Ohio State Has 'Perspective Problem,' Says Anonymous Big Ten Coach
The Ohio State Buckeyes must sacrifice their historic rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines if they wish to become kings of the College Football Playoff (CFP) once again if the words of an opposing Big Ten assistant coach are to be believed.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity to Athlon Sports, the coach criticized the tunnel-vision attitude with which the Buckeyes treat their annual rivalry game with the Wolverines.
"The perspective is the problem because if you lose to Michigan, the season is a bust," the coach said. "The program is in great hands and (Ryan) Day is a top-tier head coach. It's just the standard is what it is."
Fans certainly proved the coach correct last season with their reaction to Ohio State's 45-23 loss to Michigan at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2022.
The failure of both Day and then-quarterback C.J. Stroud to beat the Wolverines was a daily talking point up until (and even sometimes after) the Scarlet and Gray were announced to have qualified for the CFP.
Strength and depth of the team was not a problem for the Buckeyes according to the coach, as last season's Ohio State squad was more than capable of taking the crown.
"This is the only roster in the league that could've beat Georgia last year," the coach said. "The talent they have matches the SEC at every position group, year in and year out."
Rivalries are important regardless of the sport. They unite fans from all walks of life against a common enemy and add some extra incentive to a game besides and simple win or loss on the record board.
However, maybe the coach is on to something here. Maybe there is more to Ohio State football than simply beating Michigan.
By no means should "The Game" be done away with.
Rather, here are some potential alternatives that allow for the competition to be celebrated, while also giving time for both teams to ready their minds for the postseason.
The current attitude towards Michigan (with a loss signaling a failed season), paired with the crucial timing of the game (right at the end of the season, just before the playoff) is an explosive combination.
Could pushing "The Game" (and the entirety of college football's so-called "Rivalry Week," if needed) to an earlier week of the season make a difference?
Perhaps more time is needed between the final weekend of the regular season and conference-tournament week.
At the very least, remember that an 11-1 season with a loss to Michigan is still a year in which the Buckeyes won over 90% of their games and (with the new, 12-team format) probably even have a shot at a national championship.
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