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2009 AMA Red carpet
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Bad news, haters: Buckeyes are loaded
Comment: How will the Buckeyes do this season?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
COLUMBUS — In the midst of the dog days of summer, a popular sports blog ran its predictions for the upcoming college football season.
One smart-aleck reader's post spoke volumes about the enmity many people have for Ohio State.
"National championship game prediction: (insert random SEC team here) 49, Ohio State 10."
After consecutive one-sided defeats in the last two Bowl Championship Series title games — 41-14 to Florida two years ago, 38-24 to LSU last year — it's clear that America is tired of seeing, reading and hearing about the Buckeyes. They were No. 1 all of the 2006 season until getting ripped by the Gators, then took advantage of a number of missteps by other teams last fall to take over the top spot heading into the championship game against LSU.
Throughout both years, the Buckeyes have been all over television, radio, newspapers, the Web — heck, several Buckeyes-themed books (including one inspirational tome by head coach Jim Tressel) came out this past winter.
No wonder a recent ESPN poll identified Ohio State as the most hated team in college football.
That's just dandy with offensive lineman Alex Boone.
"It's always fun to be hated, especially by everybody," he said. "We kind of take that with a little bit of pride."
The Buckeyes talk as if they don't understand why others dislike them so.
"They always bring up the bad memories," Boone said. "Some people are nice, but a lot of times it's like, 'What was it like to lose to LSU or Florida?' and you're like, 'Really, dude?'"
Yet Ohio State may get the last laugh. Here's some particularly bad news for the haters: Don't be surprised if the Buckeyes make it to their third-straight national title game and fourth in seven years.
Ohio State is loaded, with almost everybody back from last year's first unit except its best defensive lineman (Vernon Gholston), a decent linebacker (Larry Grant), an offensive tackle (Kirk Barton) and a largely anonymous fullback (Dionte Johnson).
The long list of returning stars includes tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells, who broke Archie Griffin's sophomore school rushing record with 1,609 yards, along with quarterback Todd Boeckman, linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and wide receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. Another half-a-dozen players are candidates for various national and conference awards.
Oh, and Tressel also added the nation's No. 1 quarterback recruit, Terrelle Pryor, who is often compared to a guy named Vince Young who played at Texas.
So, America, be prepared for more Buckeyes, all day, all night, all the time.
Freeman said he knows why so many are rooting against him and his teammates.
"That's just a sign of success," he said. "A lot of people envy that."
As evidence of how good and how experienced the Buckeyes are, consider that one of Tressel's biggest concerns in preseason camp was keeping his veteran players interested.
"We have I think 40 guys on our rosters right now that are entering years four or five and there's a little challenge there in our eyes to make sure that those guys come back into training camp (and) they don't think it's same-old-same-old," he said.
So while other schools are trying to find a starting quarterback or dream up some way to stop the other team, Ohio State's staff is working hard to not have a bunch of bored Buckeyes.
In due time, there'll be plenty to get their attention. The third game of the year makes for one of the red-letter days in college football this fall: Ohio State at USC.
Should the Buckeyes defy their detractors and win that game, there are still plenty of land mines in the road ahead. They play at Wisconsin, at Michigan State and at Illinois — which upended them a year ago at Ohio Stadium.
Still, Ohio State received a clear mandate as the team to beat in the Big Ten in the preseason. The Buckeyes have won back-to-back outright conference titles for the first time since 1954-55 and have enough talent to win a third in a row by themselves for the first time ever.
If they should pull that off, then a third straight trip to the BCS title game isn't out of the question.
The Buckeyes are hoping one more trip to the biggest game in the sport might be enough to push all those haters just that much closer to the edge.
Some facts about the 2008 Ohio State Buckeyes:
SCHOOL COLORS: Scarlet and gray.
LOCATED: Columbus.
COACH: Jim Tressel, eighth season.
2007 RECORD: 11-2 (7-1 Big Ten, 1st).
LAST BOWL: 2008 BCS title game, lost to LSU, 38-24.
STADIUM: Ohio Stadium (102,329).
RETURNING STARTERS: 9 offense, 9 defense, 2 specialists.
KEY PLAYERS: RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, QB Todd Boeckman, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Malcolm Jenkins, QB Terrelle Pryor.
KEY DEPARTURES: DL Vernon Gholston, OT Kirk Barton, LB Larry Grant, FB Dionte Johnson.
KEY STAT: Only one school has ever appeared in three consecutive Bowl Championship Series title games (Florida State won one, lost two 1999-2001).
