Monday Mailbag: January 6, 2019

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

The Monday Mailbag is back and this week’s topics include wrestling numbers, thoughts on Ohio State vs. Clemson, basketball strategy and the Haslams/Cleveland Browns.

Q: I don’t know if this is even a problem, but I’ve seen dual meet wrestling results with as many as nine forfeits (out of 14 weight classes). I can’t imagine such a meet drawing many fans at all, especially if travel is involved, although invitationals and other multi-team events can be quite exciting.

Can you address the problem (if there is one) of low numbers of wrestlers at some (how many?) schools and what, if anything, is being done about it — or being considered? Name withheld upon request

A: Except for some select schools (Lakewood St. Edwards, St. Paris Graham, etc), it seems like numbers seem to be lower than normal.

I reached out to an area wrestling coach for some insight. He wished to remain anonymous, but here is his response:

“I think a lot of the reason the numbers are low is because wrestling is very hard. Our society has moved to an instant gratification society and wrestling doesn’t fit that mold. Our conference/league and wrestling in general have done a good job of trying to make matches more exciting to get more kids involved. I think it is like most sports where numbers are up and down.”

It’s fair to note that numbers are up at Lincolnview, although the program had just one or two wrestlers last season. Crestview is preparing to offer wrestling at the high school level.

Q: I think you stated the facts perfectly. I totally agree with your assessment of the game – totally. I saw it the same way – OSU beat themselves.

Two other items that I would like to mention: I was surprised that on fourth and one that the Buckeyes decided on a long pass instead of going for the one yard, but it worked out fine. The second thing is that I do not believe that Master Teague III is the future for OSU. Seven attempts for nine yards in the playoff does not bode well for him or OSU. Name withheld upon request

A: I think after cooler heads prevailed, many Ohio State fans realized the Buckeyes had chances to win but couldn’t make the necessary plays.

I was upset about the loss as well, but when I woke up the next morning I started running through the game mentally, I pinpointed what I thought happened, hence the feature I wrote on the game.

As far as Teague, I understand what you’re saying and I share the same concern. Yes, he ran for nearly 800 yards this season, however, more than 500 of those yards came against the likes of Rutgers, Maryland, Nebraska, Northwestern and Indiana, schools that struggled defensively. Against Michigan and Clemson, he had a combined 19 carries for 38 yards.

I think he’s talented, but I wonder if he has that extra burst that’s required against high level teams. However, he’s just a redshirt freshman, so let’s see what he looks like next season.

Q: I read your column about Ohio State and the Fiesta Bowl. I’m not sure what game you were watching, but the officials cost the Buckeyes the game. It was pretty obvious. You must be a Clemson fan. Name withheld upon request

A: I’m not a Clemson fan and obviously we see things differently.

The point of the feature was to show how the Buckeyes were their own worst enemy at times, which is true.

Yes, the officials missed some calls against Clemson. However, if you go back and watch, the same can be said for Ohio State. Yes, I think the replay official overreached with the targeting call. I still don’t like the fact that no flag was thrown, yet OSU was assessed a penalty and had a top level defender tossed from the game. As I said before, I still don’t agree with the overturned fumble and touchdown.

Ohio State had a chance to put the game away in the first half and didn’t do it. The Buckeyes had a chance to stop Clemson with three minutes left in the game but didn’t do it, and they had a chance to win after Clemson’s drive, but it didn’t happen.

Q: I’d like your thoughts on this. What do you think of the rumor that ESPN didn’t want Ohio State in the national championship game, so they teamed up with the officials to make sure it didn’t happen. Name withheld upon request

A: To be blunt, I think it’s one of the sillier things I’ve heard in a while.

Think about this – why in the world would ESPN not want Ohio State in the national championship game? The Buckeyes have a huge following, whether it’s radio or television ratings or actual attendance at the games. In fact, one can argue it’s the most loyal fan base in the country.

It makes zero sense that ESPN would want Ohio State to lose the semifinal game.

Q: You’ve heard this before, I’m sure.

If you’re the coach and leading by three with less than 10 seconds left in the game, and the other team has possession, do you foul or take your chances on giving up the tying three-pointer?

I’ve seen many games where a team does hit the tying three. I’ve never personally seen a game where fouling did not succeed. My theory is that your odds are much better fouling, but most coaches don’t seem to agree. Name withheld upon request

A: Personally, in that scenario, I’m fouling every time, as long as the player isn’t in the act of shooting.

Of course, it’s still not a guarantee that you’d hang on to the lead. Let’s say you foul with 10 seconds left, the kid hits both free throws, they foul you, you miss and they grab the rebound with five or six seconds left. Now what? If you foul, they’re going back to the line and you’d better how he/she misses one or both, depending on if it’s a 1-and-1 or two shot foul. Possible? Yes. Probable? Perhaps.

Now, if there are just 4-6 seconds left in the game, in my opinion, fouling is absolutely the right way to go. Just make sure it isn’t a flagrant foul.

Q: Will the Haslams and the Browns ever get it right? Name withheld upon request

A: One can only hope. Based on what I’ve seen from ownership, I don’t have much confidence right now, but I suppose it’s possible things could turn around.

I hope it happens, because fans deserve so much more.

If you have a question or comment for the next Monday Mailbag, simply email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.