Congress Wants to Fix the BCS?

Congress has been dealing with the worst economic crisis in our time. Today they took timeout to tackle one of the President’s extra curriculum ideas, changing the BCS bowl system to a playoff system. Representative Joe Barton of Texas is introducing a bill to say that the BCS cannot claim a champion without it coming from a playoff system. Congress held hearings on Friday, May 1^st discussing the current BCS bowl system with several members on both sides of the debate.

As much I appreciated congress tackling steroids in baseball and putting professional athletes to a character test to be held accountable for destroying the integrity of the American past time. I don’t think it is appropriate for congress or the President to intervene in sports to change the rules. The Mountain West Conference has hired a lobbying firm to lobby Congress for changes to the BCS system. I am not sure how much money each college of the conference has contributed to this effort, but I think there are more productive areas that the money could be contributed to and be more beneficial to the student-body of the MWC.

The big boys do own the BCS, the ACC, the Big Ten, the Big Twelve, the SEC and Pac Ten have automatic bids to the five BCS Bowls, the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, the Orange Bowl and the National Championship Game. Selections are made According to computerized polls and the Associate Press Bowl and the Coaches’ Poll creating a score that fills the automatics bids. I don’t appreciate computers trying to decide by the numbers what people can decide by using history and experience, but it doesn’t bother me that in this case that the BCS system has tried to compare the two to create competitive games for not only the opportunity to make money, but also to provide the fans with an exciting experience. I probably come off as being bias being a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. That has participated in the last 2 out of 3 national championship games and has made numerous BCS appearances that to popular opinion have been because of the university’s reputation to sell tickets not always providing for a competitive game.

The system works. The BCS does the best it can to create a competitive game and the most competitive games are going to come from where the best players go. That is going to be to the biggest conferences because that is where the best athletes are going to find the biggest showcase of their talents to furthering their careers in professional football. On the outside it looks like there are only a select few schools that get the most money, but if you look at recruiting and the players involved the best players go to the biggest schools that are in the biggest conferences. You can’t make everyone happy, there are going to be schools and players in smaller conferences that always feel left out in a bowl system where there are approximately 36 bowls for schools with a .500 record or better can play in and get a share of money from the sponsors involved or a playoff system that pools more money together eliminating several bowls that could not compete against the viewership of a playoff.

Another part of the argument is what would happen to the exciting regular season which in many ways is a playoff for the teams competing in the toughest conditions. Playoffs often don’t go down to the wire deciding on when matchups are decided. Once the winner of a conference is declared the spot is filled. This will lead to some of the most historic games in history being played noncompetitively. Imagine the Ohio State vs. Michigan game being played by their third and fourth string players to preserve the first string for the playoffs. Conferences and coaches alike are going to be challenged how to play the student athlete in a longer season that could create more opportunities for injury to amateurs trying to further their careers.

Gene Bleymaier, Athletic Director for Boise State, noted that his school’s football team went undefeated several times , yet never got a chance to play for the national championship under the BCS. I understand the argument, but have little sympathy for a team that doesn’t play a top twenty five team except for maybe once or twice every other season. Boise State is a good football team and they did put together one team that beat a good Oklahoma team, but they will not do this on a regular basis. It is pure numbers. The 16, 925 undergraduate students Vs. Ohio State University’s 34, 479 undergraduate students (numbers provided by www.yahoo.com/education) cannot always bring in the top high school athletes in the country. This is not only about money, but also the student athlete. The larger universities benefit more students and this is going to decide for most football players where they are going to play football. The current bowls not only work for the market and sponsors involved, but also for the exposure of the football players involved. The undefeated seasons for Boise state has let them play in a bowl game each of those seasons. If there was a playoff the possibility that they would compete with other undefeated teams for a much more limited opportunity and increased pressure to win more than just one playoff game exist. You can beat Oklahoma once, one time in a season. Can you do it three times in a row? In a playoff it will become much harder for those schools to compete. In the current bowl system you can have the satisfaction that you collimated your winning season with the opportunity to win your final game against a school that on-paper you could beat or competitively play against in a highly publicized game. In a playoff a small school will eventually meet someone that outweighs them by a lot and though David might slay Goliath some-of-the-time it doesn’t happen enough to justify them getting the opportunity every time.

