The ESPN/USA Today coach’s poll came out yesterday and I have to say that I am surprised that the Buckeyes aren’t at the top of the list. While I don’t doubt that Georgia is a strong national title contender, I just don’t see how returning 20 starters on a team, in addition to landing the highly touted #1 recruit (who will see playing time this season) and that has made it to the title game two years in a row isn’t worthy of the #1 pre-season ranking. While I realize that by making it to the big game two years in a row and losing both times means that everyone loves to hate on the Buckeyes right now, I still don’t see how that translates into not only a #2 ranking, but #3. Ohio State’s ranking isn’t the only thing that I don’t understand about the top 25; Penn State at #20? They have a new quarterback, are coming off a 9-4 season. There are already off field problems that have affected the roster and there is the ever aging JoePa whose tenure, some feel, is long over. And then there’s Michigan at #24, their only experienced quarterback transferred once the new coach was hired and their star RB has been lost to graduation. They will also be using a pro-style offense that none of the current players are suited for. Combining that with last year’s 9-4 record that commenced with a loss to I-AA Appalachian State and I’m not really sure how that lands you in the top 25.
Say what you want, but the preseason rankings matter. If Georgia, USC and Ohio State all go undefeated this season, OSU will be the team to be shut out of the title game due to their preseason ranking. That’s where the lunacy of this sport is…the national championships are decided by voting, rather than head to head competition. My friend Mike once said that he can’t watch sports where the outcome isn’t decided by who is the fastest or scores the most points, such as gymnastics, where the champions are judged. I wonder how he feels about football then, since essentially the same thing is happening. I’ll have to bring that up to him, should make for an interesting debate.
While we are on the subject of rankings…why is it that the Big Ten has continually been referred to as “soft”, yet five of the 11 teams from the conference are in the top 25?? Only three Pac -10 teams landed in the rankings and only three ended up there at the end of last season (the same number as the Big Ten). During USC’s national championship seasons, it was never really an issue as far as the media was concerned as to whether or not they deserved to be there. I guess the Buckeyes really are that hated. If winning means we are hated, I’ll take that any day.
Good news so far out of Buckeye camp. The players reported to camp in shape yesterday after what the described as an extremely rigorous off season workout. General word is that there is significant individual improvement on the team from everyone, even the likes of Beanie Wells who threw up some ridiculous numbers last season. Let’s hope that adds to their advantage during the grueling season. Looking forward to more updates. GO BUCKS!
