OSU vs ND Preview

I was forwarded this little blurb today regarding the upcoming Fiesta Bowl matchup between the Bucks and Irish.  This is written by a friend of a friend's dad, but it feels pretty professional to me. 

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If you're a Buckeye or Fighting Irish fan, there are three things that stir up emotional extremes: Politics, Religion & College Football.  All three subjects lead to irrational behavior which divides families, severs friendships or creates an indestructable bond.  Clear lines have been drawn between fans of the two teams.  But, this is a week of College Football celebration & we should put our differences aside to practice acceptance and understanding.  Whether you believe in the power of Holy Buckeye or Touchdown Jesus, at least you are a disciple of College Football.

The OSU/ND Fiesta Bowl match-up next Monday pre-dates most of us.  When I was little, I asked my Uncle Garth who was his favorite team.  He answered, "Ohio State and whoever is playing Notre Dame."  His College Football beliefs were instilled by my Grandparents' & Great Grandparents' generations.  Historically, Notre Dame has been the pinnacle of College Football -- people love to love 'em or love to hate 'em.  It's a little difficult for younger folks to really understand because recently Notre Dame seems like a team that is legendary for something that happened long ago -- they haven't won a bowl game for 12 years.  You have to look at the bigger picture to understand their importance and rabid national fan base.  For perspective, think 2003 - 2005 USC or 2000 - 2002 Miami and draw that out since the beginning of College Football history, not just over a 3-year time period.

The 1935 Ohio State / Notre Dame game played in Ohio Stadium has been called "The Game of the Century" (I'd contend that the game of the 21st Century occured on January 3rd, 2003 in Tempe AZ).  The pictures from the 1935 game are incredible.  Grainy black, white & gray shots.  Over 80,000 people in the stadium - most of the men wearing those dark hats.  No facemasks, so you can see the grizzled look on the player's faces -- who all look much older than they are.  This was the height of the Great Depression and yet 10,000 people came by train from South Bend to see this game.  In 1935, Ohio State lost on a touchdown pass (which was fairly revolutionary @ that time) in the final minute.  The Buckeyes would lose again in South Bend in 1936.

Do you remember where you were in 1995 when the Buckeyes finally had a chance for redemption against the Fighting Irish?  One of the best College Football images ever captured is Eddie George seemingly pulling away from the entire Notre Dame team with 9 gold helmets chasing him from behind.        

The Ohio State / Notre Dame game on January 2nd, 2006 is already historical and there hasn't even been a snap.  This will break a 2-2 tie in the all-time OSU/ND series.  Who knows how many times in the 21st century these teams will meet, so a win carries long-term spoils.  It is also the type of game that can determine the direction of a program for the next 5 to 10 years -- which is important, but just a small blip on the football timeline for these schools.

- Large (Austin Kennesaw's) Father

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For additional Buckeye pre-game analysis make sure to check out Buckeye Commentary.