My first couple of post for ITS have included a bunch of bitching and moaning about young running backs, conservative play calling and Tresselballs effect on my personal health. However, in this edition, I want to focus on an aspect of the Buckeye football program that I absolutely love.
The Silver Bullets have never been afraid to schedule the big boys during the college football regular season. It is an argument that I've used often when defending the Bucks in message board battles and barroom disputes. Sure, we still have the Youngstown States of the world on the slate each year but there is always a marquee match up to look forward to before league play begins. Big games against the likes of Texas, USC and Washington (don't laugh, they were a top 10 team when OSU scheduled that series) are what makes college football exciting. With a home and home against the Canes beginning this upcoming season and dates with Oklahoma and Virginia Tech looming on the horizon, there will be no shortage of drama for seasons to come.
I am a firm believer of scheduling these huge games for the early weeks of the season. Not only does it create tons of interest but also gives teams a chance to climb to or cement their spot in the rankings. In most cases, these games are played during the non-conference portion of the schedule. That usually falls within the first 4 weeks. Even if you suffer a loss, there is still time to claw your way back up the polls.
Unfortunately, these marquee games seem to happen with less frequency each year. Many programs have shied away from scheduling tougher schools in favor of padding the season with 1AA opponents they can beat up on. It is hard to argue with the logic given the current climate that the BCS has created. Why risk a loss against another powerhouse when you can basically guarantee a victory against an inferior opponent (insert your own Appalachian State joke here)? Why eliminate millions of dollars from the bottom line by sacrificing a home date? Strength of schedule does play a part in the convoluted formula used by the BCS but usually doesn't factor heavily enough in the final polls. Until the NCAA and BCS figure out a way to reward programs for playing tougher OOC schedules, these big match ups will continue to be scarce.
Pffff.
I am not suggesting that a program fill up its whole non-conference schedule with potential land mines. The small schools need the occasional payday and it is nice to give their kids a chance to compete in some of the greatest sports venues this country has to offer. Additionally, they do rise up and threaten one of the big boys every once in awhile. To fill the entire OOC with this type of competition, however, is just cowardly and selfish. My suggestion to ADs everywhere is to grow a pair and schedule at least one big match up per season. Fans of all teams will thank you.
