Search Results for: football moment 2012

Football Moment 2012: Crowning The Champion

OSU FootballWith a resounding 69% of the vote, your 2012 Champion of the Football Moment Bracket is none other than:

Kenny Guiton’s last drive against Purdue

Here are the highlights from the entire Purdue game, but the Football Moment Champ starts at the three-minute mark:

It’s almost too fitting to be ironic. In a season that started with a jaw-dropping catch (Devin Smith, offensive moment #2), had a quarterback straight video game-juke himself into the endzone (Braxton Miller, offensive moment #3) and a one-man wrecking crew on defense (Ryan Shazier, defensive moments #1, #4, #5, #8 and #9) we collectively as a fan base choose the back-up quarterback’s heroics as the defining moment of the flawless 2012 season.

There wasn’t anything to play for. The team and the coach could have watched Braxton go down hard to the turf and just mail in the rest of the game. “Today wasn’t our day,” could have been a fitting explanation. “They wanted it more than us,” they would have certainly said. “We tip our hat to Purdue. They’ve done it again.”

But Kenny Guiton, that skinny kid from Houston who figured he’d have as good a shot at starting after Terrelle Pryor hung up his cleats came in. There was no jealousy of the younger Braxton. Guiton got in that huddle, struggled his first couple of tries but then willed his team down the field. Even the catch, a diving effort by Chris Fields, wasn’t easy. None of that game was. But when people look back at Urban’s first season, look back at the first (of many!) undefeated seasons, it will be Kenny Guiton’s fourth quarter comeback people will remember. Sure, Devin Smith’s catch was unforgettable. Shazier’s inspired play against Penn State was one for the ages. Beating Bielema again will be remembered. But it won’t be with the same fervor that Guiton’s play against Purdue will be remembered.

That one will stay with us not just with memories, but with emotions.

Football Moment 2012 Bracket (Championship Round)

OSU FootballWe’ve finally made it here, all the way back when this started in March Madness — the quest to determine the most spectacular moments during the 2012 Football Season (see all the previous entries here).

First, we have to crown the two division winners. For the greatest Defensive/Special Team moment of 2012, the nod goes to the force of nature, star scholar at Linebacker University, Ryan Shazier, with his fourth-and-goal stop of Wisconsin’s Monte Ball in Ohio State’s thrilling victory over those dirty Badgers. Nothing during the Bielema era was sweeter than the past two gut-punching defeats at the hands of the Ohio State defense.

For the greatest Offensive Moment of 2012, we give the game ball (and our hearts) to Kenny G for his manufacturing a comeback-drive (and subsequent win in OT) against Purdue. This, in my mind, was a bit of an upset. Even though I seeded Kenny over Devin Smith’s catch at Miami, I really thought you fans would deem Devin’s one-handed wonder the greatest football moment of 2012. But then, I realized that MotSaG readers are some of the smartest football fans out there, and you realize that Kenny G’s heroics did not happen in a vacuum, but actually came to represent the 2012 season as a whole — a gritty, determined football team that did not quit. And for that, we salute you, Kenny Guiton.

So now that brings us to the Championship Round. There are no losers here, but One Moment must be crowned. So join us now in deciding the Most Amazing Moment of the 2012 Ohio State Football Season:

2012 Football Moment Championship

Shazier’s goal line hit [Wisconsin] vs. Kenny Guiton’s last drive [Purdue]

VS.

So which one was the better moment?

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Football Moment 2012 Bracket (Final Four)

We have made it to the final four most amazing moments of the 2012 football season. These are the four most memorable, most bestest moments voted on by you, the fans (and such smart, attractive fans you are). So now we have the arduous task of determining which moment was the best offensive and defensive moment of the season. This is not for the faint of heart.

