College Football Preview

What's Troy Smith's Legacy

When you think of Troy Smith, what comes to mind?

The Buckeye hero who lead the Buckeyes to the championship?

or

The guy who was running for his life against Florida?

Before I get started, let me say this...

I think Smith was the best Buckeye quarterback ever. After the booster incident, he always seemed to make the right move.

He had poise, confidence, talent, and great leadership.

During that 2006 season, he had Ohio State and its fans walking on air. Starting with that Texas game, Smith entered a zone unlike any I've ever seen for a college quarterback.

With the exception of that Penn State game, Smith was doing all the little things right. He was always throwing to the right shoulder and when there was a tight window, Smith always fit it in.

He played such a smart game. He knew he had great athletes around him and he did great job of utilizing him by giving them the ball in the open field.

Then it all fell apart.

That Florida game was not the Buckeyes we had grown used to. It was like that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine starts hanging out with Bizarro Jerry, George, and Kramer. Everything seemed opposite.

OSU's big offensive line was exposed for having the lateral movement of a zip-line.

OSU's wide receivers turned violent and started breaking ankles.

OSU's stout defense had more holes than the plot line of Lost.

And the Buckeyes' Heisman trophy winning quarterback stocked the neighborhood pond with a surplus of ducks.

It was a nightmare.

After that game, Smith's draft stock plummeted and so did his (and Ohio State's) national respect.

A lot of people will always remember Smith for just that game and honestly, it's not fair at all.

We all know Ohio State has great tradition. The special ones are forever remembered in the Ohio State's Shrine of Greatness (I know, catchy name). However, the upper room is reserved for the Legends. You know, Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin, etc...

During that infamous 49 day layoff before the Florida game, I remember talking to my dad about this. We both agreed that if the Bucks won that game, Smith would definitely be right up there in that upper room with the ultra-legends.

After all, he would have done the four most important things that Ohio State quarterbacks can do.

1. He beat Michigan every single time he played them. (Not only did he beat them, but those were arguably his best games.)

2. He had an awesome win-loss record.

3. He would have won every single one of his bowl games

4. He would have won a national championship.

Well, in the course of that one day, Smith went from being on the brink of entering the upper room of Ohio State's Shrine of Greatness to, "I don't want to talk about it."

I think most Ohio State fans have a positive memory of Smith.

I do too.

But when I think of Smith, I have this image of him in the Florida game seared into my mind. Kind of like when Eric Foreman walked in on his parents in That 70's Show.

Am I the only one?

Does anyone else suffer from this?

Again, don't get me wrong. I think Smith was awesome. I even drove two hours and paid 50 bucks to get his autograph (yes, I realize this is incredibly lame).

But I think Smith's legacy is at least a little tarnished because of that one game.

I think he'll always be remembered as a great all-around Buckeye. Especially the way Tressel still talks about him. Troy was the absolute perfect quarterback for a coach like Tressel.

He was one of those guys that led by example. He did things the right way and people took notice. Just like Tressel.

He wasn't a loud mouth, busy-body, or cheerleader. Just like Tressel.

He was kind of like an extension of Tressel to the players. It was a great consistency.

And Tressel seems forever indebted to Troy because it seems he's committed to keep his memory alive in the program.

But then again, if Tressel were to retire today, what would his legacy be?

People would say he was a great coach, but that he couldn't win the big one at the end of his career.

Just like Smith. He was a great player, but he couldn't win the biggest game of his life at the very end.

And I think that's the thing that will hurt him the most. It wasn't like it was his first game and he rebuilt. No, this was his last hurrah. His lasting memory.

It's like a spider man movie, where the geek Peter Parker became a hero. He was heading into the final battle scene against the Green Goblin except instead of a captivating battle, Spidy's web broke and he fell 50 stories and died.

Epic let-down.

So even as I try to remember the good times, I can't help but associate Troy Smith with that "epic let-down in the final scene" feeling.

What do you think?

Jim Tressel:The Grace Period is Over

Every Buckeye fan remembers the 2002 Championship.

It was the fulfillment of our dreams. Like McLovin getting with that girl in Superbad. No one thought he could do it, but when it happened; it was the underdog story of the year.

