For the past year The Ohio State Buckeyes have taken a lot of criticism about their perofrmance in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, and for the past 57 days (and yes that's how long it has been since Ohio State has last played) they have been listening to why they dont belong in this years BCS National Championship Game.
Now dont get me wrong, I can understand how numerous other teams can make compelling arguments as to why they should be in the National Championship game, but with that said, Ohio State is arguably the only deserving team playing tonight!
Ohio State is the only one loss team who's sole loss came against an opponent participating in a BCS bowl. Not LSU (lost to Kentucky and Arkansas) not USC (lost to Stanford and Oregon) not Oklahoma (lost to Colorado and Texas Tech) and not Georgia (lost to South Carolina and Tennessee).
So just about everyone outside of Columbus, Ohio may think I'm crazy but Ohio State WILL redeem themselves by finally beating a SEC team, and when the game is over they will bring that 2008 BCS National Championship trophy back to the OH where it belongs!
And here are a couple reasons why:
1. LSU isn't exactly as dominant as everyone says they are. The Tigers have experienced many struggles throughout the season. Outside of the first two games against Mississippi State and Virginia Tech, the Tigers did not soundly defeat one BCS Conference team. Four of the wins came by a touchdown or less. In games against 7-6 Alabama and 3 win Mississippi, the Tigers nearly lost. It took a miraculous fourth down play to beat Auburn, a trick play to get past 6-6 South Carolina, and four fourth down conversions to escape four loss Florida. Now the Buckeyes may be in some trouble if the September LSU shows up tonight, but the Tigers were an average team for the final two and a half months of the season, so why should anyone expect anything different tonight?
2. Coaching. Les Miles isn't Urban Meyer. For all the wins and good things he's done since taking over as the LSU head man he's considered more of a great motivator and gutsy game manager than a high-IQ X's and O's guy. Jim Tressel's reputation may have taken a hit after last years debacle, but he's still an amazing 73-15 (83%) including four straight bowl wins (before the Florida loss) since taking the helm at Ohio State.
3. The Buckeye Offensive line. If its not the best in college football it's easily in the top 3. It hasn't faced a defensive front like LSU's, but tackles Alex Boone and Kirk Barton are each Outlander caliber talents who'll be stalwarts on NFL lines for years to come. The Buckeye front five have allowed a mere 14 sacks on the year. LSU may be the best front they have faced all year, but the Buckeye big-men will undoubtedly win their share of battles.
4. The nation's number 1 defense is...Ohio State. Dog the Big-Ten all you want, but the Conference has some solid offenses with 6 ranking in the top 50 nationally. While there aren't any high-octane killers, Michigan and Wisconsin have tremedous rushing attacks that were held in check by the Buckeye D, Northwestern's 11th-ranked passing offense was held to 120 yards, no one threw for more than 269, and only Illinois ran for more than 160. Ohio State gave up four surprising touchdown passes to Juice Williams and the Illini, along with a soul-crushing fourth quarter march, but that was about it. As good as the overall stats are, they are actually even better considering the offense gave up some scores, including two to Michigan State. Oh yeah, and that team up north that put up 524 yards of offense on Florida was held to just 91 by the stingy Buckeye D!
5. Speed? Yes, Ohio State can run with LSU, and any other SEC team for that matter. You dont get 59 players drafted in 7 years without having a ton of speed and athleticism flowing through the program. Despite how things looked against Florida, that Ohio State team could run with anyone, and this one certainly has the overall team speed to stay with LSU. Now that doesn't necessarily mean the Buckeyes will play fast, but if it's a question of running, no one other than Trindon Holliday has the ability to run past this group.
6. The Buckeye defensive front should be able to get into the backfield. While the LSU O-line is strong when it comes to powering the ball up the middle it lacks the ability to consistently protect the passer. All year long, teams have been able to get to the Tiger quarterback, and Ohio State should be able to pin its ears back and get consisent pressure on passing plays. Vernon Gholston has the ability to get past any tackle in America. Just ask Jake Long!
7. Last year is last year but is there any bigger motivation than last years 41-14 loss to Florida? It has been a year since the title game debacle and the players have to be sick of hearing how slow they are. Even Jim Tressel sent out a DVD to his players summarizing all the negative publicity surrounding his players and program. Florida came into last years game with a great game-plan while the Buckeyes came in a little too confident and never made the necessary adjustments needed to get back into the game. Now, this years Buckeyes have that same chip on their shoulder just like Florida did last year.
Ohio State didn't get to be Ohio State by not being able to adapt and adjust. This was the nation's number 1 team for a portion of the season, and it still occupies that top spot right now. This team is really that good.
Ohio State wins a close one and takes the Tigers soul: Buckeyes 24 Tigers 17
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