Mailbox: 'Aloof' Ohio State football players need to stop ignoring their adoring fans
Have more comments, questions? Reach out to me at bwhite1@dispatch.com
On Ohio State football: 'Aloof' players, 'boring' offense, Ohio Stadium seating views
To Brian: I would suggest to Ryan Day or any coach whose team walks through the fans to the stadium that, for that brief time, players don't wear those headsets and actually engage with the fans if only by eye contact and a smile. Whoever is paying NIL money would probably prefer that, too. Aloof is just a bad look.
Dennis Singleton, Dayton
To the editor: OSU's athleticism can't be matched when on display. It's certainly attributed to Ryan Day's professional acumen. But against a team like Rutgers, it seems there were moments when our offense didn't look too crisp, even boring, like the time-consuming series before halftime. I think creativity is lacking despite the power and finesse of the offense: a sweep, a reverse, a draw, at least something simple to add a twist. This was the game to try out this or that - some new plays they will need in the future against better opponents.
Without creativity, I don't think they'll get too far beyond lopsided scoring against conference no-shows. Gears occasionally need fresh oil. There's more talent yet to display.
Larry Cheek, Dublin
To Larry: Rutgers' decision to play what primarily was a pass defense didn't allow for much in the way of creativity. Thus, it was Miyan Williams' kind of night. Also, there's a chance Day doesn't want to show much in easy wins, preferring to spring those plays when they're needed.
To the editor: We had seating in section 3B row 12 for Saturday's game against Rutgers. The view and protection from the weather in this location is excellent ... almost! One sees the field in full, but without the benefit of any game information. Time clock - down and distance - quarter etc., all those visible things available to the other 98% of the attendees cannot be seen from these seats. Score and some TV feed are somewhat displayed on barely visible 1980 vintage tine-teeny TV screens near the edge of the overhang.
My goodness. One would think that with the price of tickets, refreshments and parking and a multimillion dollar football program that at least there would a decent sized and current technology video display in these sections. Come on. Let's do something for the fans.
Cindijo Hallquist
To the editor:We are OSU alumni who only watch OSU games. The first game of the season was televised on channel 6 and we could not hear the announcers over the band and crowd noise. Very frustrating. The next game was televised on Fox 28 and, glory be, we could hear the announcers very well. “Good,” we thought. “Problem solved.” The next game was on Channel 6 again and the same problems with the announcers. Why can’t this problem be fixed? Now another game is coming up on channel 6 so I really, really hope that someone takes these complaints seriously and fix it!
Rita Krasny
On college football
Dear Mr. White: Meanwhile, elsewhere in college football: With five (and counting) Power Five schools deciding the head coach has to go now, I’ve heard estimates that $300 million in “dead money” is being paid to previously coveted coaches (Scott Frost, Herm Edwards) to just go away. I can see that number rising should, say, Michigan State someday succumb to buyer’s remorse and decide $95 million over 10 years for Mel Tucker was ill-advised. Next, word is players from non-Power Five schools are opting to sit out the rest of the season, preserve some eligibility and then enter the transfer portal in search of NIL riches. Better buy a program to see who #64 is this week. On a happy note, on Saturday I saw that Jake Butt was part of the Big Ten Network in-studio gameday team. Butt, you’ll recall, is the Pickerington North and Michigan star tight end who sadly became the poster child for WGPSNPIMBG Syndrome (“Why good players should not participate in meaningless bowl games”) when he blew out a knee in some forgettable bowl, thus derailing a promising pro career in Denver. Good luck to a guy who deserves a break.
Jon Armstrong, Columbus
To Jon: To anyone who was ripping Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson for not playing in the Rose Bowl, see Jake Butt.
On Aaron Judge
To the editor: Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees broke Roger Maris' AL home run record by hitting his 62nd home run of the season against the Rangers. I think he will break Barry Bonds' record for the most home runs in a season next year. I also think he will be Sports Illustrated's 2022 Sportsman of the Year. Congratulations, Aaron Judge.
Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
More from The Mailbox
Hating Ohio State football black uniforms; and why can't I watch halftime show?
Why don't all Ohio State football fans scream like crazy? Did refs cheat Crew?
Preview of Ohio State-Arkansas State game was 'arrogant'; plus advice on TV sound
What did they say? Readers are upset about the OSU-Notre Dame telecast
Ohio State football's 'greed' put to music; and pity Eddie George's son
Deshaun Watson may never be a player fans can love
Reader says most can't understand pressure athletes like Deshaun Watson face
Leave Deshaun Watson alone. No, ban him from NFL. Readers have a lot to say
The Cleveland Browns are an embarrassment, and the Crew are painful to watch
Readers say Big Ten should add entire Pac-12. And Notre Dame. And Boston College
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Buckeyes need be more respectful, and more: Letters to sports editor