Because it seems like offense gets all the glory, we’re going to start this off by pitting the final two defensive/special team moments first:

Defensive/Special Team Moment

#1 Shazier’s goal line hit [Wisconsin] vs. #2 Kenny G’s 2-point conversion [Purdue]

Shazier went up against himself and won. It’s really not surprising that his goal line stop would be one of the most memorable plays of 2012. The goal line stand against Penn State a year earlier also made it to the final round of our Moments Bracket (which Shazier factored heavily in) so it stands to reason Shazier’s hit would make it this far.

Shaziers hit goes up against one of the most improbably comebacks in the past few years for the football Buckeyes. Kenny Guiton’s drive in the final minutes against Purdue (in relief of the previously injured Braxton Miller) would have all been for naught if he also wasn’t able to seal the deal on the two point conversion. But convert he did and that moment will go down as one of the most memorable of all times.

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Offensive Moment

#1 Kenny Guiton’s last drive [Purdue] vs. #2 Devin Smith TD catch [Miami]

In a season where the Buckeyes went 12-0 and watched electrifying moments left and right from Braxton Miller, it’s ironic to see Mr. Miller absent from the Final Four moments (I mean, I guess he had a part in Devin Smith’s amazing grab) but see Kenny Guiton here twice. His heroism has not gone unnoticed. It’s cliche to say everyone’s favorite player is the back-up quarterback, but for a period of time last season that was figuratively and literally true.

Contrast Kenny’s fairly vanilla drive to Devin Smith’s amazing, spectacular, jaw-dropping, face-melting, Sports Center Top Ten-making grabs and you have the 2012 season in a nutshell.

So which one was the better moment?

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Football Moment 2012 Bracket (Round Three, Offense)

OSU FootballThe most iconic defensive plays from 2012 have been pitted against each other (there’s still time to vote!) and now it’s the offensive moments that take center stage.

The #1 vs. #4 match-up is a tale of two moments. Kenny G’s valiant comeback against Purdue is probably going to be the defining moment of the “broken” 2012 season. It had everything including the late game heroics of an unsung fan favorite, coming in cool like “I GOT THIS” and then Kenny GOT THAT. Going against the most spine-tingling moment was Carlos Hyde throwing the “Feed Me” gesture that Denard Robinson threw in our face during the ill-fated 2011 Game right back at him. It also had that “I GOT THIS” feeling, with Hyde telling the sidelines “FEED ME” while letting the fans know that he truly understood the gravity of The Game.

#1 Kenny Guiton’s last drive [Purdue] vs. #4 Hyde feeding himself [UM]

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And then of course there is The Catch, 2012 version. This play just speaks for itself. (Sorry, Braxton’s Goaline TD)

#2 Devin Smith TD catch [Miami] vs. #3 Braxton’s goaline TD [PSU]

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Football Moment 2012 Bracket (Round Three, Defense/Special Teams)

OSU FootballWe’ve made it to the Elite Eight. Four Offensive plays and four Defensive/Special Teams plays remain.

These are the defensive matchups, and they are doosies. Good luck picking your favorites:

#1 Shazier’s goal line hit [Wisconsin] vs. #4 Shazier’s INT TD [PSU]

Shazier going up against himself was not initially intended by the selection commitee, but it’s fitting that only one Shazier can make it to the Final Four. Which will it be? The game-saving goal line stand/caused fumble against the Wisconsin Badgers or the interception of the Moxiest Ginger against the hated Nittany Lions?

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And

#2 Kenny G’s 2-point conversion [Purdue] vs. #3 Boren hit on Garnder [UM]

This is almost unfair to both Kenny G and Zach Boren. Kenny saved the perfect 2012 season and Zach encapsulated everything we love about The Game. Just sit back and enjoy them both.

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Football Moment 2012 Bracket (Round Two, Offense)

OSU FootballNow that you’ve voted on the best defensive moments of 2012, it’s time to for the offense to have it’s time.