Then the Bucks won two more BCS games in three years. They were labeled a top tier program and Jim Tressel was an elite coach.

The following year all the hype and excitement was thrust upon the 2006 season. The 2006 Bucks were pre-ranked No. 1.

They had not one, but two Heisman candidates and a seemingly unstoppable offense.

The Bucks went through the season unscathed and made an appearance in the Championship where they preceded to get flattened by Florida.

I was upset, devastated actually. But I put my hopes into next year's team.

Well, different team, different opponent, same result.

That's when things started getting dicey. The inevitable questions came to mind, but I decided to block them out.

After all, they did win in 2002.

Next year's team put up a fight against a heavily favored Texas team, but fell in the end.

And, yet again, I found myself making excuses.

They fought hard.

One missed tackle.

Heacock couldn't make a good defensive play call if someone pointed a gun to his head. (Partially true.)

But bottom line, I was blaming anyone and everyone but Tressel.

So I spent some time wondering "Why?" Why was I so hesitant to blame the man in charge?

Then it hit me.

The grace period.

What's the grace period you ask?

Here's how I'll define it...

An amount of time following a notable event in which a person or group is exempt from criticism or penalty.

It's like when George W. Bush after September 11th, even though he pushed through one of the most unconstitutional laws in the history of the nation (The Patriot Act).

Or when a kid gets out of chores for a couple extra days after he's sick because he's still "recuperating."

In this case, it was Tressel. He was in a grace period after he won the championship. For some OSU fans, that time is long gone and for others, he may never leave it.

Not for me.

LET THE RECORD SHOW my Tressel Grace Period is officially over as of June 25, 2009.

I'm no longer making excuses for the man in the sweater vest.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want Tressel to be fired (or anything close to that), but he's officially open for criticism.

No more excuses for repeatedly losing big games.

No more immunity when his team is completely out-coached.

No more looking the other way when he runs on first and second down, then attempts a desperation third down pass four times in a row.

And no more defending that hideous Spring Game Hawaiian Shirt.

It's all open now.

I'm not going to go back and nit-pick previous mistakes, but from this point forward I encourage all Buckeye fans to watch with a more critical eye and stop making excuses for Tress.

He is human, and he does make mistakes.

Let's put it this way...If I know Tressel is going to run up the middle on first down 80 percent of the time (I made that number up, but Buckeye fans no what I mean), then you can sure as hell bet the other coach knows.

And he can get away with it against inferior opponents where the Bucks are straight up bigger, faster, and stronger, but against other big time opponents (Florida, LSU, USC, Texas) it just doesn't work.

There are certain people Buckeye fans just can't criticize, the untouchables.

Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin, Eddie George, Craig Krenzal, ect...

Right after Tress won it all, he was in that group and I have no doubt he'll be in that group when he retires (hopefully a long time away), but for now, I think we have to temporarily make a withdrawal.

I'm not saying Tressel is a bad coach. Tressel is the perfect guy to run any program because the only thing he knows how to do is win.

If you think about it, it's not really fair to criticize him. OSU was good with Cooper, but Tressel raised the program to another level.

And now the expectations are through the roof every single year.

He's a victim to his own success.

You see, times have changed.

Teams used to have their goals like this...

1. Win your Conference championship (Big Ten)

2. Beat your arch-rival (Michigan)

3. Win your bowl game (Rose Bowl)

Then if you were really feeling good about yourself and had the guts you put..

4. National Championship

But coaches were always really wary of putting that down. Some felt it took away from the focus on those top three goals.

And if you look at it, Tressel has done the top two things on that list better than any Ohio State coach ever as far as consistency goes.

He's won five Big Ten championships in seven years and beaten Michigan an unprecedented five times in a row and seven out of eight.

So why am I done going easy on this obviously successful coach?

Because times have changed.

Like it or not the BCS has completely changed the landscape of college football.

Teams have the pressure to go Championship or bust.

Then, if that fails, they sure as hell better win their bowl game.

Conference championships have become secondary goals.

Just look at LSU in 2007. They won the National Championship without even winning their conference title.

Today, coaches for elite programs are judged on the following things IN ORDER.

