Through the Misty Dawn - Editorial

Two Great Coaches & Two Great Teams

A new year is upon us. We are off to a very good start.  We are about to witness one of the best National Championship football games ever played. The coaches of both teams are superb. Statistics reveal the players are equally skilled at all positions. Possibly there has never been a more even match up in a Championship game. Do I dare to predict a winner? Maybe I care more about watching a great football game than prognosticating a winner.

Living in Florida I like the Gators. Having attended the Ohio State University I like the Buckeyes. Sometimes we have a preference for  one coach or the other. Not this time. Both coaches are fine and friendly personalities and obviously extremely well qualified for the positions they hold.

Sometimes we have a favorite player on one team or the other.  I admit to being impressed by more Ohio State players than Florida players because Ohio State had the Heisman Trophy winner (Troy Smith-QB) and Defensive Player of the Year (Jim Lauriantis-LB). Ohio State also had All-American Ted Ginn-Wide Receiver and Return Specialist. However a study of the offensive and defensive statistics do not actually favor one team over the other. Both teams had superb stats which suggests a well deserved toss-up.

Several of those statistics caught my eye. Troy Smith (OSU) had only five interceptions for the entire season, an almost unbelievable record. Almost unheard of! A very important factor to consider going into tomorrow's game. Antonio Pittman rushed for 1,171 yards and scored an amazing 13 touchdowns. No Florida player even came close to those numbers.

In the passing department Florida's Chris Leak holds the edge in total yards (2,729). OSU's Troy Smith passed for 2,507. But Smith threw for 30 TDs while Chris Leak passed for 22. Importantly, Leak completed 62.9 % of his passes while Troy Smith completed 67 %.  The OSU running game obviously complimented the OSU attack slightly better than the Florida running game (180 vs 160 yards per game rushing).

Champions need key clutch players. Ohio State had one such player named Anthony Gonzalez (SE) who repeatedly made spectacular catches in double coverage that propelled Ohio State to an unbeaten season. Other "clutch" players were Jim Lauriantis and Troy Smith. The former had 100 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, 4 sacks, 5 interceptions and three forced fumbles. Thus earning him the National Defensive Player of the Year award.

Press reports tout the Florida Gators speed as a possible edge in the contest. Gator speed could be a big factor in tomorrow's game. We cannot easily measure or compare that statistic but one thing is very clear. In seven previous Bowl Game matchups against SEC teams, dating  back to 1978, Ohio State has never won a game. More importantly, comparing the strength of schedule, it seems obvious that Florida played the tougher schedule.

Therefore, after considerable research and analysis I arrive at the following conclusion:

Both teams are well deserving of a place in the BCS Championship game. Both teams have excellent passers but Ohio State's Troy Smith has the edge which will be very important. Both teams have exceptional running games but Ohio State has a distinct advantage in the rushing department largely because of Antonio Pittman and Tedd Ginn.  Defensively Ohio State has the edge in interceptions which will weigh heavily in determining the outcome of the contest. Offensively Ohio State overcame the vaunted Michigan defense that allowed only 50 yards rushing per game until the Wolverines season ending contest with Ohio State.

I believe Ohio State should be favored, as they are by 7 1/2 pts. However, I will be satisfied to simply settle in for a great football game by two magnificent football teams, a game that will determine the National Championship. I will not be disappointed at a loss by either team. I will be delighted by whoever wins! I think this is largely because I greatly admire both coaches. Also because Ohio State is a phenomenal football team and the Florida Gators never expected to be playing for the BCS Championship. 

I am fortunate to have seen OSU beat Michigan this year and I will be fortunate to see the BCS Championship game tomorrow. Despite the statistics the game could go either way. Maybe a very slight edge goes to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click Here)

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