2002 Nat Champs compared to 2014 Nat Champs

[Systems_id]

I love these debates. A friend posed this question to me right after the 2014 NCG. My first instinct was to ask him if he was smoking crack for even suggesting the 2014 version was better than the 2002 version. But the more I thought about it, the more I came to the conclusion that the 2014 team would have more than a fighting chance. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that the 2014 version would probably come out on top. My reasoning for this is that, as dominant as that 2002 defense was, I think Urban and Herman would have found a way to score at least 20+ points on that defense. Meanwhile our defense was definitely good enough to hold the 2002 offense to less than 20 points.

In the end I like 2014's balance better.

 

[BUCKYLE]

If MoC is 100% in this hypothetical, I can't bet against a team that didn't lose.

Also, while the 14 offense was fun and the D showed flashes of brilliance, there was something about the 02 D that still gives me chills. Even against Purdue, Cryami, etc, never thought they wouldn't win.

 

[Yertle]

I had no doubt that the Sugar Bowl was going to be the real NC game. My fear was that the Buckeyes have not played well against SEC/southern teams in bowl games and that even this talented group would fall into a preordained mindset. Urban never let it happen. Once Alabama was defeated I felt nothing but confidence.

I felt similar but not quite as strongly. Oregon looked so dominant against FSU that they still worried me. Plus, they handled MSU as well as we did, which led me to believe it would be a tough game. Given the 42-20 score with -4 (ok, -3 officially) turnover margin, you were more right than I was...

 

[ScriptOhio]

Re: 2002 Nat Champs compared to 2014 Nat Champs

The 1968 Nat Champ team could have beaten both of them.

 

[jlb1705]

Re: 2002 Nat Champs compared to 2014 Nat Champs

The 1968 Nat Champ team could have beaten both of them.

Doubt it. Those guys are all really old now.

 

[Wingate1217]

Doubt it. Those guys are all really old now.

That remind me of a story. I was talking to a friend of mine who had played in the NFL and the discussion turned to great running backs. We both agreed that Jim Brown was the greatest running back ever. So i asked him how many yards would get today as this was the early 2000's. His reply probably just over a thousand. I was astounded as i reminded him he had over 1800 yards in just 12 games. His reply ? Yes that is true but today's game is faster and the players are stronger and you have to remember that Jim Brown is now in his 60's.

 

[MaxBuck]

Re: 2002 Nat Champs compared to 2014 Nat Champs

The 1968 Nat Champ team could have beaten both of them.

Doubt it. Those guys are all really old now.

Stillwagon frightens me, and I'd bet he'd continue to frighten anyone lined up against him.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Stillwagon frightens me, and I'd bet he'd continue to frighten anyone lined up against him.

View attachment 11098

Stillwagon is one of the greatest names ever for a nose guard...

 

[HilmerJ]

our runningbacks and quaterbacks numbers were both in the teens, and 3 digits away from each other...
12 Jones
13 Clarett

15 Elliott
16 Krenzel

Both Michigan games were at home, with a DE(smith, bosa) causing a 4th quarter fumble by the QB, and a saftey making an interception(allen, bell)

 

[Zurp]

Both Michigan games were at home, with a DE(smith, bosa) causing a 4th quarter fumble by the QB, and a saftey making an interception(allen, bell)

Both Buckeye teams scored an even number against Michigan.
Both Michigan teams were ugly.
In 2002, Michigan scored 9 against Ohio State. Their 2014 score was 28. If you add those 3 digits together, you get 19. Add THOSE digits together, and you get 10. Add THOSE digits together and you get 1. Michigan, since 1997, hasn't been #1 in football. Creepy.

 

[Jagdaddy]

If MoC is 100% in this hypothetical, I can't bet against a team that didn't lose.

Also, while the 14 offense was fun and the D showed flashes of brilliance, there was something about the 02 D that still gives me chills. Even against Purdue, Cryami, etc, never thought they wouldn't win.

The '02 team had a certain brutality about it that appealed to me a lot. Also, I was a fetus when the '68 team beat O.J., so '02 gets the benefit of being like the sex you have when you lose your virginity: Not real pretty but even when you have better sex with flashier, hotter, more skilled partners later, it will always hold a special place in your heart. Also, UNDEFEATED. Finally, I'll take Eminem's "the Moment" 02's theme music over anything they might have been listening to last year (and certainly over the endless loop of "Centuries" promos).

If we get the '95 Nebraska-level undefeated beat down of everybody that I'm hoping for this year, 2015 will probably dethrone '02 in my book.

 

[TampaBuckeyes]

Only thing that would make 14 better than 02 is if this is the end of the Bama dynasty or if oregon goes into a free fall after getting so close and never touching a trophy. Now when I think of Miami I just chuckle.

 

[DiamondBuck]

Fun thread. I wonder how many other Big 10 teams have threads like this on their message boards... oh yeah, none. Unless of course they're comparing players that their granddad told them about.

Case in Point:

vs

 

[MaxBuck]

One thing hasn't been brought up yet.

The 2002 team is, like, 12 years older than the 2014 team.



You're welcome.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

If MoC is 100% in this hypothetical, I can't bet against a team that didn't lose.

Also, while the 14 offense was fun and the D showed flashes of brilliance, there was something about the 02 D that still gives me chills. Even against Purdue, Cryami, etc, never thought they wouldn't win.

The way the D completely shut down Larry Johnson was legendary