled with winning it all, but there seemed to be a consistent talk about being back. Meyer said it while receiving the trophy. I heard it from Elliot and Jones as well. They seem hungry. This year was historic. Next year could be legendary.
It will be much harder next year. Desperation is a great weapon in sports. Now that you got one, how hungry are you for a another? We saw it this year with FSU. They just didn't have that angle during the year. Getting to where they got was amazing, but they dodged so many bullets, an benefited from playing a pretty weak schedule.
They are absolutely the favorites next year. Most of this team coming back, with the possibility of choosing from 3 QB's (I still think Miller is gone)? It's a no brainer that they will come in ranked in the AP poll next July/August at #1. Don't look at ESPN's dumb ratings. They swung and missed on OSU all year.
Funny that Mark May was nowhere to be found last night. How dumb does that guy look right now. Seriously, guy, do your job and stop letting emotion get in the way. I've never seen someone in that line of work have such a vendetta against one team or a player. It's borderline ridiculous. Why do they put up with him? He doesn't push the needle. College football fans watch college football shows regardless. It's not like his idiotic way of doing his job brings in viewers.
I've never seen someone in that line of work have such a vendetta against one team or a player.
Do you remember Trev Alberts? He is the white version of Mark May and they actually hosted a show together. He absolutely HATED Ohio State and insisted that Nebraska/Oklahoma were far superior to anything the Big Ten had to offer. My lord, that guy was just as painful to listen to as May. I'm glad they have shove their big fat foot in their idiotic mouth.
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
You mean the same Oregon team that ran the score up on everyone else they played?
It was only a 2-score game and the right call. Why risk getting a FG blocked/returned? The safe route was to keep pounding it on the ground.
It's not like they were passing down field to get points or going for 2 after a meaningless TD.
If Oregon had done it you guys would of called it classless.
You guys sound like Steelers fans after an illegal hit "That's just Steelers football"
This and now how we should apparently draft Cardale Jones in the 2nd round..
You guys are a trip..
Oh shut up with your sour grapes, Michigan fan. One day your program may return to relevance. Oregon was still firing off the ball and going for a T.O. We handed the freaking ball off, its not like we were running a reverse.
You could look at it two ways, either we're piling on, or we're getting some cushion.
On a team like the ducks, I get some cushion and they should consider it a sign of respect.
Up 15 and Oregon was using their TO's? Sorry, but I'm running my offense and getting 7.
It's not classless. Any kind of fumbled play and it's a one posession game with a chance at an onside kick. This isn't rocket science.
I know it's not a written rule, so to speak, but it should be an unwritten rule: If anyone throws up a white flag, the losing team should do it first. Unless and until a team concedes defeat, you need to assume they are coming after you.
Granted, in say a 59-0 rout, that may change.
But, this was the national championship game. It wasn't OSU vs. Youngstown St.
It was a team that so, so many said "Oh, they play in the Big 10, it's a weak conference."
It was a team that so, so many said "didn't deserve to even make the playoffs."
It was a team playing the highly favored Ducks - with their "high power" offense.
Add to that, kicking a field goal would've been seen as worse. AND, many would say taking a knee would've been condescending as well.
Add to that, kicking a field goal would've been seen as worse. AND, many would say taking a knee would've been condescending as well.
There never was a field goal to kick. OSU drew the team offsides. Going for it would have been the right move anyway...
You never kick a field goal in that situation. You pull your players off the field and put guys who don't play much on it, to run a play that at that level, can create more turnover opportunities for another team? Nah, run the play, if you fail, you're up 15, and they have 90 plus yards to go.
Anyone who thinks that is classless is just reaching. Not to mention, even in a situation where it was classless, it's against a team that always piles it on.
It's the national championship against the number two team in the nation.... You finish the game!! This isn't San Jose state you're going up against...
What does everyone think about the final TD? Most others outside of Columbus/tOSU territory think it was classless.
You mean the same Oregon team that ran the score up on everyone else they played?
It was only a 2-score game and the right call. Why risk getting a FG blocked/returned? The safe route was to keep pounding it on the ground.
It's not like they were passing down field to get points or going for 2 after a meaningless TD.
If Oregon had done it you guys would of called it classless.
You guys sound like Steelers fans after an illegal hit "That's just Steelers football"
This and now how we should apparently draft Cardale Jones in the 2nd round..
You guys are a trip..
