As long as we are associated with the MAC, losing to us at home brings the stigma that "you lost to a MAC team." It is possible that the MAC improves or that we can develop our program to the point where people don't associate our name with our conference (a la Butler or Gonzaga) but until then I understand exactly why OSU doesn't want to schedule us.
Yeah, fans and players like it. But it isn't good for their brand. Too much risk for them and there are less risky ways to please players and fans than putting your program's brand on the line.
I wouldn't play us if I am OSU. Yeah, they are scared. Not because they don't think they can compete, but because if we do compete with them they have a lot to lose.
Edit: and I am just talking about us going to cbus. No chance they play a MAC team in what would surely be an incredibly hostile environment. What do they have to gain in providing us with a great home game and rowdy atmosphere? Our respect that they went on the road to a MAC school? They are going on the road to a Big East school. That game is the smart scheduling move. They can lose and it doesn't cost them much long-term...
OSU isn't going to do us any favors. They want to steal our brand. Playing us only legitimizes us.
Last Edited: 11/13/2013 1:06:27 PM by The Optimist
Last Edited: 11/13/2013 2:22:31 PM by Gallia Cat
Last Edited: 11/13/2013 9:44:09 PM by Bobcat110
Last Edited: 11/14/2013 1:52:23 AM by TheBobcatBandit
Last Edited: 11/14/2013 8:37:47 AM by OU_Country
Personally, I don't see OSU's argument that this is a "no win" game for them. They only have to be an average Big Ten team and they get an NCAA bid. A loss to Ohio won't be the one game that keeps them out the NCAA tournament. They aren't going to lose recruits to Ohio because of a loss. The top recruits will still go to OSU. I know football's a little different story due to the fewer games and their already present national image of weak SOS.
I don't think they are scared about it hurting the current team or even the current recruiting class, I think they see it hurting the program (even the entire school) long-term.
It is the same reason they would veto any other Ohio program joining the Big 10. I see no reason Ohio State would want to play a legitimate in-state athletic program when they have been pretty successful in developing a monopoly on the state when in cones to athletic success associated with the state. I don't think it is all that "out there" to think Ohio State doesn't want to legitimize Ohio in any way at all when you consider how badly they want our name. Millions in legal fees have gone into the fight over "Ohio."
I think it's pretty obvious to everyone we have a legitimate basketball program. We have a nice facility, a very strong fambase and a strong tradition.
Without getting wildly optimistic, I dont see us being able to compete with Ohio State in football year in and year out. In basketball, I dont think it is all that unbelievable to think we could pretty much compete with them on a yearly basis. I dont see any reason they would want that. While it would be a fun rivalry, it wouldn't be good for business. It would provide Ohio with tons on exposure and increase applications and interest in school further making it impossible for Ohio State to use the "Ohio" name.
I dont think it is the Ohio State Athletic Department who doesn't want to schedule Ohio. I think it is Ohio State's version of Cutler Hall. (which I would imagine was built much later)
Last Edited: 11/14/2013 9:38:09 AM by The Optimist
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