Bellbrook graduation 2012
Fairfield Senior 2012 graduation
Kroger Aquatic Center opens
Tressel shifts title-game travel
OSU keeps practicing in Columbus, will leave for BCS finale three days later than last year.
Friday, December 14, 2007
COLUMBUS — Ohio State coach Jim Tressel can't do anything about another 51-day layoff before playing in the national title game this year, but he can do something about how his team occupies the time.
The Buckeyes are planning a standard bowl trip to New Orleans, leaving just five days before their Jan. 7 game against Louisiana State — as opposed to last year, when the players felt like they stayed at the bowl site long enough to get married, raise families and send their kids off to college.
Extras
"We said after we got back ... it felt like we were out there a long time," Tressel said.
They left Dec. 30 for a Jan. 8 game in Glendale, Ariz., — four days earlier than necessary — because they wanted to take advantage of pristine weather conditions. But this year's game is being played in the Superdome, and the Buckeyes can practice with a roof over their heads just as well at home.
"We have the nicest indoor facility there is," Tressel said. "We can rehearse under the same conditions right here."
The Buckeyes were blasted by Florida, 41-14, last season, and the team may have become stale during that marathon layoff, although Tressel doesn't believe that should have been a factor.
"A lot has been made of that," he said, "but I've seen teams play great games in their openers — in some big games — and they had six or nine months off. It's all about how you use your time and how you are that day."
But the Tigers will have an undeniable edge in getting to play just 65 miles from their campus.
Asked about the apparent home-field advantage, Tressel said: "I'm not sure I would have set it up that way for our sakes. I'm sure the Superdome will be as loud as it can be. Some say it's louder than any of the domes we've ever been in. I hope some scarlet and gray will come and match up (volume-wise) because I'm sure they'll be outnumbered."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com
Ohio State's bowl schedule
Today — Recruiting period ends, coaches back for practice
Dec. 19 — Begin Christmas break from practices
Dec. 26 — Resume practices in Columbus
Jan. 2 — Leave for New Orleans
Jan. 7 — BCS championship game vs. LSU
