Tuesday, September 21, 1999Bucks: We're ready - really
Won't overlook surprising UC
BY SCOTT MacGREGOR
The Cincinnati EnquirerCOLUMBUS — A stiff air of caution whipped through Buckeye country this week, but even after last weekend's stunning college football events, it's hard to know whether the wind will shift.
Ohio State took Ohio University too lightly and trailed 10-3 late in the first half before exploding to win 40-16. Wisconsin took Cincinnati even lighter, and the Bearcats pulled a shocking 17-12 upset on the nation's No.9 team.
With weaker Cincinnati coming to Ohio Stadium this week to play No.12 Ohio State (12:10 p.m.), the Buckeyes should be forewarned about the dangers of ignoring the Bearcats.
But Ohio State players said the same things last week about Ohio, then didn't. It was the second time in three games they've admitted relaxing mentally against an opponent. The first time, against Miami (Fla.), it cost them a win. Against OU, it just cost them pride.
“If you're not up to play a game, you really shouldn't be on
the field,” senior guard Ben Gilbert said. “I think everybody on this team learned that last week. You've got to be ready to play at all times.”
The question, then, is just how much has Ohio State (2-1) learned from Saturday's chastening events?
“After what happened last week,” Buckeyes coach John Cooper said, “We better be ready to play.”
The “We weren't ready to play” excuse offered up by many OSU players angered Cooper.
“I'm sick and tired of hearing that,” Cooper said. “I told them, "If you're not ready, you better get yourself ready.' ”
Monday, the Buckeyes talked of being determined not to let an upset happen against UC (2-1), which lost to Division I-AA Troy State a week before beating Wisconsin. No one denies the Bucks were sluggish in the first half Saturday, but veteran leaders are bothered by some of their teammates' arrogance in thinking they didn't have to get up for a weaker opponent.
“You can't take games for granted,” said senior cornerback and defensive captain Ahmed Plummer. “As a senior, my games are numbered, so I can't even imagine not being ready to play.”
Will it be different this week?
“Oh, definitely,” Gilbert said. “I don't know about some of the other guys, but I'm going to be a little more outspoken this week. We've got to get going. I'm not really the kind of guy that opens his mouth, so hopefully that will be a signal to the other guys that we need to get going.”
Gilbert and the Buckeyes know even if they play their “A-game,” as tackle Tyson Walter said they'll need against UC, the Bearcats will still come with all they have. And UC has an added boost it didn't have last week: Its players know they can beat a Big Ten team.
“These guys are on scholarship,” Gilbert said. “Just because they're not at a big-name school doesn't mean they can't play football.”
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