1. National Championships

2. BCS wins

3. Conferences Championships

4. Rivalry wins

And really if you look at it, Tressel is still in the top tier even with the new hierarchy of priorities, but today's world is all about one thing...

What have you done for me lately?

And since 2006, the answer is zero for the top two categories on the list.

Ohio State is a finely oiled machine.

As evidence of the past three years, OSU can cruise through the season and win nine or more games without winning any marquee games.

Reaching that point is an accomplishment in itself. Most teams would kill for that consistency.

But just because other programs would be happy with it, doesn't mean we should be.

To avoid complacency, the Buckeyes should be pushing to get even better.

By ending Tressel's grace period and pushing him and therefore the team to get better, it helps the team.

It pushes them to another level.

So don't push Tressel out of town, but let's not be afraid to offer some "constructive criticism."

Ohio State Recruit Jamal Berry Arrested For Marijuana Possession

Yes, you read that right.

Jamal Berry was arrested on Thursday and charged with the possession of over 20 grams of marijuana.

All of a sudden, a guy that had everything going for hi, has his entire career in jeopardy.

This isn't settled with a petty fine or a few days in jail. No, this is a third degree felony that can mean five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

It's really sad to see this kind of behavior. Berry was no doubt the most touted prospect in this year's Buckeye recruiting class.

Berry was expected to be part of a running back rotation this year with Dan Herron and Brandon Saine (and maybe Hyde).

Unfortunately, that is all in doubt because of another poor decision by a high school athlete that thinks he is above the law.

Let's hope he's innocent, but I wouldn't get your hopes up.

Ohio State and Berry's high school coach refused to comment.

The Real Deal on the Raul Ibanez Steroid "Accusations"

I just finished watching an "Outside the Lines" report on ESPN about the responsibilities of a blogger.

In this particular instance, Jerrod Morris, a writer for a blog called Midwest Sports Fans, wrote an article that explored the admittedly interesting jump in Raul Ibanez's power numbers.

He stated the PED's are one logical explanation for the jump. Well, you know how rumors spread. Before you knew it, the story was that Jerrod had explicitly accused Ibanez of taking steroids.

Shortly after, this "accusation" was brought to Ibanez's attention and to put it in a nice way, he flipped like a burnt flapjack.

Next, there was a link on ESPN and the whole thing had spiraled out of control.

The "Outside the Lines" report on the issue featured Jerrod, a journalist that wrote for the "Philadelphia Inquirer”, and another journalist.

As the interview went on, I learned a few things...

1. Journalists REALLY don't like bloggers. I think it has something to do with bloggers apparently being cowards, but they hate them more than a leaky sink.

2. ESPN set up Jerrod. They brought in two journalists that just completely ripped on Jerrod. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but it was 2 on 1 and Jerrod didn't stand a chance. I might have cried if it was me.

3. Neither of the journalists read the article. They did everything but come out and say it, but it was so obvious that they came in with the idea that Jerrod had flat out accused Ibanez of taking steroids which just isn't true.

After the show (and if I didn't make this painfully clear before, Jerrod was completely mauled), one thing really struck me.

The journalists were upset at Jerrod because he made "claims" without proof or actual knowledge of the subject. In their view, it was just an opinion with no accountability.

This may be true, but weren't they doing the same thing. If neither of the journalists read the article, and were instilling strong opinions to a national audience based on what they "think" was said in the article, aren't they doing the same exact thing they're accusing Jerrod of doing?

Now, I'm a blogger, but I want to be a journalist so I see both sides of this issue. But the journalists took this too far by insinuating the uselessness of bloggers.

Both bloggers and journalists have a spot in our society. However, I see one fundamental difference between them. Journalists constantly have to worry about what they say and bloggers don't.

It's that simple.

And really, there's no problem with either of them. In all reality, with their access, journalists probably serve a more important role in our society, but sometimes certain things need to be said and bloggers are the ones to say it.

Now do bloggers sometimes take things too far?

Of course.

But you can't deny that there are some really talented bloggers out there that make a lot insightful points. And some of those points happen to be bold insults

Just look at Bill Simmons. He's pretty much a blogger with an editor. He rips on guys (REALLY rips on guys), but man, does he know his sports.

