As first leaked a few minutes before 6:00 p.m. on the Gator Bowl's official website, the Urban Meyer bowl we've all been dreaming of is now a reality. One last opportunity for Luke Fickell to get his career record as a head coach above .500, one last time for us all to bath in mercury as we watch Walrusball wriggle down the field, and of course, with last year's results being vacated, another opportunity to get the SEC monkey off Ohio State's collective back. Having Florida be the representative from that conference makes the potential schadenfreude all the sweeter. With Charlie Weis and Will Muschamp on the opposing sidelines and Bauserbomb devotee John Brantley under center, expect an early over/under somewhere in the neighborhood of 13-16.
For those seeking to attend, the game takes place Monday, January 2nd at 1:00 p.m. in Jacksonville, Florida. You may be well served to book your hotels and flights with this but a familiar hour and a half sojourn for much of the Florida fan base.
UPDATE: Tickets go on sale Monday at 10 am EST, starting at $60.
Comments
Geez, what a terrible date and time for the game! New Year's is on a weekend and class is in session on the 2nd.
Class holidays over the years have seldom synced up with the post season. Most businesses (including the federal government) will be observing that Monday as New Year's Day and be off.
Yeah, unfortunately. I think I'll be playing sick that day somehow.
Thank God I'm graduating a week from today
I'm on vacation from the 27th till the 15th of Jan and I don't fly down to the Caribbean until the 3rd so works just fine with me.
I'm sorry for not being sorry.
Rotten end to a lousey week! GO BUCKS!
I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then.
Wait, what? We kicked the hell out of Duke and hired Urban Meyer, putting the rest of college football officially on notice. This is the best week in Ohio State athletics since January 2003.
I think that may be pushing it quite a bit. We did lose to *ichigan. I feel there have been better weeks during that time... i.e. 2006 beating *ichigan, winning the first Rose Bowl since 1997 in 2010, etc.
35 hours to Pasadena! Go Bucks!
FALSE
The Michigan game occured 8 days ago. NOT THIS WEEK.
Never the less..we still have to deal with it all year.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
And you can just point out that Ohio State has one of two coaches with 2 BCS Championship Games to his name and theirs? One Poinsettia Bowl.
Man. I thought I was a negative ninny.
We still have Bollman and a Defense that can't stop anyone..untill that changes I'll be a little more positive. We are also on a 3 game losing streak..
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
I feel weird about this game. I don't know why. I don't know if I like this match up for Ohio State. But with the wicked inconsistency of this team, I don't know if I would have liked any match up.
Statistically, Florida is better both offensively and defensively than Ohio State. This not an easy match-up no matter how one looks at it.
I don't think we'll be able to be too successful against their defense. Their D-line should absolutely own our O-line all night. I know their offense isn't that great..well basically because Brantley stinks, but I don't like this matchup especially it being a home game for them.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Public sale tickets via the Gator Bowl website can be purchased now by the way. I just had a pair in section 245 pop up priced at $68 (each). Not bad seats - I'll be disappointed if the tickets I ordered through OSU (season ticket holder's deadline to order is tonight) are worse seats and more expensive.
You know what?! BRING IT! We saw what our team is capable of after having at least 2 weeks to prepare in the Wisconsin game. I like the matchup, I like the opportunity.
I like your attitude, and hey I'm always excited for the opportunity. But I don't like the match up for this team, at all. I loved our match ups against Texas and Oregon, that gave me confidence about our chances going into those games. But this game? With this team? Not a fan of this match up at all. I think the offensive line will have huge issues here.
Possibly. But that's why #5 is who he is.
I will be down there for a family cruise. I think we leave the port on the 1st though.
"We have always had the best damn band in the land, now we have the best damn team in the land"- Jim Tressel 1-03-03
well to add some more spice to the match up, Doug Lesmerises is saying we just poached Florida's strength and conditioning coach
Who didn't see this coming from a thousand yards away.
The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. - Woody Hayes
6-6 teams shouldn't be playing in bowl games.Just my opinion.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Do you ever say anything positive? Go kick you dog. B
Sure, go back and read my comments d-bag.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
I'm an animal lover, I'd rather kick you.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Your negativity gets old...Just my opinion.
Who gives a shit what you think Tommy. I can write whatever I want.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
If you keep writing shit like this they'll ban your ass from the site.
Good, I could care less. I get attcked for saying 6-6 teams shouldn't be in bowl games.
Ban me then.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
I agree with you 6-6 teams shouldn't be playing in bowl games. Ignore Tampa, you weren't saying anything negative, but don't say anything that will further enflame arguments on here, cursing or calling someone a d-bag isn't going to do anything but get you banned. Just ignore him, its what I do most of the time, he fits his avatar very well.
Gracias amigo!
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
It's "I couldn't care less." If you "could care less", it means you do care.
"Because we couldn't go for three"
11 Warriors' own official Debby Downer
Copy write it.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Wa-wa-wa-waaaaaaa.
Actually, the grammar he used was just fine. Yours, however...
/ copywriter joke
Taquitos.
6-6 teams really dont belong in bowl games though...
I agree with you, but I see where UCLA, at 6-7 has gotten a waiver from NCAA to be bowl eligible. I just can't imagine.
Johnny Hooker: "He's not as tough as he thinks". Henry Gondorff: "Neither are we".
I know its all about money..
But it really is ridiculous celebrating mediocrity.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Never occurred to me we'd have a shot at a New Year's Bowl.
Jacksonville is a place we've actually won before, so I am cautiously optimistic despite the SEC thing.
The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.
Mandel tweeted Bama/LSU title, then Wisc/Ore, Stanford/fOSU, mich/VaTech, Clemson/WV
Other than Stanford and fOSU not much to enjoy IMO.
Well, if this is the case...go VT
Class of 2010.