The BCS should stay the way it is. They can always tweak the computers and the polls to accept the current trend to create the best opportunity for everyone involved that can competitively play against each other. The worst thing about the argument is that everyone is forgetting the players that are involved on the field. Everyone is just squabbling over their piece-of-the-pie and since the little brother feels like it is only getting table scraps they are crying. This isn’t an argument that our President should be trying to get involved in. There are much more important matters that require his attention. We should just continue to let the players decided this on the field.

Examining the Big Ten in the NFL draft

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The 2009 NFL draft was a fairly forgettable one for the Big Ten, which didn't have a top-10 pick for the first time since 2002 and had fewer first-round picks (4) than the SEC, ACC and Big 12. Michigan didn't have a player drafted until the fourth round (defensive tackle Terrance Taylor), while hoops powerhouse Connecticut already had four players…
Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten – Blog

Penn State’s Massaro tears ACL, will miss season

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Penn State's defensive line depth has taken a hit as the team announced that redshirt freshman defensive end Pete Massaro will miss the 2009 season with a torn ACL in his right knee. 
Massaro sustained the injury during Saturday's spring game and will undergo surgery in the next 2-3 weeks, according to team doctor Wayne Sebastianelli. …
Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten – Blog

Spring in the Shoe

A sun drenched Ohio State Horseshoe took on a record crowd of 95,722 fans to show-off the Ohio State Buckeyes to the nation. The score might have reflected an unbalanced contest in the Gray’s favor, but I don’t think that bothered any of the fans there. Dawning the shorts, tank-tops and sandals (Tressel even chose clothes for the weather putting on the Hawaiian Ohio State shirt) you came with sun tanning lotion and a curiosity that you didn’t have the past three seasons. It is not a scary feeling, but a charged feeling of nervous energy walking into a party and saying, “I wonder who we are now?”

The entire country is asking the same question. After watching two national championship trips end in disappointments and watching last year’s Buckeyes loose to 3 different national championship contenders (USC, Penn State, and Texas) the view beyond Ohio is not suppose to a favorable one, but if anyone part of that view watched ESPNS’s top plays on Saturday they saw the pretty 44 yard rainbow pass thrown from Terrelle Pryor to an open Lamar Thomas in the corner of the end zone maybe they will become as curious as the rest of us. Below are some other observations and highlights that showed up like blooms in spring.

Quarterbacks. We might have not gotten to see Pryor for as long as promised, but we saw what we wanted to see, an athlete that has improved from just being a running quarterback to a complete player. Terrelle Pryor showed a live-arm with better accuracy, that when given time he will hit seams and plays that will make highlight reels. His instincts might always slow down his release, but he showed more confidence in looking over a defense and letting it fly. Joe Bauserman was 10-21 and showed confidence throwing into several tight windows. Jason Siems finished 2-5 for 21 yards and had good poise for being the third string quarterback. Terrelle Pryor has made it hard to recruit some of the top Quarterbacks in the nation that want more playing time, but Pryor’s size and strength should protect him. When you are as big as some linebackers playing quarterback you are hard to bring down.

Running Backs. Brandon Saine is back looking faster and more determined displaying a majority after a season troubled by a hamstring injury that should make him a threat to defenses in the Big Ten. His 6’1” frame and 217 pounds should be more rugged this year. When we first met Saine we were introduced to a versatile back with a lot speed. This year I am hoping to see a complete versatile back that can be a threat to burst through the middle or catch the 5-yard dump off and turn it into 10 or more. Boom Herron was steady playing for the scarlet team that looked like it had the better O-line for the run. Both of these backs together in the backfield will create a diverse offense. The depth at running back for Ohio State is always deep. History draws running backs to the Buckeyes. I saw 5 backs play in the game the biggest highlight coming from Marcus Williams for the Gray who finished the game with 98 yards on only 7 carries the most which came on his first that was a burst out of the backfield. Probably the best run-blocking of the game was given to Williams on that play when he slid out from behind the line and into one of those holes that he dreams of in his sleep.

