I am just a fan. Like a lot of fans, I can be unreasonable in my expectations for you at times. Now, you won't hear me calling in to radio shows, or writing letters to the dispatch calling for people's heads or placing blame on a guy who makes a mistake just because the Buckeyes lose a game. I suppose part of what makes Ohio State a great place to play is also what makes Ohio State such a hard place to play. We care about what you do. It means something to us. It means a lot. But, I think it's the fool among us who believes we - the fans - care more than you - the coaches and players. But, all that said, today I reflect on what you give me and not on what this loss to Texas has "taken" from me (in some twisted sense).
As I watched you play your hardest against a very good opponent, I was also watching my son. My son is just 6 years old, and yesterday was something of a holiday in our household. What I saw was a kid who was having the time of his life, watching you guys give everything you had out there in Glendale. To see his eyes light up when Beanie would break free. To hear him shout in joy when Pryor gets the first down on a scamper. To exchange high fives with my little boy when Anderson Russell grabbed a much needed interception. THAT is what YOU have given me.
Don't get me wrong, like everyone associated with Ohio State, I wish it was you guys that were on the winning side of the score board. That would be ideal, and as a fan it is my sincerest hope that this is the last bowl loss ... indeed, last loss at all... that you ever have to face as a Buckeye. But, even though the scoreboard showed 24-21 Texas, I won something yesterday. I won a chance to see my son having the time of his life, rooting you on as hard as he could. And, I don't know if you'll read this, but if you do - know this: You will hear fans making overstatements and saying regrettable things about you and/or your team. But, what you do every Saturday on the field (or on a Monday night, in this case) has brought me and my family great joy. I just wanted to thank you.
The senior class - While some will say you couldn't get it done in big games, I have to disagree. You gave us ALL a chance to revel - as fans do - in championships. While we didn't get to enjoy positive results in either of the National Titles you played for, YOU gave us the chance to. I suppose some fans think it's easy, or that we're simply entitled to watch you win. Not me. True enough I would much more prefer you win, but as you leave Ohio State to the NFL, or to "regular jobs" or where ever you may go, know this: in 51 games, you gave me the chance to revel in victory 43 times. In 4 games against our rival, Michigan, you never once failed to deliver. While the "talking heads" talk about how "down" the Big Ten is, I understand and appreciate what 4 Big Ten titles in 4 years means. While I ached when you lost, I do not pretend it meant more to me than you. Be proud for what you have given us - the fans - in your accomplishments. And Thank You!
To the returnees - You owe me nothing. Despite this, I know you will deliver something. While I hope it's National Championships and wins and all that is good with rooting for college football, I am certain that next fall you will give me - without knowing it - something far more important to me. A chance to watch my son enjoy watching you. Thanks in advance!
Go bucks!
As I watched you play your hardest against a very good opponent, I was also watching my son. My son is just 6 years old, and yesterday was something of a holiday in our household. What I saw was a kid who was having the time of his life, watching you guys give everything you had out there in Glendale. To see his eyes light up when Beanie would break free. To hear him shout in joy when Pryor gets the first down on a scamper. To exchange high fives with my little boy when Anderson Russell grabbed a much needed interception. THAT is what YOU have given me.
Don't get me wrong, like everyone associated with Ohio State, I wish it was you guys that were on the winning side of the score board. That would be ideal, and as a fan it is my sincerest hope that this is the last bowl loss ... indeed, last loss at all... that you ever have to face as a Buckeye. But, even though the scoreboard showed 24-21 Texas, I won something yesterday. I won a chance to see my son having the time of his life, rooting you on as hard as he could. And, I don't know if you'll read this, but if you do - know this: You will hear fans making overstatements and saying regrettable things about you and/or your team. But, what you do every Saturday on the field (or on a Monday night, in this case) has brought me and my family great joy. I just wanted to thank you.
The senior class - While some will say you couldn't get it done in big games, I have to disagree. You gave us ALL a chance to revel - as fans do - in championships. While we didn't get to enjoy positive results in either of the National Titles you played for, YOU gave us the chance to. I suppose some fans think it's easy, or that we're simply entitled to watch you win. Not me. True enough I would much more prefer you win, but as you leave Ohio State to the NFL, or to "regular jobs" or where ever you may go, know this: in 51 games, you gave me the chance to revel in victory 43 times. In 4 games against our rival, Michigan, you never once failed to deliver. While the "talking heads" talk about how "down" the Big Ten is, I understand and appreciate what 4 Big Ten titles in 4 years means. While I ached when you lost, I do not pretend it meant more to me than you. Be proud for what you have given us - the fans - in your accomplishments. And Thank You!
To the returnees - You owe me nothing. Despite this, I know you will deliver something. While I hope it's National Championships and wins and all that is good with rooting for college football, I am certain that next fall you will give me - without knowing it - something far more important to me. A chance to watch my son enjoy watching you. Thanks in advance!
Go bucks!