Hardly a compelling set of match-ups. You're right, not much to choose from.
Johnny Hooker: "He's not as tough as he thinks". Henry Gondorff: "Neither are we".
All this stuff we've heard of Urban being ultra competitive,...
You're kidding yourself if you don't think he'll have a PROFOUND influence of Brax and the offense against his FORMER program, UF.
^THIS
If you ain't a Silver Bullet, you're a target
That would be a good thing, I welcome that.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Absolutely.
I don't expect him to be running the show, but I'm sure he can install 3-5 plays in bollmans "offense" that will make Braxton dangerous for one game.
Yet this game will draw far more attention than Penn State and Houston. And rightfully so. Homosexual pedophilia issues at PSU not withstanding. We know that will be talked about. I like it. Based soley on how poorly OSU was coached this year, I don't know how they can win. Talent wise, yes. Missed open field tackles and over thrown recievers, and dropped passes are practice (coaching) issues. And yes, and open field tackle is called an open field tackle. Not "in space" as Herbie wants to call it. You don't get to make up new words for ones that already exist.
Jerry Palm has estimated that tOSU will finish below Toledo in extended BCS rankings - Rockets tied for #51, the Buckeyes #53. For those keeping score Ohio University (#39) and Cincinnatti (#27) also finish ahead of Ohio State. Making us the fourth best Div 1 school in Ohio. We do finish ahead of Kent State, Miami of Ohio and Akron. Would this be considered a successful season?
Ohio State beat Toledo, would beat Ohio U, and would most likely beat Cincinnati. Beyond the No. 1 and No. 2 positions, rankings are absolutely meaningless.
Jerry Palm's another SEC shill for CBS.
I agree, it is annoying to have our state superiority questioned
All based on wins and losses. If UC, UT, and OU all went 6-6 with the conferences they're in, they'd all be ranked below OSU. Which is why they don't bother talking about rankings beyond 25.
I'm sure OU, UC, and UT could all beat Wisconsin, right?
Class of 2010.
I'm going to go out on a limb and call it...30-10 Buckeyes.
"Don't put syrup on shit, and tell me it's pancakes"
No matter how sh*tty the tour is, it's always tough to leave.
I think we'll win. Our injured defense should be healed, and this team should improve in bowl practices, especially if Urban has any influence. Should be a good game.
Class of 2010.
These BCS selection show commentators were for sure told not to disagree with the BCS's pick of 1 and 2.
Its disgusting how oblivious they are with the arguments they are making.
How do they determine who the home team is?
Regardless of who they pick or how they pick it, we all know who the real home team is. You can practically spit from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.
Time and change will surely show how firm they friendship... O-HI-O.
SOOO ... who's up for the Title Game boycott? I'm being serious. I have absolutely no desire to watch a rematch and will not tune in.
Some random NBA game will probably be on that night which will be more entertaining.
I'm dead serious. I am NOT watching that game, and I'll be continually posting a boycott-related status update on my facebook for the next month.
I am going to watch one bowl game, and that will be the bowl that Ohio State is playing in.
Definitely won't be watching the MNC game either. But it's not just the title game selection process that's flawed, it's the entire BCS system. I won't be watching any BCS game. I encourage others to do the same.
PRO TIP: you might be losing facebook friends for the next month.
Taquitos.
lol
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
someone needs to start a Boycott the BCS site. I like Phil Steele's format of a plus one system that lets the top 4 teams in the BCS play it out for the title. Much more fair. Especially when you have a handful of one-loss teams. More money as well. #1 v.s #4... and 2 v.s. 3. play it out. If Bama LSU rematch occurs afterwards, so be it. let em beat OK state and Stanford to earn the rematch.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
Maybe if there's a large enough of a boycott, the BCS will lose enough money to where they'll consider a PLAYOFF. I'm fucking in.
Class of 2010.
The playoff format couldn't be more than 8 teams, after that injuries would ruin the quality on the field, and a full on playoof would dilute the regular season. The regular season in college football is the playoff. Every game matters, Introduce a playoof and that changes. I recomend Phil Steele's format. Maybe even only use the plus one when you need it, if you have only two undefeated teams, dont have the extra game.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
In no way being an ass, but this title game means the regular season was meaningless.
The "game of the century only meant lsu had to play one more game, against uga
Whilst bartending, I had to suffer through at least a solid minute of sec chants.
Worse than you think.
****igan smells like old water that hot dogs were boiled in. FACT
I doubt anyone on this list would have boycotted an OSU - scUM rematch in 2007. No one would boycott a B1G title game if it featured the expected Buckeye - Wolverone rematch. Rematch isn't the issue, you just don't want to see the SEC guaranteed another national title in a row. No one boycotted the BCS last year when we got a big money game and MSU didn't, though to my eyes the Spartans were better. LSU clearly deserves to be in the title game. Strong arguments can be made for OkSU but having AL instead is not an obvious sham.Their only loss was in overtime to LSU. Does anyone here really care who wins the crystal ball if it's not us? Watch the game because it featrures two really good teams. Which is more than can be said for the Gator Bowl.
Do you really care who is crowned national champion if it's not us?
You thought MSU was the better team? I thought we were clearly superior.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
That's the POINT tho. The precedent has ALREADY been set. OSU-UM established that we don't do rematches between two conference opponents. If Michigan didn't get the right to replay us, why does Bama get it? Why are they more favored? That's the BS behind this whole scam that has people like me upset. Michigan lost on the road (THE DAY BO DIED) by 3 to the wire-to-wire #1 team in the nation that year. And they STILL didn't get a rematch. And now Bama which lost AT HOME to LSU ... gets the luxury of a rematch ... because ?
