Why It's Great To Be An OSU Fan

Notice the title. I'm strictly talking about being a fan. I'm not talking about being an Ohio State Buckeye or OSU alum. Just strictly being a fan. And really, it is great to be a fan of the Buckeyes.

But why? Well, as you know, I am here in Augusta, GA for 2 years and that means, I am stuck in SEC/ACC country. And while some may say that's great for college football (SEC) and college basketball (ACC), it's really not. Because I am a Big Ten guy, born and bred. I like the football and basketball tough, defensive and low-scoring.

So initially, I thought the move to Augusta meant the end of Big Ten sports for me for awhile, including my Buckeyes. Well guess again. Because OSU is well, OSU, I haven't missed a Buckeye game yet. Because OSU football is always good and well respected, you can count on them being on one of the many ESPN networks.

And what if the Big Ten Network televises them? Not a problem. Unlike any other conference, I can catch the Bucks on that because the Big Ten has their own network. I find it ironic how once I moved to GA, I went from hating the BTN to loving it because it allows me to see my Bucks. And if I happen to miss a game, Hakuna Matata. Comcast has the BTN On Demand, meaning I can catch extended game highlights at any time, in HD no less.

And the same goes for basketball. I just took a look at the schedule and yep, every OSU game will be on either ESPN, CBS or BTN. That's right. No Fox Sports Ohio or STO. Just networks where Matt in GA can see OSU anytime. What a life.

But what else makes it fun to be an OSU fan? Wel how about just how good their two big programs are? Not many programs in the nation have a great basketball AND football program. Schools like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma are some that do but OSU is one of those who just seem to always have both. It's nice knowing that both programs are gonna be good every season. 10 wins or so from the football team. 20 wins or so from the bball team. And even in a year like last year when OSU bball barely if at all cracked the Top 25, they go on to win the NIT.

And let's not forget that no other college program has been in 3 national title games in 2 years lately. I'm strictly talking about football and bball here. Yeah, OSU went 0-3 but think about all those schools that would just go crazy to have ONE chance in a title game. And besides the fact that we went winless in those title games, the great season and great run to get to those games makes being an OSU fan that much more fun.

But what else? Well how about the fact even here in GA, I see Buckeye fever. Of course, I have been inundated with South Carolina and Georgia license plates, bumper stickers, car flags etc... and don't forget about the occasional Clemson, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern paraphenalia as well. But after those 5 schools, what school have I seen the most represented down here? None other than Ohio State. Whether it's just a simple hat at the baseball game or the basketball shorts at the gym, it's refreshing to know I'm not the only Buckeye in the Peach State.

So say what you want about how obnoxious OSU fans are (I agree) and how annoying the OH-IO cheer is (no doubt), but I can't think of another school that is more fun to follow year-round and from anywhere in the USA. GO BUCKS!