For most of the first half of today’s victory over San Diego State, it appeared that Ohio State was still in depression over the Texas loss. They came out of it in time to win, but the final score, 27-6, is misleading.

I think Troy Smith is over-rated. The best the Buckeyes have looked this year was against Miami (Ohio), with Justin Zwick at QB. They clinically dismantled that team. In the Texas game, the QB shuffling left neither one in charge or in rhythm, and it showed. With Smith at the helm today, the offense looked like it was constantly running at half speed.

There was an all too familiar feel to this game - the playing down to the competition, needlessly allowing an inferior team to linger, and gratitude that we have a good kicker. Maybe this is good news, as the last time that happened, we won a national championship.

Bud Shaw has an excellent analysis of the Bartolo Colon trade which brought Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee to the Tribe. Shapiro took A TON of heat at the time…Shaw does a good job of breaking it down.

“We felt like we couldn’t miss on that deal,” said Shapiro. “Believe me, we didn’t take the trading of Bartolo Colon lightly.” Neither did a fan base that is running out of reasons to hold a grudge against Indians ownership and management as October and the White Sox draw nearer.

That Colon trade is rapidly starting to look like the first step toward this season’s playoffs. Get with this team folks. Quit you’re griping and get with this team.

History is made this day, Saturday September 17, 2005. I couldn’t even find a single mention of him anywhere in the sports section. Did I miss something? Is he out of the country?

I have to admit, I’ve lost a lot of interest in OSU football after last week’s loss. I guess I’ll watch the game today. It’s conceivable that they could get into the national championship game with one loss….and Texas almost ALWAYS loses to Oklahoma anyway. So….yeah…….ok, I’m interested again.

Tribe won last night, but another 0-fer for Travis Hafner. He drew two walks, which might shake him out of this terrible slump he’s been in lately. Last night, he seemed to be swinging over the ball a lot, which might be good news…there might just be some mechanical problem with his swing that can be worked out in the batting cage. We need him back. Especially if we get to the playoffs.