There is no good arugment for it other than "Dear CFB world : We don't give a SH*T about anybody else except for the SEC"
And to be fair to the SEC, they were the ones who proposed the playoff after Auburn's 2004 snub, and the B1G was one of the conferences that blocked it. Reap what you sow, etc etc.
That's why the whole damn BCS Garbage system has to GO. NOW. If the ratings are dismal for the Title Game this year, at WORST it means that in the future the BCS selectors will not pull this rematch nonsense on us again. At BEST the outcry is big enough and the ratings dismal enough that maybe, just maybe (let me dream, damnit!), we get closer to a playoff (or at least a plus one).
Good lord....if you don't want to watch it, don't effing watch it. You think ESPN and the SEC gives two shits? No one cares about this Occupy BCS bullshit. ESPN and the bowls are still going to make there money regardless. This isn't Bama or LSU or Okie states or any fans fault. It's the system, it's what we have right now so we have to live with it. If you wanna blame anyone lets blame the BIG the Big 12 and the PAC for shooting down a 4 team playoff. The SEC was the only conference in favor of it. I'm gonna watch the Title game cos I love college football and whether you want to admit it or not Alabama and LSU are amazing teams this year.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
If you cannot get one single td AT HOME!!! You are not an amazing team in my estimation.
****igan smells like old water that hot dogs were boiled in. FACT
You know what though? There is no precedent when it comes to the BCS. It used to be if you were going to lose, you had to lose early. That's no longer the case. Teams who haven't won their conference have made it to the BCS title game. We can all whine and carry on about how OSU/Michigan should've gotten a rematch, but after the bowl games it was clear they weren't the 2 best teams.
I hate that we're going to see a rematch, but Oklahoma State, who I thought should get a shot, didn't beat IOWA STATE. Had they got their work done in that game, they are in the title game. Bama did lose to the number 1 team in America, the only game that LSU really even got challenged, truth be told they probably should've gotten the nod. No matter what happened 5 years ago. The one consistent thing about the BCS is nothing is consistent over the years. Things change every year with who "deserves" to go or not. They system sucks, period. It's completely arbitrary who the best 2 teams are because the best teams rarely actually play better. Is Bama better than Stanford? Stanford had one bad night. Is Oklahoma State as good as Bama? There's a good case that the answer is yes, because of this stupid system we have no way of knowing. The BCS is pretty much as bad or arguably worse, than the old system that was in place.
The other thing I have to say is, LSU is going to CRUSH Bama. Bama had everything working in their favor when they faced LSU. Home game, at night, infront of a crazy stadium. They should've won, but they have a bad QB and horrible special teams. LSU has a good offense, and elite defense and special teams. They are by far the best team in America. This game is going to be a romp. People may pile on me or say, but the last time they went to overtime. Well, we Ohio State fans have witnessed first hand what happens when you get a nationally televised, at night, at home against a superior team. LSU will win this game easily, and everyone will say wow, maybe Oklahoma State should've been playing for the title.
Unless Oklahoma State loses to Stanford. Or the game is close and the B12 falls flat on its face in the bowl games, negating the "better Ok. St. schedule" argument I have seen used in many places.
LSU could crush 'Bama but I doubt it. The teams look very close to me. In the first game LSU had better starting field position for much of the game and in addition to the missed FGs a fraction of a second difference in execution on the Tide's part resulted in a TD being converted into a TO that took away a chip shot FG that could have ended it in regulation as well.
There is nothing impressive about the way Jordan Jefferson throws the ball. LSU relies on a very powerful running attack and Alabama has a defense that can stop it. It should be another very close game.
Almost everyone except my dad said they won't be watching the title game.
The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. - Woody Hayes
BCS=BS! This is ridiculous! Let's start a boycott!
I am not watching one second of this sham of a title game. Not. One. Second. If Alabama were to win this game by three points, or even a touchdown, how can you legitimately consider them to be college football's national champion? Why do they get to play for the title when LSU had to do MORE to be in the game by playing an ADDITIONAL game and beating a respectable opponent in Georgia, as well as Arkansas prior to that, and oh yeah, BEATING ALABAMA AT TUSCALOOSA, while Alabama sat at home this week hoping LSU would lose. This is the worst sell in the history of sports. For me, there is absolutely no excitement behind this football game. At all. I would rather watch Oklahoma State lose by four touchdowns than watch one minute of this SEC "whose cock is bigger?" fest.
This.
****igan smells like old water that hot dogs were boiled in. FACT
Interesting anyalogy. Never thought of it that way, Southplainfield. I have no interest in watching anything like that.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Craig James actually going against the grain and saying the numbers show OkSt is better.
Every other announcer keeps saying "Objectively, these are the two best teams by far" ... which is absolutely ridiculously ignorant
I do agree that Alabama is the second-best team. That doesn't mean they should be playing for the title.
ESPN=the bully pulpit of college football.
This boycott should have started a long time ago! This will hopefully get enough of the fans attention to get something done about this garbage system that only college football goes by. If it is so perfect how come none of the pros are doing it? Oh yea its a money machine for sec and espn. Hopefully it blows up in your faces this year. Another is MSU beat scum and cause they go to the BIG championship and lose due to the officials. Yet scum goes to a bowl game!!! Just as ridiculous as the MNC!
Time for a playoff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On top of that, Michigan in the BCS? A team that didn't even play for its own conference's title, and was beaten comfortably by Michigan State, the team that DID play for its conference's title. Complete. Joke.
Nuff said! Well-said!
We won the Wildcard race by one game. I thought we were going to play the Red Sox, but I was mistaken.
I might spend one half of one minute worrying about our good fortune/miscarriage of justice if I thought that the BCS was worth thinking about at all. It just gives me a headache. My initial reaction is that our bowl game is less meaningful than the Outback and Cap One bowls, because we aren't facing an SEC opponent. It's not intended as an insult to Va. Tech, but rather the reality that for any B1G team no playing for a national championship, the largest meta-question during bowl season is how our conference fares against the SEC. New Orleans might be nice. I've never been there.
