Who Is The Underdog?
Here's Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins on being an underdog against USC.
``I wouldn't put anybody as an underdog,'' Jenkins said. But for me, we're hungry. We're going to play like an underdog. Trying to be an attacker. We know USC will have the same mentality.''
If you are trying to incite some emotion and response to this blog, why not quote OSU's Ray Small..."As I took my visit to USC, I'm like 'How are they successful? They're not even serious about the game. Before the game they're all going crazy. Me and [Buckeyes defensive end] Rob Rowe was on the visit and I'm looking like, 'Wow.'"
"Here at Ohio State, they teach you to be a better man. There it's just all about football."
Maybe "Small" is compensating for something... but seriously, the Trojans just like to get hyped up for the game. They take the lead from their "jacked, pumped, and psyched" leader. tOSU on the other hand, takes their lead from the Sweater Vest, rendering them more tired and flaccid, but certainly not better men.
Fight on!
I can live with the comment about how the approach to a game should be that we are as good as they are, there are no underdogs, but at the same time I am going to fight in the game as if I were an underdog. That is a good psychological approach to a football game (or most of life's adversarial endeavors)-- do not be hamstrung by inferior attitudes, and do not become complacent by superior thinking.
As for SC lacking class and not caring about the game because they "act crazy" beforehand, well, we won't dignify that silly comment with a response.
And, of course, there are many approaches to preparing for a game i.e. silent, pensive, even prayerful vs. hip-hop music blaring, loud talking, and even singing (the Dodgers' Manny Ramirez's style). There are no "right" ways, only what works for the individual.
On Saturday, you will see what team is prepared to do battle on the field of Coliseum. The results, a mighty victory from the Trojan Gladiators. Fight On!