In the “Just give it to Kenny G” region, we have:

#1 Kenny Guiton’s last drive [Purdue] vs. #9 Rod Smith TD [Nebraska]

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#4 Hyde feeding himself [UM] vs. #5 Braxton’s stutter step [Miami]

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And in the “Devin Smith and everyone else” region, we have:

#3 Braxton’s goaline TD [PSU] vs. #6 Philly Brown TD [Illinois]

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#2 Devin Smith TD catch [Miami] vs. #7 Braxton to Devin Smith [MSU]

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Football Moment 2012 Bracket (Round Two, Defense/Special Teams)

OSU FootballNow that we’ve got a lot of time on our hands, it’s time to continue our final look at the moments that defined the 2012 football season.

And without further ado, it’s the matchups for round two on the defensive side of the ball. No real upsets in round one, but the choices will continue to get tougher and tougher to make.

In the “All Shazier, all the time” Region we have:

#1 Shazier’s goal line hit [Wisconsin] vs. #9 Shazier’s hit on Denard 4-and-3 [UM]

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#4 Shazier’s INT TD [PSU] vs. #5 Shazier’s sack up the middle [PSU]

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And in the “Not Shazier, but still really good plays” Region, we have:

#3 Boren hit on Garnder [UM] vs.#6 Roby pass break up [Wisconsin]

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#2 Kenny G’s 2-point conversion [Purdue] vs. #7 Philly Brown punt return TD [Wisconsin]

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Ohio State Football, THE GAME, and “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby”

Ohio State has been established as a 20 point favorite over their rival (since Coach Urban Meyer states it like this, I figure I will follow suit). So many Ohio State fans look at this visiting team and believe Ohio State will easily win THE GAME. So many Ohio State fans have no memories of what THE GAME was like in the 1990s.

One of my favorite bands from the 1990s to present day is Counting Crows. The album “August and Everything After” is widely considered to be one of the influential albums of the 1990s. Perhaps being a fan of Counting Crows makes me old, but I want to elaborate a bit further.

A lengthy song by Counting Crows that was on the album “This Desert Life” was “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby”. While the song never became a hit by music chart standards, it certainly stands as one of my favorites by Counting Crows.

What does this song, or the band Counting Crows, have to do with Ohio State football, and THE GAME? Let me share some of the lyrics from “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby”, and I will paint you a picture at the end…

“If dreams are like movies then memories are films about ghosts…”

Memories of THE GAME from the 1980s and 1990s, I have plenty of those; I am haunted by those “films about ghosts”. I can vividly recall how THE GAME ended on a field goal attempt in Ohio Stadium in 1986. Or how a one-time high school rival athlete was able to win THE GAME almost completely by himself in Coach Cooper’s first season in 1988.

“Well I am an idiot walking a tightrope of fortune and fame…”

Running an option play on 4th and short when THE GAME is tied late in the 4th quarter in Ohio Stadium in 1990. Or the former university president proudly proclaiming that a final game result of a tie in 1992 in Ohio Stadium was “One of our greatest wins ever…”

“I am an acrobat swinging trapezes through circles of flame…”

Memories of THE GAME include finally breaking through in 1994 with a victory that saved one coach’s job. The 1994 victory in Ohio Stadium helped to propel Ohio State into some of the most memorable seasons for the remainder of the 1990s decade.

“And the price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings…”

The price of the memory of THE GAME in 1996 is not only sorrow, but also regret for a missed opportunity at a national championship. I will always contend that while the 1998 team should have played for the BCS Championship (we’ll get to that team soon enough), the 1996 team was five points away from an undefeated season and the national championship. Ask any of the players on that team about the price of the memory from THE GAME in 1996.

“And there is always one last light to turn out and one last bell to ring…”

The 1998 victory by Ohio State in THE GAME was satisfying, but not nearly enough for fans who expected so much more. The 1998 team truly played like it had nothing to lose, as everything had been lost to an unranked team only a few weeks before in Ohio Stadium.

“All the razor perceptions that cut just a little too deep
Hey, I can bleed as well as anyone but I need someone to help me sleep…”

In 2000, fans such as myself had developed a weary sense of resignation for THE GAME. Yes, Ohio State might play well for a quarter, maybe a half, but eventually…Ohio State would lose. And I do not believe I was alone within the fan base who believed that way, after so many painful memories, or “films about ghosts”, as Counting Crows might have stated.

