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RB Maurice Clarett (B1G Freshman of the Year, National Champion)

It is debatable and I know many of you don't want to hear it but Clarett was better than Beanie. Iv been running through some of the old games and his combination of size and quickness was unbelievable. And despite anything that happened afterward, he may have been the biggest contributor to the greatest season in Ohio State history.

And he may have made stupid mistake after stupid mistake, eventually turning what was a minor issue into jail time but you have to concede that ESPN was there fueling the fire every step of the way. Those opportunists seized at the chance to destroy us by shining the sun on his mistakes and then conveniently inferring aloud and without premise that we were the personification of the corruption of college football. Our University handled the situation as honorably and humbly as possible but honestly can you blame Clarett, an ignorant adolescent for playing the part the media wrote for him. After his football career was ruined he predictably fell to pieces.

I can't blame Clarett for everything that happened and more importantly I can't forget what he did for Ohio State. All biases aside he was a once in a generation player.
 
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ScarletStorms;1204267; said:
It is debatable and I know many of you don't want to hear it but Clarett was better than Beanie. Iv been running through some of the old games and his combination of size and quickness was unbelievable. And despite anything that happened afterward, he may have been the biggest contributor to the greatest season in Ohio State history.

And he may have made stupid mistake after stupid mistake, eventually turning what was a minor issue into jail time but you have to concede that ESPN was there fueling the fire every step of the way. Those opportunists seized at the chance to destroy us by shining the sun on his mistakes and then conveniently inferring aloud and without premise that we were the personification of the corruption of college football. Our University handled the situation as honorably and humbly as possible but honestly can you blame Clarett, an ignorant adolescent for playing the part the media wrote for him. After his football career was ruined he predictably fell to pieces.

I can't blame Clarett for everything that happened and more importantly I can't forget what he did for Ohio State. All biases aside he was a once in a generation player.


The problem you run into when debating who's better, Clarett or Beanie. Clarett only played one season. They also had completely different circumstances through their careers. Clarett was a true frosh when played and also was the #1 RB with no one standing in his way. Riley, Parker, Hall and Ross were all soph's that had yet to show any abilities better than Clarett. However, Beanie was forced to sit behind Pittman, therefore, he would have never had the same chance to get the same yardage in his first season as Clarett did. Then you compare the second year of Beanie with Clarett - oh wait...Clarett only played one season!

They have the same build, and same toughness. Each had their problems - Beanie with fumbling early on, Clarett with his shoulder. If we are going to compare them - which is nearly impossible - you would also have to factor in Clarett's injuries.

Bottom Line: Both are great RB's but you can't compare them equally.
 
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SEREbuckeye;1204269; said:
The problem you run into when debating who's better, Clarett or Beanie. Clarett only played one season. They also had completely different circumstances through their careers. Clarett was a true frosh when played and also was the #1 RB with no one standing in his way. Riley, Parker, Hall and Ross were all soph's that had yet to show any abilities better than Clarett. However, Beanie was forced to sit behind Pittman, therefore, he would have never had the same chance to get the same yardage in his first season as Clarett did. Then you compare the second year of Beanie with Clarett - oh wait...Clarett only played one season!

They have the same build, and same toughness. Each had their problems - Beanie with fumbling early on, Clarett with his shoulder. If we are going to compare them - which is nearly impossible - you would also have to factor in Clarett's injuries.

Bottom Line: Both are great RB's but you can't compare them equally.

Their body of work aside, they are two very different but measurable running backs. Beanie is he epitome of a bruising back. He has an unrivaled combination of size and straight away speed. Clarett played slightly smaller but with equal speed and unheard of quickness for a body his size. In my mind its as clear as day who is better. Beanie could conceivably lead us to four national championship games, match Archie's two heismans, and become a top tier running back in the NFL. In fact, I expect a good portion of that to become reality. But Clarett could have become one of the bests to ever play the game. He had a body and an understanding that are so rare that I can't help but wonder if we will ever see it again. I think we have been deprived of something and no one, not even Ohio State fans recognize it.

Of course I entirely respect anyone who disagrees.
 
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SEREbuckeye;1204269; said:
The problem you run into when debating who's better, Clarett or Beanie. Clarett only played one season. They also had completely different circumstances through their careers. Clarett was a true frosh when played and also was the #1 RB with no one standing in his way. Riley, Parker, Hall and Ross were all soph's that had yet to show any abilities better than Clarett. However, Beanie was forced to sit behind Pittman, therefore, he would have never had the same chance to get the same yardage in his first season as Clarett did. Then you compare the second year of Beanie with Clarett - oh wait...Clarett only played one season!

They have the same build, and same toughness. Each had their problems - Beanie with fumbling early on, Clarett with his shoulder. If we are going to compare them - which is nearly impossible - you would also have to factor in Clarett's injuries.

Bottom Line: Both are great RB's but you can't compare them equally.

I thought we could continue that we have now all witnessed Beanie's Junior season. I also believe that Clarett was better than Beanie and quite possibly become OSU's best RB ever had he stayed out of trouble with the law and what not. Wells has also been plagued with injuries througout his career so that is a wash. However Clarett probably did have a better O-line in front of him (especially this year)
 
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OState29;1349892; said:
I thought we could continue that we have now all witnessed Beanie's Junior season. I also believe that Clarett was better than Beanie and quite possibly become OSU's best RB ever had he stayed out of trouble with the law and what not.
what did clarett do against top notch defenses? what has beanie done?

end of discussion...
 
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It's amazing he'll only be 25-26 when he gets out of prison. Whether he pursues football again, or finds another means to suport himself, I hope he gets his life back on track and becomes a success. He is certainly a cautionary tale. It'd be great to see him learn from his mistakes and become someone who can caution others...
 
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billmac91;1349927; said:
It's amazing he'll only be 25-26 when he gets out of prison. Whether he pursues football again, or finds another means to suport himself, I hope he gets his life back on track and becomes a success. He is certainly a cautionary tale. It'd be great to see him learn from his mistakes and become someone who can caution others...

Like the other great NFL players who went to jail and came back.

Fat chance.

Google tells me I was wrong: Ahmad Bradshaw, Plaxico.
 
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TheMightyQuinn;1349899; said:
How about what he did in the NC game against Sean Taylor? I think Beanie's better, but Clarett seemed to have unlimited potential. That boy refused to lose imo. can't coach that.

On my death bed, I will remember that play. How many players in the heat of battle would have the presence of mind to tackle the ball, and wrestle it back instead of just trying to stop the ball carrier? Without Mo we don't win that game.
 
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Buckeye Nut;1350312; said:
I was wondering the same thing.:)


beanie has played hurt and put up big numbers against some really good defenses... mo cla had some great numbers, but most were put up against bad defenses... he was a key piece in the championship run, but was bottled up most of the day by miami's d... i'm not saying he couldn't have been one of the greatest, i just think beanie is better

and i had a few beers watchin football yesterday, so i am wondering what i wrote there too :drunks:
 
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