Game Thread THE GAME: tOSU at TSUN, Nov 30 @ 12p ET, ABC

[HorseshoeFetish]

Anyone that is upset about only winning by a point...question.

What would you have traded for a 1 point victory over TSUN in 1995? '96?

I think you know where I stand on beating TSUN. It's not often I feel the need to call Buckeye fans pussies and emo kids. That being said, think about what you are asking. I actually began to wonder about those two years last night and had the same question floating around in my head. Then a bad feeling started to come over me..is THE GAME dead....as we know it? Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy beating scUM in an alley at 3 AM on any Tuesday. The thing is a one point victory over scUM in 95 or 96 would have killed those fuckers and sent the BUCKEYES to a NCG, No victory over scUM going forward will ever be able to have the same repercussions that a win in those two games would have had. THE GAME has always been, at least in the hearts of Buckeye fans, and whatever the wolverine people have, for all the marbles, on the last weekend of the season. That finality that it had, it's what always seemed to separate it from every other so called rivalry game IMO. Instead of basking in the glory and breathing in the sweet scent of satisfaction, we have already turned our attention to MSU......yuck. Imagine what the years ahead might bring. A victory over scUM could be quickly pushed aside as we turn our focus towards....Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin? I hate to make a rhyme here, but will THE GAME ever truly be the same?

 

[Telekinesis]

I think you know where I stand on beating TSUN. It's not often I feel the need to call Buckeye fans pussies and emo kids. That being said, think about what you are asking. I actually began to wonder about those two years last night and had the same question floating around in my head. Then a bad feeling started to come over me..is THE GAME dead....as we know it? Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy beating scUM in an alley at 3 AM on any Tuesday. The thing is a one point victory over scUM in 95 or 96 would have killed those fuckers and sent the BUCKEYES to a NCG, No victory over scUM going forward will ever be able to have the same repercussions that a win in those two games would have had. THE GAME has always been, at least in the hearts of Buckeye fans, and whatever the wolverine people have, for all the marbles, on the last weekend of the season. That finality that it had, it's what always seemed to separate it from every other so called rivalry game IMO. Instead of basking in the glory and breathing in the sweet scent of satisfaction, we have already turned our attention to MSU......yuck. Imagine what the years ahead might bring. A victory over scUM could be quickly pushed aside as we turn our focus towards....Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin? I hate to make a rhyme here, but will THE GAME ever truly be the same?

I started thinking about this the other day, too. It's definitely strange. I was pretty down while thinking about it, actually. Don't know how to explain it. Just one of those moments where you step back and think about everything. I'm excited about the game with MSU, but yeah, it is a really, really odd feeling.

 

[Zurp]

will THE GAME ever truly be the same?

No, but change is inevitable. And the changes didn't all happen with the conference championship game. They may have started in 1975 or 1976 - when the Big Ten started allowing teams to go to bowl games other than the Rose Bowl. I'm sure most people know about 1973, and didn't need BTN to come out with a documentary about the tiebreaker. But from 1972 to 1974 (or was it 1973-1975?), Michigan had 2 losses and 1 tie - all to the Buckeyes. Those 3 games prevented Michigan from going to ANY bowl games in those 3 years. The Game was way bigger at that time than it ever was since. We can say that in 2006, the winner was going to go to the national championship game, and the loser goes to the Rose Bowl. Oh yeah? Imagine if the loser goes home and doesn't get another practice until spring time? In 95 and 96, Michigan and Ohio State each went to bowl games. The season continued. In 72, the season only continued for one team. In 73, the season only continued for one team. In 74, the season only continued for one team.

So the team isn't basking in the glory of victory in beating its rival. The Game didn't change anything, as far as chances for either team to win the Big Ten Championship. And I agree that that's a bit of a shame. But I wouldn't put so much blame on the conference championship game.

