Reflecting on Ohio State

I've finally gotten past the Iowa-Ohio State game from Nov. 14. It hurt.

And if hurt me, I can only imagine how the players felt especially considering how far they had come. Erasing a 14-point fourth quarter deficit in just over 10 minutes against a team of Ohio State's caliber in Ohio State's house (the Houseshoe?) would be tough for most teams.

Lest we forget, Iowa wasn't supposed to be in this game. Remember?

The Hawks were a 17-point dog. Somebody in Vegas went to the bank.

Iowa plays to the level of its opponent. Indiana and Arkansas State. Ohio State and Penn State. Call them antonyms.

But forget about Vegas.

What killed Iowa on Saturday?

Turnovers -- Iowa three, Ohio State none.

Conservative coaching -- Iowa had scored 14 straight, held Ohio State's offense and got the ball back with a time out left. They ran the ball once, got nothing and ate the ball. Apparently Kirk Ferentz doesn't know who Herm Edwards is. And I quote, "You play. To Win. The Game."

But one thing killed them more.

Execution. It's fair to say the play calling was no good. Still, how many times did Adam Robinson get dropped for a six-yard loss in the game? Just once, in overtime. How many times did James Vandenberg -- who flippin' balled out, by the way -- get dropped for a 10-yard sack? Just once, in overtime.

Damn. That just makes it hurt worse!