Ohio State Football: A season we will never forget

Many questioned if having a college football season would be worth it and now they are asking again if it was having seen how it played out. The answer is undoubtedly yes and the Ohio State football team is a testament to the 2020 season being a special one we’ll never forget.

The Ohio State football team wrote its final chapter to a historic 2020 season last night. Although it didn’t end the way the Buckeyes had hoped, they still wrote the chapter.

In a year where many would not have even picked up the pen to write the story, the Buckeyes did. There was a time where there wasn’t a season in the Big Ten, but in stepped Justin Fields, the coaching staff, and the parents and players led by Randy Wade.

They all fought for a season and eventually got their request granted. Each practice and game this year was a gift. The sacrifices and flexibility from everyone involved have often been overlooked or taken for granted.

The Ohio State football team, all inclusively, gave up precious parts of their lives just to provide us entertainment and continue their dreams and goals of playing the game of football. It was not easy — they had many hurdles and loads of adversity along the way, but Ohio State still made it through.

The media and naysayers told the Buckeyes they didn’t belong or that six games wasn’t fair or enough to qualify for a playoff field. In times of adversity, you control what you can control and let the rest fall into place. Ohio State did their job just as much as any SEC, ACC, PAC-12, and Big 12 team.

Yes, it looked different, but the Buckeyes controlled their controllables and made the College Football Playoff. Ohio State hammered the Clemson Tigers after being constantly doubted and counted out. It was a performance for the ages by the entire team, especially Justin Fields.

Then on to the National Championship, the Buckeyes earned themselves a date with the Alabama Crimson Tide. These two programs are two of the best in the sport with extremely passionate fan bases. However, both programs are first-class and every aspect and comment from a coach and player was built on respect.

Respect is the bedrock of the Ohio State football program and the foundation of its rivalry with the Team Up North. The rivalry is fueled by hatred, but built on respect. The Buckeyes win in first-class and lose in first class.

The example set forth by everyone associated with the Ohio State football team was elite this year. It allowed the program to grow as well as us as the fans who pay ever so close attention. I get asked why I’m so obsessed with the Buckeyes and the answer is simple — I want to learn and grow.

The leadership sound bites from the coaches and players make this program fan-interactive. The Buckeyes do an excellent job of giving those on the outside a feeling of actually being a part of the team. It’s why the fanbase is so diehard — it’s a truly special experience being a Buckeye.

Ohio State defended its honor and fought til the end of the 2020 season. The Buckeyes could not overcome key players missing the game nor Trey Sermon’s injury on his first carry. They ran into a well-oiled Nick Saban led Alabama on a mission. The Tide had a historic offense and proved to be the best team in the country.

The matchup was physical as expected with just a wider scoring margin of victory. Sacrifices were made in large ways this season all across college football in order to have a season. It was bumpy, but we still got one and for that I am grateful.

The Buckeyes gave it everything they had and Buckeye Nation needs to be proud and express its deepest gratitude to the entire program — families included. Regardless of the scoreboard and schemes we may have been unhappy about or questioned, we are not professionals.

Seeing the pictures surface on social media of the coaches and players finally reuniting with their families after months made it come full circle last night.

Congratulations to Nick Saban on his seventh National Championship. Finally and most especially, thank you and congratulations to the entire Ohio State program and families for your fight, tenacity, and perseverance this season. It would not have happened without you. Forever, Go Bucks!