 

[HorseshoeFetish]

No, but change is inevitable. And the changes didn't all happen with the conference championship game. They may have started in 1975 or 1976 - when the Big Ten started allowing teams to go to bowl games other than the Rose Bowl. I'm sure most people know about 1973, and didn't need BTN to come out with a documentary about the tiebreaker. But from 1972 to 1974 (or was it 1973-1975?), Michigan had 2 losses and 1 tie - all to the Buckeyes. Those 3 games prevented Michigan from going to ANY bowl games in those 3 years. The Game was way bigger at that time than it ever was since. We can say that in 2006, the winner was going to go to the national championship game, and the loser goes to the Rose Bowl. Oh yeah? Imagine if the loser goes home and doesn't get another practice until spring time? In 95 and 96, Michigan and Ohio State each went to bowl games. The season continued. In 72, the season only continued for one team. In 73, the season only continued for one team. In 74, the season only continued for one team.

So the team isn't basking in the glory of victory in beating its rival. The Game didn't change anything, as far as chances for either team to win the Big Ten Championship. And I agree that that's a bit of a shame. But I wouldn't put so much blame on the conference championship game.

I don't really know that I was blaming the CCG. It is odd that this is the first year that it comes into play for the Buckeyes, and a Buckeye victory over scUM isn't the most celebrated thing going on in Buckeye Nation. You can talk about the bowls and the 70's all you want, but THE GAME last year was just as wonderful as the many years before it were.

 

[DEBuckeye]

I think you know where I stand on beating TSUN. It's not often I feel the need to call Buckeye fans pussies and emo kids. That being said, think about what you are asking. I actually began to wonder about those two years last night and had the same question floating around in my head. Then a bad feeling started to come over me..is THE GAME dead....as we know it? Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy beating scUM in an alley at 3 AM on any Tuesday. The thing is a one point victory over scUM in 95 or 96 would have killed those fuckers and sent the BUCKEYES to a NCG, No victory over scUM going forward will ever be able to have the same repercussions that a win in those two games would have had. THE GAME has always been, at least in the hearts of Buckeye fans, and whatever the wolverine people have, for all the marbles, on the last weekend of the season. That finality that it had, it's what always seemed to separate it from every other so called rivalry game IMO. Instead of basking in the glory and breathing in the sweet scent of satisfaction, we have already turned our attention to MSU......yuck. Imagine what the years ahead might bring. A victory over scUM could be quickly pushed aside as we turn our focus towards....Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin? I hate to make a rhyme here, but will THE GAME ever truly be the same?

Yes! A victory over the weasels is huge, regardless of what else is going on. We won't be undefeated forever. We won't be a lock for the conf. championship game every year- THE GAME could be the difference between getting us there or not. We may have a down year, with several losses- THE GAME could save a season (as it would have for the weasels this year). Nothing changes the importance of this rivalry, in my opinion. If we lose next weekend, or in whatever bowl game we wind up in, it will hurt, no doubt; especially if we're playing for a championship (believe me, I'm not trying to downplay the importance of that), but we can look back and say "At least we beat those bastards up north." Hell, I'd rather go 9-3 with a victory over that team, than 11-1 with a loss to them to finish the season. It would be a damn shame if we let anything get in the way of the importance of THE GAME.

 

[Woody1968]

I think you know where I stand on beating TSUN. It's not often I feel the need to call Buckeye fans pussies and emo kids. That being said, think about what you are asking. I actually began to wonder about those two years last night and had the same question floating around in my head. Then a bad feeling started to come over me..is THE GAME dead....as we know it? Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy beating scUM in an alley at 3 AM on any Tuesday. The thing is a one point victory over scUM in 95 or 96 would have killed those fuckers and sent the BUCKEYES to a NCG, No victory over scUM going forward will ever be able to have the same repercussions that a win in those two games would have had. THE GAME has always been, at least in the hearts of Buckeye fans, and whatever the wolverine people have, for all the marbles, on the last weekend of the season. That finality that it had, it's what always seemed to separate it from every other so called rivalry game IMO. Instead of basking in the glory and breathing in the sweet scent of satisfaction, we have already turned our attention to MSU......yuck. Imagine what the years ahead might bring. A victory over scUM could be quickly pushed aside as we turn our focus towards....Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin? I hate to make a rhyme here, but will THE GAME ever truly be the same?

