The Plunge

Now that we’ve blamed it all on the offensive line, let’s shift the blame and point fingers. All eyes are locked on you, Terrelle Pryor. Playing the quarterback position is undoubtedly the hardest position in the game. So it’s easy to blame you, Terrelle Pryor. It’s quite obvious that Pryor hasn’t come around or broke out this year like OSU fans hoped, and predicted, he would. His mechanics look horrendous. Not setting his feet, throwing off-balance, not looking off the defenders, etc. etc. Who’s to blame? Is it a lack of understanding, or lack of coaching? I think it’s a combination of both. Pryor was so hyped upped before he even signed with OSU, I think he really let it go to his head. In high school he was a man playing amongst boys. He’s found out the hard way he’s not going to be the most talented player on the field all the time. As for the coaches, I just don’t know. Why can’t they figure out the best way to utilize his skills? How much “experimentation” do you need before you make a decision and go with it? Either they can teach this kid how to be a great quarterback, or they can’t. We’ll find out with the remainder of this season, and next. It’s my belief that Pryor has enough talent and athleticism to become a better player.

I could be killed for saying this, but I’m sure the buckeyes will lose another game, maybe two. But I kind of hope they do. Hear me out now, think about it. Take all the pressure of having to win because it’s Ohio State. I guarantee that the playbook would open up then. Ah! The playbook! That brings our scouring gaze upon you, Coach Tressel. The walls have closed in quite a bit on coach. Gone are the days of seemingly endless admiration and respect. Now there are grumblings and hushed whispers, questions without answers. Tressel has always prided himself on “micro-managing” the game, Tressel Ball as we call it. That style of play has been stomped to an ugly death. So where does he go from here? Will he admit defeat and release the reigns by signing an offensive coordinator? Or will he stay the course and ride it out till its inevitable end? The way I see it, coach adapts, or he dies. There’s a huge amount of pressure coming from the boosters, alum and fans alike. The way this team has played is unacceptable. Tressel knows he’s behind the gun, on the hot seat, or whatever you prefer to call it. Have faith Buckeye Nation. Last weekend was a time for mourning, but there is no need to despair! Tressel has been outclassed, beaten, and embarrassed. But he’s no fool. Jim knows it’s time for a change. I believe deep down inside that coach has the intelligence and testicular fortitude to make those changes. There are big things on the horizon folks. Like the Phoenix from the ashes, we will be reborn!

The Axe itself is one of the most unique trophies in the Big 10, if not the nation. The Big 10 has several intense rivalries that include a trophy going to the victor. Some of these include The Little Brown Jug given to the winner of the Minnesota vs. Michigan. There’s also the Illibuck, a wooden turtle awarded to the winner of  Illinois vs. Ohio State, but back to the Axe. The Gophers and Badgers have faced each other a staggering 116 times, and counting. These two teams have played so often, that the handle on the Axe has grown to 6 feet long! There is almost no room left, the schools have been forced to use every square inch left. Soon they will need a new handle.

I personally enjoy an intense rivalry. You can always expect the players to give a 110%!  If you’re interested in watching a good ol’ fashioned slug-fest that incorporates history and tradition, then I’d tune in to this one!

That brings me back to the top 3. I see Texas going undefeated. They have a lot of talent of both sides of the ball and I just don’t see anyone in the Big 12 that can take them down. If Florida wins the LSU game, they will probably win the East. The winner of this game plays in the SEC Championship. Who else can challenge the Tide in the west? Can Ole Miss rebound in time to host Bama?  To be honest with myself, I don’t see Florida or Bama losing a game till they meet in the SEC Championship game. The winner of that game will play Texas. But there’s still plenty of football left to be played. And I have plenty of “what if” scenarios dancing around in my head.

Who’s to blame here? The BCS system, coaches, the voters?  I think they all have a share of the blame.  Where do we go from here?  Am I just being naive?    I understand the ultimate goal is to win a championship, but at what cost?  What kind of image does your program protray after running up the score game after game?  What does it say about the voters who reward these teams?  And what does it say about us fans who cheer and applaud?  I know I’ve asked a lot of questions and left many unanswered, I hope that’s where you can help.

Being the avid Big 10 fan that I am, I thought it would be a good idea to give you folks a more intimate look at the venues where our beloved game of football is played out.  I won’t do all 11 teams, for that would make for a seemingly endless article, but rather, I’ll profile the most storied ones.

