Kickoff at Youngstown State seemed fairly normal. The game continued with appreciation but nothing added. Sometime after that a realization came to mind: I'm a senior. Last shot (trying to fail a class in the school of communication takes work) before the real world and hopefully a great gig. Or any gig. Will it top this one? Absolutely impossible. No problem though except now it's officially USC week.
Broadcasting three consecutive national championship losses and hearing both chants of Gator/Tiger bait hurt. Naturally my jaw dropped when In and Out Burger coupled with Urban Meyer's defense stymied Heisman Troy. I yearned for the Rose Bowl after another great start faded with three second quarter LSU scores, in effect sinking the Bucks hopes. However…
Let's be real, I went to Arizona (twice including Notre Dame win), New Orleans and Atlanta (for the final four), I had nothing to complain about. The experiences created lasting memories and lessons from some of the countries top reporters. This great game of college was continuing and the losses just didn't burn as badly. Heck a trip to the Big Easy the first week after turning 21? That was the story of some hurricanes. Not a Gustav or a Marve but a drink that's size and strength makes Bourbon Street seem a wee bit hazy.
Now however the past is the past and one last chance to cover a national champion remains. After a lifelong love affair with scarlet Saturday's that rarely turned gray this season signifies my last chance to actually win that big one. I can't help but consider that Saturday night will be different. Victory means a party in the Cali sunshine and a renewed national respect for the Midwest’s top pigskin program. Defeat means reflection. Something I don't want to comprehend. Something we all don't wish to go through again.
Time to listen to LAX, by hip hop extraordinaire, The Game. That's all I want to do, the recently released CD combines outstanding beats, silky smooth lyrics and a constant reminder that I'm headed to LA. Nearly every song focuses on the city of angels (and of course metaphors showing love to NBA stars like Lebron and Dwight Howard). Without an angel (preferably not Christopher Lloyd) my college game may be up like 50 Cent's reign anywhere near the top (50 will prove yet again how pathetic he is by failing to respond to The Game's well timed bashes).
Three title losses and a Trojan triumph means worlds of talent won't yield a national title for the class of 2009. I believe wholeheartedly we can win this football game and we must. I have no interest in finally bearing the true sting I’ve basically avoided with incredible trips the last two falls plus one winter. Even with the win the LA Coliseum may provide a Trojan treat in the form of an SEC team to spoil a third BCS contest. Bring on that damn horse cause this land native's not ready to see the dream die in La La.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Chris Wells out against Ohio
Columbus, Ohio – Coach Tressel spoke to the media this afternoon and announced that Chris Wells, who has not be able to practice this week, will be sitting out against Ohio. This does not come as much of a surprise. There is no reason for Tressel and the Buckeyes to try and rush Wells back into the starting line up. Let us all just hope that this is not all smoke and mirrors directed towards USC. We can only pray that the foot injury is not more serious than they are letting on. When asked if Wells would have to sit out come September 13th Tressel replied, “No, not at all. Not at all. But that's easy to say today." This injury could be a blessing in disguise for the Buckeyes allowing them to give some of the other guys a chance. Maurice Wells, Brandon Saine, and Boom Herron are all formidable replacements. Though they are not Heisman caliber in any way it will give them a tune up in the starting role incase they have to play a significant part against USC. It may even give Tressel some room to get creative with freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor. We will just have to wait and see but keep your fingers crossed Buckeye Fan.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Rosen's Randoms: USC Thoughts
One game down and another on the horizon means one thing for Buckeye fans, (hopefully this one them continues) get hyped for So Cal! Now I'll admit travelling there for the biggest non conference road game of my broadcasting career adds to the excitement but all scarlet and gray fanatics should be ready. What an opportunity for this talented edition of the Jim Tressel show! After two disappointing and telling title game losses this bunch can erase the pain by pulling an upset in a hostile road environment (ahem Texas of 2005). Will we pull the "upset" or suffer yet another heartbreak? My true prediction comes from Cali at the conclusion of our pregame show but here are a few thoughts on this meeting of titans.
1. All Eyes on T: Sorry Pac, dead or alive your adopted hometown will belong to somebody else after this contest. I certainly hope Terrelle Pryor is a serious candidate to make an imprint on this game. We saw against YSU how special a runner he can be in the open field but without Beanie we need the total package. Get this kid under center and allow him to make plays with his arm and feet. Coach Tressel claimed during camp that the freshman is more then a runner but he needs to show it by allowing the O's # 2 to air it out in the sunshine. 10-15 snaps with a minimum of one deep ball and multiple designed runs would be lovely but you never know with the conservatism of Tressel. Regardless I want to believe that he has learned from his mistakes and remembers both the Texas and Florida games. Though Troy bears the brunt of the responsibility for knowingly taking cash from a booster, he should have been given more if not all the snaps on that evening at the shoe. Against Florida the Gators passed with Leak and ran with Tebow, both of which went down our throats. Point being that the All-Everything top recruit of last year must receive ample opportunities to make plays against a vicious defense that may define Boeckman.