No, it would have sent us to the Rose Bowl in 1995, and would not have had any effect in 1996, as we had already clinched a berth in the Rose Bowl the previous week, although we would have likely been #1 or #2, behind FSU, going in to Pasadena.

 

[Bestbuck36]

It'll feel a little different again next year I surmise. Once we're both in the same division again and the loser of The Game is truly knocked out of championship races, it'll have more of that finality to it.

Personally, I had that same sick ass feeling in my stomach as they were lining up for 2 points at the end of that game as I had in the 90's. For me the feelings are never going to change. I still hate those fuckers and everything that state has to offer. After the fight, I'm ready to play em again on Wednesday!

 

[ScriptOhio]

Anyone that is upset about only winning by a point...question.

What would you have traded for a 1 point victory over TSUN in 1995? '96?

My left nut.

Me too, especially since neither one has been functional for over 30 years now (i. e. since the vasectomy).

 

[sullie]

I think you know where I stand on beating TSUN. It's not often I feel the need to call Buckeye fans pussies and emo kids. That being said, think about what you are asking. I actually began to wonder about those two years last night and had the same question floating around in my head. Then a bad feeling started to come over me..is THE GAME dead....as we know it? Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy beating scUM in an alley at 3 AM on any Tuesday. The thing is a one point victory over scUM in 95 or 96 would have killed those fuckers and sent the BUCKEYES to a NCG, No victory over scUM going forward will ever be able to have the same repercussions that a win in those two games would have had. THE GAME has always been, at least in the hearts of Buckeye fans, and whatever the wolverine people have, for all the marbles, on the last weekend of the season. That finality that it had, it's what always seemed to separate it from every other so called rivalry game IMO. Instead of basking in the glory and breathing in the sweet scent of satisfaction, we have already turned our attention to MSU......yuck. Imagine what the years ahead might bring. A victory over scUM could be quickly pushed aside as we turn our focus towards....Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin? I hate to make a rhyme here, but will THE GAME ever truly be the same?

YES. Actually, I should say HELL YES!!! So long as air fills my lungs and beer travels down my throat, THE GAME will ALWAYS be THE GAME! THE GAME that matters. THE GAME I will never miss. THE GAME I plan my weekend around. THE GAME that I look forward to once a year. THE GAME that will not allow me to sleep all week. THE GAME that I talk (incessantly) to my son about. THE GAME my brother and I haven't missed watching together for decades now. THE GAME, the only game, THE GAME!

And it matters because you watch it with your kids and explain the tradition and you celebrate it with food and family. And you pass that tradition along. And you teach your kids how to toss up on O-H and how to respond with an I-O! And that you high five each and every single TD, FG, interception, sack, tackle for loss and big play. And you buy everyone tOSU gear to wear that day and you remind everyone in the family that we don't wear blue this week nor do we mention (by name) that state up north.

Woody started this whole thing. Bo picked up on it and turned it back on him. They are both long gone. I'm sure people assumed it would die along with them right? I'm assuming people thought THE GAME wouldn't matter to us last year because we weren't bowl eligible nor were we even able to be ranked. Did you go nuts last year when the Buckeyes won? I did. Any more nuts than this year? Me neither, just as nuts.

Beating scUM is like sex or pizza - no such thing as a bad experience with either - am I right? Will it ever get boring or old beating scUM? HELL NO!

To me, these games after THE GAME are bonus games and to be quite honest I'm grateful that the season is extended. I will be upset and crushed if we lose to MSU or FSU should we be so blessed to play in the NC game but, in my heart and in my mind NOTHING but NOTHING surpasses THE GAME. And, once again, we won THE GAME. . . AGAIN! :)

God Bless and GO BUCKS!!!

 

[LordJeffBuck]

Anyone that is upset about only winning by a point...question.

What would you have traded for a 1 point victory over TSUN in 1995? '96?

From the Big Ten title game teleconference:

Ryan Shazier said that the Michigan win was "kind of bittersweet." Getting the win was the most important thing, "but we're also mad about how many yards that we gave up and just the way that we played overall." Maybe Shazier just doesn't "get" the rivalry.

