I know that's true. Like in 1997? And 1998? 1999? Last year? This is untrue too often to say it's universally so.
Hey Fattie- Sorry you were born a scUM fan. I hope your life gets better in the future. Just kidding good luck on Saturday, better hope Navarre learns how to not lose a game in the 4th Quarter.
I agree most of OSU team's are not pushovers. But IMO crsuhing beating 1 top 10 team and 4 bad teams is a lot more impressive than beating 5 mediocre to good teams by a small margin. SOS does't seem to adequatly weight beating an excellent or elite team versus just an above average team. Just think about USC against any of those teams above--well the closest we saw to that was last year versus an even better Iowa team, and it was completey brutal. The Big 10 schedules their approximate 1-AA patsies as well, just so happens some of those Mac patsies were more than many teams bargained with this time around. I know guys, I was just getting their goat a little about those fans from those Northern "schools" in Hockey country. I poke fun at the arrogance of the Big 10. They are really insidious. They go all over the west and south to find good weather, pretty scenery, hot women and culture (j/k about the culture part, ChiTown is pretty cool except the winter) and spread the one big lie about the grand ole game in the grand ole Big 10 as they reminence about those Bob Evans breakfasts (good breakfast I do admit). I really don't think it would be a sham if OSU wins out and plays OU--I do think they could win solely because of their defense. I just think if USC or LSU win out they have the better teams with the better case based on consistent domination. Next week who know what we will discuss after LSU wins and Michigan wins (I really think Michigan will win this one--just more talent overall)--maybe the USC-LSU talk will heat up.
I think talent isn't the deciding factor in this game. It may be obvious that UM has a much better offense than OU, but Tressel has that group playing its heart out as a team. The chemistry and faith is there, and they believe in themselves, that they can beat just about anyone in the country. It'll be a fun one to watch, as almost all OSU-UM games are when there's something on the line...
Watch the special teams. Michigan has a great return man but they have had problems (early vs Oregon and Iowa) with getting punts blocked. Ohio State has had very few punt returns this year, they are not as aggresive as a Va Tech but they put much more stock in blocking punts than setting up a return. I would guess (like so many OSU games) the difference will come down to execution on special teams (namely no mistakes and playing field position vs the opposition) and limited mistakes on offense (turnovers will be key).
If it comes down to special teams I'd favor the Buckeyes, but I don't think it will. If Michigan manages a touchdown or two in the 1st 3 quarters--which I think they can--I don't think OSU will be in striking range for their 4th quarter mojo pulling it out.
A judge in Ohio is letting a man watch the game Saturday before going to prison. Here is the link to the story. Pretty amusing...
