I have all these thoughts flying around in my head, and they have to go somewhere, so why not here? Before every game, if it goes well, we’ll provide a mindless brain dump of all the things that you might want to think of for the upcoming game — or at least what I’m thinking of. Take it or leave it I say.
Some of those thoughts might be humorous, some outlandish, some just factual, and some nondescript and boring. Either way, we provide our final thoughts just before all the fun on the gridiron for Ohio State each week. This time we’re talking Northwestern on a Friday night.
- Ohio State football on a Friday night? It’s only the second time it’s every happened this century. Yes, that’s right. You want to know why? Because it is a bad idea. High school football, traffic on weekday and all that. Please let this experiment end and die with this game.
- Speaking of which. I’ve been to Ryan Field once. It was bad enough finding a parking spot in a packed residential community. If you’re making this trip as a Buckeye fan, get there early — like you should already be there early or you’re in for exhibits you only find at a zoo. Good luck.
- But seriously, do get there early as best you can. It is going to be a mess and a half. Trust me on this one. The last Friday night game in Evanston against Notre Dame had fans getting trapped trying to get into the game.
- But hey, if getting into the game is a headache, well then — Northwestern has your Excedrin. They are breaking out “Gothic” themed uniforms. I’m still not really sure what that means, but there is at least that. Maybe they too should die a swift death along with Friday Big Ten games.
- If we’re talking Chicago, we have to settle the debate right? What’s the best deep-dish Chicago Style Pizza? I’ve heard Lou Manaltis, Pequod’s, Gino’s East, Giordano’s. I’m a little partial with my wife being from the Chicagoland area so take it for what it’s worth. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner at Giordano’s. When even the NY Times names it the best pizza in America, well … that has to be worth something right?
- Oh, and Chicago Italian beef? You can’t go wrong with Portillo’s or Buona Beef if you are near the suburbs. If you go to Portillo’s try a Chicago dog and the chocolate cake as well. You’re welcome in advance.
- I’ll admit I’m a little apprehensive of this game. Both teams are coming off an off-week and who knows what to expect from either team. Most people like to think a bye-week helps a team prepare, but it can certainly go the other way and cause some rust and a team playing more flat than a three-day old soda.
- Northwestern’s offense has been absolutely brutal this year. Do you think the Ohio State defense is ready to make its own Italian Beef out of the the Wildcats?
- Speaking of which, this week head coach Pat Fitzgerald was a little salty at his press-conference to preview Ohio State. He poked at the local media for not writing something about the Wildcats scoring more points against Wisconsin than anyone else. Uh — Pat, you scored 15 points and turned the ball over three times. While technically you are right, nobody’s writing anything positive about that.
- On that note, this is a common opponent to compare and contrast between Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Badgers won 24-15 in Madison. Start the clock.
Next … Final Thoughts continued
Ohio State vs. Northwestern final thoughts continued
- I tell everyone I can. I shout it from the mountain tops and drop notes out of the sky if I can. If you are looking for a team to put your hard earned money on… never, EVER bet on Northwestern. It seems to always play to the level of competition, until it doesn’t. It’s the Wildcat way and the only thing consistent is the inconsistency. You’ll lose big at some point.
- One of the funniest quotes leading up to this game is when Pat Fitzgerald was asked about his recruitment of Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. He thought he had a chance until (when speaking with the media)… “you guys gave him too many stars.”
- I’ll bet you didn’t know — Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins leads the Big Ten in rushing by one yard over Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. It was “yeah but he’s played one more game than Taylor” up until last week. Now it’s the same sample size after Taylor was held to under 100 yards against Michigan State. Underrated much?
- If Ohio State would ever play a close game, maybe Justin Fields would pile up more stats and be further in the Heisman conversation. As it stands now, he’s losing ground fast.
- Not to look past this one, but things start heat up quickly with the schedule after this one. It’s Wisconsin next week, then games are coming down the pipe against Penn State and Michigan. Well, I guess we can’t forget the triple bye after the game against the Badgers though (another off week, then games against Maryland and Rutgers).
- The Wildcats will most likely NOT have a home field — er, crowd advantage in this one. The brutal start, game time shenanigans and plethora of Ohio State alumni and fans in the area may result in a sea of scarlet in the Windy City.
- The local media covering Northwestern believes this is the most talented squad the Wildcats have faced since facing off against Michigan State in 2013. But what about last year no?
- Did I mention Giordano’s is the best Chicago Deep Dish? Let’s have fun in this one. Go Bucks!
