Jim Tressel

[NewToy]

I think it's time for OSU coach Jim Tressel to hang up the sweater vest and go for a more fearsome look. He could go Seattle Grunge like Belechik, maybe a Spurrier visor over some Mad Max leather, or maybe a Pat Ryan sharkskin suit. The sweater vest has become a distraction for the media that must spill over to the players, IMHO. Any other ideas for a makeover for our poor coach?

John

 

[LMTC]

I realize your post is probably tongue-in-cheek more than serious, so please do not take the following as any kind of criticism of your post.

I think the "look" is fine. I'm a huge Buckeye fan, but first off, it is only a game. Second, his sweater vest has led a program that has been consistently one of the best half dozen in the nation for 6+ years. Thirdly, and in conjunction with the first point, Jim Tressel sets standards for these young men that impact their lives forever. 5 years ago he suspended the #1 running back in the nation, when at the point that situation began he could have chosen to do nothing until it played out. He suspended a starting and a backup cornerback from the championship game this year for violating team rules.

I know someone who spent several years, beginning with the championship season, in close proximity to the football program, and their consistent description of the man was one of high integrity, who values principles more than transient things. I'm personally good with that.

And congratulations to LSU. However.....when BCS bowl games are played in Minnesota in 10* temperatures, and the midwestern teams get to enjoy what is an obvious home field advantage and climate they are accustomed to......then and only then will I give the SEC props as a better conference. Any given year the SEC and Big Ten have roughly equivalent numbers of players in the NFL, adjusted for 12 schools vs 11 schools.

 

[NewToy]

Your right about the tongue in cheek jab at his sweater. I have no doubt he is a fine man and a great role model. If you're talking about Mo Clarett he didn't have any choice but to sit him. It was way past him, NCAA was onto his antics. He could have used some individual attention fireside, didn't work out too well for him. As far as the SEC conference, they are obviously superior as OSU's 0-9 record vs them clearly indicates. The temperature is the same for both teams, can't lean too hard on that. It is the SWEATER!

John

 

[Sigarms]

then and only then will I give the SEC props as a better conference. Any given year the SEC and Big Ten have roughly equivalent numbers of players in the NFL, adjusted for 12 schools vs 11 schools.

Anyway you cut it, the SEC has a better conference than the Big Ten.

By the way, I graduated from a Big Ten college

They sure do talk funny at LSU thought

 

[LMTC]

Anyway you cut it, the SEC has a better conference than the Big Ten.

By the way, I graduated from a Big Ten college

They sure do talk funny at LSU thought

On what do you base that? I'm serious about this....there is very little seasonal interconference play among them in football, and the bowls are always played in warm climates...yes the temp is the same for both teams, but it is almost always warm and protected. I remember watching the Bengals and Chargers in the 80 (81?) AFC playoffs, -21* at gametime, windchill in the -60s. Bengals came out in short sleeves, Chargers couldn't put enough clothes on....game was over before the kickoff. I realize that is the extreme, but when SEC teams play Big Ten teams on cold, muddy, snowy fields on a regular basis, then we can make a comparison. The playing conditions in the bowl games always come way closer to SEC typical game conditions than those of teams farther north.

 

[tallyho8]

I think Ohio has a great team. LSU just played a better game last night.
What makes the difference is that all the Ohio players could think about was going to Bourbon Street after the game. The LSU players are used to it.

By the way, all those Ohio people who were down here sure did talk funny.

 

[daddywags]

The real problem is that osu plays 3 div II teams and then thinks that they are 11-1. the reality is that if they had played any of the top teams in the nation instead of the mac teams, they could well have been 8-4. which is probley more indicative of their true ability. they are no differant than a Hawaii. way over rated. stop beating up on all the little schools and play someone their own size. then if you end up 11-1 and go to a bowl game the results may well be far better. just my $.02 worth

 

[NewToy]

The bowl games are generally played in a place with a nice climate. Been that way for years and will probably continue. Maybe OSU can lobby for the Eskimo Bowl and really shine next year. They are still dealing with a long layoff since their season ends so early. I believe it was 51 days this year, same as last. I'm sure it takes a special motivator to keep them upbeat for such an extended period. I think it's time for some new blood at head coach. It reminds me of the situation in Tampa when the Buc's fired coach Dungy. Put Gruden "Chucky" in and it's a Super Bowl win. It was Dungy's team, and he is obviously a fine coach and a well loved and respected man, just couldn't get them over the top.
I also agree at the strength of schedule issue. Put OSU in the SEC, let them play Florida, Georgia, Tenn, Ark, LSU, SC and they will have a different record at the end of the season. Get's to the faults of the whole BCS system.
Just my opinion.

John

 

[NewToy]

On what do you base that? I'm serious about this....there is very little seasonal interconference play among them in football, and the bowls are always played in warm climates...yes the temp is the same for both teams, but it is almost always warm and protected. I remember watching the Bengals and Chargers in the 80 (81?) AFC playoffs, -21* at gametime, windchill in the -60s. Bengals came out in short sleeves, Chargers couldn't put enough clothes on....game was over before the kickoff. I realize that is the extreme, but when SEC teams play Big Ten teams on cold, muddy, snowy fields on a regular basis, then we can make a comparison. The playing conditions in the bowl games always come way closer to SEC typical game conditions than those of teams farther north.

I think OSU's 0-9 record vs SEC teams is a good basis for that statement.

John

 

[Sigarms]

I also agree at the strength of schedule issue. Put OSU in the SEC, let them play Florida, Georgia, Tenn, Ark, LSU, SC and they will have a different record at the end of the season. Get's to the faults of the whole BCS system.
Just my opinion.

My opinion as well.

That said, App State did beat Michigan this year. App State was also the first school in history (or so I think, could be wrong) who has won three national championships in a row (won their third this year).

Personally think Tressel is a fine coach. Best man at my wedding went to Youngstown state, and his father was a professor their as well. Heard all about the man (Tressel) before he went to Ohio State.

That said, Bobby Bowden comes to mind as a fine man who has his priorities in order as well as Mark Richt.