Game Thread 2017 Cotton Bowl: OSU vs. USC - 12/29/17 @ 8:30 ET (ESPN)

[bukIpower]

Get the young guys a chance to travel to Dallas and familiarize themselves with the stadium before traveling back in September. Let’s just be honest, missing the playoffs is a disappointment to fans, the players are just as down. Coach and the staff have their hands full to keep the guys mentally motivated.

I’ve heard about a coach (Saban I think) say it’s hard to get his team UP for a big game more than 2-3 times a year. Hence the trap games after a big rival...this will be a lot different because it’s a month of prep and a build up to game day that will have a real feeling of finality for several key guys. It’s still a big challenge against another team facing similar challenges. Hopefully there’s just no off the field nonsense or looking ahead to the NFL type stuff. Looking forward to seeing some young guys like Okudah and Browning get some reps on defense not just special teams.

Browning and Okudah both being from Texas too

 

[cincibuck]

So, I like the matchup. But...I find very little reason to be excited about playing in the fucking Cotton Bowl. Maybe I understand not getting into the playoffs, but playing us on December 29th and shunning us from a New Years Bowl seems like a giant middle finger unless I have missed the memo that the Cotton Bowl is now the best bowl game that doesn't get you into the playoffs.

Don't get me wrong, I want to win this game bad and I love getting to play USC. I just can't fathom why we are playing in the Cotton Bowl against them.

Because the New Years Eve games have been a TV bomb, because Sunday belongs to the NFL, because the Rose and Sugar are playoff games and eat up the most desired TV time slot - when east coast is still up and west coast is awake and my screen states the game is on Saturday, December 30, not 29.

So what's up with the date - I've now seen "official sites" listing the game on the 29th and the 30th.

 

[cjmik_75]

Browning and Okudah both being from Texas too

Yes and these bowl practices usually have a few youngins step up prior to breaking onto the scene. Why not some home state guys that will most likely have a little extra motivation to perform in big D.

 

[AuTX Buckeye]

Per ticket broker interviewed by local NBC-4, demand for this appears to be lower than any bowl game in recent OSU history. Reasons were: recent USC series, consolation prize after being snubbed by playoff, and fans were already invested in Dallas trip for TCU game next September 15.

If you're not a frequent bowl traveler you may be able to enjoy this one on the cheap (comparatively). If you're local to the DFW metro, you got no excuse to ignore the walk-up ticket sale.

Time to hit up my buddies in DFW for housing and maybe tickets for my 2nd every Ohio State game away from the Shoe... however last time I saw them was vs USC in the coliseum back in 08 or 09 whenever we played them out there

 

[sullie]

Because the New Years Eve games have been a TV bomb, because Sunday belongs to the NFL, because the Rose and Sugar are playoff games and eat up the most desired TV time slot - when east coast is still up and west coast is awake and my screen states the game is on Saturday, December 30, not 29.

So what's up with the date - I've now seen "official sites" listing the game on the 29th and the 30th.

It's got to be Friday December 29th - according to the official website - http://www.cottonbowl.com/gameday

 

[Jake]

So, I like the matchup. But...I find very little reason to be excited about playing in the fucking Cotton Bowl. Maybe I understand not getting into the playoffs, but playing us on December 29th and shunning us from a New Years Bowl seems like a giant middle finger unless I have missed the memo that the Cotton Bowl is now the best bowl game that doesn't get you into the playoffs.

Don't get me wrong, I want to win this game bad and I love getting to play USC. I just can't fathom why we are playing in the Cotton Bowl against them.

There are three bowl games on New Year's Day: Outback, Peach, and Citrus. Look at the teams playing in the those games, compare the history of those bowls to the Cotton Bowl, then get back to me about being shunned.

 

[mleone21]

I'd rather have the game on 12/29. Unlike the Peach for example, it has its own time window, which will be jockeying with the Citrus and Outback. It's also a Friday in prime time. Gives my group enough time to drive to and from the game while still having enough time to enjoy both Christmas and New Year's celebrations back home. Plus it's USC for crying out loud!

 

[Woody1968]

I like the 29th. I have freinds coming in New Years Eve and I have to take them around on New Years day, so it works out better for me. I'd rather be in the Cotton Bowl than the shitty steakhouse bowl.

 

[Bill Lucas]

Therre is only one thing that bothers me. How on earth are the B1G and PAC 12 champions playing in any other place than the Rose Bowl?

 

[Jagdaddy]

Therre is only one thing that bothers me. How on earth are the B1G and PAC 12 champions playing in any other place than the Rose Bowl?

Rose is a playoff game this year. I do hope that the Athletic Department and Nike don't outfit us in reflective silver uniforms with black swoosh "warp speed" accents, aerodynamic "shark tooth" textured tail fins, shiny black chrome helmets with LED buckeyes, capes, and not a shred of scarlet or gray to be seen.

 

[scarletngray]

Two very similar teams imho. Lot's of speed and lots of athleticism. But I think we have the advantage on both the OL and DL and that could be the difference. We just can't turn the ball over or give up any big kick/punt returns because SC can hurt us there.

 

[Buckeyebred97]

Solid match up for us outside of the CFP(less favorable match up against Clemson 1st round) Should be a good test for our younger guys that will be back next year against a team that has some talented players and if we are to make a run next year at a playoff spot this game will be a good prerequisite for facing players with just as much talent as ours. Being in Dallas should be heavily crowded in scarlet and grey in the stands. I think we have the advantage with our D line against a more pro style QB if we can get pressure on them often could lead to some turnovers. Actually looking forward to this game I think it will be one of the best games and probably highest rated or at least top 3 rated of the post season games. Hope JT can go out on a positive note and the coaches use this month to get a really solid game plan together and set these guys up for success!

 

[Buckeneye]

Please share the info.

sure, stubhub then expedia. Was pretty easy after that.

 

[Honor&Glory]

I am 47. Don't know how long I will be around. Could start taking care of myslef and make it to 85. Could get smashed by a semi on my drive home from work tonight...

What I do know is that 12-14 times a year I get to watch Ohio State play football and soak up the history and traditions of a school that transcends its alumni and endears itself to people like me who had the good fortune of being born in Buckeye state but did not attend.

I know they will play a game on 12/29 and it will be last chance to see the Scarlet and Gray until August/September of 2018. And I am all in. Fuck *ichigan. Fuck SC. Go Bucks!

 

[ZEKE103]

And there's your modern day entitled attitude.

Yeah how dare I have high hopes for a program with the 2nd best coach in NCAAF, top 5 recruiting every year, and NFL talent littered across the board... to be in the top 4 teams at years end. Especially when your QB has been around for so long and yet got worse.

I am proud of the team for beating Michigan and winning the conference no question, but for a team that had all the talent in the world to be a top 4 team, not being so is slightly disappointing. If that makes me entitled then sign me up.

The minute you stop having high hopes and being slightly disappointed for not at least having games to win a title is the minute you become a fan of a non-elite program.