Wide Receivers. They are who we thought they are!! Too put a spin on the too-famous a quote from Dennis Green. We thought they were talented and they proved that they are and they should continue to prove it in the fall. Devier Posey enters his sophomore season as a 6’3” 205 pound imposing giant that should make corners start to shake when they see him line up across from them. The most impressive thing about him is his hands. He just snags the ball out of the air whenever he wants with perfect form (I think everyone wanted to see Pryor and him on the same team, we will have to wait). Lamar Thomas might have given a fist-pump when he got put on the same team as Terrelle, but he also knew he have to show up and he did, getting behind the defense to catch the opening TD of the game. I was worried about Ray Small and so was someone else, because after dropping a pass and looking a little shook up the Gray team ran an onside-kick play and recovered the ball. This let him have one more shot (some people just need a second chance) and he took advantage of it. Catching an underthrown ball from Pryor he showed who he was with an ankle-breaking fake and an appearance in the endzone at enof the first-half.

Defense. The Ohio State moniker might be a little concerned that Terrelle Pryor put up 191 passing yards, but then again he is on our team. The Ohio State University is Linebacker-U (I am not sure what the course numbers are though). The lineage is lengthy and drooled over by the NFL if you are patient you will be rewarded. Tyler Moeller should be rewarded for not just tackling Pryor on his first jaunt out over the line-of-scrimmage, but also for chasing down the longest run of the game from behind. The defensive backfield looked shaky, but in the spring Wide Receivers have the advantage early so I wouldn’t be concerned right now. The Gray did get an opportunistic interception late. Turnovers are often a specialty of the Buckeyes defense and the depth at linebacker should create lots of blitzing opportunities.

Offensive Line. This might have been the biggest surprise in the entire game. I saw plenty of penetration by the defensive line like a lot of fans did, but there was a certain physicality out there by individuals that was not there last year. The leader has got to be Justin Boren the Michigan defect that will be interesting to watch when it is time to play Michigan and the crafty Rodriguez. He is like having an NFL veteran on the college level. He is exactly what Ohio State needed on the O-line this year a leader that has it out for that team up north should provide our line with nasty instincts it needs to compete this fall.

All in all it was a beautiful spring day for the Buckeye fans that could enjoy working on their tan while watching their beloved Buckeyes. The highlights should be good memories to keep all of us happy for the next couple of months before July (that is about the time I get really antsy for football). I’ll continue to give some highlights in these dry months ahead, trying to keep my excitement in check for the upcoming season. Though if you feel like I do right now you can say it with me…”Bring on the Trojans!!”

Better Know A Buckeye: Melvin Fellows’ Safari Planet

I’m Melvin Fellows!!
Melvin Fellows is not an accredited zoologist, nor does he hold an advanced degree in any of the environmental sciences.  He is simply an enthusiastic young man, going to The Ohio State University, with an abiding love of punishing blockers and all of God’s creatures who stand between him and the ballcarrier.  Share [...]
Continue reading at Our Honor Defend

Rose Bowl Says Penn St. Violated Media Rules

Rose Bowl officials say Penn State violated two media access agreements at this year’s game.
Continue reading at College Sports for NBC4i.com

Paulus likely headed to Syracuse, not Michigan

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The Greg Paulus to Michigan story seemed to die not long after it spawned, and it's likely the former Duke point guard will play quarterback for his hometown Syracuse Orange, according to ESPN.com's Joe Schad.
Paulus visited Michigan's final practice of the spring April 14 and said he received an opportunity to join the team, but it never…
Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten – Blog