If I was Raul Ibanez, my initial reaction would be harsh too. But afterwards, I definitely would have read the article and then lightened my stance a little bit.

The thing is, what if Raul didn't react so violently?

I think that would only arouse more suspicion.

Unfortunately, in this era of PED's in baseball, Raul is pretty much obligated to react that way.

It's really upsetting that we've come to that, but that's just the way it is.

So if there's a lesson to be learned from any of this, it's to be at least somewhat informed on what you are talking/writing about.

Everyone has some degree of responsibility.

Yes, even bloggers.

Nine Reasons Why Sports Matter

It was right before Spanish class at my high school the other day. The normal pre-class chatter was filling the room and one of my friends who also wants to be a journalist turned to me and said, “You know, Periatt, I decided I don’t want to write about sports anymore.”

Baffled, I asked, “Why not?”

“Because it doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t matter in real life.”

Sports don’t matter? I felt like someone ran over my foot with a lawnmower. I must have looked like a guy who saw the doctor who botched his circumcision, because the heretic left it at that...

As class went on, I was fuming. How could he have said such a thing? Sports matter.

Right?

Sure, it doesn’t find cures for diseases or solve world hunger. It doesn’t argue the biggest issues of our day in D.C. and it doesn’t negotiate peace treaties.

I was thinking all of this and for a second, just one second, I thought he could have been right.

But then the insanity left me and I compiled a list of the top nine (I know, random number) reasons that sports matter

9. Excitement/passion

Who can deny the excitement sports give the world? Thousands of fans flock to stadiums and arenas while millions join them on TV all waiting in excitement to do anything from scream their lungs out, to criticizing the players’ mom, to painting their chests in sub-zero weather.

I don’t care what you say. Anything with body paint is important.

8. Participation

We all know about the pros, but millions of people play sports all over the world. Whether it’s a CYO basketball league, or playing soccer in Africa, it provides morale and an escape form the day-to-day drudgery.

I still say to this day that the most intense basketball game I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot), was a 30-and-over pickup game at the local YMCA.

Bones were cracking, fat was bouncing, and balls were clanking off the rim, but those guys were having a blast just participating in some good, hard-nosed basketball.

7. Opportunity

This one doesn’t apply to everyone, but a stud athlete is more coveted than that blanket with sleeves (snuggie I think).

We all know that school districts in impoverished areas leave little hope to break the cycle of poverty and escape the crime ridden streets. Sometimes the only hope of getting out is that elusive athletic scholarship and getting a higher education.

6. Unifying Force

This is a bold statement, but I’m going to say it anyway. Sports are the most powerful unifying force in the world.

Towns, cities, and even entire nations can put aside their differences for a little bit and unite for a few hours to cheer on their favorite team. That’s power.

5. Tradition

Part of what makes sports great is the tradition. There’s nothing better than hearing that fight song, or doing that special cheer that makes your team unique.

There’s also something to be said about the family tradition of sports. Generations cheer for the same team and it brings them closer together. That’s important.

4. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Yes I said it, but you like it, too. Who doesn’t wait to read all those seductive and luscious articles in the best issue of the year?

3. Charities

How many athletes have charities these days? It’s almost a requirement that any athlete who has moderate success starts his or her own foundation or charity and if not supports another existing charity.

Yeah, their contracts are more lucrative than Kevin Federline’s child support, but at least a portion of their fortune goes to make the world a better place. And that matters.

2. The Moment

Everyone has one. Buzzer beaters. Last second TD’s. Walk-offs. That special sports memory that will stick with you the rest of your life. It could be personal or something you watched, but every avid sports fan knows what I’m talking about.

No matter what mood you are in, if that clip graces the screen, it brings you back to that moment of elation. If sports can help cheer you up or give you something good to look back on just for a second, I think that’s important.

1. Civil Rights

Jackie Robinson…Billie Jean King…Arthur Ashe…Texas Western…and the list goes on and on. Sports have helped open people’s eyes to the abilities of all types of people.

Without sports, civil rights would not be as far along as it is, and if anyone ever says sports doesn’t matter, tell them this and there’s no comeback.

