Nearly a year to the day from Joe Paterno’s last game, the Nittany Lions geared up to show the world that they were back from 12 months of turmoil. A soldout Beaver Stadium roared on its red-hot team, just like the old days.
But Ohio State ruined the celebration. The Buckeyes, in fact, might just be the nation’s most unwanted party crasher.
After their 35-23 victory in the Ineligi-Bowl, it’s time to start planning for the inevitable. This team is now on a collision course with a 12-0 season after acing its toughest road challenge of the year.
You can quibble with the Buckeyes’ schedule — which includes no wins over current Top 25 teams — or their various shortcomings. You can’t argue with the record.
“Let’s focus on the positive,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said after the game, objecting to a question about his team’s flawed performances. “We’re 9-0. It’s good to be 9-0. Maybe you can help me, but how many other teams are 9-0?”
The answer is none. Which might also be the answer to the question: Who can beat this team the rest of the way?
The Buckeyes play 2-6 Illinois next week in a virtual bye week, then get a real week off to heal up. Then comes a trip to Wisconsin, which just lost at home to Michigan State and lost its starting quarterback. They end the year, of course, with the showdown against Michigan. That game, as you probably know, is in Columbus. Perfection could be on the line.
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