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Calling Urban Meyer.......

Watching Ohio State lose to Miami only proves to me that Luke Fickle is not up for the job. Face it, Ohio State gave the keys to a Corvette to the kid.

It's not a matter that the defense can't play. They can. But the offense was one dimensional. At first a lot of people thought, Ohio State was looking past Toledo, to the Canes. But when your offense goes three and out in the first series, and you allow the other team to score on their first two processions, and you get down into the 5 yard line and you can't punch the ball into the end zone. You're not very good on offense. Means one thing, the head coach is not up to running the team.

Luke Fickle who was a buckeye hero when he played back in the mid-90's. was an assistance coach first at Ohio State, then he went to Akron, and then was asked to come back to Ohio State. Sadly, being all those things, doesn't mean you can be the head coach one of the elite programs in all of college football.

Now who came to the decision to give him the keys to that Corvette? One person, and only one person, E Gordon Gee. The man is a curse to all things Buckeye. Of course when Ohio State got rid of Gee, they were able to get rid of John Cooper. See good ole Gordon thought John Cooper walked on water. And even after Cooper couldn't beat Michigan for the first 5 years, it was Gee that kept him on even after everyone was calling for his head. When it comes to football, Gordon Gee is in idiot. He prove that close to twenty years ago when he proclaim Ohio state greatest win was a 13 – 13 tie to Michigan. A 13 – 13 tie? Ohio States greatest win???, ok Gordy.... what you be smoking?.

Ohio State does not rebuild, they reload. They have enough top recruits to come in and keep up the standard of Ohio State. And grant you, there been suspensions of players and your top player left for the NFL, but still you shouldn't lose by 3 scores to an unranked team. Even on the road.

The last time Ohio State gave the keys to a former player, his name was Wesley Fesler, who played end and was a consensus first-team All-America selection in 1928 and 1929 and a unanimous first-team All-America selection in 1930. He took over Ohio State in 1947. He won one Big Ten Championship, and a Rose bowl, but the next year lost in the Snow Bowl to Michigan and in turn resigned because of it. After that they hired Woody Hayes, and the rest was history.

Face it, the title “Interm” is fitting to Luke Fickle. Right now there will be talk on the streets of Columbus to draft Urban Meyer. The Ohio State faithful will not put up with loses like they endured against Miami. They would of if it was Jim Tressel, they would of forgive him considering the situation, but not Luke Fickle. No, the kid just ran the vette in a ditch. And if he lose more then 3 games for this time period on, he won't be able to show his face in public. The State of Ohio and Columbus will not put up with it, even if he is an alum of Ohio State.

If you notice when Urban Meyer does his analysis of a player or a team on ESPN College Game Day, with Todd McShay, you notice in the background a picture, sitting in view of the Camera. And it's not of Lou Holtz or John Cooper, it's of Woody Hayes. Face it, he might be sending a message; I want the job at Ohio State. After tonight, he most likely be getting his wish.

Calling Urban Meyer...... this is Columbus calling...

Comments?(9)

Well it's that time of year, College football is about to hit. So I figure I would do my review. Time to take it conference by conference, and see what my opinion counts for.

Lets understand my review is more about the 6 majors conferences and less about the other 5. Comes down to it, big time college football is about the SEC, Big 10, PAC 12, Big 12, ACC, Big East and that pesky team in South Bend then then anything else. But I will start off with a general review of Sun Belt, MAC, WAC, Mountain West and Conference USA. Also I will pick a game of the year in each conference, and those games might be against Non-conference teams

Those Mid Major conference will have some great football, but face it, unless you are Boise State or TCU, you not going to amount to much. So the thing is, will either of these two make a run to a BCS Bowl Game. Out of the two, if you really look at it, what will hinge on either of them to make a BCS game will be on Sept 3^rd when Boise State plays Georgia in Atlanta. ( Yes I forgot to mention this game in my September Matchs blog, shame on me, I will do a a mea-coupa in my own way) If Boise wins this game all bets are off, because they do not have to face Utah or BYU in conference play and TCU looks to be in a down year. They both meet on November 12^th but then the next week Boise travels to a pesky little San Diego team that could be a trap game. But their season hinges on the fact, there first game is against an SEC power, and it's not on the Smurf turf. It's in the Georgia Dome. Now what if Boise wins this game. To not place them in the mix for the national title game would be a sin and a shame. By beating Georgia, in what is a home game for the Bulldogs, Boise can say, we belong, we went into the hostile land of the SEC and we won big. They win, and Kellen Moore is now looking at a Heisman. But if they lose, and lose big, to the point Georgia beats them like a redhead stepchild, the Mid-majors knight in shining armor look more like a Tin Soldier. If Boise State wants to stay in the mix, they better win, even if it's by 1 point.

