Will this be in Cincinnati next year?

Yes, I am already talking about the 2013 Spring Game, thus many are probably thinking I’m getting a bit too much ahead of myself. It’s relevant, however, I promise.

Ohio Stadium needs a little bit of an overhaul. Portions of A and C decks are in need of some resurfacing. These areas were not updated during the previous renovation and still have some original concrete and coating that needs to be stripped. This work would have to take place under certain weather conditions and could impact the ability to hold the 2013 Spring Game in The Shoe.

The possible solution? Take the game on the road. More specifically, take the game to Cincinnati and play it in Paul Brown Stadium.

There are obviously a few issues that people would have with this. You know like, oh, not playing the game in The Shoe. Also, no attendance record will be possible as Paul Brown Stadium only seats about 65K. There is, however, a massively-huge benefit to playing this game in Cincinnati. Quite simply, that is the chance to establish Buckeye football in The Queen City.

The status of the Cleveland area as a Buckeye stronghold is not in doubt, but Cincinnati is far from a bastion of Buckeye fans. While Cincinnati is technically in Ohio, it doesn’t really feel like it is in Ohio most of the time. Tressel didn’t hit the region hard, either, which didn’t foster much of a relationship in that era. Urban, however, has some serious Cincinnati ties and playing the game can only help to breed a relationship and reach out to the city.

There has been a lot of top-notch talent coming out of the Cincinnati area in the past few years and getting a foot in the door can only help the Buckeyes. Perhaps some interest can be stirred. Perhaps not, but why not take the chance?

Oh, and one more thing. The Buckeyes have taken one trip to Paul Brown in the past. That was a gut-wrenching, way too close for comfort game against the Cincinnati Bearcats. That game was just one in an emotional roller coaster of a season back in 2002…the last time that Ohio State won a National Title.

OK, NOW I am getting ahead of myself…