The Big 10 boasts some of the largest, loudest, and historic stadiums in the country. As a matter of fact, the conference claims 3 of the top 5 spots with Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State, taking the top spot with a capacity of 107,282 screaming fans. Followed by Michigan Stadium (a.k.a The Big House), which houses a temporary 106,201. I say temporary because after 2010 when renovations are complete, the Wolverines will regain their spot as king of the mountain. Last, but definitely not least, on the banks of the Olentangy River, Ohio Stadium (a.k.a. The Shoe) claims the fourth position with a capacity of 102,329.  Not only does the Big 10 tout three spots in the top 5, but we squeeze one more stadium into the top 20. Bringing up the rear in twentieth position is Camp Randall Stadium, home to the Wisconsin Badgers and 80,321 of their closest friends.

Now that the introductions are through, let’s take a more in depth tour of the aforementioned stadiums. First up on our tour, Beaver Stadium located in University Park, Pennsylvania.  Getting to State College means driving through one of the most picturesque parts of the country – the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. Drive east or west along I-80 and signs will direct you right into State College and Lion country. But don’t expect your municipal college campus and sports facilities side by side here, for the stadium and the adjoining Bryce Jordan Center are on the outskirts of town and surrounded by a highway network and plenty of parking lots. So of course, those parking lots are packed with rabid tailgaters and the decorated cars, trucks and RVs can be seen from miles away when heading towards the venue.  The first of many expansions to Beaver Stadium came in 1969 when the capacity was increased by 2,000. Several additions came in the 1970s including increasing the capacity to 57,000. In 1976, the bleachers in the south end zone were expanded. By 1978 the capacity was at 76,000 after the track was removed from the stadium and the stadium was cut into sections and raised, adding new seats where the track was. Two years later the capacity was raised to 83,770 and lights were installed in 1984. An upper deck was added in 1991 increasing the capacity by 10,000. Because of continued fan support PSU has continued to improve and expand Beaver Stadium. The latest renovations were completed before the start of the 2001 season. These renovations included the addition of a 10,000 seat upper deck, a new video/scoreboard, 60 luxury suites, 4,000 club seats, and new restrooms and concessions. Today, Beaver Stadium is the largest stadium in college football with a capacity of 107,282. With its size, Beaver Stadium was named the 5th scariest place for opposing teams to play.

Next up on our list, Michigan Stadium. The Big House. Home of Michigan Football. One of the country’s most classic, widely recognized sporting facilities, Michigan Stadium has come to symbolize the pride, tradition and excellence of the University of Michigan. There is truly no place like it on a fall Saturday afternoon.  Since the inaugural season, Michigan Stadium has seen over 35 million fans pass through its gates and over 170 consecutive crowds of 100,000 plus. Many changes and renovations have continuously improved the quality of the facility, while increasing its capacity to its present 107,501.  So what’s it like to spend a day at Michigan Stadium? Well, like many other college football venues it’s on the school’s campus. Parking can be a bit of a hassle as large open lots aren’t as plentiful as you’d like to see in a venue this size but many are available with the tailgating going in full effect.  An unusual trait of this stadium is that concourses are virtually nonexistent inside the structure itself and where they do exist are very tight and difficult to negotiate. Most of the aisles that take fans to and from their section lead outside the stadium itself and into an outdoor plaza area that surrounds Michigan Stadium. Here is where you find almost all of your concession stands, team merchandise areas, restrooms (port-a-potty and permanent) etc, etc. Wrought iron fencing and gates surround the plaza to enclose the stadium area. By the way, despite their tough security measures, it is very easy to slip something in through said wrought iron fencing (just thought I’d mention that).  Of course there’s the famed seating bowl with the giant M inscribed into the sideline grandstand. All seats are bench without chair back and armrest as this is not unusual for college football.

Rolling right along, we come to my personal favorite, Ohio Stadium.  The Shoe. Undeniably one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of athletics, Ohio Stadium is now in its 87th year as the home of Ohio State football.  Built in 1922, “The Horseshoe” has undergone an extensive three-year renovation, preservation and expansion project that will ensure its longevity for years to come.  With 102,329 seats now closely surrounding the playing field, this grand old structure, standing tall along the banks of the Olentangy River, is at the same time both intimate and intimidating.  Unique in design with its double-decked horseshoe look, Ohio Stadium is listed in the National Registry of Historic Buildings. And for the more than 34 million fans that have passed through its gates, there is nothing like a Saturday afternoon in Columbus with all the pageantry and fanfare that surrounds every Ohio State game. That is why year-in and year-out, the Buckeyes rank among the national attendance leaders. The tailgate and party scene here at the Horseshoe is awesome… a veritable ocean of scarlet and gray all around the stadium. The really cool party zone near the stadium is Lane Avenue, north of the building. Plenty of college pubs, eateries, many with live music and portable bars and food stands in their parking lots, even a major hotel with live band and a jumbo video board. It is all an electric atmosphere.

