What they’re saying about OU-Ohio State
Here are some of the best quotes from among the many people interviewed for Sunday’s Oklahoma-Ohio State story:
“Many of the fans and former players, we pull for this team so hard. This is our team. Like the Buckeye fans, we want them to win the national championship to make us happy. And for them, these kids.” — Steve Owens, who won the Heisman at OU in 1969
“The perception is when these guys step outside their crummy league, they get blasted. It’s not true, but it’s hard to say it’s not true, because according to the numbers, it is.” — Bruce Hooley, former Ohio State beat writer for the Cleveland Plain-Dealer who now hosts a Columbus sports talk radio show
“I wouldn’t call OU a perennial runner-up. You’ve got to look at all those national championships.” — Ken Silver, who is an OU fan from Edmond
“In this age of texting, twittering, the bowl losses have terribly tarnished OU’s legacy. People don’t know about 47 games or Bud Wilkinson or Barry Switzer. They don’t even know that Bob Stoops won a national championship. All they know is that OU keeps losing the big game. I don’t like it. But the only way to change it is OU is going to have to win a national championship” — Skip Bayless, an ESPN commentator who grew up in Oklahoma City an avid Sooner fan
“To me, (the national title losses are) disappointing, but after living through that defeat of Miami in 2002, it doesn’t hurt me that bad.” — Tim Haladay, who is an Ohio State grad living in Edmond
“OU has great coaches, but they need to step it up again in a big game. It’s starting to become embarrassing with the bowl (losses).” — David Jessup, who is an OU fan from Ponca City
“I really felt like we had the talent and the chemistry capable of winning all those games. It’s hard to be perfect always, but dang it, that’s the way it ought to be.” — Mike Vaughan, who was an All-American offensive tackle at OU in the 1970s
“Being a passionate fan, I can never remember losing a game (Florida) when it didn’t even hurt at the end because you’re getting your butt kicked so bad.” — Shaun McGinnis, who is an Ohio State grad living in Norman
“Everyone that knows I love OU gives me a hard time that they choke. It’s hard and gets frustrating. But they’re getting there. It’s fun to watch. I try to look forward to next year when it’s over, that we’ll get there again, we’ll get another shot. I try to stay positive.” — Evan Ritz, who is a Sooner fan enrolled at the University of Maryland
“The perception of Oklahoma right now is consistently good on a regular basis, consistently competing for conference championships. But can’t get it done in the big game. Against other conferences like the SEC or Pac-10, can’t compete. I think that’s pretty much Ohio State’s thing too. That’s their national perception, as well.” — Kyle Salomon, who is a student at OU
“I see the frustration for both fan bases.” — Sam Rampey, who is an Ohio State fan living in Oklahoma City
“I think Ohio State appeared to be a little bit complacent in the practices. Being at the game that night, everyone was a little complacent, particularly after (Ted Ginn Jr.) took the opening kickoff for a touchdown. It was one of those games where one team wanted it more.” — Jack Park, who is a radio commentator and Ohio State football author and historian, discussing the Buckeyes’ 41-14 loss to Florida in the 2007 BCS national championship game
“I view it as the same way that the coaching staff views it — I’d rather be playing in it and lose it than not have a chance to win.” — Bill Moakley, who is an OU fan from Purcell
“There are a lot of fair-weather fans out there who are upset we haven’t gone all the way. But I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I think Bob Stoops is a great coach.” — Shannon Olson, who is an OU fan from Yukon
-JT
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