Was there last year. It was amazing. Go. No doubt in my mind that you'll enjoy it. Just don't get your hopes up on the Bourbon St. strip clubs....
Good luck to Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Yeah, they're a stetch as a BCS team, but they got a favorable match up and I don't begrudge them for the BCS invite, as it's not an unusual scenario these days (and it's one that Ohio State has enjoyed several times): big draw from major conference finishes 10-2 without having to play in a CCG.
In the past, I was rooted for Michigan in bowl games because I respected Bo/Loyd and/or the program, and anyway I always rooted for every B10 team in bowl games. This year, I might have to root for V Tech, though. Your coach's negative recruiting + the need to neuter their recent recruiting overtures in Ohio.
"Negative recruiting"? Do tell.
Rich Rodriguez was, by almost all accounts including his own, the victim of negative recruiting. Rodriguez stopped short of naming names. But he went out of his way to vindicate Jim Tressel, whom he said was NOT a negative recruiter.
Brady Hoke, for his own part, has said more or less explicitly that he has no interest in negative recruting, and he won't do it.
There have been rumors about Greg Mattison doing some negative recruiting. Too many rumors to ignore. But no confirmed stories that I know of. And the guy who pronounced Mattison as one of the best recruiters he has ever known was his old boss... Urban Meyer.
Kalis...nuff said.
Go read Kalis' twitter and read between the lines.
I agree with your thoughts on facing an SEC opponent. I think the bowl season is the prime opportunity to decide which conference is actually the best, but -- unfortunately -- that opportunity has largely been missed, especially with VT, Clemson, and West Virginia involved in major games. The opportunity is also obviously missed in the national championship game. Instead of figuring out the best conference, the SEC has already been crowned.
New Orleans is one of the most fun places I've been. The atmosphere on Bourbon Street and the historic parts of town are incredible, the food is great, and everyone is there for a party.
My New Orleans recommendations: catch the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a show, stop by Cafe du Monde for a beignet, have brunch at Brennan's, and have a hurricane at Pat O'Brien's. Oh, and do not walk around by yourself even where you think it's safe. Have fun, man!
Class of 2008
I also went to NOLA this past January, it is a fun atmosphere for the Sugar Bowl. My recommendation is to MAKE RESERVATIONS. NO is a reservation town, you will need them if you plan on eating anywhere nice including Brennan's. Expect to pay for nice meals too, the food is second to none but it'll cost you. I ate at both Luke and Cochon and would highly recommend both, check yelp for reviews, menus etc.
I, personally, think the the hurricanes are overrated. Pat O'Brien's is a must-visit, just to say you've been if for no other reason, but the hurricanes are ~$12 and super sweet.
We should strive to keep thy name, of fair repute and spotless fame...
(Also, I'm not a dude)
Just emailed the BCS.
To whom it may concern,
If you could please explain to me how a team that did not win its conference nor its division was able to make the national title game. Your standings have placed a team that lost at home and has two wins over Top 25 programs, over a program that lost on the road, the day after a tremendous tragedy occurred seriously afflicting the school and its athletic department; this team also had FIVE wins over Top 25 programs. By my count, which I understand is not nearly as exact, precise or accurate as your time proven methodology for selecting national title participants, that is 3 more wins over Top 25 programs, yet your immaculate method of selection has placed a team with a weaker Strength of Schedule, over a team that actually won its conference, in the national title game. If you could please explain how this took place, please reply to me as soon as you possibly can. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Will Harding
Why is it hard to accept that the two best teams in the country might be in the same division, meaning that only one can win the division? Just because only one of the Red Sox and Yankees can win the American League East doesn't mean they're not the two best teams in the American League. I'm not necessarily elevating AL over OkSt, I happen to agree that OkSt appears to have a better resume. But the idea that the two best teams *might* include one team that already lost to the other is too obvious to need defending.
Looking just at wins over Top 25 teams is misleading. In my opinion a schedule that includes a Top 5 team and a bunch in the #30 - 50 range is harder than a schedule that includes teams #21-25 and 7 others in the 30-50, because, really, by the time you get to #15 or 20 there's not much of a gap down to #40, but #5 might be a monster.
Voters could have avoided a rematch. They obviously mind it less than many people here.
I think it doesn't have to be as complicated as you make it. Most people will agree that both AL and OklaSt have good cases, right? I hope this isnt controversial.
Thus, out of those two teams, only 1 has played LSU. And they lost. At home. So you have the next team play LSU. The End. How is this difficult? Why do we all of a sudden have to start makign excuses for Bama like "Oh but they lost in OT!!" or "Oh but it was their kickers fault!" NOBODY CARES. They lost to LSU. Move on. OklaSt hasn't. So let them play LSU.
OklaSt might get plastered by LSU. Bama might be much better than them. But until you actually step on the field and play the game, you can't say for certain. We CAN say for certain LSU is better than Bama. Case closed, end of story.
Because to me, it isn't about getting the two best teams. It's about getting the two teams that deserve to be there. Alabama had a chance to be that team. They lost. They should not be in the title game.
I know you are referring specifically to Alabama losing to LSU but Oklahoma State also lost. They lost to a team that no CF fan would pick over LSU/Ala.
That one loss is what created the mess. It keeps being said that Alabama did not get it done. Well neither did the Cowboys and thus it got left up to the voters.
Your argument still avoids the fact that OK. State's Strength of Schedule was greater, that takes into account ALL games the team played. Therefore your argument about playing teams in the #30-#50 range is void. Also to address the voters situation the coaches poll is clearly outdated and useless, as many coaches say they don't even pay attention while filling it out.
