Ohio State has long enjoyed a tradition of great running backs, from the man who started it all, Chic Harley, to Heisman Trophy winners, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Hopalong Cassidy, Archie Griffin and Eddie George. Yet, it seems like the last few years, we’ve taken great Buckeyes backs for granted. Last year, Antonio Pittman joined Eddie, Archie, Keith Byers (who should have won the 84 Heisman, I’ll never forgive Doug Flutie for that “Flukie” pass against Miami that denied Byers) and Tim Spencer as OSU’s only back to back 1,000 yard rushers. No big to-do, not much hoopla, Troy Smith, Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez were the stars of last year’s offense. Pittman announces he’ll leave early, bypassing his Senior season, possibly a Heisman run, chance to pass Michael Wiley, Carlos Snow, Pepe Pearson, Byers, Spencer and Eddie to become OSU’s 2nd all –time leading rusher (no one’s touching Archie’s 5,589 yards), no blinks an eye. This season, Beanie Wells gains 1,518 yards, 6th best single season total, only Archie gained more yards as sophomore, and Beanie now sits 9th and 10th on the Bucks single game rushing record, with 222 against Michigan and 221 against Michigan St. Where’s the love for Beanie? No Heisman or other buzz, no All-American honors, could this be the curse of Maurice Clarett? No one willing to give Beanie his proper due, because Clarett was over-hyped 5 years ago? Time will tell,
Speaking of time, I was hoping to make the announcement last week, but we finalized the details today, The Acheson Realty Buckeye Insider Ride to New Orleans will be taking TV-44 to the Big Easy. We’re going to New Orleans to cover the Buckeyes in the National Championship game. Our year in Review show will air December 26th and January 1st at 10:00, the National Title Game Preview Show will be on January 2nd, also at 10:00 and then, the next 3 nights, I’ll have stories from New Orleans airing during Sports Report, lots of blogging in the Big Easy and the night after the championship game, we’ll have lots more during Sports Report.