Welcome to the Skull Session.
I'm back.
After a week off from work, I have returned. Thanks to Chris Lauderback, Dan Hope, Jacob Rhee (twice!), Johnny Ginter and Jason Priestas for creating the Skull Sessions while I was away. I read their articles on Monday and was impressed with their content as well as their humor and wit. They are all phenomenal writers and even better people, so I am happy to work with them daily.
Without further ado, let's have a good Tuesday, shall we?
SOOOOO WHAT DID I MISS? While on vacation in wonderful Charleston, South Carolina, I spent little time on the Eleven Warriors website or social media sites like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, removing myself from the Ohio State Matrix. That left ample time to relax on the beach, view some beautiful architecture and consume delicious foods and libations on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Gamecock Country.
Now that I have returned to Columbus and am back on the network, I have realized how all-consuming Ohio State news can be – even at the start of June, the heart of the offseason.
In less than seven days, Taylor Mikesell signed a contract with the Atlanta Dream, Johnnie Dixon was named USFL Offensive Player of the Week, Gene Smith appeared on Real Pod Wednesdays and commented on football's future with Peacock and November night games, shared his support and expectations for Chris Holtmann, explained that Ohio State would stick with turf in the Shoe and talked about the Big Ten's future expansion plans (or lack thereof).
That's a lot of news!
Oh dear god ... there's more?
Ohio State removed the scoreboard at St. John Arena, Justice Sueing underwent pre-draft workouts, men's basketball added former NBA assistant Brandon Bailey as a full-time assistant and the Big Ten released its 2024 and 2025 football schedules, to which Smith made public remarks on the Big Ten Network about the conference abandoning divisions. Finally, we had posts about Smith's Ohio State vs. Michigan comments from RPW and the Illibuck's unexpected revival, among all of our other regularly-scheduled content.
Overall, we had 52 articles in the week that I was out of the office, a little over seven articles per day. See what I mean about all-consuming? The amount of content this school's athletic programs generate in such a short time is unbelievable. But I am thankful, as it allows me to write about sports in a market with a deep passion for them, especially the one with the white-striped, ovular-shaped ball.
You keep up that passion. We'll keep up the content.
Time to get back to work.
WHAT IF...? The Athletic's Scott Dochterman published an article Monday that revisited Big Ten football championships since 2000, but with one catch: What if divisions weren't required?
In the last 25 years, which spans the Bowl Championship Series and the College Football Playoff eras, about half the Big Ten seasons would have ended with what Dochterman calls "cosmetic changes." However, there were several instances when a championship game could have altered the league winner and perhaps a national championship participant, many of which involved the Buckeyes.
Here is a look at some of those seasons:
1998
Original Teams in the Hunt: Ohio State (7-1), Michigan (7-1), Wisconsin (7-1)
Revisited Participants: Ohio State vs. Michigan
Background: Let’s start with the most nonsensical situation of maybe the past 25 years. Wisconsin opened the season 9-0, then lost 27-10 at Michigan. The next week, Ohio State beat Michigan 31-16. Wisconsin and Ohio State didn’t play each other. Yet which team claimed the Big Ten’s tiebreaker? No. 9 Wisconsin, which earned the automatic champion bid over No. 4 Ohio State. In looking at the old Big Ten tiebreaker policies, it appears Michigan was eliminated because it had two non-conference losses and Wisconsin claimed the Rose Bowl nod because Ohio State had appeared in the Rose Bowl more recently. Still, it doesn’t make any sense.
What would have happened? We could experience a scenario like this as early as 2024. Considering Ohio State was 1-0, Michigan was 1-1 and Wisconsin was 0-1 in their head-to-head battles, that’s where we will start. The Buckeyes, who were upset 28-24 by Nick Saban and Michigan State, were the preseason No. 1. In this case, they would beat Michigan in consecutive weeks and — because of the wackiness that ensued on the season’s final weekend in 1998 — Ohio State’s additional quality win would vault it past Florida State and into the BCS title game (Fiesta) against Tennessee.
