Read the arguments from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan.
The writers here at The Sports Debates had a relatively interesting discussion behind the scenes concerning this debate. We all have reservations about the teams that are playing in the games we are arguing in favor of. Being from the South, it is not very often that you will see me arguing for a game involving teams from the Pac-10. But I am all about watching the best game, and after looking at the five BCS games, I have come to the conclusion that the Rose Bowl is the BEST BCS game.
Ohio State, for all the criticism it takes from Loyal Homer behind closed doors for its inability to win the big game, closes out the decade as one of college football’s top programs. I give credit for that. Ohio State has won six Big Ten titles this decade, and the appearance in the Granddaddy of Them All will be their fifth consecutive BCS appearance. It looked like this season’s team would not make it to a BCS game, as they had two losses by midseason. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor and head coach Jim Tressel have been fighting off critics all season. The criticism reached such a fever pitch that The Sports Debates actually had a debate on the use of Pryor earlier this year. I have never been one to just love the Ohio State brand of football, and yet, after late wins over Penn State and Iowa, here they are again! A solid defense and an opportunistic offense behind a playmaking quarterback is a recipe for a ten win season. A win over the Ducks locks up a top ten finish… AGAIN… and really raises expectations for the 2010 season.
Meanwhile, the Ducks also took the scenic route to Pasadena. We all remember the LeGarrette Blount incident in the first game of the season. I remember watching that game and thinking, “This team is terrible.” But to head coach Chip Kelly’s credit – someone who deserves some coach of the year consideration – the team righted the ship, and here they are! Highlights of the season include an absolute whipping of USC and a thrilling win over rival Oregon State in the Civil War. To people on the East coast, you might not be familiar with Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, but he is the real deal. I admit I was late on his bandwagon, but I watched him pick apart Southern Cal to the tune of nearly 400 yards. That game convinced me of his talent. Somewhat quietly, I think, he threw for over 2,000 yards and ran for over 650 yards with a combined 27 touchdowns. Assuming he comes back, he could be mentioned as a preseason Heisman Trophy contender next season. It will be interesting to see how he does against a tough Buckeye defense.
The Buckeyes against the Ducks! Is it the sexy, glamorous matchup that fans outside of these two fan bases want to see? Probably not! But it is a game involving two teams who play very different styles of football. It is an opportunity for both teams to try to get some national respect. And after all, it is the Rose Bowl!