Game of the year: Boise State vs Georgia

Reason: As I said, this game will prove once and for all if Boise State can play with the big boys during the regular season.

The Big East.

TCU is coming next year, to bad maybe it would have been better if they came into the conference this year. And thought is that the Big East will get better with the addition of TCU. But that is next year, unless TCU is offered a chance at the Big 12, which they will jump at in a Heartbeat. But for 2011 the team to beat will come down to either, West Virginia or South Florida. Pitt and Louisville will disappoint, Cincinnati does have a lot of talent coming back, but the team to beat will be West Virginia. As long as the coaching factions don't go after each other. South Florida will challenge them for the conference. What will determined if USF can will the conference will be their first Game against Notre Dame. If they win in South Bend, The Big East is theirs to take.

Game of the year: West Virginia Vs South Florida

Reason: Defacto Big East Championship game. Especially if both teams can run the table.

Notre Dame:

Speaking of the team in South Bend. Will Brian Kelly bring back the Echos? He can get the talent, he can coach. Unlike Charlie Weis, he understand being a Pro coach doesn't translate to the College Ranks. The Schedule is manageable. USC is in South Bend, Michigan is rebuilding once again. Notre Dames real test will be South Florida, Michigan State and Stanford. And two of the three are at home. Stanford being the last game of the season, and in Palto Alto. Notre Dame is one year away from bringing back the echos, but this could be the year for an BCS bowl.

Game of the Year: Notre Dame vs Stanford

Reason: Stanford could be a couple of games from the national Title and how great it would be for the Irish to go into Palto Alto and upset the Cardinal.

The ACC

There is Florida State and Va Tech, then all the rest. North Carolina is going no where, Clemson might make some noise. Miami might be worried more about if they will be playing football in the future. Clemson wants to win and the rest are waiting for Basketball. Overall, Florida State the team to beat in the ACC, and their first Big Test is against No 1 Oklahoma at the Doak. If they win that game, the National Title hunt is theirs to control. Thing is, does three of their teams jump ship to the SEC?, that alone might make it a another bad year for the ACC overall.

Game of the Year: Florida State Vs Oklahoma

Reason: Flordia State wins this game, and they could be on their way to winning the National Championship.

The Big 12

First of all, the Big 12 might goto 9 by the end of the season. Texas A&M isn't happy with what Texas is doing. But then again Texas is still in a rebuild mode, but should rebound to at lease 9 wins. But the teams to beat is Oklahoma, and they have a bigger bullseye on their back then people think. Oklahoma State the team to watch out for, and being ranked 8^th, might be a dark horse for the national title hunt. Texas A&M might rule Texas but if they up and leave what happen as they depart is a whole another story. The other team is Missouri, they could sneak in as Big 12 Champions by pulling the upset of Oklahoma, and then running the team, but that is pipe dream.

Game of the Year, Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State.

Reason: This could be the defacto Big 12 championship game and the national Semi-final game to see who goes to New Orleans.

The PAC 12.

If you would of told me back in 2005 that the PAC 10 would have 12 teams in it, my question would be.. what are you smoking and how can I get some. The PAC 10 was deep down your father's conference. Where everyone would use cellphones, they still use a rotatory phone out there. But well Colorado and Utah. Oh and Utah, as your intro to true football in the Big 6 conference, Their first game is in the LA against USC. Welcome to the PAC 12. The real power is in the North where Oregon and Stanford could be battling in the the division title and a possible run to the National Championship. USC still on probation and can't play in the Championship game, but watch out for Arizona State. They could be the spoiler for the PAC 12 championship.

Game of the Year: Oregon vs Stanford.

Reason: Defacto Pac 12 North Semi-final with the winner a leg up in the National Championship race.

The Big 10

If you would of told me 9 months ago, that the Big 10 would be wide open I would of said, rightttttttttttt. Ohio State even with the tattoo 5 out for 5 games had enough talent, and coaching prowess to still win the Big 10. Now, with a new Quarterback and an interm head coach, I am not so sure. Nebraska comes in to prove they are a contender, but they get welcome not in a nice way to the Big 10. First they travel to Wisconsin, then Ohio State comes to them. They also have Michigan, and Iowa in their division and a crossover game with Penn State. Wisconsin has a new Quarterback, but they also have to replace a lot of defense. Michigan is still a work in progress under Brady Hoke. Overall, Ohio State is still the class of the Big 10 even with all the off the field problems. Wisconsin, even with Russell Wilson won't win in Columbus. Dark horse is Iowa.

