Tressels, Fickells, Urbans, Days, Johnsons and Days,
Ohio State is playing in the Rose Bowl but the team is only partially there.
Ohio State will take the field with a total of 63 scholarship players available. When I was growing up no one would have missed playing in the Rose Bowl, it was the ultimate destination.
OSU having so many not playing in this game is indicative of two recent changes.
The first change is the professionalization of college football.
The rules in college football have changed so quickly that if a player is unhappy they will hit the transfer portal and try to start and get paid somewhere else. Also, the first round money in the NFL is so large that the risk of playing in a game that doesn’t have national championship implications is too high to chance.
The second change is the expectation now established for Ohio State.
The program now is focused solely on winning the national championship...even winning the Big Ten championship has been a nonevent. The moment the national championship is not available, the season is a failure.
It will be very important for Ohio State to avoid in-game injuries or targeting penalties that result in ejection. Some positions are so thin players are being moved the last few weeks in order to fill holes. At linebacker, Cade Stover moved over from tight end and will actually start on the defense which is a little crazy in a game as big as the Rose Bowl. I don’t think Cade is Chris Gamble reincarnated, but it is what it is.
Personally, I have always loved the Rose Bowl. It’s my favorite game of the college football season. I would love to see Ohio State play hard and tough. I think the team with the most yards per carry will win this one. Ohio State has not fared well against teams that look like Utah this season, so hopefully the Buckeyes redeem themselves and are ready this time.
With so many players out for this game, this game becomes a preview of next season. Players will get meaningful snaps that we haven’t really seen yet. I would love to see those young players play smart, play hard and show some passion for being in the Rose Bowl. This game is about pride...I would love to see Ohio State show some grit and finish strong showing us a glimpse of the future.
Touchdowns: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ruckert, TreVeyon Henderson, TreVeyon, Julian Fleming, Marvin Harrison Jr.
OSU 48 Utah 40
Go Bucks! Beat Utah! Tyreke Smith for Heisman!
Large Father