Better or worse? Clearly better. That extra win against a ranked opponent, coupled with the Dec. 5 chaos, would have vaulted Ohio State into the BCS championship. Additionally, No. 9 Wisconsin had the chops to qualify for the Rose Bowl as an at-large team.
2002
Original Teams in the Hunt: Ohio State (8-0), Iowa (8-0)
Revisited Participants: Ohio State vs. Iowa
Background: The best Big Ten game never played took place in 2002. This became the nightmare scenario for the Big Ten. No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Iowa were unbeaten with different focuses. Iowa (yes, Iowa) was an offensive juggernaut. The Hawkeyes outscored league foes 350-130, including 161-43 in their final four games. Ohio State had the league’s powerhouse defense, and its Big Ten margin was 185-88 and 91-34 in its final four. Iowa led the league in scoring at 37.2 points per game, and the Buckeyes gave up just 11.0. The Hawkeyes featured the Silver Football winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up, quarterback Brad Banks. The Buckeyes had the league’s defensive player of the year, safety Mike Doss.
“I think Iowa is the better football team,” Minnesota coach Glen Mason said that year. “I say that because Iowa is absolutely complete. Offense, defense, kicking game.”
Ohio State earned the conference’s automatic bid based on its overall unbeaten record, and Iowa lost to Iowa State after a hand injury to Banks. Ohio State won an all-expenses paid BCS title trip in the Fiesta Bowl against Miami (Fla.) and the Orange Bowl moved ahead of the Rose to select Iowa as an at-large.
What would have happened? The season concluded with Ohio State’s beating Miami for the national title in the Fiesta Bowl, and USC overpowered Iowa in the Orange Bowl. That usually settles any barroom debates. Iowa was not mature enough to handle seven weeks of hype and bluster. But if the game were played within a week of the season’s conclusion, the Hawkeyes’ physical running attack would have been too difficult for even the Buckeyes. But Miami likely beats Iowa for the national title.
Better or worse? It’s debatable depending on your perspective. The ending turned out terrific for Ohio State — and the Big Ten — in winning the national title, so the Buckeyes have no reason to look back with regret. But Iowa could have landed in the BCS title game. Let’s leave it at this: It was the greatest regular-season matchup that never happened.
2006
Original Teams in the Hunt: Ohio State (8-0), Michigan (7-1), Wisconsin (7-1)
Revisited Participants: Ohio State vs. Michigan
Background: Ohio State outlasted Michigan in their epic No. 1 vs. No. 2 game 42-39 just one day after Wolverines legend Bo Schembechler died. Earlier in the season, Michigan handed Wisconsin and rookie head coach Bret Bielema their only loss 27-13. As good as the 12-1 Badgers were, the Buckeyes and Wolverines were the league’s best teams that season. At the end of November, they arguably were the best teams nationally, too. Obviously, that did not come to fruition for either team in their bowl games.
What would have happened? Considering the collision was played in Columbus with the circumstances surrounding Michigan’s program, it was amazing the game was that close. In a Big Ten Network documentary, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said if the game “was played in a phone booth,” it would have been tough for the Buckeyes to win. Big plays were essential for Ohio State to win the regular-season tilt. If Michigan stopped those the second time around, it would have taken the rematch at a neutral site.
Better or worse? Definitely worse. Had Michigan won the rematch, it would have earned the BCS championship berth. So, it would have been worth it for the Wolverines. But it would have devalued the teams’ clash the previous week. It was the biggest game in Big Ten regular-season history. A rematch would have rendered it into a footnote.
