Game two of the 2013 season arrives with the San Diego State Aztecs visiting Ohio Stadium to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. While Ohio State is naturally a favorite against the Aztecs, fans would be wise to recall how the recent visits by San Diego State have gone when taking on the Buckeyes~
2001: Ohio State 27, San Diego State 12. At first glance, Ohio State did not seem to have much trouble versus San Diego State, but the reality is quite different. Originally scheduled for September 15, 2001, this game was rescheduled due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and played on October 20, 2001. Ohio State actually trailed San Diego State at the half, before rallying for the victory.
2003: Ohio State 16, San Diego State 13. Talk about a game that went down to the wire. Ohio State was behind 7-0 to San Diego State, rallying behind Mike Nugent’s field goals and a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown by Will Allen.
2005: Ohio State 27, San Diego State 6. This game was arguably the least competitive, but again, Ohio State was actually behind 6-0 after the first eleven seconds into the game. Coming off the heartbreaking 25-22 loss to Texas from the previous week, Ohio State rallied behind Troy Smith, who had emerged as the starting quarterback.
Moral of the history lesson, Buckeye fans? That Ohio State would be wise to avoid overconfidence against the Aztecs, as San Diego State has historically demonstrated that they are not overly intimidated by Ohio Stadium at the onset of a game. Yes, Ohio State has rallied to victory in these recent visits, but it would be best to come out strongly and decisively against the Aztecs, especially after a somewhat lackluster conclusion to the victory versus Buffalo last week.
On a slightly different bend, this visit by San Diego State will also be a sort of Ohio homecoming by former Browns quarterback and current SDSU quarterback coach Brian Sipe. Even though I was, and remain, a big Brian Sipe fan, I will certainly be hoping that Sipe is not able to sprinkle any of his former Kardiac Kids magic on the Aztecs as they battle Ohio State.
