Spring Break
Ohio football teams stumble to poor starts
Dave D'Amore
Issue date: 9/19/08 Section: Sports
We're just under one month into both the NFL and college football season but already, four Ohio football teams are off to disappointing starts. Our Miami RedHawks are 1-2, the Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off an embarrassing beating in the biggest college football game of the year so far, and both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are 0-2.
The RedHawks have been less than stellar in the first three games. Optimism overflowed going into the home opener versus Vanderbilt University, but that feeling left the stadium around halftime, much like most of the fans. Embarrassing the 'Hawks in a 34-13 win, Vanderbilt dominated both sides of the ball.
The next week, Miami traveled to Michigan and tried to be this year's Appalachian State. Despite hanging around the entire game, Miami's offense could not take advantage of red zone opportunities and lost 16-6.
After a decent showing in the Big House, I hoped for a dominating performance versus Division I-AA opponent Charleston Southern to ignite some momentum. However, the RedHawks needed a fourth quarter comeback to notch the first victory of the season. Miami's lack of defense surprised and disappointed me. If Miami is going to have a successful season, the team needs the defense to stifle the opponents and avoid shootouts. Despite the start, all is not lost. I still believe Miami can win the MAC and/or make a bowl game if the team is successful in an important three-game stretch versus Kent State University, Bowling Green State University and the University at Buffalo.
Just two hours down I-70, the Ohio State Buckeyes focused their eyes on another BCS National Championship game appearance going into the season. After their opening game versus Youngstown State, however, the score was the major story. Yes, OSU won 43-0, but Heisman hopeful running back Chris "Beanie" Wells injured his right foot. This injury kept him out of their showdown versus No. 1 ranked USC. Without Wells, the Buckeyes limped back to Columbus after a 35-3 trouncing.
The RedHawks have been less than stellar in the first three games. Optimism overflowed going into the home opener versus Vanderbilt University, but that feeling left the stadium around halftime, much like most of the fans. Embarrassing the 'Hawks in a 34-13 win, Vanderbilt dominated both sides of the ball.
The next week, Miami traveled to Michigan and tried to be this year's Appalachian State. Despite hanging around the entire game, Miami's offense could not take advantage of red zone opportunities and lost 16-6.
After a decent showing in the Big House, I hoped for a dominating performance versus Division I-AA opponent Charleston Southern to ignite some momentum. However, the RedHawks needed a fourth quarter comeback to notch the first victory of the season. Miami's lack of defense surprised and disappointed me. If Miami is going to have a successful season, the team needs the defense to stifle the opponents and avoid shootouts. Despite the start, all is not lost. I still believe Miami can win the MAC and/or make a bowl game if the team is successful in an important three-game stretch versus Kent State University, Bowling Green State University and the University at Buffalo.
Just two hours down I-70, the Ohio State Buckeyes focused their eyes on another BCS National Championship game appearance going into the season. After their opening game versus Youngstown State, however, the score was the major story. Yes, OSU won 43-0, but Heisman hopeful running back Chris "Beanie" Wells injured his right foot. This injury kept him out of their showdown versus No. 1 ranked USC. Without Wells, the Buckeyes limped back to Columbus after a 35-3 trouncing.
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