I'm not "upset" with the victory, but I am certainly concerned about giving up 41 points, 603 yards, and 31 first downs to an inferior opponent.

 

[BayBuck]

Anyone that is upset about only winning by a point...question.

I'm not "upset" with the victory, but I am certainly concerned about giving up 41 points, 603 yards, and 31 first downs to an inferior opponent.

Sounds like Buckyle's question wasn't directed at you then.

Nobody likes giving up those kind of ridiculous numbers, but anyone who thinks they greatly devalue any win in this rivalry may be in need of a little perspective.

 

[HorseshoeFetish]

I just wanted everyone to know that since my post, #2468, I have enjoyed hearing from those who would savor that alley fight on a Tuesday with scUM as much as a NC.

Allow me to share my "Twilight Zone moment" of what happened a little over an hour ago, on my first venture out into the real world since THE GAME!

I needed to run out to the bank and Staples........................and the liquor store of course. As some know I live in South Bend so I always enjoy sporting some S&G attire wherever I go. Most ND fans are at least courteous even though you know they wish they could talk shit. While looking for the correct ink for my printer someone blurted out the following, "Michigan State is going to kill Ohio!". I turned around to see it, a sun and blew clad motherpumpkin with a big ol shit eating grin on his face. I quickly got over the shock of what I saw, a scum fan smiling less than 48 hours after a loss in THE GAME, and some how with the most sarcastic tone, and sympathetic facial expression I could muster I asked...."Awe..do you need little brother to come and defend sisters honor?".

Obviously that ended the conversation with the scUM fan, but you know that noise someone makes when they are trying to hold in the laughter but the pressure is just a little too much? Well I turn around and a guy wearing a ND cap and jacket is standing there. WTF is going on?!!? He says to me "That was pretty funny". My head is still swirling from the scUM fan and here is a ND fan laughing at the abuse I just doled out to him. I say to him "I don't know why you're laughing, they beat you".....in my head....and then out of nowhere, I really do say "Remember this the next time one of your buddies is bashing Ohio State" "If it wasn't for us Buckeyes keeping those morons in check they'd take over.".


Maybe it was a "You had to be there moment" to fully understand just how bizarre it was but damn..I was there, and it was bizarre.

 

[RB07OSU]

Just rewatched the fight...#52 for *ichigan should never play another down of football. That's absolute horseshit ripping Dontre's helmet of and I saw it the first time but rewatching it, it was extremely malicious and completely uncalled for.

 

[Taosman]

Re-watched The Game. Focused on what happened to the defense.
First. We had 2 interceptions that were dropped. The second by Barnett would have probably iced the game at that point.
There's no excuse for him not holding that poorly thrown ball.
Roby's possible interception wasn't quite as bad but that's no excuse in a game this big!
Those 2 interceptions would have led to a "comfortable" win.
Curtis Grant is hurting. He can barely move and is contributing nothing to the defense in this condition.
Cam Williams is a young guy and it shows. He gets picked on and is not making plays right now.
"Pitt" Brown is out of position a lot. He's not making many plays and he's getting picked on a lot. He's not physical enough to play safety. It's a shame he got injured so badly because he's just not the same player.
Perry is coming along and making plays, now. He'll be just fine.
What happened to Shazier? He got stoned a lot by their offensive line. Garner was given a lot of quick throws.
Our defense had a lot of trouble bringing Garner down. But he's very tough. Even injured he's still very tough.
We lack a QB on defense. A big leader. Bryant was that. Shazier isn't that.
I don't know how we got so little pressure on Garner but some must have been containment. Some holding.
Finally, TSUN just out played us offense vs our defense. Their effort was worthy of The Game.
Garner played out of his mind. His receivers played out of their minds. Getting Delio back really opened up the whole offense for them. They had a lot of weapons to attack us with. That was one incredible effort by the whole TSUN team with Garner being the big star.
Bottom line is we had multiple opportunities to make this a much easier win. But we failed. Two dropped interceptions that would have been game changers.

 

[cincibuck]

I'm re-watching and the thing that jumps at you is the number of missed tackles. It's like last year before Boren switched. Hopefully they're over it for the rest of the season.