semi-OT: Who to root for tonight OR How OSU fans will try to claim a proxy NC via Joe Burrow
Having no horse in tonight's game, I was leaning towards rooting for LSU for a couple reasons:
- The Joe Burrow redemption story
- Ed Orgeron finally getting his shot
- The incredible story of OC Steve Ensminger having to coach through family tragedy
- Finally, that Dabo is just as terrible a scumbag as the rest of the coaches over the past decade, but covers it up with his "aw shucks" demeanor
BUT, OSU nation is trying to claim that an LSU/Joe Burrow win in the NC is the next best thing to winning it themselves, and will validate their program. I generally try not to align myself with any buckeye rooting interest, as I want to be able to sleep at night, but it seems like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place here.
Who is everyone else rooting for tonight?
January 13th, 2020 at 1:53 PM ^
That's not what happened. Going into 2017, Haskins and Burrow were competing to back up senior JT Barrett, with the winner of that battle in pole position to start in 2018.
Burrow was ahead after the 2017 spring game, but he broke his hand in August. Burrow couldn't participate all of fall camp, and Haskins won the backup job by default. Burrow was stuck all 2017 as third string, since he never got any reps behind JT and Haskins.
In spring of 2018, it was Haskins v. Burrow for the starting job, with Haskins already ahead based on 2017. Burrow actually outplayed Haskins during the 2018 spring game, but with neither person being named the starter going into fall camp 2018, Burrow opted to transfer instead of competing for the job in camp.
Fields didn't show up until 2019.
Burrow wasn't "tossed like garbage," by OSU. He broke his hand, was unable to practice much of 2017, and instead of risking sitting on the bench again in 2018, he graduate transferred with immediate eligibility. He got really unlucky in Columbus.
January 13th, 2020 at 2:05 PM ^
And we got even unluckier, as he couldn't have more-smoked us in 2018 than Haskins did, and with him coming back in 2019 Fields probably doesn't pick OSU. Ugghh....
January 13th, 2020 at 2:16 PM ^
That's true. OSU got three total years of Haksins and Fields over just two years of Burrow.
Knowing what I know now about Burrow, Haskins and Fields, I still make that trade 10/10 times. The real issue is not picking Haskins or Burrow over JT in 2017. We saw everything we needed to see out of JT in the 2016 Clemson game. Use 'em or lose 'em when it comes to elite QBs. OSU played JT two years too long.
January 13th, 2020 at 2:31 PM ^
The struggle is real
January 13th, 2020 at 1:58 PM ^
That is how the rest of the world sees it ... "OSU - how could you be so f-ing stupid to chase off a Heisman award winner?" I mean Burrows is going to be drafted #1 only because he transferred out of OSU. He got nothing from their coaches except being passed over by Haskins ... who by the way sucks in the NFL.
January 13th, 2020 at 1:38 PM ^
If they claim Joe Burrow, then that means as THE Ohio State University, they have to claim Cleveland and every other part of that godforsaken state.
Deal?
January 13th, 2020 at 1:50 PM ^
Neither one. An 8pm start means a short watch anyway, doubt I make it to halftime.
January 13th, 2020 at 2:02 PM ^
Clemson, even though LSU is going to crush them.
Pretty crazy to think Clemson would have to go through OSU's and then LSU's secondaries back-to-back in order to win. Both groups are ridiculous.
Clemson's top couple of corners can run, but they won't be able to cover LSU when they go (and stay) five-wide.
January 13th, 2020 at 2:34 PM ^
PSA for those cheering for God's Team tonight: if you want to sound legit, the old-school locals pronounce it "Klempsson" not "Klemzin"
January 13th, 2020 at 3:11 PM ^
Meteor
January 13th, 2020 at 3:23 PM ^
If they had developed Burrow as a QB as well as LSU did, he might have been playing for them this year. They have no claim on his performance in 2019.
January 13th, 2020 at 3:58 PM ^
I want LSU because of Burrow, but it damn sure won't be a national championship by proxy for OSU, and suggesting as such is as idiotic as those who use Brady as proof positive that Michigan develops NFL quarterbacks. Orgeron and staff get the credit for Burrow, just as Bill B. gets it for Tom. Joe also wasn't cast off in Columbus; he broke his hand in fall ball and got understandably passed by Haskins, who had an incredible season.
January 13th, 2020 at 4:13 PM ^
Clemson to prevent an SEC Champion, but considering there's no Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, or Kansas, I really don't care who wins.
January 13th, 2020 at 6:33 PM ^
If it makes OSU fans happy about their football program, I want the opposite.
Don't care who wins.
It has been such a long layoff, I thought I missed the game.
January 13th, 2020 at 7:11 PM ^
Osu can claim whatever they want, but the fact of the matter is Burrow wasn’t even gonna beat out tater tot at osu. In fact, last year Burrow wasn’t anything special either.
Credit the LSU staff for developing the kid into a legit #1 pick and Heisman winner. Osu has nothing to do with his success and can lay no claim to him or his achievements
January 13th, 2020 at 10:13 PM ^
Unfortunately, burrow spoke highly of OSU at Heisman presentation.
January 13th, 2020 at 11:33 PM ^
Well, they do have one of the most athlete friendly online degree plans in the country...
January 13th, 2020 at 7:22 PM ^
Definitely have better things to do with my night. Like this witty post.
January 13th, 2020 at 7:38 PM ^
I’m rooting for the Tigers!
January 13th, 2020 at 7:59 PM ^
Clemson. No one does the Big Sad quite like Louisiana.
January 13th, 2020 at 10:11 PM ^
I’m pulling for Burrow. Seems like a nice kid from a good family.
January 13th, 2020 at 11:31 PM ^
LSU... A twisted OSU narrative regarding a game that doesn't involve OSU is worthless to me. I kind of like Joe Burrow, and Clemson has been there too much lately.
January 14th, 2020 at 11:35 AM ^
Burrow threw for 16 TD’s last year. Haskins, 50.
As stated earlier, one year of Haskins, and two of Fields (40 passing TD’s as a first year starter) >2 years of Joe Burrow.
I was happy for Burrow last night, but by no means do I feel that his accomplishments this year had anything to do with OSU. He, Joe Brady, and Orgeron deserve all of the credit.
I did take satisfaction (as should Michigan fans) though in the fact that the best player in the SEC (and the nation) was not from the south, but the Midwest.