The Last Man Standing: Junior's Legacy Remains

If you weren't already numb to it, I'm sure you are by now. Baseball is sick of steroids and we all just want to move on. But every time we think maybe it's safe to flip on SportsCenter or go to a game, there's a bombshell.

Another baseball stud used PIDs. This time it was Manny, and I don't know about you, but I didn't have any reaction. I had heard it all before...

1. Breaking News! (Insert baseball star's name here) failed an MLB drug test.

2. (Insert baseball star's name here) claims he was given drug for "personal reasons" by a doctor who claimed it would be acceptable to take.

Then either...

3a. (Insert baseball star's name here) admits to using PIDs, but gives absolutely no details which leads us to suspect the worst

or

3b. (Player's name) denies steroid use, but tests show elevated testosterone levels.

Or there's always the Barry Bonds case, where it is so blatantly obvious we don't even need to see a test.

And so it continues.

The generation of players that hit more home runs than John Daly drinks beers and brought excitement back to baseball were all a bunch of frauds.

Nine of the top 20 home run hitters of all-time are from the recent era. Six of those nine players have either admitted to using steroids or are under strong suspicion (in other words, we know whether they'll admit it or not.)

The three that are clean are Ken Griffey Junior (fifth), Frank Thomas (T18th), and Jim Thome (14th). Thome and Thomas didn't need steroids because they are just naturally big, ripped guys.

Junior on the other hand is an exception. An outlier. He's a big guy. In fact, it was just the opposite: He was as skinny as Mary Kate Olsen at 6'3" 195 pounds during his rookie year.

Despite the fact that he has never tested positive on any drug test or done anything to suggest he may have taken PIDs, there are still the pessimists. They claim his weight gain and all of his injuries are a little too suspicious and that since "everyone was doing it" he probably was too.

This is ridiculous.

1. Yeah, Griffey put on 20-plus pounds during his career, but honestly, take a look at him. There are two kinds of weight: muscle weight, and that other kind that 60 percent of Americans have a problem with.

Unfortunately, I think most of that 20 pounds is the second kind.

2. If you look at Junior's stats, he progressed and digressed just like he was supposed to. In his first year, he hit 16 home runs in 127 games while batting .264.

Pretty good for a 19-year-old, but nothing spectacular.

Over the next three years, Griffey progressed, hitting over .300 and 20 home runs every year.

The next year, however, is where a lot of people get suspicious.

Griffey went from 27 to 45 home runs, which I agree is a lot, but think about it: Griffey turned 23 that year, and it was his fourth year in the league. Is it really that hard to believe that a player that young who has some experience under his belt can make a significant improvement? I don't think so.

Players normally hit their prime around this age and continue until about age 30. Not coincidentally, Griffey continued to be dominant until the age of 30 (the last year he hit 40 home runs.)

3. Now the injuries. And believe me, as a Reds fan I know there have been a lot.

I sat in the stands frustrated that the Reds were paying him $13 million a year for him to sit on the bench. But don't forget, Griffey played on the AstroTurf of the Kingdome. There's a reason the material's more extinct than a Stegosaurus.

And people forget how good Griffey was in center field, but he has the hardware (10 consecutive gold gloves) to prove it. He went all out climbing walls and diving all over the place. Doing that for an extended period of time takes a toll on the body. It is completely understandable that Griffey had so many health issues after what his body went through.

4. I know it's tough because we have all been let down so many times, but let's not forget what makes truly great players truly great: talent.

Griffey is one of the most naturally gifted players ever. He was truly a five-tool player. I go to the same high school (Moeller) Griffey went to and you should hear the people who coached him. They rave how much better he was than anyone else. And it's not like these people haven't seen other great baseball players. Barry Larkin and the entire Bell family also went through Moeller.

There's a reason he was the first overall pick out of high school and made it to the pros in two years; the guy has talent. Remember, Junior's dad was a pretty good ball player himself. Junior has it in the blood.

There are always a few truly great players a generation. We probably lost a couple of them to steroids, but I think Griffey is one of those guys who really was special, one of the great ones in our generation.

It would be a shame if Griffey's legacy was tarnished in any way for the mistakes of those around him.

I know I'll always remember Junior as one of the greats, and I hope everyone else will too.

He deserves it.