Words are funny.
Taken by itself the word 'university' has no real zip and elicits no emotional response from me.
However, when coupled with 'The Ohio State' the word university takes on an emotional weight that is basically religious in magnitude.
Tonight The Ohio State University will take the field and play for a title. No...a championship...wait...a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
Now there are some words that stir the heart.
I didn't get to experience OSU football when Woody had them on the brink of championships with regularity....and while I have always revered Woody....I couldn't actually appreciate the magnitude of his achievements..until now.
So JT has led the team to a NC shot in this, a rebuilding year. I'll be damned....this was unthinkable just a handful of years ago....and now I am once again damn near sick with anticipation.
But this isn't desperation, no matter how badly the media would like to paint it so..this is what playing for titles is about and only a handful have enjoyed the experience enough to recognize the moment. This is simply hope, confidence, and desire all piled together and swinging in the balance of ONE game.
This game is never about being over matched on paper...both teams have to earn the right, even if the world is not united in the two teams that will participate. Neither LSU or OSU might be every one's first choice...but there can be no question both are on every one's short list. Dismiss the critics....OSU belongs...move on.
The final score might beguile the journey and the quality of the combatants... but it is past time to question who...that question has been answered.
So now I know what Woody brought to Columbus...what he brought to The Ohio State University: championship football. Big Ten titles are being accumulated and title games are becoming a reasonable expectation again.
Damn I love this misery and hope cocktail. Will we show up? Will LSU show up? I can't wait to find out, and at the same time the anticipation is so delicious I hope the game doesn't get here...but it better hurry the hell up!
OSU fans recognize what this is about...it is that feeling Woody brought...it is the legacy of his program now here for me to experience thanks to Jim Tressel. It is gift, it is damn near a sickness...and I love the duality of the moment...a little bit of trepidation, a whole lot of excitement.
Those who question OSU or our support of the Buckeyes are simply ignorant to the opportunity. Props to UM for beating Florida...but if one more fan of the blue tries to tout that win as an equalizer in the rivalry or in our seasons... I don't know if I will be able to ever stop laughing.
This feeling..this day...wow. Only a few can relate....and the rest are left to hate.
You are damn right their vitriol is fueled by jealousy....and they should be jealous...this is f'n awesome.
I'd also say I hope some day they understand...but I wouldn't mean it. I am not interested in sharing this with any fan base.
Anxious with nervous excitement on the biggest stage: The Ohio State University Buckeyes are playing football.
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