That extra package of reader responses, all wrapped up in Ohio State colors, for holiday reading that no one else dares….Buckeye basketball…why they handled Tennessee so easily…and proof that the CFP is a sham.
First, we share some responses following the recent Ohio State basketball win over Kentucky, and the question…how good could this team be?
“Surprised with the win over Kentucky, and wondered why they looked so bad when they played Maryland and Auburn. Enjoy your site.” … Jeff Leubers
“I read on ‘X’ that Bruce Hooley was not that fond of the Diebler hire. Do you and Jeff Gilbert share his opinion, and why, or why not?” … Tom Killilea
(Ed. Note: Can’t speak for Gilbert, but I don’t necessarily agree with Bruce. First, basketball coaches really don’t win basketball games, the same as in football and baseball. Players win games. And for those who wanted a more experienced coach like Dusty May after Michigan’s 9-3 start, I would point out that three of their wins were against Miami of Ohio, Tarleton State, and Cleveland State. 8-4 (OSU) vs. 9-3 is a wash in this case. Michigan also has a tremendous size advantage over most opponents with their two seven-footers. But basketball is a simple game, and if you shoot well, you’re going to be competitive. If you don’t shoot well and rebound well, you’re still going to be in the game. And if you don’t play defense, the other two really don’t matter. The name of the game is put the thing in the ring, and neither May or Jake Diebler has made a shot this season. So no, I’m fine with Jake Diebler.)
“My question is for anyone at Press Pros. How good could this OSU basketball team be, how far can they go, and what’s been your biggest surprise?” … Gene James
(Ed. Note: To your first question, I don’t know because they’ve played too many weak teams to believe in their eight wins, even Kentucky, because Kentucky doesn’t blow me away. To your second question, they can go as far as Bruce Thornton playing 40 minutes a game can take them. He’s really good, consistent, and I would be concerned over the consistency of his supporting cast…how strong is their post play…and him wearing down. And three, without question Devin Royal is the best, but not biggest surprise. He’s playing now like he played at Pickerington High School, and I never doubted that.)
Considering the Tennessee playoff game, and the expanded CFP playoff process…..!
“Was this closer to the real Ohio State team, or the real Tennessee team?” … Gary Criswell
(Ed. Note: Really not sure what the real Tennessee is like, because as is the case with high school football, I think there’s a lot of pretending regarding there being 12 deserving playoff teams. But obviously Ohio State is capable of playing like this with that many NFL draft picks playing wide receiver with a quarterback who can deliver the ball.)
“I was happier for Ryan Day than for the win itself. Time for the ‘fringe lunatics’ to shut up and get off his ass. They add nothing ($$$) to the program. Long-time reader, first-time writer. Enjoy the Press Pros site.” … Jack Bond. (Via X)
“The Tennessee game was more important than beating Michigan, and except for one game this season Ohio State showed it was the most talented team in the country.” … Marc Courtney
“By the looks of all the orange I would say that the disgruntled make up about 30% of the Ohio State fan base, hopefully the ones who stayed away.” … Terry Motyca
“The expanded playoff field has done more for inclusion and nothing for college football. Just more games, more revenue and sham football.” … Noel Grimes
“Long-time follower of Press Pros coverage of the Buckeyes complimenting Jeff Gilbert’s work and the Press Pros photographers. Great work.” … Ken Marko
“First-time reader who wonders what do you guys think about expanding the CFP further, to 16 teams, to make the championship process more fair and to satisfy a bigger market?” … Gregory Cabot
(Ed. Note: I don’t know about ‘you guys’, because I know I don’t speak for some of them. But nothing in life is fair and expansion only cheapens the product more, as we’ve seen with the Ohio High School football championship process. As for satisfying the market, if you played twelve months a year I suppose someone would watch, and say…we’re not doing enough.)
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