This story isn't up to the minute, but due to the holidays, I am a bit behind. In today's media cycle this story is eons old, but in reality it was only last week. Several players from Thee Ohio State University apparently didn't understand or care about THEE NCAA's rules. They violated the rules and were then punished. This is where the world came to an end, at least it seemed so according to most people. The players were suspended from the first 5 games of next season but not this years bowl game. My first instinct, and apparently everyone on EsPN's, was what a ridiculous ruling. But now that I have had time to think about it, this is much harsher. Before we go any further, full disclosure, I am from Ohio. However, I don't think anyone that knows me would call me an apologist for THEE Ohio State University. My allegiance in college athletics belong to another school from Ohio. So, back to the issue at hand. IF these players come back next year, does anyone realize what this will potentially do to the Buckeyes season??? The first 5 games include a road game at Miami(FL) and the Big Ten opener against Michigan State. Then, the first game back for these players, when I would guess there will be some rust, is AT Nebraska. Before the suspended players even play a down THEE Ohio State University could be out of the national title talk and facing an uphill climb within the Big Ten. As for the bowl game this year, IT'S AN EXHIBITION GAME!!!! It will make no difference toward determining this years national champion. The game essentially means nothing. I certainly don't want to hear what it means toward recruiting or perception of a conference, cause any kid that chooses a school based on one game isn't too intelligent and perception can change overnight if EsPN determines it should. And speaking of EsPN and their coverage of this, who the hell decided to let Mark May unload on this??? Talk about being obviously biased toward the Big Ten. To make a statement "guaranteeing Ryan Mallet would have been suspended for the bowl game" is ludicrous. Then, to compare this to the punishments handed out to SEC players is apples to oranges. The two examples he used had involvement with agents, much worse scenario. Also, AJ Green was suspended four games and Marcell Dareus suspended 2 games. THEE Ohio State University players are being suspended for 5 games. Oh, and let us not forget the oh so convenient ignoring of the rules by the NCAA in the Cam Newton case. Had Newton played for a Big Ten school Mark May's head may have exploded. Needless to say, the players should have to sit out the bowl game, but in the end, it doesn't matter cause the game itself doesn't matter. Except to the NCAA and T.V. executives that want high ratings to sell advertising for higher dollars the next time around. Once again, money rules the day in the world of sports.
Before we get to the picks section, everyone...and I mean everyone...that is a fan of college football needs to read the book Death to the BCS. It does a great job of exposing exactly how fraudulent the current system is. Read this book and your head may explode like Mark May's.
I suggested betting against the MAC in every bowl game, and so far you would be 2-1...unless of course you were a dope and waited to the very last minute to get Florida International. In the last hours leading up to the game the smart money came in and turned the Golden Panthers from an underdog to a 2 point favorite. You have more chance as Middle Tennessee will take on Miami(OH) on Thursday night. The game is currently a pick 'em, so don't wait any longer. Since we talked about THEE Ohio State University so much, let's look at their exhibition game against Arkansas. The Buckeyes are favored by 3.5 with the over/under at 56.5. Given all that's going on, nobody is talking about the Razorbacks. Look for them to be fired up and put some points on the board. Hell, I could go on the field with my nine month old son and score on a Big Ten defense. That being said, I'll stick to just playing the over. Good luck, and remember, don't bet what you can't afford to lose.
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