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "We've got a lot of guys who have seen a preseason poll come up while they've been here and seen that it hasn't always been accurate, so maybe that will be a good reminder for us." — Tressel
How Ohio State ended in years receiving the No. 1 ranking in the AP preseason Top 25.
| Year | Record | Finish |
| 2006 | 12-1 | 2 |
| 1998 | 11-1 | 2 |
| 1980 | 9-3 | 15 |
| 1970 | 9-1 | 5 |
| 1969 | 8-1 | 4 |
| 1962 | 6-3 | NR |
| 1958 | 6-3-1 | 8 |
| Note: Only 10 teams ranked in 1962. | ||
Comments
By Scarlet Anne Grey
August 28, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Yawn … we Buckeyes are just sitting back waiting for any and all of you during the season. We shall win the BCS National Championship this year. Just count on it, you bums!!! GO BUCKS!!!!
By CarpDiesel
August 14, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I can not wait until USC takes the Buckeyes out just so we do not have to hear there mouths for the rest of the season, although for atleast the first couple of weeks we will have to hear the excuses: the refs, it was cold, we were young, we didnt get to play for 50 days, blah blah blah. I commend the fans that will just say we got beat they played better, but no not a OSU fan.
By woody
August 14, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
has any osu players gotten arrested lately? How old is boeckman?…30?..did lauranitis get his clocked cleaned his last game he played? did the alumni lose all their season tickets..gee lets hope not,,the players need to get paid.
By MGOOTEE
August 14, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
YES WE ALL KNOW WE PLAYED LSU AT THEIR HOME FIELD. HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO PAY FOR KATRINA.. WE ALSO HAVE 53 DAYS OFF OVER THE BIGGEST PARTY DAYS OF THE YEAR..THATS A LONG TIME OFF BEFORE U PLAY BALL . IT WILL NEVER BE FAIR UNLESS WE PLAY 2 OR 3 MORE GAMES LIKE SEC DOES… SO LET HAVE A PLAY OFF..
By Blakkat
August 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Ohio State is good and all of you haters know it! Yeah we lost the last two Championships but we made it there & as for the teams we play who cares we all have to play our division and the 3 games before then I don’t see too many SEC team reaching out to play season buster teams any team can loose on any given Saturday! The SEC is strong right now but it comes and goes see ya haters at yet another national championship!
By Jim
August 14, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Woody,
First of all Michigan lost to Appy State. Get off the crack.
Harry,
You live in Ohio what do you expect, I live in Tennessee who do you think I hear about all the frikin time? Tennessee Dah! Harry another thing we beat Michigan like Michigan beats the SEC, with regularity!
dawg,
Don’t even mention the OCC schedule. Every game at home except Arizona St which you will probably lose. Oklahoma State Western Carolina Troy Georgia Southern Central Michigan Arizona
By Dean
August 14, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this
I love it!
This Buckeye says, “Keep the “bulletin board” material coming.”
Anything can happen. I hope the Bucks meet UGA in the NC and demonstrate the ability to learn from their mistakes.
College football is a big joy in my life.
By woody
August 14, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this
To James:
you can say florida and lsu cheated..we all know how ignorant you must be..the fact is the buckeyes win against miami will always have an * beside it because the ref had his eyes closed.
By woody
August 14, 2008 5:47 AM | Link to this
division 1aa division 2 you get the picture ohio state plays a wussy schedule ..heck even Michigan is bad the lst few years..can anyone say ‘appalachian state’ and you guys barely beat them. and fot those people who say they don’t root for the big ten they root for ohio state instead of like the sec fans chanting sec…sec..thats bull crap too! all I hear from buckeye fans is,,I hope the big ten does good in the bowl games..losers
By Chris
August 13, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Why do the redneck SEC fans chant “SEC, SEC” during their bowl games??!! Who cares about your conference in YOUR team’s bowl game. Cheer for YOUR team, not the conference. Why the hell do you cheer on the rest of the teams in your conference?? I would never and have never chanted “Big 10, Big 10” during and OSU bowl game. Do the same SEC fans chant “AFC North” or “NFC South” for your favorite NFL team in the playoffs or Super Bowl. IT’S STUPID
By CarpDiesel
August 13, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Im a Huge UK fan, i am ok with OSU, but one thing that bugs me is that there fans will never admit defeat and always think they are the best. there always good but there egos get bigger each year. As for there schedule, please they are no where near the SEC schedule they play each other thats enough. who is good in the big ten.
By Bowl Robber
August 13, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
To all you Suck Wad Buck Groaners and Enviests:
We didn’t hold a gun to the BCS committee’s head, did we? Fact is, YOUR team SUCKED and that’s why our REBUILDING team went. Buy your Tostidos now, ‘cause you Suck Wads aren’t going to get them from the Bowl!!
By Beamer
August 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Woody, name the Div. 2 school Ohio State plays this year. That’s right they don’t play one, they play one 1aa school this year. The Big Ten has an agreement with the MAC so they have to play two MAC schools every year, that’s not Ohio State, that’s the whole Big Ten. Either way, Ohio State wins and wins and wins, isn’t that what your really upset about?