2. No T's for 17: Speaking of Todd the second year starter must make smart decisions especially with the deep ball against the Trojans. He proved last year to have the deep ball down very nicely but at times on Saturday and both at Michigan and versus LSU, he was more than willing to just throw it up. Look, I no that you need to make plays to be a factor but tossing one away or even taking a sack won't destroy the Bucks chances in the way turnovers will. I fully believe in the Buckeyes offensive playmakers, depth and defense so the QB should play relaxed and not force balls down the field.
3. PT for Beanie?: Alright this subject will get addressed on every sports talk show both in Columbus and nationally until the game. Will it become annoying? Perhaps a bit to late on the annoyance front but a top Heisman candidate going down will have that effect. My feeling on Wells is that if he does not play then he should not play. Flat out he's too tough and driven to sit this one out unless his foot really will make carrying the ball dreadful. If I had to guess as of now I'd say you'll see him in there but don't quote me on it. Again Pryor really becomes a key here but have faith in these other backs. Saine should get more looks as his ankles much better, Boom Herron showed flashes of brilliance in one game and had a season to learn from Beanie and Mo Wells is a senior. A senior who had a lot of hype. A senior who hasn't and won't accomplish anywhwere near what was expected of him. But he's a senior and never underestimate the power of those getting one last shot. Why am I typing faster then the D's # 2 can run in the early morning on a Wednesday night when I have to get up at 9? Classes may not have started but I'm a senior and I'm fired up! Mo has character, heart and has been a class act in the capital city of the OH-IO state, so let's see if he can earn some Buckeyes in the city of angels.
4. Jay Mariotti is just one guy. Many are like him out there. He thinks were going to get smashed. He hates us. He's sick of us. I love attending Ohio State and being Darth Vader to so many. Apologies to the fictional Luke Skywalker for insinuating that you parallel the unfortunately real Mariotti. That’s all I got, be sure to tune in for the OU game beginning at 10:30. Should be a great final tune-up with more Big Ten and SC talk throughout the broadcast online @ ohiostatesports.net. Enjoy scarlet and gray the student way and until next time, GO BUCKS!
1. All Eyes on T: Sorry Pac, dead or alive your adopted hometown will belong to somebody else after this contest. I certainly hope Terrelle Pryor is a serious candidate to make an imprint on this game. We saw against YSU how special a runner he can be in the open field but without Beanie we need the total package. Get this kid under center and allow him to make plays with his arm and feet. Coach Tressel claimed during camp that the freshman is more then a runner but he needs to show it by allowing the O's # 2 to air it out in the sunshine. 10-15 snaps with a minimum of one deep ball and multiple designed runs would be lovely but you never know with the conservatism of Tressel. Regardless I want to believe that he has learned from his mistakes and remembers both the Texas and Florida games. Though Troy bears the brunt of the responsibility for knowingly taking cash from a booster, he should have been given more if not all the snaps on that evening at the shoe. Against Florida the Gators passed with Leak and ran with Tebow, both of which went down our throats. Point being that the All-Everything top recruit of last year must receive ample opportunities to make plays against a vicious defense that may define Boeckman.
2. No T's for 17: Speaking of Todd the second year starter must make smart decisions especially with the deep ball against the Trojans. He proved last year to have the deep ball down very nicely but at times on Saturday and both at Michigan and versus LSU, he was more than willing to just throw it up. Look, I no that you need to make plays to be a factor but tossing one away or even taking a sack won't destroy the Bucks chances in the way turnovers will. I fully believe in the Buckeyes offensive playmakers, depth and defense so the QB should play relaxed and not force balls down the field.
3. PT for Beanie?: Alright this subject will get addressed on every sports talk show both in Columbus and nationally until the game. Will it become annoying? Perhaps a bit to late on the annoyance front but a top Heisman candidate going down will have that effect. My feeling on Wells is that if he does not play then he should not play. Flat out he's too tough and driven to sit this one out unless his foot really will make carrying the ball dreadful. If I had to guess as of now I'd say you'll see him in there but don't quote me on it. Again Pryor really becomes a key here but have faith in these other backs. Saine should get more looks as his ankles much better, Boom Herron showed flashes of brilliance in one game and had a season to learn from Beanie and Mo Wells is a senior. A senior who had a lot of hype. A senior who hasn't and won't accomplish anywhwere near what was expected of him. But he's a senior and never underestimate the power of those getting one last shot. Why am I typing faster then the D's # 2 can run in the early morning on a Wednesday night when I have to get up at 9? Classes may not have started but I'm a senior and I'm fired up! Mo has character, heart and has been a class act in the capital city of the OH-IO state, so let's see if he can earn some Buckeyes in the city of angels.