Oh shut up with your sour grapes, Michigan fan. One day your program may return to relevance. Oregon was still firing off the ball and going for a T.O. We handed the freaking ball off, its not like we were running a reverse.
You could look at it two ways, either we're piling on, or we're getting some cushion.
On a team like the ducks, I get some cushion and they should consider it a sign of respect.
Up 15 and Oregon was using their TO's? Sorry, but I'm running my offense and getting 7.
It's not classless. Any kind of fumbled play and it's a one posession game with a chance at an onside kick. This isn't rocket science.
That's what I'm saying. The Ducks should feel that their abilities as a team were respected. Hell, on one of those turnovers they scored a 70yd touchdown on the first play of that possession. Hence the 'cushion'.
And like Bill Belicheck said, 'It's not my job to stop my offense, it's yours'.
Anyone else watch the replay with the coaches today? They had the MSU, Vandy, Nebraska, and Pitt coaches along with Spielman and an ESPN guy. The game was on as they talked about it, pretty insightful. I couldn't tune away, watched the game again this way today.
Even though polls this early are stupid I don't see how tOSU isn't ranked number 1 other than the fact it is ESPN doing the poll.
ESPN likes trolling the public. So, saying TCU is #1 lends to the arguments about how they could have been apart of the first playoff through the silly logic that a team cannot drop when they win despite playing a poor team compared to other teams playing very good teams (small bump to their resume, big bump to opponent resumes).
Also, notice the SEC teams ranked #8 as the highest team. Another troll job here though done deceptively. Get the SEC fans up in arms about the lack of respect, while also putting some likely undeserving SEC teams in the bottom of the top25 (hey, look Mizzou just beat a top25 Tenn team, they must be good?).
ESPN is king of the trolls. Much respect to them for it.
Here is the funny thing ... we only have something like 20 Seniors on this team. (I heard that number on the radio, I have not counted them though) This is a really young team, and there is some huge talent waiting for their chance to show their wares.
This team was also built while Meyer contended with restrictions on scholarships from the NCAA. Next year, those restrictions (finally) go away completely. OSU finally gets back to a total of 85 scholarship players, instead of 82 as in the past few years.
With not 1, not 2, but 3 QB who can all win games, and as defending National Champions, opening at anything except #1 is ridiculous.
Anyone else watch the replay with the coaches today? They had the MSU, Vandy, Nebraska, and Pitt coaches along with Spielman and an ESPN guy. The game was on as they talked about it, pretty insightful. I couldn't tune away, watched the game again this way today.
Yes watched it tonight, was really interesting to see the different views from the 4 coaches and Spielman.
On the posts above me, every one of the coaches said the same thing, if the Ducks are going to use their TO's then keep running it. On the 4th and short, only one said he would kick the field goal and I think that was Riley from Neb. The others said they go for the 1st down/TD.
The Big Ten Championship, the Alabama game, and National Championship game were some of the most rewarding football I have ever witnessed as a fan.
I am so proud of the team. I am so glad to shut all the idiots up about how terrible the Big 10 is and how Ohio State doesn't deserve to get in. I am so glad to prove that we are as strong and as fast as any team in the country. I am thankful to have Urban as our HC. The guy really, really gets it.
I was out at several stores today... and the OSU Championship Shirts and hoodies we're out.. It was unbelievable the people buying them..
When I was checking out at Dick's Sporting goods the lady at the register told me I was the first person she saw not wearing or buying a OSU sweatshirt..
I am so glad to shut all the idiots up about how terrible the Big 10 is and how Ohio State doesn't deserve to get in.
I heard this from Mike&Mike, PTI, Highly Questionable, and a few other media sources...but had they lost, I don't think that means they didn't deserve the #4 spot. It would have meant Bama or Oregon were better teams and based on the rankings, they were supposed to be better.
For example, Oregon beating the tar out of FSU didn't prove to me they didn't deserve the #3 spot. An undefeated defending national champion with their returning Heisman winning QB "deserves" at least the #3 spot. I watched the whole game, FSU fumbled the ball a lot in the 3rd quarter and Oregon turned all those turnovers into points. A few bounces in favorable way, myabe FSU only loses by 7-14 or even wins. That 3rd quarter killed their spirits.
Based on the resumes we had at the time, the right four teams were selected. I don't think Baylor's loss or TCU's win meant the decision on the 4 teams was wrong.
