thr@cbsck.UUCP (Tim Robison) (02/07/86)
>Why is everyone so anxious to malign Barry Switzer? Why doesn't anyone >question Bo Schembechler's turning down the offer? . . . Bo turned down the offer because Michigan already has a 12 game schedule this coming season. A game at Hawaii will be played in December after the traditional Ohio State game. Bo felt a 13 game regular season starting with the Kickoff Classic in August and stretching until December, with a probable 14th game as late as January 1st, was unfair to his players. Bo stated that he would have quickly accepted the Kickoff offer if the Hawaii game had not been scheduled. Although one writer downgraded the upcoming Kickoff Classic between OSU and Alabama as a game between non top 10 teams, I feel that this should be by far the best game for the young Kickoff Classic. Last year, OSU had a very young team. The only critical loss this season for OSU is Keith Byars, who played just 1 1/2 games last year due to an injury. Alabama, which I believe is also loosing very few players, seemed to peak at the end of last season. Both teams have tremendous quarterbacks, both of which were rated in the top 10 in passing efficiency. Both OSU and Alabama will finish in the top ten next season. I see the game not only as a great matchup between two traditional football powers, but also as the first step for one of these teams to vie for the mythical national championship. - Tim Robison