There is perhaps not a sport where prognostication feels more futile or random than college football. It’s just too hard to say how a young kid in his fifth start will react in the hostility of a Camp Randall Stadium. Of course once that athlete becomes a known commodity, he’s off to the NFL. So instead we cling to the history and tradition of coaches and programs, the constants in a world of yearly roster turnover, as we try to anticipate what’s to come. It’s why we assume Nick Saban will contend for a national title on a yearly basis, even if we can’t name three players on his team. It’s why we fear Penn State will give the Buckeyes a run for their money this weekend in the frenzy of a Happy Valley white-out, even if an early 20-point spread says otherwise. Previous experiences guide our foresight. With that in mind, the story of how Wisconsin ended Ohio State’s perfect season seemed to be written by halftime Saturday night. The offensive deficiencies that plagued the Buckeyes last season against Michigan State had resurfaced. J.T. Barrett was just 6-of-14 passing heading into the break, down by 10. In truth, the…
Continue Reading: Finally pushed to The Edge, Ohio State showed championship-level resiliency