Also the coaches poll is a HUGE conflict of interest. I can't believe that most people miss that.
It's amazing to me how people see only what they want to see. First, I did not argue that AL definitely was better than OkSU, I argued that just because two teams had already played each other does not prove that the loser is not still the second best team in the country. Second, the computers that crunch the numbers do have OkSU as better - but only by .02. Though fans talk about how OkS played the tougher schedule because of the number of "ranked" teams they beat according to the computers the teams played very very similar schedules, because computers care less about whether arbitary voters rank a team or not and more about the strength of the teams a team plays. The margin betwen them is too small to say that one team is clearly better than the other. Which meant it was left to the voters. Many of whom do not watch games but some of whom do. All we can conclude is that the voters who do watch games felt that in choosing between two teams with similar results against similar schedules AL looked to be the better team.
One more comment on voting. Most Americans have no idea who they are voting for. They vote for a party or a haircut but ask them for specifics about a candidate's plastform and they're lost, or they're wrong. So should we do away with elections? Or admit that democracy is the second worst form of making selections - after everything else? If we can live with a system in which the most poweful person in the world is chosen by the ignorant we can surely live with a system in which a college kids playing a sporting event are selected by coaches who might rely on assistnts or grudges.
IT'S A GAME!!! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WATCH DON'T WATCH! But don't expect to be taken seriously as a sports fan.
Count me out. I'm all for the rematch, as I think Alabama would stick it to LSU 9 times out of 10 and deserves to be there. A rematch for a title in sports isn't anything new, so I'm not sure why this is any different. Oklahoma State lost to an unranked Iowa State, a team that went 3-6 in their conference. How is losing one game, by a field goal in overtime, to the #1 team in the nation worse than that? It isn't. That's exactly how this happened.
F scUM.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
There are 4 games matching B1G vs. SEC teams (counting Northwestern vs. A&M) and I think they are all very winnable. A 3-1 or 4-0 showing against the SEC would be sweet.
Fan of bacon since 1981
Oh boy... this is awkward... My ex and my current are about to meet up... well then, where's the popcorn?
Follow me on Twitter (@NotUrbanMeyer)
And in case the name did not make it obvious, I am a parody... Goddamn lawyers.
One of my ex-currents was in her nightie, when she opened the door to one of my exes.
You need a drink with that popcorn!
How many ex's do you have Hoody? Geez.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Hey did you guys realize that this game involves a coach who retired but then came out of retirement? The CRAZY part is that he retired from one team in this game and is now going to coach the OTHER team in this game!
WHAT A WORLD WE LIVE IN!!
Taquitos.
And our HC's initials are, "U.M."
"U.F.M"
Winner!
U.B-F.M
Time and change will surely show how firm they friendship... O-HI-O.
His initials have bothered me since the hire. The other thing that bothered me is that he is 7-1 in bowl games with the only loss coming to scUM. Other than that, I'm giddy about the hire.
Come on MAN!!!!!
Is this what THE OHIO STATE fans have become, is this what we are? A bunch of whiners?
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
This outcry isn't exclusive to Buckeye fans.
The world vs the SEC then huh?
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Ohio State fans aren't the only ones complaining. In fact I'd say there are probably 118 programs out there complaining about the mockery that is the BCS. Also you have yet to post something that isn't even the slightest positive or non-confrontational. If this blog and its commentariat do not cater to your taste, do not come here and bitch about "Us" Ohio State fans and how horrid, whiny, or atrocious we are. If you come here and have nothing to say that is constructive, then just don't come.
I don't care about other fans, I care about ours. If you don't like my post then don't read them or YOU can choose not to come here.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
But it's not necessarily whining for some fans to say "I'm going to skip this one, not interested." Actually, if many fans express that they're underwhelmed by the prospect of watching the Game of the Century Part Deux, and then people like you whine about other fans not getting with the program . . . do you see the irony?
You did see this right??
Nope, like I said I care about our fan base.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Clearly it's every fanbase but Alabama's... that ought to tell you something...
It tells me nothing. Why be mad at Alabama? What excatly did their team or coaches or fans do? What if it was us instead of Bama? This isn't their fault, it is the system we have. Until it changes we live with it. I'm gonna watch the game, and i'll watch next years game too. I'll watch the first year we have a playoff too.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
I'm not mad at Alabama, I'm mad at the system we have in place. If millions of people continue to support the system and eat up the BS they serve to us, then nothing will ever change. That's my whole point... That's why I will not be tuning in
Alright man, that's your choice. I honestly don't see not watching the game effecting anything. People with the money don't care cos they will still be getting paid. Besides it is a LONG offseason, and i'm gonna soak up as much college football as I can.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Look, Dude: We get it. You will watch the game. That's your right and nobody will sway you so go ahead and knock yourself out.
However, what I don't get is, why are you so adamantly AGAINST those of us who aren't watching it? That's our right as well. Why do you feel the need to disparage and sway us into watching?
If you're already watching it yourself, why do you care if more or less other people do so as well? We're calling for a boycott because we think the SEC/ESPN BCS complex is corrupt and want it to change. EVEN IF you think Bama-LSU was both the right choice and will be a barnburning hell of a game, ... why do you care if we want to boycott the BCS? The game is still being played. You will be able to watch it. Thus, all your interests are being met, unless you're a secret BCS official with a stake in this.
Otherwise, let those of us who aren't satisfied to protest by not tuning in. The "people with money" you talk of DO care if enough people stop watching. Am I confident that enough people will boycott this game for them to notice? Hell no. But that doesn't mean we're not free to do what we want.
Right on.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
"Why be mad at Alabama?"
Because they act like they're entitled to a rematch, when they LOST to LSU at HOME earlier this year. They blew it, but refuse to acknowledge that they blew it.