So there you have it, I hope this gives you a better perspective on these great and storied hallowed grounds. Words can only tell half the story.  The best way to experience these stadiums and all their traditions is to go there yourself.  If you can’t make it there, I hope this gets you a little bit closer to the action.

]]> http://www.collegefootballvoice.com/pb/structural-integrity/feed/ 1 http://www.collegefootballvoice.com/pb/a-warm-seat/ http://www.collegefootballvoice.com/pb/a-warm-seat/#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:25:10 +0000 Bucks24-7 http://www.collegefootballvoice.com/?p=260

No, I’m not talking about that unpleasant experience when you rush into the bathroom and plop down on an already warm toilet seat.  I’m talking about the senator, Jim Tressel for those of you who don’t know who I’m talking about.  Coaching at OSU is always a pressure-cooker of a job as it is, but as of late, the expectation of alumni and fans alike is sky high.  Arguably after one of the greatest national championship games of all time, the Fiesta Bowl in 2002, Buckeye nation’s expectations seemed well founded, in only his second year, Tressel lead the Mighty Bucks to a National title.  Ahh………… those were the good old days.

Since that time, much has transpired; from 2001 to the present, Tressel has compiled a record of 83-19 with a winning percentage of .814, pretty impressive by any standards, except for the losses, and the manner in which the Buckeye’s lost.

Let’s rewind to 2005, the Buck’s were coming off a 2 loss season with a beat down of Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, to springboard them into the 2006 season. That was a loaded team, and dreams of a crystal football were in the minds of Buckeye nation. Enter the Florida Gators, and we all know how that story ended, 41-14.  Buckeye nation was humiliated, and ate their share of crow and humble pie.

It hasn’t stopped there. The Bucks returned to try and not only win a national title, but gain some dignity and respect. But, LSU saw fit to deny the Buckeye’s once again. Then there was the blowout at the hands of the Trojans. Followed by the defensive battle against Penn State University for control of the Big 10.  Tressel dominates Big 10 play for the most part, with 5 Big 10 titles to date. But it’s the out-of-conference game, the big games in the national spotlight that Tressel has appeared to have been out-coached, and outclassed. Now, don’t get me wrong, winning conference titles and beating Michigan on a regular basis is all fine and dandy, but we desire more. I’m tired of my team seeming like they’re floundering in a sea of mediocrity.

So I ask is Tressels seat  is getting warm, I personally believe that seat is warm, and the second game of the upcoming year will be a good indicator if any changes have been made. Of course I’m referring to the game against USC; hopefully it’s a good one.  Now, does Coach Tressel need to change his style of coaching, or perhaps hire an offensive coordinator and relinquish some control?

Overall, he’s a damn fine coach, and an even better person. But something has to give here.  I think Buckeye Nation has been embarrassed enough to know that changes need to be made. I’m crazy enough to say we need a new defensive coordinator as well.  I think Tressels job is safe for now. The pressure to produce a win in a big game has never been higher. I’ll be watching with great anticipation next season to see if and where Coach has progressed.

I’ve watched Big 10 football ever since I was boy, and I’m sad to say, that much hasn’t changed since then. What I mean is the style by which the conference plays. Smash-mouth football, line ‘em up, and run right through them, controlling the clock and playing tough defense. This formula worked well for many years. But I feel that the Big 10 is at a crossroad. As we have seen in recent bowl games, that style of play seems old-fashioned and out-dated. So the question is, adapt and become a competitive conference, or stick your guns and become obsolete.

Now, most people would say that the Big 10 is slow and that the conference needs speed. I, for one, think that it’s not that simple. Most teams in the Big 10 have speed at the skill positions such as the tailbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, etc. The difference that I’ve noticed in the past few years is the offensive and defensive lines. The Big 10 has a tradition of recruiting walking tree trunks for linemen, big ol’ corn-fed mid-western boys. But that is part of the problem. These boys match up well within the Big 10, but just look what happens when they play out-of-conference.  These fellas aren’t used to lining up against a guy who’s around a 150lbs lighter and can run a 4.6 40. So, instead of locking horns and grinding it out in the trenches, the Big 10 linemen were exposed to a whole new breed of athlete. How do you defend against that which you’ve never seen before?  Watching the other player running right past you before you can even get out of your stance. How can you run a play when the defense is in the backfield almost instantaneously?

Where does the conference go from here? I believe the coaches have seen the writing the wall, and have begun to address the issue. Hiring speed and agility coaches, along with nutritionists to keep the boys fit and slimmer. Also, we’ve seen the changes coming through recruiting. More focus has been put on recruiting faster, more agile players. That emphasis is being met as we’ve seen Big 10 teams recruiting more players from the south.  I wonder how this will effect high-school players here in the midwest. Will they adapt as well to get into the big schools? Only time will tell….