by Jim Buzzerd
Tough stretch for the Buckeyes
Saturday night 13-0 Ohio State met 13-0 Clemson in the second semi final of the College Football Playoff. LSU had already manhandled Oklahoma 63-28, but the second game between the Buckeyes and Tigers was a barnburner 29-23 win by Clemson that was sealed with a late game interception in the end zone. It was a game OSU probably should have won, but they were penalized twice on third downs and Clemson capitalized by turning those drive saving miscues into touchdowns.
Then there was the apparent fumble Ohio State returned for a touchdown that was ruled an incomplete pass after review. It looked like a catch and fumble to me, and many others, I’m just glad that call wasn’t against my team. As it turned out, I personally got the result I wanted in this game.
Now, on to the best part of the weekend, if you’re a fan of the West Virginia University Men’s Basketball Team. Less than 12 hours after the OSU football team’s fate was sealed, the second ranked Ohio State basketball team tipped off against the Mountaineers in Cleveland.
WVU struggled with Ohio State and the officiating during the first half, falling behind 37-31 at halftime. Super freshman Oscar Tshiebwe picked up two early fouls and returned later in the half and was charged with a quick third foul. Oscar managed just eight minutes of playing time for the game and finished with just three rebounds and did not score.
Fortunately for WVU, the bench players came up big and the second half defensive effort was one of the best efforts since Press Virginia as WVU held Ohio State to 22 second half points and came away with a stunning 67-59 win over the Buckeyes, inflicting even more pain to the OSU fan base.
Again, big props to the Mountaineer bench that scored 45 of West Virginia’s points. That effort was led by freshman Miles McBride with 21 points, including three of four shooting from three point land. Interesting tidbit is McBride is from Cincinnati and his mom is a former Buckeye tennis player. Apparently there was little or no interest shown by OSU in McBride. That is good for WVU, because McBride is showing signs of being a great player.
The win moved the Mountaineers to 16th in the AP Poll. Now, having knocked off the number two-ranked team, WVU will open Big 12 play this Saturday at third ranked Kansas. Obviously a game that could pay big dividends with a WVU win. West Virginia will stay in the midland and play at Oklahoma State Monday night.
Game time Saturday is 4 p.m., but the game can only be seen on ESPN+, which is ESPN’s streaming platform. Monday’s 9 p.m. tip can be seen on ESPN2.