2016
Original Teams in the Hunt: Penn State (8-1), Ohio State (8-1), Wisconsin (7-2), Michigan 7-2)
Revisited Participants: Penn State vs. Ohio State
Background: This was the first time we would get a change from the East-West structure had the Big Ten competed in a single-conference format. Wisconsin won the West but lost tight games to Ohio State (30-23 in overtime) and Michigan (14-7). Michigan trounced Penn State 49-10 early but lost on the game’s final play at Iowa and in double overtime to Ohio State. In Happy Valley, Penn State upset Ohio State 24-21. Penn State won the divisional tiebreaker and faced Wisconsin in Indianapolis. The Nittany Lions rallied for a 38-31 victory, but Ohio State was ranked higher by the College Football Playoff committee. So the Buckeyes picked up a CFP berth, and Penn State played in the Rose Bowl.
What would have happened? A Penn State-Ohio State rematch would net an unpredictable outcome because their regular-season game was so close. Both featured electrifying offenses (Ohio State 39.4 points per game, Penn State 37.6), but Ohio State’s defense was much better (15.5 points allowed, 25.4 for Penn State). The Nittany Lions had the best one-two punch on offense with Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley (plus Chris Godwin), and the Buckeyes’ secondary had no peer.
Better or worse? Much better. The Badgers were the equal of their East brethren, but Penn State deserved a CFP shot. Ohio State also deserved a rematch with the Nittany Lions after losing on a blocked field goal that was returned for a score. The hype for that game would have exceeded any Big Ten championship game of the past decade. I’d take Penn State by three points.
2020
Original Teams in the Hunt: Ohio State (5-0), Northwestern (6-1), Indiana (6-1), Iowa (6-2)
Revisited Participants: Ohio State vs. Indiana
Background: In the COVID-19 season, the Big Ten’s original mandate was for its championship game participants to compete in at least six games. Ohio State fell under that criterion after Michigan couldn’t play. League officials reconsidered the policy and allowed Ohio State to compete anyway. Indiana, which lost 42-35 to the Buckeyes, would have represented the East. Northwestern beat Iowa 21-20 to claim the West.
What would have happened? If the league kept its original policy, we would have enjoyed a Northwestern-Indiana Big Ten title game. But the Buckeyes were legitimate CFP title contenders and had beaten Indiana head-to-head. Because Northwestern had lost to Michigan State, the Hoosiers would have gotten in based on common opponents. But no team was playing better than Iowa at season’s end. The Hawkeyes beat Michigan State by 42 points, Wisconsin by 21 and Penn State by 20 and won their final six games by an average score of 36-13.
Better or worse? Let’s just be thankful the teams played that year.
Dochterman also revisited each season beyond the five included above. Again, the Buckeyes are featured heavily in those explanations because, after all, Ohio State claimed 11 Big Ten championships in that time, including 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
I recommend looking back on them individually in Dochterman's piece. It's a fun exercise. But I do wonder if having no divisions and a conference championship game would have hurt Ohio State's status in the Big Ten over the past 25 years.
What would have happened with a second matchup with Michigan in 1998 with John Cooper at the helm? Would the Buckeyes have had an answer for Iowa's run game in 2002? Would the Game of the Century in 2006 still hold the same weight if a rematch occurred one week later?
There are plenty of "What if...?" questions to ask. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), we will never know the answer to them. Still, it's interesting to look back after all this time.
GET THESE MEN IN THE HALL OF FAME! Last week, the National Football Foundation announced James Laurinaitis and Chris Ward as two of 78 Football Bowl Division players on the ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Congrats to these 2 legends being named nominees for the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame class
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 5, 2023
#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Rdy73DTmsw
"Neat," I said as I scrolled through the NFF's lengthy press release, "but hasn't this happened before?"
Indeed, it has. Laurinaitis is on the ballot for the fifth consecutive year, while Ward is on the ballot for the sixth time. Therefore, I must ask (rhetorically, of course, as you probably will have the same thought I do): What will it take for these players to finally make it over the hump and become College Football Hall of Famers?
From 2006-08, Laurinaitis was a three-time first-team All-American, including a unanimous selection in 2007, and a winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lott Trophy and Butkus Award at Ohio State. He was also a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award, leading the Buckeyes to four consecutive conference titles and back-to-back BCS national championship games. That's pretty good for a three-star recruit from Wayzata, Minnesota.