For those of you who are curious, Ohio State was not always the superior team. I would argue that the 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1994 teams were not as talented as our rival. 1986 and 2000 were probably equal. 1996 and 1998 were more talented than our rival. No matter the year or example I have cited, all of the games I listed above took place in Ohio Stadium. And in so many circumstances, our rival left Ohio Stadium with the victory.

“Well I know I don’t know you and you’re probably not what you seem…”

It was not until THIS MOMENT that Ohio State fans such as myself knew Ohio State had turned the corner. And thirteen years after that moment took place, there are generations of Ohio State fans who truly do not understand why Ohio State fans such as myself look at this upcoming version of THE GAME with apprehension and anxiety. Ohio State fans have seemingly forgotten how close THE GAME has been in both 2012 and 2013.

Perhaps I am being too fearful. After all, Ohio State has clinched a trip to Indianapolis, and can secure a B1G championship with a victory on December 6th. A possible shot at a national championship is still up for discussion, as Ohio State is presently lurking on the perimeter of being a playoff participant. I am predicting the final score to be Ohio State 35, Our Rival 17 (figured I should again follow Coach Meyer’s lead with this approach…)

Or maybe I can rely upon Counting Crows to summarize my anxiety before this version of THE GAME, if events do not turn out in Ohio State’s favor on Saturday afternoon…

“That’s when I know that I have to get out cause I have been there before
So I gave up my seat at the bar and I head for the door…”

Top 3 Moments in OSU History (Guest Post)

We here at MotSaG are interviewing several potential writers and have each of them to write about a different topic and will present them to our readers so they may give some feedback. Please leave some comments for the guys and show some support. Thanks

This post is is brought to you by Stephan Sharp and you can find him on Twitter at @StephanSharp

When I was asked to write about my top three events in Ohio State history, my first thought was “How am I going to narrow this down to three?” To make my choices a little easier, I decided to only pick from events that have happened in my lifetime (since 1990). I know I am leaving out a great deal of important events by doing this, but it was the only way I thought would be fair and allow me to write about games I have witnessed and not just read about. Now on to the countdown…

No. 3: Ohio State 28 – Troy 10, Sept. 20, 2008

If you don’t remember much from this game, I can’t blame you. Terrelle Pryor’s first start for the Buckeyes ended with him throwing four touchdown passes on just 16 attempts. At the time, it was the smallest crowd in Ohio Stadium in six years with just 102,989 in attendance.

This game being Pryor’s first start is not why I have this game on my list. This was the first game I had the privilege of attending in person at Ohio Stadium. Walking from the parking lot, past St. John Arena, and seeing the rotunda on game day for the first time is something I will never forget.

I’ve been to other games since this one, including victories over That Team Up North in 2010 and 2012, but a rather lackluster win over a Sun Belt school will always hold a special place in my heart.

No. 2: Ohio State 85 – Tennessee 84, Mar. 22, 2007

Just five days after needing Ron Lewis and his clutch three-pointer to send an eventual second round victory over Xavier to overtime, the Buckeyes again needed late-game heroics to continue their quest for a first national basketball championship since 1960. Ohio State ended up falling in the national title game to Florida, but that does not diminish how great this game was.

I remember watching this game from my couch and being so frustrated with the performance of the first half, which ended with the Volunteers up by 17, that I seriously contemplated going to bed (this was the late game in the San Antonio regional and I had school at 7:45 the next morning) rather than allow myself to suffer through a blowout loss. I decided to give the team 10 minutes to show me something and fight their way back in it. I’m glad I stuck it out. The game was tied again halfway through the second half.