Just when you think it’s safe to leave town …

I was away from Columbus all day on a non-basketball assignment. Miss a day, miss a lot. The Big Ten announced the pairings for the ACC-Big Ten Challenge next season, 2010 guard Cameron Wright rescinded his commitment to Ohio State…
Continue reading at Hoops & Scoops: an OSU basketball blog

Scarlet & Gray Spring Game Info for this Saturday

FB: Scarlet, Gray and Sunscreen

Buckeye students aim to turn Ohio Stadium south stands into South Beach at annual spring football game Saturday, free admission with valid Buck ID

Who: Ohio State Students
What: Buckeye Beach Party
When: Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. Gate 32 opens;
11 a.m. Men’s Lacrosse game vs. Notre Dame (The Showdown in the ‘Shoe)
1:30 p.m. 2009 LifeSports Spring Football Game
Where: South Stands, Ohio Stadium (enter Gate 32)
Cost: FREE! (to Ohio State Students with a valid  BUCK ID)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With temperatures expected to exceed 80 degrees Saturday, Jim Tressel, head coach of the Buckeyes,  the Ohio State Department of Athletics and the University’s Office of Student Life, have invited OSU students to transform Ohio Stadium’s south stands into a beach-day atmosphere during the 2009 LifeSports Spring Football Game.

Buckeye students labored to class under gray skies, drizzle and temperatures falling short of 50 degrees Tuesday, making for a long-awaited upturn in the weather. Saturday, the students will have Ohio Stadium south stands to bask in the sunshine and take in not only the annual Scarlet and Gray football game ( about 1:30 p.m.), but also a conference championship deciding lacrosse match between the Buckeyes and longtime regional rival Notre Dame (11 a.m.).

For their dedication throughout the 2008-09 athletics season, Ohio State students can enjoy all the festivities on and off the field Saturday FOR FREE. To gain free admission to Ohio Stadium, students with valid Buck IDs can enter south stands through Gate 32 (open 10 a.m.).

Students that previously purchased tickets through the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office for the lacrosse/football spring game – which share a $5 admission cost – can be issued refunds by calling 1-800-GoBucks.

Saturday festivities will include beach-themed music, games and prizes, while all students are asked to wear beach attire like Hawai’ian shirts, board shorts, sandals, etc.

For more information on the lacrosse and spring football game, as well as the second annual Scarlet and Gray Days sports celebration April 24-26, visit www.OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

NOTE: Access to Section AA of the south stands will be restricted until the conclusion of the lacrosse game. Section AA is located directly behind the lacrosse goal and within proximity to errant shots.

About Ohio State Athletics
The Ohio State University Department of Athletics sponsors 36 fully funded varsity teams – 17 for women, 16 for men and three co-educational. The department is committed to providing its more than 1,000 student-athletes with the finest in academic and athletics support in order to ensure a quality and life-enhancing experience. The Department of Athletics is completely self-supporting and receives no university monies, tax dollars or student fees. In Fiscal Year 2008-09, the Department of Athletics will transfer back to the University more than $26 million in assessments, including nearly $13 million in grant-in-aid costs.

Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com  Release: 04/22/2009

David Durham, Ohio State is a Perfect Fit

David Durham, Ohio State is a Perfect Fit

David Durham made a weekend visit to Ohio State in early February and walked away committed to be a Buckeye for the 2010 class. The Austin Texas Westlake linebacker found what he was looking for in Coach Tresel, Coach Fickell, and the LEO position. We found out why he committed early to OSU and what he hopes to accomplish as a senior this coming year.

By Steve Patterson

His high school career has been a mix of success on the football field and wrestling. “I’ve had some big moments like blind-siding the quarterback for a fumble in the Austin High game (big rivalry), playing in the Texas 5A play-offs in the Alamodome, going deep in the play-offs this year, and making all-state in wrestling 2 years in a row.” For this past season he put up very impressive defensive numbers. “[My statistics were] 82 tackles and 11.5 sacks for 2008.” he reported to us when we contacted him this week.

Continue reading at Brutus Report

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