Gift Wrapped

Ohio State absolutely gift-wrapped that game for LSU last night. Ridiculous penalties, untimely turnovers, and the lack of players "making plays" doomed Ohio State to its second straight loss. All of the talking heads will call this a blowout, and stroke themselves over the supposed SEC domination (see: Forde, Pat), but ultimately, Ohio State lost because they made too many dumb mistakes, which is uncharacteristic of a Tressel team. I've also yet to hear a talking head identify the true turning point in this game, when sure-handed Brian Robiskie dropped a touchdown pass that would've given OSU a 17-10 lead. LSU subsequently blocked the field goal, and momentum officially swung their way. If OSU stems the tide with that touchdown, they stay in the game, period.

Despite all of that, they still had their chances. My gut aches for Austin Spitler, who somehow missed the ball on that attempted punt block on 4th and 23, which resulted in LSU getting the ball back and scoring to just about put it out of reach. Had he made that block, or avoided contact, it's 24-10 early in the third, with OSU having a chance to gain the momentum back yet again.

As Coach Cooper used to say, "If 'if's' and 'but's' were candy and nuts, it'd be Christmas every day." The bottom line is that LSU won the game. I tip my cap to them. But this year was nothing like last year's debacle. Ohio State was in this game, and could've won it, if they just executed a little better at crucial times. I've said all year that OSU is a year away from being a great team, anyway. And, depending on who stays, we could very well see them in the title game next year, much to the chagrin of all of the talking heads out there. I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed for them at all, unlike last year. And, how could I complain, given that OSU has been to 3 championship games in the last 6 years? At least they're in the arena. Coach Tressel will figure out how to get them over the hump again.

Now, is it March yet?!