It was about five years ago that Ohio State shocked the world in double overtime game to win their first National Championship on over 30 years. The Buckeyes were not given much of a chance (14 point underdogs) but played the game of their lives to earn the victory. The victory reinvigorated the fanbase and the program and also served as one of the happiest moments of my life as I was there in person to take in the action.
Tomorrow I make the trek to New Orleans. Hopefully the infamous storm that has rocked the Bay Area allows me to make the trip issue free. I have never been to New Orleans and am excited to take in a new city. Although somewhat wary of stories of agressive LSU fans, I am optimistic it should be an enjoyable trip.
Personally its been a very trying past couple of weeks and while it would be “safe” to save the money, time, and effort to make the trip, I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world as that feeling from five years ago was euphoric and priceless. My bank account will be substantially smaller, my work will pile up while I am gone to the dismay of others, my tired eyes will be sleepier upon my return, and I most certainly fall subject to some aggressive taunting. However taking in a tough earned national championship with friends, the Bucknuts crew, and the rest of Buckeye nation is something I cannot afford to miss.
My fanaticism for the Buckeyes is something that is hard to understand. Many who have attended a game with me have come to understand the unique experience it is to support one of the most successful football programs in history along with one of the most passionate fan bases in the United States.
Besides the entertainment and fun it is to follow Ohio State, a lot of my passion comes from how compelling it is to watch the Buckeyes every year trying to achieve excellence and perfection. I look at my next two favorite teams, 49ers and Oakland A’s, and see two teams imploding due to economics, mediocrity, disloyal fans, mismanagement, and a fundamental lack of leadership. The A’s have voluntarily traded their best pitcher, Dan Haren, and best hitter Buckeye Alumni, Nick Swisher. I feel like an idiot for having a nice sizable collection of Nick Swisher memorabalia but even more of an idiot for being a loyal fan of a team that has sold off any chance of competing for the playoffs for the next couple of years.
The Niners and A’s are two among many teams with bleak short term outlooks. I think in the end college football’s elite programs attract cult like fan bases due to their consistent and dramatic annual flirtation with greatness. In a day and age where athletic, social, personal, career, and financial greatness lies beyond the reach for most people, following a program like Ohio State allows fans to vicariously feel apart of something great and historic.
That night in Tempe in 2003 put tears in fans eyes, bounces in their steps, and precious memories in their heads for years to come. LSU fans felt the same glory a year later. Despite 5 teams having a shot to become the first 2x BCS Champion, no team has yet reach that accolade. Come Monday night, either Ohio State or LSU will make history in this regard.
Regardless of what the cynics say and how the season ended, the Buckeyes now find themselves with this unforeseen reality: The team that was supposed to be too burdened by rebuilding and too buried by competition, now finds itself four good quarters of football from claiming the prize that they seemed destined for a year ago.
Below is Tressel’s Xmas gift to the team…. a compiled motiviational dvd
Tomorrow I hit the road pending some good weather in hopes of watching something unexpected, uplifting, and historic. By doing so I rolling the dice and putting my faith in a group of young men led by a man I admire and respect. Time will tell if the juice will be worth the squeeze but for now I can’t wait to join my fellow Buckeyes who made the trek into enemy territory with confidence and optimism that our Buckeyes will rise to the occasion and achieve greatness.
I hope to check in tomorrow in New Orleans but until then enjoy your weekend and GOOOOOOOO BUCKEYES!!!
