As we have seen the past two years, a 12-team playoff is forgiving when it comes to early season losses. An early stumble does not have to result in panic as the expanded field allows for a mulligan or two – or three.
The above serves as ample reason as to why fans in Columbus and Eugene should turn the page and look ahead at what's next. While we are at it, what to make of a couple of other Big Ten teams after two weeks?
While Arch Manning rallied the Longhorns from a 23-3 deficit after three quarters to stun Ohio State and replace the Buckeyes atop the polls, Ryan Day's team is not about to disappear from the playoff conversation. There is much sting for sure in blowing a 20-point lead, but the larger picture is one that must be in focus because everything remains on the table.
Besides, fans in Columbus, perhaps more than any fan base in the country, know what it is like to have their team rebound following a most disappointing setback. See the 2024 loss against "The Team Up North" and what happened after that.
Those same fans likely desired to see their team keep its foot on the Longhorns' throat instead of letting up. Facing a fourth-and-four from the UT 39-yard line on the first series of the second half and with a 20-3 lead, Day elected to punt instead of attempting to keep the drive alive. The decision was made despite the outstanding first halves enjoyed by QB Julian Sayin (12-for-16, 192 yards) and receiver Jeremiah Smith (6-110). It is easy to Monday morning quarterback, though it is also easy to see the Buckeyes managed less 100 yards on only 22 plays the remainder of the game.
#fans #playoff #early
The above serves as ample reason as to why fans in Columbus and Eugene should turn the page and look ahead at what's next. While we are at it, what to make of a couple of other Big Ten teams after two weeks?
While Arch Manning rallied the Longhorns from a 23-3 deficit after three quarters to stun Ohio State and replace the Buckeyes atop the polls, Ryan Day's team is not about to disappear from the playoff conversation. There is much sting for sure in blowing a 20-point lead, but the larger picture is one that must be in focus because everything remains on the table.
Besides, fans in Columbus, perhaps more than any fan base in the country, know what it is like to have their team rebound following a most disappointing setback. See the 2024 loss against "The Team Up North" and what happened after that.
Those same fans likely desired to see their team keep its foot on the Longhorns' throat instead of letting up. Facing a fourth-and-four from the UT 39-yard line on the first series of the second half and with a 20-3 lead, Day elected to punt instead of attempting to keep the drive alive. The decision was made despite the outstanding first halves enjoyed by QB Julian Sayin (12-for-16, 192 yards) and receiver Jeremiah Smith (6-110). It is easy to Monday morning quarterback, though it is also easy to see the Buckeyes managed less 100 yards on only 22 plays the remainder of the game.
#fans #playoff #early
2 months ago
