The OSU fans that read this blog will give us a 100 different reasons why OSU is not like Michigan. I will give you a few reasons why OSU is trending just like Michigan was the last 7-10 years.
Here are some of my thoughts on why the Buckeyes might be trending that way:
- How many times did we read this after Michigan got beat by USC in the Rose Bowl?: "They did everything we saw on film, nothing changed," said USC linebacker Rey Maualuga. (Rey is speaking about Ohio State)
- I'm not sure what it is about coaches that are comfortable in their jobs getting very predictable. But many national columnist are saying that Jim Tressel has gotten that way. We all know Lloyd Carr was maybe the most predictable coach in the nation the last 10 years but is Tressel now on the same path? Did you see a good game plan against USC? I sure didn't.
- Not sure if it's from Pete Carroll getting fired at all his NFL stops but he really doesn't seem to have this problem. Coaches need to innovate and not get stale when it comes to coaching their teams. Let's use Tiger Woods for an example: he is the most talented golfer in the world but has gone through two major swing changes as a pro with two different coaches. He realized that he had to make major changes to stay the #1 golfer in the world.
- OSU is 0-9 vs the SEC
- Michigan's problem is the PAC 10. Michigan is 16-13 against the PAC 10 all time. Not exactly dominating for the program with the most wins in history.
- Both programs for years has built power teams to win games but that don't stack up against the elite teams nationally.
- Justin Boren
- The Michigan game factor: Let's be honest, 80% of the Buckeye nation would be happy with beating Michigan every year. For the first time in a long time, I am starting to feel from the Buckeye Nation that beating a down Michigan team isn't enough anymore. Getting embarrassed on the biggest stage in the last three years, is starting to take effect on Buckeye Pride.
- Schedule: Is the schedule doing OSU any favors? I have to admit they have worked the system for two years now, with back to back trips to the National Championship game. With the Big Ten not exactly fielding the strongest teams nationally (See the bowl record below) Should OSU be scheduling less Akron's and more BCS schools? I think the answer is yes. Big Ten Bowl Records: Last season 3-5, In 2006 2-5, In 2005 3-4, In 2004 3-3.
- Part of the scheduling issue is Ohio State lack of long term contracts with any non-conference BCS schools. No Michigan vs ND, No ND vs USC, No Iowa vs Iowa State. Why? There are plenty local BCS schools that would run at a chance to sign a 10 year contract with the Buckeyes. Examples: Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee, and yes even Notre Dame. Memo to Columbus: Kentucky plays in the SEC, it would be a great way to improve your record.
So I'm sure there are many other reasons for or against this argument and the last thing a Buckeye wants to be compared to is a Wolverine. (they are even worried that due to global warming that the Buckeye tree might find it's way to Michigan). But after beat downs in South Bend and in LA both teams are feeling pretty low these days. One team is still ranked in the top 20 with thoughts of Big Ten Titles and a BCS Bowl Game running through their heads, the other is just trying to turn a "battle ship" while keeping their bowl record alive. Should be fun to watch over the next 5 years.
When I asked a Buckeye grad yesterday, how things were going, he replied, "not so well after Saturday". I just told him, "welcome to my world".