"What excatly did their team or coaches or fans do? What if it was us instead of Bama?"
Their coaches didn't give them a good enough gameplan to beat LSU at Tuscaloosa. Their team didn't play well enough to beat LSU at HOME. Their fans refuse to acknowledge that they blew it. If it was Buckeyenation, I would acknowledge that "F*$*, we blew it."
If you ain't a Silver Bullet, you're a target
I don't wanna see this game replayed, esp if its gonna be as bad as the first game. I also don't think our fanbase wants to have to listen to the SEC hype machine on CBS and TWWL for the next 3 weeks.
That being said, let's all just put on the blinders and support our team the way we've been bred to do since we were still wearing diapers. Go Bucks!
Time and change will surely show how firm they friendship... O-HI-O.
ESPiN said the game was an instant classic, didnt you hear?
I enjoyed the game. I find it funny that by calling a game going into overtime boring, that that somehow is going to hurt SEC fans. Or ESPN for that matter.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
I'm pumped. I'm refreshed. And I think we have a great chance to stick it to the East Alabama Gators. I think the team will send Luke out on top in a similar fashion that scUM did for Loyd a few years back. This season was awful but as they say, you can't really enjoy the sunshine unless you have rain from time to time. We had our rain and have about as bright of a future as anyone could have imagined 6 months ago.
P.S. we may just have the best damn basketball team in the land. Buck up Buckeye Nation.
Time and change will surely show how firm they friendship... O-HI-O.
There ya go.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
I hate playing bowl games that are road games, but what can you do?
To all the OK State fans, your team beat its rival (like a red headed beotch child) and won its conference outright. That's all you can ask for. Beyond that it's out of your hands. Congrats on a fantastic season.
I won't watch a single play of the BCS NCG.
vacuuming sucks
I'm gonna watch the WHOLE game, but I won't watch a single down of the UM VT game. talk about a snooze fest.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
I like the BCS...and love the Bowl system. I am really excited about playing Florida!
Who is with me???
I AM I AM!
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Definitely excited to play UF. Their defense is stout.
vacuuming sucks
My interests are what will get tOSU the most national championships possible. I don't care about any other team in the NCAA... I often debate whether I like the current system or a playoff. Years like 2005 and 2009/2010 a playoff would have been great because we would have had a shot. However, until the B1G gets stronger than it is right now, I have to think our best chance is to run our conference and OOC games undefeated and get into the game and win 1 game instead of a playoff. A playoff would be amazing, but not as amazing as multiple NC's for my buckeyes. Any thoughts?
Time and change will surely show how firm they friendship... O-HI-O.
I think this site has become a little debbie downerish in general. I will watch the title game. Why not? I think both coaches will probably open up the playbook a little bit anyway. Lsu and Alabama are both really good teams. Okie State probably had the better wins, but a much worse loss. I am excited to see Ohio State play Florida, should be a good gauge about how far the freshmen have progressed and to see what we can do when fully healthy. Go Bucks!
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
Very well said.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Thank you. Also, I feel like there are plenty of Buckeye fans in Florida to make this not feel like a home game for Florida.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
Iowa State isn't that bad of a loss. And it came after that plane crash tragedy in double OT.
It's not debbie downerish to find this BCS national title outrageous and infuriating. It makes college football as a whole noncompetitive, and, even moreso, not fun anymore.
Ya. I agree about the loss but I just meant in general about the site. It seems that there is a lot of just pointless arguing and nonsense. I just feel like yelling about something we all should have seen coming for 2 weeks is kind of a waste of breath and we should be breaking down the manatee's offense and talking about if shazier will be healthy by then.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
Don't take this the wrong way but the place crash is an awful selling point to make the Title game and takes away from the memory of those lost.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
The thing is, you can't quantify how a tragedy distracted the players into rankings. All you can do is say they lost to a team who was clearly inferior to them. It may not have been that bad of a loss, but it was clearly worse than losing to LSU.
Again, I can't stress enough how this rematch could actually work out soooo much better for everyone who hates the BCS. If Oklahoma State got the nod instead and got smoked, and Bama went to the Sugar Bowl and crushed Michigan, it gives credibility to all the talking heads who have been lobbying for the rematch. No one is going to beat LSU, period, so Oklahoma State winning their game, and LSU crushing Bama is the best thing that could happen for those who hate the BCS.
That's such nonsense. LSU would be the consensus national champion in your scenario, and NO ONE would have been talking about whether or not they should have rematched. They already played the game, and LSU won on the road. 'Nuff said on that.
Oklahoma State is the champion of the nation's toughest conference (according to Sagarin). You don't want to talk about a plane crash? Fine. Losing to a bowl-bound team that blasted a ranked Texas Tech, and that beat their in-state rival Iowa simply isn't a terrible loss, particularly if it took 2 OT's. Oklahoma State beat a lot more quality opponents than Alabama did, too.
I've never seen a more pathetic loss in a football game by a top-2 team than what I saw from Alabama in that game against LSU. That includes our beat-down by Florida. You don't miss 4 field goals at home against the #1 team. That's ridiculous.
Dude, the sagarin has TAMU at 15...TAMU!!! a 6 and 6 team. Not only that but if you are gonna use Sagarin, then you can't leave out the fact it has Bama at 2.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Troll.
That is all.
****igan smells like old water that hot dogs were boiled in. FACT
Oklahoma State was up 24-7 early in the second half. Tough to argue "distraction."
The outcry against the rematch here is quite a lot like sour grapes. I wanted the OSU/Michigan rematch a few years because let's face it, Ohio State would've won that game. Tressel wasn't going to lose a title game to Michigan, but they weren't the two best teams and both were embarrassed in the BCS. A lot of the problem is, they are 2 SEC teams and Michigan didn't get a rematch. Oh well.
