I get that 36 degree weather shouldn’t be a true “game changer” but I believe it is a major factor, because Will Howard has such limited arm talent.
When you have a Haskins, Fields, Stroud, McCord ….slight wind in cold weather isn’t nearly as damaging. But when your QB has very minimal arm talent, the slightest wind, in the cold can make already average throws really, really bad. The out route to Carnell Tate against Michigan is a perfect illustration of this. There were multiple down field throws where Howard’s ball was impacted by wind. He just doesn’t throw a piercing ball……it is what it is.
For those that don’t think it’s a big deal, it’s telling to me, that OSU regularly practices in their indoor facility come winter, but will be spending the next two weeks practicing outside. It’s a tell that Day wants these kids ready for outdoor football on Dec 20th. If OSU lays the wood to Michigan I think there’s a strong likelihood 90% of the Tennessee game prep is inside at the WHAC…after beating Indiana, they had 3 live practices indoors and one walk through outdoors in prep for Michigan.
It just is what it is…..everyone is more comfortable in a beautiful indoor practice facility. But you’re doing yourself a disservice when you don’t take the elements you’re going to be playing in, into account. I think Michigan has been whooping our ass in that regard during this run…..Harbaugh had his teams outside every day and loading the defensive line with (2) extra lineman and telling the offense they’re failing if they can’t get two yards on an inside run…..like, just putting his kids in an impossible position at practice and demanding success. Gotta give some credit where it’s due….
One other point…..Columbus is not Green Bay or even Chicago. But those NFL stadiums both have state of the art water heaters that run under the field that keep the field from freezing, and in turn, keeps the ball at a regular temperature. Players actually say you feel warmth on the field surface when tackled which is far nicer than a frozen surface to bounce off of.
Very few college programs could afford such a system, but OSU is one. I think it’d be an incredible investment for quality play, for recruiting, and for a better product when they’re on field.