By G Hale
August 13, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Woody, you are so wrong its not funny. Look at the SEC they play NO away games but 1 west of mississippi. LSU has 2 games against div.1-aa. Take the name woody off your post. You are not worthy.
By woody
August 13, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
To be quite frank about it, I am embarassed the buckeyes play such a weak schedule year afyer year. division 2 schools and just plane bad teams,,,who do they they are.
By Martha
August 13, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Nice to see the post from BayouBlazin’. I, too am for LSU. But we are all gonna like who we like. Real fans are there, win or lose. Gotta admit that being outnumbered up here in the Frozen Nawth for such a worthy cause can be fun and profitable. It’s way more fun to beat the inedible horse chestnuts than other animals, vegetables or minerals. That scarlet and gray really doesn’t flatter my complexion, anyway … and for the first time this season, I’ll say it - Geaux Tigers!
By jr45
August 13, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Hey “Bucks Sucks”, if 6-1 the last seven years against TSUN is considered sucking, I’ll take that every seven year period!
By jr45
August 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawg (guess you are an UGA fan) before you criticize OSU’s schedule why don’t you explain why the mighty Georgia Bulldogs haven’t played a non conference game outside of SEC territory in 24 years? Since then, OSU has played games AT Colorado, WSU, LSU, Pitt, SoCal, BC, Syracuse, ND, WVU, Missouri, UCLA, NCSt and Texas. AND we have home and home series coming with USC, Miami, VaTech, CAL, Oklahoma and Tennessee. I wouldn’t critize OSU’s when UGA’s is pitiful.
By the bucks are back
August 13, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
all i have to say is we were not supposed to be in the NC game last year. to me, its everyone else’s fault that we got there… we lost to Illnois, fine, beat Michigan (you will be missed Coach Carr). then we all sat back and watched as #2’s fell one after the other. thanks West Virginia, Oklahoma, etc…
By joejoejoejoejoe
August 13, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
I understand we lost the NC game last year but people forget two major things 1) that was a road game and 2) IT WAS A REBUILDING YEAR…ill take a NC loss every single rebuilding year we have, granted id prefer to win but beggars cant be choosers (as long as we beat that team up North) all that did was give us more experience and motivation for this year…people also forget the upset of Miami for Jimmy T’s first NC, beating one of the so called greatest teams ever
By William O.
August 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye, I don’t care if they lose all their games, I’m still a fan and will root for them to slaughter the likes of Michigan any time of the year! GO BUCKS
By OSU Stinks
August 13, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
BUCKS SUCK!!!
RICH ROD WILL PROVE THAT ON NOV. 22 WHEN HE BRINGS THE MAIZE AND BLUE INTO THE SHOE AND RUINS THEIR SO CALLED CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON.
GO BLUE!!
By Mike in Troy
August 13, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
OSU and USC could very well play twice this season; the 2nd time being in the Natl. Championship game.
By Mike in Troy
August 13, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
OSU and USC could very well play twice this season; the 2nd time being in the Natl. Championship game.
By Mike in Troy
August 13, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
OSU and USC could very well play twice this season; the 2nd time being in the Natl. Championship game.
By Mike in Troy
August 13, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
OSU and USC could very well play twice this season! The second time being in the Natl. Championship game.
By BayouBlazin
August 13, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
As far as the BCS is concerned: Some have none Some have one But only one has two….LSU
By terry
August 13, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
its funy how everyone like to hate OSU. the past two years they beat 117 other teams out to ge to the NCG .so if OSU is that bad what does that say about the other 117 teams. which is the teams that most of you that complain are fans of.just because the Big 10 is in a slump does not mean a team from that confrence should not be able to play in the NCG… if that was the case USC, oklahoma, texas..etc would not be in the game cause the big 12 and pac 10 are not great so did bills suck in the 90’s
By Ben
August 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I’m a Buckeye fan for life, but I really hope they win it all this year. I live in Maryland now and people out here could care less how many times we beat Michigan, but they love to rub it in when we fall short in the Championship game. I think it’s true that people hate Ohio State because they’re good and (to an extent) arrogant. It’s the same reason I hate the NY Yankees and hated the Dallas Cowboys in the 90’s, so I can understand. Still, I say screw ‘em…GO BUCKEYES!
By Bamabuck
August 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Jim - You epitomize the reason most of the civilized world hates the US. Big mouth, negative, know-it-all whiners. The minute something doesn’t go to your liking, its time to moan and groan and belittle, call the family attorney, its time to sue. Got one word for people like you - LOSERS
By JTR
August 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawg,
Our schedule strength increased by adding USC? Hasn’t this been the team which, year after year, beats up on teams like Hawaii Tech and Oregon Valley State? And still managed a #1 ranking for years?
Oh, and learn how to spell.
