{"id":173032,"date":"2023-11-28T04:32:08","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T09:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=173032"},"modified":"2023-11-28T04:32:43","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T09:32:43","slug":"random-thoughts-title-games-hoops-osu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2023\/11\/28\/random-thoughts-title-games-hoops-osu\/","title":{"rendered":"Random Thoughts: rankings, hoops, OSU"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SCOTT TRUXELL\/<\/strong>independent editor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest installment of Random Thoughts centers around Massillon Washington, ranking the state title games, Ohio St. fans, Ohio St.\u2019s playoff hopes, a what if scenario and a rule change refresher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is time?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is this the year Massillon Washington finally wins an on-the-field football state championship?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll find out Thursday night, when they face Akron Hoban in the Division II title game. The Tigers are 0-6 in state championship games. I\u2019m actually kind of rooting for them to win it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ranking the state title games<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is strictly my opinion, but here is how I rank this week\u2019s state championship games:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No. 7 \u2013 Toledo Central Catholic vs. Columbus Bishop Watterson
No. 6 \u2013 Glenville vs. Kettering Alter
No. 5 \u2013 Springfield vs. Lakewood St. Edward
No. 4 \u2013 Marion Local vs. Dalton
No. 3 \u2013 Perry vs. Liberty Center
No. 2 \u2013 Massillon Washington vs. Akron Hoban
No. 1 \u2013 Kirtland vs. Versailles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me explain\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how I came to those rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Glenville vs. Kettering Alter and Toledo Central Catholic vs. Columbus Bishop Watterson \u2013 let\u2019s just say attendance will be sparse at those games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Division I \u2013 I\u2019ll be shocked if Lakewood St. Edward doesn\u2019t win handily. What a run by Springfield (10-5) though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fans will show up at Marion Local and Dalton, but Marion Local is a heavy favorite and there doesn’t appear to be much suspense here. I kind of feel bad for schools that face a MAC school for the first time \u2013 they generally have no idea what they\u2019re about to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intrigue of Massillon Washington perhaps winning an on-the-field title puts this one near the top of the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liberty Center vs. Perry and Kirtland vs. Versailles should both be outstanding games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSU fans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say this as a huge Ohio St. fan \u2013 Saturday\u2019s loss brought out the worst in fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trust me \u2013 I understand that losing to Michigan, especially three times in a row, is unacceptable. Some fans took it to a completely different level on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To those who say \u201cfire Ryan Day\u201d I ask again \u2013 replace him with who? Don\u2019t say Urban Meyer. He\u2019s not coming back. Don\u2019t say Jim Tressel \u2013 he\u2019s not coming back. Mike Vrabel? He apparently has zero interest in coaching college football. So who? You need a plan here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s not going anywhere, at least not right away. Somehow a rumor was started that he was considering Texas A&M. If there\u2019s a fan base with more unrealistic expectations than Ohio St., that might be it. Now, after Gene Smith retires at the end of the 2023-24 academic year, that might be a different story. Except in extreme situations, athletic directors like to have their own football coach. Another loss to Michigan in 2024 could signal the end of Day\u2019s tenure, but we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playoff hopes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The odds aren\u2019t great, but Ohio State\u2019s playoff hopes aren\u2019t completely dead. It\u2019s going to take a lot during conference championship weekend but just like last year, anything is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the Buckeyes don\u2019t get in, most projections have them headed to the Orange Bowl.
What if\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I seriously doubt this will happen, but what if Iowa somehow upsets Michigan in the Big 10 title game? We all know the Hawkeyes play great defense but have very little offense. Still, that defense gives them a sliver of hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, if UM loses, does that open the door for Ohio State?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With high school basketball season here, here\u2019s a refresher about the new free throw rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n