My OSU vs Illinois write up

I had to take a few days off before I wrote anything about this game, since I am an Ohio State fan and all. You know that feeling when your about to get away with something…but then you get caught at the last second? That’s what this loss feels like.

Ohio State didn’t deserve to be in the National Title game, and Saturday’s game vs Illinois proved it. Their vaunted defense was caught looking numerous times during the game, giving up easy passing touchdowns to ‘Juice’ and his receivers.  The balanced offense turned out to be not so balance, especially after three picks. This team was supposed to be in a semi-rebuilding this year, and for that they have had a great season. But this team didn’t deserve to even be mentioned for National Title consideration. They played a weak schedule out of conferences, and the Big Ten is weakest of all the big conferences this year. Yet, under the system that College Football is run on, OSU almost tip toed their way into the National Title game.

As for my thoughts on the game, well… the better team won. Ron Zook deserves all the credit in the world for such a quick turnaround for that program. He is one of the better recruiters in all of College Football, and it is starting to show on the field. OSU defense was shredded by the running and passing of ‘Juice’ Williams, who played a career best game. It kind of reminded me of watching OSU over the last two years, as defense scrambled to contain Troy Smith. Williams is that type of quarterback, and OSU just couldn’t stop him.

OSU has to take their minds off that loss as quick as possible, and realize that they can still play in the Rose Bowl if they beat Michigan. A National Title is always nice, but you can’t let lesser goals slip through the cracks just because you lost one game. You can’t let Illinois beat you twice.

As an OSU fan, I wanted them to pull it out and beat Illinois. But as a College Football fan in general, I thought that they should lose. I know it sounds weird, but I get the feeling that many OSU fans feel the same way. If Ohio State wants to make a legit National Title run, they have next year to do it. They have many players returning on both sides of the ball, and they have a tough out of conference game (@ USC) to legitimize their ranking.  It’s tough to realize that this seasons National Title hopes are over, but OSU still has a lot to play for, which is more than most teams can say at this time of the season.