Game of the Year: Nebraska at Wisconsin.

Reason: Nebraska's tone for playing in the Big 10 start with them going to Madison, nuff said.

The SEC

Ok who is next on the National Championship Hit parade?. South Carolina?, or will Alabama win it all. How about LSU?, even through their Quarterback is under arrest?. How about Arkansas?. Deep down, the SEC could look like 2007. To many good teams all looking to be the top of the heap. South Carolina is winning the East. The Visor has a lot of Talent coming back from last year teams for the likes of Georgia and Florida to overcome. But it's the west were the real power is. Bama is poise to make a run as long as the Quarterback doesn't try to win the game by himself. LSU has problems off the field, and Auburn lost to much talent. And how did Mississippi State get ranked? But who would ever believe they could play spoiler in the west.

Game of the Year: South Carolina vs Georgia

Reason: South Carolina must prove they were not one season wonders. And to do it between the hedges will give them momentum and make the rest of the SEC take notice they are for real.

Now for my predictions.

Boise State will win the Mountian West, but will not goto an BCS bowl.

Notre Dame will goto 9 – 3 and end up in the Gator Bowl

The ACC:

Atlantic: Florida State

Coastal: Virginia Tech

Winner: Florida State

Reason: Florida State has the talent, and the coaching to get it done. And even run the table.

The Big East: South Florida

Reason: Skip Holtz is building a Monster of a program, and he will prove it this year.

The Big 12: Oklahoma

Reason: Oklahoma, even with all the good teams in the Big 12 still is the big dog with a team built to win the National Championship.

The PAC 12

North: Stanford

South: USC

Winner: Stanford over Arizona State.

Reason: With USC on probation, ASU will get the nod, to play in Palto Alto. Stanford just to good not to beat anyone in the south.

The Big 10:

Legends : Nebraska

Leaders: Ohio State

Winner: Ohio State

Reason: Nebraska was poise to win a lot of Big 12 north titles and be a player in the national title hunt. But deep down, Ohio State got twice the Talent then the rest of the Big 10 and a chip on their shoulder. That alone should scare the rest of the conference.

The SEC

East: South Carolina

West: Alabama

Winner: Alabama

Reason: As much as South Carolina could win this game, Alabama is poise for a National Title run, and overall, pound for pound, the West is far stronger then the east.

The Bowls:

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs Arizona State

Winner: Ohio State

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Nebraska

Winner: Oklahoma State

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs South Florida

Winner: Alabama

Orange Bowl: Florida State vs South Carolina

Winner: Florida State

Allstate BCS National Championship game:

Oklahoma vs Stanford.

Winner: Oklahoma

Well thats my general review of the coming year, so let the games begin.

That my Call from the sidelines

Buckspa

Comments?(5)

Well it is that time again, when we look forward to football season. And in College football the best time is the first month. When the Non-conference battles hit with some conference fights mixed in. So here is my top games that make or break a season early. Win and you can raise in the rankings, lose, and it can be a hell of a up hill climb.

Week 1

Oregon at LSU

No 3 vs No 4?, in the first week?. This Match up could be a preview of the National Championship. Oh and Oregon thinks Eugene is loud. Loser can recover, winner could be ranked in the top 2.

South Florida at Notre Dame

South Florida comes to South Bend for a early match. Brian Kelly second year could start off good, or bad. And if South Florida wins, that vaults the Bulls confidence going into the Big East.

Week 2

Arizona at Oklahoma State

This is an interesting match up. Both teams can surprise in their respective conferences. But Arizona must be prepare to take on 8^th Rank Oklahoma State. The winner takes momentum into the season.

South Carolina at Georgia

It wouldn't be the SEC if they didn't have in conference/ in divisional play startiung. This game will see if South Carolina is and was for real in the SEC. Georgia wants to get out of the gate fast, winner takes first play in the east. Is it a big deal? In the SEC, it is.

Alabama at Penn State

JoePa last Harrah? Alabama coming in in the Top 2, and Penn State ranked 25, but will there be a whiteout in Happy Valley and Penn State wants to prove they can play with the big boys once again.

