September 30, 2006

Bucks!

TroySmithESPNr.jpg
(AP photo via espn.com)

Just basking in the warm glow that is the aftermath of another methodical win for the Buckeyes. Ohio State traveled to Iowa City and schooled the Hawkeyes tonight 38-17. Here's the game story from Bucknuts.com.

The storyline was the same as in last week's Penn State game. Get out ahead early (which helped to deflate the raucous crowd) then stay in control of a relatively close game, until some late turnovers forced by the defense allow you to put it out of reach in the fourth quarter. To hear the national commentators tell it, Ohio State removed all doubt about their No. 1 ranking tonight, and Troy Smith put a little distance between himself and the other Heisman Trophy contenders.

Heady times indeed for us Bucknuts. As a lifer fan you try not to get too cocky, because you remember too many late season upsets (like MSU in 1998, Michigan several times) but this team doesn't appear to lack focus. If anything, they exude it. They're 5-0 with the two toughest road games already out of the way....but with a very good Michigan team coming in six weeks from now. Until then, not much...Minnesota and Michigan State could keep it close for a half, but the Buckeyes would have to stumble badly to lose before Michigan.

After the big win at second-ranked Texas, and with the Wolverines looking tougher than expected, a friend pointed out the ever-increasing possibility that we could have a second #1 vs #2 matchup if Michigan rolls into Columbus undefeated on November 18. And it only follows that if the Buckeyes win that one, a third #1 vs #2 matchup would almost certainly take place in the National Championship Game.

That can't have ever happened before, can it? I'm sure some sports journalist or historian will tell us within the next few days.

Before the BCS began, it was rare for there to be even one matchup between the top two ranked teams in the country in any given year, with conference champions committed to this bowl game or that one without regard to rankings. The most attractive matchups possible were arranged for the bowls, but the system didn't lend itself to deciding national championships on the field. That's what we had sportwriters and coaches for...to vote for their favorites.

The BCS system usually succeeds in matching the two best teams once, in January, but this would be a rare and exciting circumstance if the Buckeyes could manage to first, start the season at No. 1, and then to meet (and of couse beat) three No. 2 ranked teams in one season. Stay tuned. Go Bucks.

Posted by dan at September 30, 2006 11:50 PM