Heck, if 4 more weeks were played, we would probably have 3-4 different teams in the final four.
I hope that in the years ahead our fanbase realizes that the days of us winning 21-7 type of games are over. The offense is going to score a crap ton of points. So the defense is going to be on the field a lot and give up points as result. However, the Oregon game showed that they could "lock it down" when they absolutely had to. There will always be games like Michigan State and Clemson last year. However, the system proved that it works, even if it's very frustrating at times.
Down here around Nashville way a lot of people are saying how proud I must be of my Buckeyes. In response I tell them that I'm also a Browns fan so everything kind of evens out.
Well, JT won't be ready by spring practice and from what was said on Drennan Miller may not be either. Cardale can solidify his spot at that point and it appears it will be his job to keep.
Disagree, Urban works best when he has both a real QB and a RB-playing-QB that he can utilize together.
Yeah, but don't have the RB/QB be your starter.
Marshal was a QB in HS, and played some gadget stuff, like Spencer.. But JT/Jones were the QBs..
true. though Pryor and Braxton did just fine as starters (and they are much closer to the RB-first type of guys). I am with you in that I prefer the QBs to be QB-first w/ the ability to run if necessary.
Bucks don't have to worry about it for awhile though. I fully expect Braxton to transfer and Cardale and JT are both QB-first guys.
A few days in the aftermath, I have stopped at times just during my regular day, especially when people have asked me/congratulated me (that's what happens when you're a transplant) about OSU, and I've just gone, "wait, did all of this really happen?"
It really is one of the most ridiculous sports stories I've ever seen.
I've been asked about it a ton over the last few days. It's awesome, and believe me I enjoyed every second of it, but as far as celebrations and all that, the 2002 has a slight edge because of the drought. For my friends and I, it was the first true championship we got to celebrate together as buddies. Plus the mystique of the U, the 35 game win streak, the pro prospects, and Jim Tressel still being this mystery... It was just an amazing run. The offense was so bland, and lacking. So many close calls. The Purdue game, OT at Illinois, Chris Gamble's Pick-6 against PSU, Michigan's final drive. You kinda knew that 3/4 the way through some of these games, that the defense would have to carry the load. The game was on a Friday too, it was just so well set up for a giant party.
It's not to put down this run, because this one is unique in its own way. There came a point this season where I felt like Urban had this offense clicking so well that they could score on any down they had the ball. The defense slowly came around, although later on in the year, when the bell was rung for them to show up in a big spot, they did.
Also, I absolutely love that Ohio State opens up on the road at Lane Stadium. That can be a tough place to play and obviously we've seen what they can do to QB's, but I think the revenge factor can cancel out the hangover/letdown factor that comes after winning it all, and not having a cupcake FCS team or some other low level Ohio school. I think it's a good way to re-ignite the spark from last year. I can' wait for that. It should be some scene in Blacksburg.
Looks like Cardale Jones is staying one more year too. Let the QB competition begin! Who transfers and who starts?
I do not see all 3 being on the team next year.
My guess is that Braxton is the odd man out. He can transfer to another D1 school (or whatever they call them now) without having to sit and lose a year of eligibility since he has graduated.
Barrett still has 3 years of eligibility left, so he could transfer and still have 2 years after sitting out. Or he can go down a division and play 3 years. I just don't see either one playing out, but the first is more likely than the second, IMHO.
Jones ... he is a Buckeye next year. Now I do not believe that Meyer promised Jones anything other than he will have a chance to compete for the starting job.
Ideally, for Ohio State, is Jones starts next year and does well enough to declare for the draft. Then Barrett takes back over and plays his year, or two.
Miller ... thanks for the memories. OSU fans will not forget that. But sometimes things just happen. I wish you all the best.
Virginia Tech is getting curb stomped next year. That's the one oppnent on our schedule I have zero fear of the guys "not being excited for." It being a monday night primetime game helps too. Honestly I don't know if what happened with Cardale is good for fans of other schools. It showed just how big of a talent difference there is. I think Stephen Collier (4th stringer) could start for the bottom tier Division 1 schools RIGHT NOW.
I am more worried about the Northern Illinois game. They are a good program. They shouldn't ever beat the Buckeyes, but there's a decent chance that we won't be nearly as "up" for that game as we should be.
If you've got the time this is a great watch. Others have mentioned it, it's the video of a group of coaches watching the game and breaking down what they're seeing. Really insightful.