Congrats to James Laurinaitis on being named to the 2024 @cfbhall ballot.
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) June 5, 2023
We're looking back to the day the eventual 2x @bigten DPOY broke onto the scene. @JLaurinaitis55 x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/dpaHLgIRH8
As for Ward, the offensive tackle cleared paths for Archie Griffin and Pete Johnson from 1974-77. He was a two-time All-American, including a unanimous selection in 1977. Ward was also a three-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree and helped lead the Buckeyes to at least a share of four consecutive conference titles.
I understand that college football has been around for over 150 years and that thousands of players compete for their respective schools each season, making it problematic to select those players for a Hall of Fame. However, when looking at Laurinaitis and Ward's accolades, I find it hard to believe there isn't room for their enshrinement in Atlanta.
Ohio State currently has 27 players in The Hall: Chic Harley, Gaylord Stinchcomb, Wes Fesler, Gomer Jones, Gust Zarnas, Jim Daniell, Les Horvath, Bill Willis, Warren Amling, Vic Janowicz, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, Jim Parker, Aurelius Thomas, Jim Houston, Bob Ferguson, Jim Stillwagon, Rex Kern, Jack Tatum, John Hicks, Randy Gradishar, Archie Griffin, Tom Cousineau, Keith Byars, Chris Spielman, Eddie George, Orlando Pace and Mike Doss.
For how dominant Ohio State football has been since the program's inception, especially over the past 50 years, that's not enough players. Perhaps the NFF selection committee catch up with the additions of Laurinaitis and Ward on Dec. 10 – just an idea.
MARV'S ULTIMATE GOAL. Here is news that's tough to swallow: Marvin Harrison Jr. has never played for a Big Ten Championship.
In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, Ohio State fell to Michigan, sending the program's players, coaches and staff to their couches to watch the Wolverines defeat Iowa and Purdue in back-to-back years (my goodness, the Big Ten West is/was horrible – good riddance when that time comes).
For that reason, Harrison's top priority in 2023 is to play in December at Lucas Oil Stadium, where his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., once played as a member of the Indianapolis Colts and where Harrison Jr. hopes to win a Big Ten title with the Buckeyes. The star wide receiver explained his desire to accomplish that feat with Brian Hartline in the latest edition of "Tradition Talk," an offseason video series the program has also done with Devin Jordan and Emeka Egbuka and James Laurinaitis and Steele Chambers.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 9, 2023
@brianhartline x @MarvHarrisonJr pic.twitter.com/ggtBQWQsJd
"I think for me, as a player, one moment I have yet to get to that I really want to is a Big Ten Championship and play in Indy," Harrison said at the 5:12 mark. "It would be a special moment, a special game for me to go back there. I obviously watched my Dad play so many times in that stadium. To go there and play in Indy, that's one of the goals. That's probably the biggest goal I have this year."
Hartline affirmed that Harrison's goal is appropriately at the top of his mind ahead of 2023.
"Let's make sure that happens," he said, to which Harrison quickly responded, "That has to happen. It has to happen." The duo shared a head nod before the video cut to another topic about Harrison's best catch as a sophomore, of which there were plenty.
*ahem*
I know Marvin Harrison Jr. making incredible catches is nothing new, but this one on the sideline is something else.
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) November 12, 2022
Look at where his body is, and where his foot is. pic.twitter.com/RUx4u2NA2G
This was his best catch – not whatever Hartline said about Michigan State or Iowa or whatever. I mean, look at his body. Ridiculous.
SONG OF THE DAY. "Without Me" by Eminem.
CUT TO THE CHASE. British man detained after climbing 72nd floor of Seoul skyscraper... Mount Washington, known for extreme weather, records its snowiest June... A Florida professor known as "Dr. Deep" has resurfaced after 100 days underwater... A driver's car soared 120 feet after vaulting off a tow truck's ramp in Georgia... The special ingredient for Mars travel meal prep? Astronaut breath.