If LSU romps in this game, and I think they will, it makes quite a case for how ridiculous the BCS is. ESPECIALLY if Oklahoma State gets their work done in their BCS game. Ya know, when Auburn got snubbed, it was the best thing that ever happened to the SEC. Basically, Oklahoma getting embarrassed gave the SEC some credibility in their whining. Ever since then, the SEC winner is a lock for the BCS title. The best thing that could happen for anyone who is pissed off about the current system is for Oklahoma State to win their BCS game and Bama to get destroyed.
Buckeye fans who wanted a rematch with Michigan were a minority.
Man what would people have to cry about if Bama wins and Stanford shows the world what a Big 12 defense is really made of....nothing.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
It would have been more fun for Oklahoma State to show how overrated an SEC defense can be.
Would have been a fun game to watch for sure, but I still think that LSU would have exposed Okie state.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
In reality, Oklahoma State is probably a little better than Arkansas. Oklahoma State struggled with A&M and Texas. Of course they lost to Iowa State. Arkansas had similar results against similar teams, and got destroyed by the 2 good teams they played. I think Oklahoma State was better, but probably not by much.
Ya and I don't buy the garbage about Okie states top 25 wins. Because they count Mizzou, TAMU, and Texas in that list.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
I don't know about. If it weren't for mindless turnovers by Oregon or WVU, they both might have beaten LSU. Ok St. beat Ok. like a redheaded stepchild, which I seriously doubt Alabama could have done. I could see Ok. St. giving LSU fits, for as much as people rave about Matthieu and Claiborne, LSU's back 7 got burned by both Oregon and WVU. I think it would be a much better game than watching the reincarnation of the Single Wing offense.
Triple option is coming back.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
Troll.
****igan smells like old water that hot dogs were boiled in. FACT
I can agree with you, but despite what could've been, LSU still beat those teams down. If not for ridiculous flubs by the other team Ohio State should've lost their last two BCS games. The how many games should the Buckeyes have lost in 2002? At the end of the day, they won those games. LSU won the games they could've lost if... and did so convincingly. It's my opinion that Ok State is similar, yet better than Arkansas. That was a team Bama and LSU had no problem beating badly.
I just have to disagree with you about the comparison to the 2006. Everyone in the country thought Ohio State and Michigan were the two best teams. Obviously we found out that that wasn't the case in the bowl games. But the perception is the same, you can't take into account what happened later.
In my opinion, Alabama looked like a good team, but not necessarily the second best team in the nation. The same point can be made for Oklahoma State, but we will never be able to find out the truth because we are seeing an in conference match up as a national title game. Everything is always different in conference compared to out of conference, the bowl games after the 2006 OSU-UM game showed it. Yeah yeah they are in the SEC but who is to say the SEC is still as dominant as it was back in 2006-2008. I would definitely say it isn't.
but we're trying to make a case for a team who lost to Iowa State and benefitted from 2 traditional powers not being very good this year. Let's face it, the Sooners aren't great and Texas just isn't that good. Their best win may have been Baylor. Granted Bama's best win was over rated Arkansas, but Arkansas is probably pretty close to Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State is probably better, but not 3 or 4 TD's better.
Don't get me wrong, I was totaly in favor of Oklahoma State getting their shot, but I don't neccessarily think the BCS got it wrong either. This was a year where there just weren't that many great teams out there. Really, was Oklahoma State that good? There's no doubt they had a great offense, but don't they always? With Oklahoma and Texas being not very good, the usually pourous OSU defense never really got exposed like they would in years where Texas and Oklahoma had top 10 offenses.
Ok. State leads the nation in takeaways, although their scoring defense isn't highly ranked. Ok. State is lightyears ahead of Arkansas for what its worth, and its not even close.
Ohio State needs to find some linebackers besides Shazier. Hopefully Sweat gets healthy and OSU coaches fight through transitional distractions to produce a product that represents OSU well
LSU & Bama would be favored against any other team in the country. Might as well let them play. My question is what if NCAA hands down a bowl ban? Do we have to play in Gator now, or can we skip it and be bowl ready next year? Not real familiar with ins & outs of bowl contracts...
Just like we were 14 point dogs against Miami in 2002? We probably would have been similar dogs to Oklahoma or Georgia no matter who that other team was. By your philosophy, I guess we may as well not even bother playing games in the first place.
No. What is saying is that this is essentially is how the BCS game is picked. Not that we shouldnt play but we ask people to put the two best teams on the field against eachother.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
Yeah, there's are huge problems with that. First, you can't determine who the two best teams are with a poll. If you're going to use a poll, then you need to place emphasis on it. Oklahoma State beat more teams ranked in those polls throughout their season than did Alabama. Empirically, Oklahoma State is the best team from the best conference and had the tougher schedule. Alabama didn't win its division, and already lost to the team that won its conference.
Alabama had its shot. It failed. Oklahoma State's turn.
Also, the best team from the best conference never loses to Iowa State.
What? It's harder to go undefeated in the toughest conference.
The world keeps on spinnin'.
I think Kellen Moore and Boise State would be the toughest test for LSU. We all have opinions. I think LSU may have the best college defense I've seen. They will beat Alabama in the rematch so LSU will rightfully take the crystal @ 14-0. LSU won their conference- beat the Pac-10 champs and the Big east champs.
Justin Bieber/Kellen Moore would not beat LSU. Nope.
Taquitos.
lol man you're on fire.
"Without winners, there wouldn't even be civilization." -----------Woody Hayes
I wouldn't bet money on Boise to win either. Boise did alright vs Georgia in the Georgia dome. I'm gad OSU won't be facing the Broncos this bowl season
Uh oh. Craig James thinks our bowl looks like the most fun. Plus he thinks Urban is coaching in it. I don't think that's right.