Greg Oden struggled with foul issues the entire game, playing just 18 minutes while scoring only nine points to go with three rebounds and four blocks. But that fourth block was the biggest of his career in scarlet and gray. His last-second, soaring swat of Ramar Smith’s potential game-winning lay-up is the first thing I think of when asked of Greg Oden and the 2006-07 Buckeyes.

No. 1: Ohio State 31 – Miami (FL) 24 2OT, Jan. 3, 2003

This was a no-brainer for me. Number one is the only football or basketball national championship won by Ohio State in my lifetime so far. The game no one gave Ohio State a chance to win. The game Ohio State won.

This was just a great game from start to finish between two great teams battling for the BCS National Championship. Everyone remembers Cie Grant coming on the blitz to force Ken Dorsey into throwing a poor pass on 4th and goal in the second overtime. Everyone remembers the pass interference call on Glenn Sharpe that gave Ohio State another life in the first overtime. Everyone remembers the horrific knee injury Willis McGahee suffered in the fourth quarter. The play I remember most is Maurice Clarett chasing down Sean Taylor and ripping the ball away following a Taylor interception in the third quarter.

A Mike Nugent field goal ended that drive, giving the Buckeyes a 17-7 lead. If Clarett does not pull off that outstanding play, Todd Sievers 40-yard field goal to send the game to overtime wins the game for Miami. Instead, Clarett’s final touch as a Buckeye ended up being in the second overtime as a short touchdown run that would prove to be the national championship-winning score.

What are your thoughts on my top three events in Ohio State history? Would any of these make your list?

College Football is Finally Here: B1G Preview for the Weekend Ahead

After many long months of waiting college football season has finally arrived! As much as I love baseball, college football holds a special place in my heart. I especially enjoy watching B1G football.

Every year the B1G is expected to step it up and produce some impressive results on the field, with this year being no different from the rest. Last year the conference was hurt by two of its most illustrious programs, Penn State and Ohio State, being punished with bowl bans. Now that the Buckeyes have served their penalty, high expectations return to Columbus. Ohio State is the consensus favorite to not only win the conference, but run the table and play for it all in Pasadena. As far as the next best team in the B1G? That’s anybody’s guess.

In the Leaders Division Wisconsin lost Montee Ball, but have 10 other Wisconsin-like running backs waiting in the wings (namely James White and Melvin Gordon). Penn State is in year two of their bowl ban and break in two new quarterbacks. Indiana has a lot of starters returning to the team and the pressure is on head coach Kevin Wilson to get the team to a bowl game. Illinois head coach Tim Beckham is already on the hot seat in Champaign, despite the fact that its only his second season with the program. Purdue breaks in new head coach Darrell Hazel (former Buckeye coach) and look to begin rebuilding their program.

In the Legends Division Nebraska has Taylor Martinez return for what feels like his 10th year in the program, but their defense is a huge question mark. Michigan State is the exact opposite of Nebraska. They have a great defense, but four different players competed for the QB position. Northwestern is receiving the most preseason hype in decades, but many are unsure if they can handle the high expectations. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has been getting bashed by the media and fans all offseason and looks to silence the doubters. Minnesota looks to continue to build off their 6-6 season last year and move up the ladder in the conference. And the team up north finally has an actual quarterback again, but do they have enough to be considered an elite team?

Enough chatter, let’s get to the opening week games:

Thursday, August 29

Indiana State @ Indiana – If this was a basketball game taking place in the 70’s, with Larry Bird lacing it up for the Sycamores, I would be pretty psyched about this game. But instead it’s a football game in 2013. Even though I’m not thrilled about this match-up, these two actually played a tight game last season in the opener. Indiana only won 24-17 and only led by a touchdown at halftime also. I expect Indiana to learn from last season and dispatch Indiana State with ease.

UNLV @ Minnesota – This is another non-conference rematch from last season. And it was even closer. Minnesota needed triple overtime to defeat the Rebels, 30-27. Close games like this are what make the B1G look bad. B1G teams aren’t supposed to have close games with teams like UNLV. I hope the Golden Gophers win this game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is another close game.

Friday, August 30

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