4. Jay Mariotti is just one guy. Many are like him out there. He thinks were going to get smashed. He hates us. He's sick of us. I love attending Ohio State and being Darth Vader to so many. Apologies to the fictional Luke Skywalker for insinuating that you parallel the unfortunately real Mariotti. That’s all I got, be sure to tune in for the OU game beginning at 10:30. Should be a great final tune-up with more Big Ten and SC talk throughout the broadcast online @ ohiostatesports.net. Enjoy scarlet and gray the student way and until next time, GO BUCKS!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Breaking News: Chris Wells Injury Update
Columbus, OH – Jim Tressel spoke today during his weekly Tuesday Press Conference and the word out of Columbus is that Beanie Wells is listed as “doubtful” for the Ohio game. When asked if Beanie would be back for the Southern California game Tressel assured Ohio State Fans that they can finally relax. Wells has been undergoing treatment and when he spoke to Jim Tressel he said he felt great. Tressel said that Beanie has a great passion for the game and he always wants to get out there and fight through injuries but Tressel said that they are going to be smart about it. As of now the injury remains nameless. Tressel said it is a foot injury and he does not know anything else besides that. He joked that he remembered a time when it was just a shoulder injury and now it is classified as a “Brachio Plexus.” There is no rush to push him back into the lineup against Ohio to get him in a good rhythm in preparation for USC. If he is ready and cleared by the medical staff we may even see him in action this weekend.
Final: #2 OSU 43 YSU 0
Ohio State Dominates YSU; Beanie Wells injures ankle
Columbus, OH – To kick off the 2008 college football season Ohio State’s first half of play could not have gone any better. They came out strong and sharp avoiding missed tackles and stupid penalties, things that characteristically plague teams early in the season. The Terrelle Pryor era even began on a high note when the highly touted freshman came in and even felt comfortable enough to audible on his first play from scrimmage. We saw flashes of the future in Lamaar “Flash” Thomas, DeVier Posey, and Boom Herron all getting playing time. The O-Line looked great opening up holes left and right for Beanie Wells and Boeckman showed he is ready to step in and lead this team to the National Championship game. The Defense looked stout and it was good to see both Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson record their first sacks of the season. It seemed as though nothing could go wrong, the Buckeyes had a 26-0 lead, they were inside the 10 yard line and Beanie was in the game for what would most likely be his last carry of the game. Unfortunately for the fans it
was, as all 110,000 fans seemed to release a collective sigh, it was the sound of the wind being taken right out of the National Championship sails. Wells fumbled the handoff, collapsed to the field as his legs buckled right underneath him and screamed in pain. It seemed to be happening in slow motion as he immediately waved for the coaches. Could all of the Buckeye’s hopes and dreams of a third straight National Championship be crushed already in week one? Dreams of redemption and proving to the world that we deserve all the hype were rolled right over as Beanie was carted from the field. But some confidence was restored as we saw Pryor score his first touchdown as a Buckeye with an 18 yard run down the sideline where he showed his great athletic ability carrying defenders on his back as he stretched for the goal line. The Ohio State defense continued its dominance shutting out the Penguin offense and forcing them to punt 9 times. Then the student section of the south stands erupted as Beanie limped out of the locker room. Save your Willis Reed comparisons for another day but he did show signs that not all was lost. Initial reports are good as X-rays were negative but for now Buckeye fans hold their breath and pray hoping that come September 13th a familiar number 28 will be crouched in the backfield making his case for the Heisman Trophy.
Columbus, OH – To kick off the 2008 college football season Ohio State’s first half of play could not have gone any better. They came out strong and sharp avoiding missed tackles and stupid penalties, things that characteristically plague teams early in the season. The Terrelle Pryor era even began on a high note when the highly touted freshman came in and even felt comfortable enough to audible on his first play from scrimmage. We saw flashes of the future in Lamaar “Flash” Thomas, DeVier Posey, and Boom Herron all getting playing time. The O-Line looked great opening up holes left and right for Beanie Wells and Boeckman showed he is ready to step in and lead this team to the National Championship game. The Defense looked stout and it was good to see both Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson record their first sacks of the season. It seemed as though nothing could go wrong, the Buckeyes had a 26-0 lead, they were inside the 10 yard line and Beanie was in the game for what would most likely be his last carry of the game. Unfortunately for the fans it
was, as all 110,000 fans seemed to release a collective sigh, it was the sound of the wind being taken right out of the National Championship sails. Wells fumbled the handoff, collapsed to the field as his legs buckled right underneath him and screamed in pain. It seemed to be happening in slow motion as he immediately waved for the coaches. Could all of the Buckeye’s hopes and dreams of a third straight National Championship be crushed already in week one? Dreams of redemption and proving to the world that we deserve all the hype were rolled right over as Beanie was carted from the field. But some confidence was restored as we saw Pryor score his first touchdown as a Buckeye with an 18 yard run down the sideline where he showed his great athletic ability carrying defenders on his back as he stretched for the goal line. The Ohio State defense continued its dominance shutting out the Penguin offense and forcing them to punt 9 times. Then the student section of the south stands erupted as Beanie limped out of the locker room. Save your Willis Reed comparisons for another day but he did show signs that not all was lost. Initial reports are good as X-rays were negative but for now Buckeye fans hold their breath and pray hoping that come September 13th a familiar number 28 will be crouched in the backfield making his case for the Heisman Trophy.
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