Agonizing over Aggies? Don’t count on it…
You know how Michigan’s in trouble over that whole 20-hour a week thing? Well at OSU, the football players spend significantly more than 20 hours at the football offices, but they’re very cautious about the “volunteer” basis on which it happens. I’m setting this topic up with that disclaimer because I’ve noticed something in talking to the Bucks after games this year. Many of the players have glanced ahead to video of a future opponent—even ones you would not expect. Thad Gibson told me Saturday he had already seen some New Mexico State tape. WHAT??? Yep… in his own time of course. Players are like fans… curious about what’s next even when concentrating on what’s now.
That’s why this week will be invaluable to the Buckeyes. It’s Penn State week!! I know looking ahead doesn’t get you anywhere (see Oct. 17, 2009). It’s important to remember what’s Ohio State’s long-term goal every season: to win the Big Ten. Guess what? The Aggies don’t play in the Big Ten or even the Little Ten. The Buckeyes, in their own time mind you, will watch plenty of Nittany Lions tape this week and study how Daryl Clark dismantled Michigan’s “defense” Saturday. They’ll be eager to play Saturday because it’s a chance to play at the ‘Shoe, etc etc. But the truth is this week feels like a bye week with a game at the end. It’s time for the Bucks to study up, because they remember November as Coach Tress will remind us all next Tuesday.
