Now where have we heard this before?
When former Ohio State football head coach Jim Tressel was hired as the Buckeyes’ new head coach after John Cooper was fired back in 2001, he was introduced in front of a Michigan vs. OSU basketball crowd at home where he uttered some famous words to Buckeye Nation.
“I can assure you that you will be proud of your young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially — in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan.”
That phrase ended up being quite prophetic because Ohio State went on to upset the Wolverines in Ann Arbor that year, then went on to turn around the narrative and culture of the rivalry, one that OSU owned for nearly two decades. It was the precursor to a national title following the 2002 season.
Now, it seems, Tressel is at it again, and his words have a familiar ring to them, one that’s music to those with scarlet and gray pajamas. While appearing at a celebrity dinner to benefit the Historic South Initiative, Tressel was asked about “The Game” and the Buckeyes’ chances in Ann Arbor this fall by David Briggs of the Toledo Blade (subscription may be required).
“There’s no question,” Tressel responded, “that I think the Buckeyes will make us proud in Ann Arbor.”
Briggs: Like old times, Jim Tressel assures fans — 'Buckeyes will make us proud in Ann Arbor' https://t.co/9YeYUevTee via @toledonews
— Dave Briggs (@DBriggsBlade) May 17, 2023
Will history repeat itself? Let’s hope so. Ohio State isn’t nearly in the spot it was back in 2001 and was still arguably more talented than the last two Michigan teams. However, there clearly needs to an injection of confidence and execution that hasn’t been there the last two times out. Could Tressel’s words be a sign of things to come again?
I guess we’ll find out in 190 days …
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