Notre Dame at Michigan

Once again these to storied programs face each other on who can recover faster as a Tradition Powerhouse. Brady Hoke first test as the Wolverines' head coach. With a lost to South Florida, if Brian Kelly loses this game, it will be a long season in South Bend. Win both, and Irish eyes are smiling.

BYU at Texas

BYU wants to prove it's the Morman version of Notre Dame. How better then going to Texas. Texas is still recovering from last year, how better for Mack Brown to prove it by defending the Longhorns house.

Miss State at Auburn

Early test for the Defending National Champions. It's on the plains, and it's Mississippi State, Not Georgia.

Utah at USC

How better to welcome Utah to the new PAC 12 then an inter divisional game against USC, in the 213. USC under Kiffin is trying to get back to USC under Pete Carroll, without the infractions. Winner is in first place in the PAC 12 South.

Week 3

Oklahoma at Florida State

Another Top 5 match up, (through Florida State might be overrated) The No 1 Sooners come into the Doak in a big test. The Noles want to show they are back, how better to do it again the nation's top rank team.

Ohio State at Miami

Two first year coaches face each other. The visiting team should be in the Top 5 except for tattoos. What will happen, no one knows but a win by either team is big for the start of the season.

Tennessee at Florida

If wouldn't be week 3 if these two didn't meet. It's not as big as it once was, but to the respected fan bases it always big. Winner has bragging rights and a leg up in the SEC East.

Texas at UCLA

Texas maybe trying to recovered from a big lost to BYU, UCLA just trying to Prove it still one of the big boys in college football. This could have been a PAC 16 match up.

Michigan State at Notre Dame

Notre Dame follows up with Sparty. Brian Kelly by now could be packing in the season or could be the season coming of Lou Holtz. Michigan State wants to prove last year wasn't a fluke.

Auburn at Clemson

The defending National Champions first real test is at Death Valley East. Now we shall see what they are really made of., but the Clemson tigers have also to recover from a 6-7 season, how a better way then a win.

Utah at BYU

The Holy War in September, is what this is about. Watch for both teams to be hitting hard in this one.

Stanford at Arizona

This game could make or break Arizona season, but Stanford is looking to win both the Pac-12 North and then the PAC 12 itself. Arizona wants the upset.

Week 4

Arkansas at Alabama

Powers in the SEC West meet to open out Division play against each other. Winner gets a Leg up , with Bama trying to march towards the National Championship.

Missouri at Oklahoma

Oklahoma's first test in the Big 12 happens with Missouri. Will they pass or will Missouri spoil their season?

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M

Whats the possibility of the Cowboys being in the Top 5 by this time? Whats the possibility of Texas A&M in their last season in the Big 12, looking to beat every team in the Big 12. Who going to get the better going away present, stay tune.

LSU at West Virginia

LSU might be in the Top 2 by this time when this game comes up. It's in Morgantown, and the Mountaineers will be ready to play. But can they pull off the upset?.

USC at Arizona State

Arizona State is looking to make a move in the PAC 12 South. But if USC comes in and wins this one, with a win against Utah makes the Trojans the team to beat in the PAC 12 South

Florida State at Clemson

First it was Auburn, now it's Florida State, coming to Clemson. Bowden Bowl in the past but how better to prove that the Noles are back to form by winning in Death Valley.

Well those are the the match up, if you know any we should add, place them with us. September is still one of the greatest time for College Football. Lets the Games begin.

Comments?(6)

As you all know, I am one of the Biggest Ohio State Fans around.  I bleed it, smoke it, eat it, if i could I would have hot passionate sex with it.   To me there is nothing like a football Saturdays in Columbus, or across Ohio.  It's part of the maze that is College Football.  

But after what happen with Pryor, and the other players, and thought what where they thinking.  All I thought was,   what a brunch of idiots.  Do they not know that there are 10,000 other kids in the State of Ohio that would kill to play in the Horseshoe?.  Then to find out the tattoos were brought from a Known Drug Dealer under investigation by the Feds make me think, did those players lose any sense of common sense on the playing field, or on high street.  Tattoo for rings, and jerseys, so everyone of them want to be a walking art gallery?.  Did some of those hits on the field jar their brains loose?. 

But the biggest disappointment wasn't from the players, for I can forgive some youthful indesections  Hell we all have done it.  But when the coach Jim Tressel all the sudden comes out saying, he was told about it but just happen to forget to report it, all of Ohio was slamming their heads against the wall saying, What Was He Thinking?.  