By SECOWNSOSU
August 13, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
This will be the year that the Bucks are the Big 10….big 0 and 10 that is…LOLOL
By VoiceofReason
August 13, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Sports Fan, you may be a fan, but you don’t know squat. How about Texas 2 of the last 3 years? Going 1-1 losing only to V. Young is better than any of SEC team plays OOC. You don’t hear Pac-10 fans boasting of how they eat SEC teams for lunch. The SEC hasn’t left their back yard for an OOC game in the last 20 years. And their bowl games are almost always in the south. Coming up for OSU OOC is USC, Miami, Tennessee and the list goes on. Wake up you moron!
By Grasshopper
August 13, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
In the game last year, LSU was loaded with players with four and five years in the program while OSU was still a young team. I agree, we were not ready (enough emperience)against LSU, but the game was closer than one thinks. It is also worth mentioning that LSU has only won a national title when playing basically a home game in the dome. The game might have been different if it were played on a neutral site such as the Rose Bowl. Hate us if you will, but we will be good this year. Go Bucks!!
By rob
August 13, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
if a team runs a spread offense (illini, LSU, florida, etc.) OSU doesn’t have the athletes to keep up… its that simple
By harry ewing
August 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I’m stuck here in COLUMBUS & we get a buckeye update on the (20) twentys.
The have forgot how the ILL & LSU blew by them. The weak SCH always will catch the weak big ten.
By THE SPORTS FAN
August 13, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Hey James, its comments like yours that make people hate the buckeyes, you coudn’t beat the number 2 team that wasn’t even suppose to be there? You got cheated by LSU too? look at your out of conference schedules in the past years and thats your answer to the whuppin the buckeyes take in the championship every year because the Big Ten is like scrimmaging the jv team!True National Champs? Please!
By King
August 13, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
I think if you’re born in the State of Ohio, you are automaticaly issued an Ohio State Buckeye T-shirt, sweatshirt, flag or some other Spirit-wear!
GO BUCKS!!
(A FAN EVEN IF THEY DO CHOKE)
By DAWG
August 13, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
The reason that people HATE the Buckeyes is the same reason that all of you Buckeye fans hated teams lite Notre Dame, Miami of Florida and Oklahoma!! Teams that play a Fluff schedule to make it to big Bowl games!! Beating Youngstown State, Ohio University and Northwestern to play in a National Championship is a JOKE!! Yes….you did add USC this year. But the last 2 seasons the Buckeyes did not deserve to play in BSC Championship games. That is why the Buckeyes are hater PERIOD!!!!!!
By osu fan
August 13, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
i would just like to say that the reason everyone loves to hate OSU is because they’re on top. all the time. and people aren’t up for a little competition. they’re too intimidated. it makes sense - OSU fans hate Michigan because they’re good. and they always have been. so there you go. and I’m sure no haters are going to stop OSU this year….because there’s wayyy to many of us who bleed scarlet and gray. go buckeyes!
By mickshockley
August 13, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
This will be the year of the Buckeye! They will be in the Championship game again and it will NOT be against an SEC team.
By Jim
August 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
squirrel,
Ok LSU yes, Georgia( got killed by Tennessee), WVU( lost to Pittsburgh) and Oklahoma(lost 4 straight BSC bowl games)could beat OSU. Please! Is the Big Ten down? Yes, but don’t blame OSU.
By OSU SUPREMECY
August 13, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I love it when people rip Ohio State. They do it with all of the great teams in sports and should be taken as a compliment.
By Fed Up
August 13, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
During “Hang On Sloopy” instead of spelling out “O - H - I - O” Fans should say “Oh - How - They - Choke” It will be the same this yeear if the writers pick them in the number 1 or number 2 position at the end of the season.
By Dayton Dawg Fan
August 13, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Let’s implement a Top 8 playoff and let the athletes decide the championship on the field.
By secretsquirell1
August 13, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
James, 1. You are carzy to think you were cheated, If Fl. wasn’t suppossed to be there and beat you that bad, what would have the real #2 team have done to you?
LSU,GA,OK, WVU at the minimum would have beaten you guys last year.
The reason why everyone hates the Buckeyes is not that they are competitive, it’s because ignorant, arrogant fans such as yourself spew their biased venom.
By James
August 13, 2008 6:07 AM | Link to this
The truth is that The Ohio State Buckeye’s are truly the best team in NCAA Football History. The reason, it seems, that so many other people get mad at the Buckeyes, is that their teams really can’t compete at the highest level again, and again. Florida and LSU both cheated the Buckeyes. Florida was never supposed to be in the Title game, their coach cried and cried until the commission felt sorry for his team and let them in. LSU cheated on their own turf. Ohio State is the true National Champs!
By Rasputin
August 13, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this
OSU goes back each year because the Big Ten is not what it used to be. Iowa, Purdue, Penn St. and Michigan are just average squads now.