Something tells me Urban will have more than a hand in the offensive game plan, even if he is not present at the game. We can only hope for as much.
As per the out/ retirement clause in his contract he cannot coach this year. I read it this morning.
"Don't put syrup on shit, and tell me it's pancakes"
No matter how sh*tty the tour is, it's always tough to leave.
Quite honestly, I've found Craig James to be one ESPN "expert" who has been pretty tolerable most of the year. Maybe it's just been this crazy season, but I have kind of appreciated the fact that he hasn't toed the party line on that network all year
Yeah, disagree. I just got a little nauseous after I heard him say he will be calling the game. FML.
And we'll drink to old Ohio, 'Til we wobble in our shoes!
My Predictions for the B1G bowl season.
Purdue vs. Western Michigan, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN - Purde
Iowa vs. Oklahoma, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN - Oklahoma
Northwestern vs. Texas A&M, noon ET, ESPN - TAMU
Illinois vs. UCLA, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN - Illinois
Penn State vs. Houston, noon ET, ESPNU - PSU
Michigan State vs. Georgia, 1 p.m. ET, ABC - Georgia
Nebraska vs. South Carolina, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN - Toss up but ill take SC
Ohio State vs. Florida, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN2 - OSU
Wisconsin vs. Oregon, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN - Oregon
Michigan vs. Virginia Tech, Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN - M!ch@g#n
Over all thats 5-5. wouldnt be too bad.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
Zook vs Nuehieshal... 6-6 vs 6-7... attendence over/under is @ 8,000 in the stands
Other than money and fans, how the hell did Michiagn get a BCS game, they lost to Michigan State and a down Iowa team.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
You gave the exact two reasons they made it.
35 hours to Pasadena! Go Bucks!
The way I see it is (regardless if I am going to watch or not) there is going to be a helluva backlash, similar to what happened with the 06 MNC game.
If the title game is going to be SEC vs SEC regardless of what everyone else does, which is not debatable right now, then why is anyone outside the SEC going to care?
Like someone said earlier, Auburn being shut out in 04 was the best thing to the SEC, well, T. Boone Pickens is raising hell right now, adding a AQC conference to the Boise St, TCU, Utah voices already out there.
And I didn't want a rematch in 06, and thought Oklahoma shouldn't have made it without winning their conference either.
"Don't put syrup on shit, and tell me it's pancakes"
No matter how sh*tty the tour is, it's always tough to leave.
It's not "regardless of what everyone else does"!!!!! It's because Stanford lost to OR. It's because Boise lost to TCU. It's because OkSU lost to ISU. It's because OR lost to USC (and if they hadn't do they get a rematch?) All these teams had the keys in their pockets and gave them away. The one team that never gave away a game it should have won was AL. We hate it because it's all SEC, but AL was rated by the number-crunching computers as the third best team in the country, behind only LSU and OkSU and far ahead of the rest of the one- and two-loss teams - but close enough to OkSU that it came down to eyeballs of voters. Who decided that what everyone else did mattered the most. As in, losing to teams they should not have lost to.
And please, please, please stop with the "they didn't win their conference" stuff. It's a favorite song this year because OkSU beat OU. But if the Sooners had won who plays LSU??? OR? They already lost to the Tigers too. 10-3 Clemson? West Virginia? TCU (who lost to Southern Methodist)? Point me to a deserving conference winner had OkSU lost to OU!!! It's not whether you won a conference, it's whether you appear to be a team worthy to compete for the national title. AL clearly fits that bill. Most deserving? who knows? but deserving? absolutely, no question!!!
There are only two bowl games that I will (for sure) watch: Ohio State v. Florida and Wiscy v. Oregon. I choose those two games, because they're the only ones I really care about. None of the other teams in the other games (except for maybe a catching a bit of other Big Ten bowl games) carry any interest to me -so why watch?
Now, can we get back to talking about Ohio State football? Please? I am more worried/excited about seeing a healthy defense on the field against Coach Meyer's old football team. Think of the sour grapes that they will experience when we beat them in their backyard. It will be beautiful.
Think of the Veitnam type flashbacks we could have if we lose.... with Meyer on our side. We also have a chance at our first losing season in years. And it's a home game for Florida. I'd like to see us play this game at soldier field, see how fast those flordia boys are in the freezing cold.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
I was trying to go for "optimistic," here. We aren't the Buckeyes of yore, but they aren't the Gators of old, either. Technically, Meyer isn't the coach for this game, so it's Fick's last stand. I agree with you, however. I would love for there to be a bowl where it snows, period. Imagine those SEC boys trying to play in Columbus, Madison, and Minneapolis this time of year. That would be an interesting game, but bet on ESPN spinning it on them not being used to the climate or some lame exuse like that.
Worst. BSc games. Ever.
****igan smells like old water that hot dogs were boiled in. FACT
Just my two cents worth, for what it's worth: I have no interest in watching the MNC. I am interested in the Gator Bowl.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
I'll watch the end of the Rose Bowl to see Bielema cry like a little girl.
I am adamantly against this SEC rematch. I was against it in '06 and will continue to be against rematches in the future.
That being said, I will not be watching this game. (The exception will be if I'm at a sports bar where it would be on regardless of my presence.) There is very little I can do to express my displeasure of this matchup, but I can refuse to turn my TV to it. The BCS doesn't care if I watch, but they do care if the masses watch. If there are millions of people who feel as I do (and it appears there are) and they also refuse to watch, that sends the clearest message. It says this matchup is unacceptable to college football and if it happens again, you will not get ratings. These bowls are first and foremost about money (see UM in Sugar Bowl), if the sponsors see that people won't watch, their ad's aren't worth as much which means the BCS/bowl makes less money. That will make change happen.
We should strive to keep thy name, of fair repute and spotless fame...
(Also, I'm not a dude)