Bryan’s Web (.net)

After a perfect normal season ranked #1 the whole way - and then two months off - OSU lost to Florida. Florida played really well - their play calling was amazing. We lost Ginn 15 seconds into the game - after one amazing touchdown return - and we just didn’t play like the team we were way back in November when we beat Michigan. Or even back in September when we beat Texas. If we had played the game back on November 25th, it would have been a true showcase of our skill level. But the game was now, not then. Our defense wasn’t up to snuff the first quarter and let Florida walk all over them (though I still say that second Florida TD should’ve been recalled… both knees were down way before the ball broke the plane). The defense came back from half time and played like they should’ve in the first half, but by that time Florida had too much of a lead and our offense just couldn’t fire back. Troy Smith didn’t play like I know he can, (and unfortunately Tressel didn’t coach like I know he can, either) but I place most of our offense’s problems on the inability of our offensive line to hold the pressure off of Smith. There wasn’t one play the entire game when he wasn’t scrambling for air. And the loss of Ginn meant that their defense was able to cover any potential recievers. Bottom line: Our team deserved better, but it’s their own fault for becoming complacent, or whatever happened. And Florida played one hell of a game, too.

Oh well. It’s just a game. I know I said the Longhorns could have it again next year, Dad, but… that doesn’t count anymore :-). Though, without Smith we’re going to have to train a new quarterback while Michigan gets to keep Henne. So, that just means it’ll be an uphill battle. Yeah, it means we won’t become complacent like we did this year. Like steel, the loss of the Bowl game and our star QB will galvanize us into a better team.

I hope.