That has to be one of my favorite sports pictures of all time. It was taken as Cameron Heyward realizes that Solomon Thomas has just made the biggest play of his career, clinching the Sugar Bowl for the Buckeyes. Joy, excitement, relief, all those emotions (and more) were shared by Heyward and all of Buckeye Nation when the referees signaled Ohio State possession. Ohio State has finally beaten an SEC team in a bowl game, a task 33 years in the making. I slept about 3 hours after the game, and I am guessing many of you went to work the next day fueled by nothing but adrenaline just like I did. Such a great feeling, to never have to hear "0-9" again. While euphoria is still going strong, I do want to touch on a few specifics from Tuesday night's game.
First and foremost, Cam Heyward is officially a man-beast. He earned himself a place in Buckeye lore. Statistically, he did not have the best season. Coaches praised his effort and emphasized the fact that he was soaking up double teams all year kept his number lower. But no matter how many Razorback O-linemen tried to block him or cheap shot him last night, Heyward made sure Ryan Mallet felt his presence. His arm was about to fall off several times last night, and what did he do? Slap some tape on it, and get right back to terrorizing the Arkansas backfield.
Backup defensive backs, well done. I feel horrible for Chimdi Chekwa, to go down with such a gruesome injury in your final game as a Buckeye. He went out with a bang, though, making a great play to break up a long pass from Mallet that could have gone for a score. Travis Howard came in and played admirably, and I even heard Dominic Clarke's name called a few times. Christian Bryant nearly came up with a huge interception, too, although it was a difficult shoestring catch.
First and foremost, Cam Heyward is officially a man-beast. He earned himself a place in Buckeye lore. Statistically, he did not have the best season. Coaches praised his effort and emphasized the fact that he was soaking up double teams all year kept his number lower. But no matter how many Razorback O-linemen tried to block him or cheap shot him last night, Heyward made sure Ryan Mallet felt his presence. His arm was about to fall off several times last night, and what did he do? Slap some tape on it, and get right back to terrorizing the Arkansas backfield.
Backup defensive backs, well done. I feel horrible for Chimdi Chekwa, to go down with such a gruesome injury in your final game as a Buckeye. He went out with a bang, though, making a great play to break up a long pass from Mallet that could have gone for a score. Travis Howard came in and played admirably, and I even heard Dominic Clarke's name called a few times. Christian Bryant nearly came up with a huge interception, too, although it was a difficult shoestring catch.
And even our much maligned quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, deserves respect. I know his post game on field interview/apology to Ohio State fans was mucked up when Holly Rowe asked if he would be coming back for next year, but he made some fantastic plays with his arm and legs last night, and came back on the field even though he could barely walk for a 3rd down with just over a minute left. I know the play ended up being a dive to Boom, but he showed some guts in that moment.
I don't want to harp on game specifics too much. My point for the day is to just take in the moment. Six months from now we will all be worrying about pre-season rankings, and how many games the starters will be suspended for (depending on who came back) and who will start at quarterback. But for now, the SEC demon is vanquished, and Ohio State has just won back to back BCS bowl games. Jim Tressel proved once again that Tressel-ball works (albeit ever so painfully) and improved to 5-3 in BCS games, 6-4 in bowl games overall.
For all high-fives and hugs after big plays, and all the cursing at the refs for wild safeties and at J.B. Shugarts for, well, every play he was in, it was a a great game to watch, and we could not have asked for more from the seniors on this team. Next season will be one for the history books as the Big Ten expands and holds its first championship game. Expectations will be high for this team, as always, no matter who leaves early or comes back, but for now, all is well in Buckeye Country. Let me leave you with perhaps my new favorite sports statistic: Since 2011, Ohio State is now 1 - 0 against SEC teams in bowl games. Mark May, enjoy.
