Ohio State played some of the worst football I have ever seen from the Scarlet and Gray and lost 7 or more games for the first time since 1897 dropping the Gator Bowl 24-17.

Yes, I said 1897. In 1897 the average salary was around 400 bucks a year, Bram Stoker published “Dracula,” Mark Twain said “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” and the Sears Roebuck & Co catalog sold opium. That year, Ohio State lost to Case Western Reserve, Michigan, Otterbein, Columbus Barracks, Oberlin, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Ohio Wesleyan. The only team they beat was Ohio Medical.

This year, the team would have likely lost to most of those teams too. It matters not that many of them no longer have football teams or that some are now DIII schools. This year’s edition of The Ohio State Buckeyes would have found a way to lose. Finding a way to lose is something this team was really great at.

OSU couldn’t get a timeout called to review what appeared to be a non-TD by the Gators, gave up a KO return for a TD and had a punt blocked for a TD. That’s 21 points on absolute crap. It was a fitting end to Ohio State’s season. Really, the fact that they only lost by 7 is a testament to how horribly Florida played, as well. Ohio State still had a shot to win the game in the 4th quarter.

In spite of how horribly things turned out, OSU actually outgained Florida 299-263. They also won the time of possession and turnover battles. Had they not imploded on special teams, which was a staple of OSU’s past, they win this game. That’s mind boggling.

On the bright side, Ohio State says goodbye to Jim Bollman and Nick Siciliano. Next year there will be a real OC and QB coach. That will be nice. There will be no bowl but a free season to learn a new offensive system isn’t a bad deal, all in all. Also, a 115 year streak of not failing this horribly is pretty sweet. Many other teams have fallen this hard since Ohio State has.

The future is bright. It sucks that there had to be one bad year, but it is what it is. I realize how spoiled the fan base is. It doesn’t make it easier. What else is there to say, really? I’m happy to see this season end. It is the first time in my life that I have said that.

I’m ready for Urban Renewal.