Ever since the firing of Woody Hayes on that dark day in 1978, Ohio State had Earle Bruce.  Good Ole 9 - 3 Earle.  then John, I can't beat Michigan or win the really big game" Cooper.   Trust me, football in Columbus wasn't as fun in the 1980's and 90's as it was in the 1970's.  Buckeye nation was looking for a savior, one that just didn't talk about winning Big Ten Championships, and going to the Rose Bowl.  No, in Columbus they wanted National Championships.  Being one of the Top 5 Storied programs in the History of College football, it was about being on the national wire day in and day out in the fall.  And so who did they get, Jim Tressel.  A 1AA coach from Youngstown State.  Youngstown State?.  Wait a minute, we need a Big name coach, a Stoops, or one of the Bowden sons.  Except, Tressel resumes made sense.  4 Division 1AA National Championship, he can win, and he knew how to win.  And on that day at an Ohio State basketball game, when he was introduce, and he made the statement; "you will be proud of our young people, in the classroom, in the community, and more especially, IN 310 DAYS IN ANN ARBOR MICHIGAN".  All the sudden, Columbus thought, yes, the second coming of Woody Hayes has happen.  And he made good on his promise.  Winning 26 - 21 that November day, Jim Tressel could of ran for governor of the state, and he would of gotten 98% of the vote. Then the next year place Coach Tressel on the greats of Ohio State coaches, for his name would be up there with Paul Brown and Woody Hayes.  Winning a National Champion in his second year, Columbus felt that it once again would be the Capital of College Football.  Over the next 10 years, Tressel wins 7 Big Ten Championships, players for 2 national title games, has a bowl record of 6 and 4 to include a 5 - 3 BCS record and beats an SEC team for the first time in a bowl game.  Most of all, he was kicking the crap out of Michigan every year since 2003.

The problem is, Jim Tressel isn't Woody Hayes.

Of course Woody wouldn't been able to coach in this time period.  He was too demanding, to hot tempered to deal with today's college football player.  That was, in the end, his downfall.  But As loyal both coaches were to their players. The difference is, Woody would of Kicked the Tattoo 5 off the team at the first sign of trouble.  Woody wouldn't of put up with dealing with drug dealers, muchless with Tattoos.  And selling rings for body artwork was a no-no.  To Woody, no star player was bigger then the team.  Because through the team, your goal was to get an education.  

So when it comes to Jim Tressel,  especially dealing with Clarret, and what Troy Smith did in 2005, what was he thinking when it came to the Tattoo 5?.  He knew what was happening, yet he forgot?.  How do you forget an email involving your Superstar Quarterback and  No 1 Running back, No 1 Receiver .  How do you not yank these kids inline, and how do you not report it to the NCAA.  Are you afraid that the team won't make it to the National Championship game?.   Is the team so dependent on that one player that you're afraid to bench this butt for being a idiot?.  Because all the sudden your team become a 9 - 3 team.  Again, what were you thinking. 

So on the fateful Memorial day weekend,  Jim Tressel  fell on his sword.  Personally, I feel both Gene Smith and E-Gorden Gee need to also be fired.  Especially Gee, the man that said in 1992 that Ohio States greatest victory up to that time was a 13- 13 tie to Michigan.   Gee has always turned a blind eye to infractions, mainly because he can raise money.  But he needs to Go. 

As for Coach Tressel. His only fault was he was loyal to the T, to his players.  Maybe thats why he did what he did. Only he knows what in his mind, and maybe one day, he will tell us. 

Today Ohio State starts summer camp, under interim Coach Luke Fickle. The NCAA has said they could just go along with what Ohio State inplaced penalties.  Then again they could hammer Ohio State with a 2 year ban and loses of Scholarships.  There are no recruiting violations, which is the big no-no in the eyes of the NCAA.  And they ideals of " the lost of intuitional control" doesn't exist.   Everything will come out by the 16 of this month.  then what of Luke Fickle?.  If he wins and wins big, will Ohio State make him Head coach, or do they go and Hire Urban Meyer in 2012?.  the word i heard is, it a done deal, Meyer is coming to Columbus.  It's his dream job, one that even his wife can't veto.  But for now 2011 is the season, we shall see what happen in Columbus.

that is my call from the sidelines...

Comments?(27)

Hi all

I found out the site was back up, hopefully we will get our membership up. 

Of course I will be taking everything College Football in General, and the Buckeyes.

Will start with my year review.

Until then

That my call from the sidelines

BUCKSPA.

Comments?(4)