We hesitate to say this with one game to go, but congratulations go out to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team for a fantastic season.
At 11-0, Ohio State is one of two unbeatens in major college football. One game remains.
A win Saturday against arch rival Michigan would be the perfect end to a perfect season.
A loss Saturday would put a damper on things for the Buckeyes and their loyal fans, but 11-1 is definitely worth praise, especially with the obstacles faced by OSU this season including, NCAA sanctions, on top of OSU's own punishments for an array of misdeeds that have been documented ad nauseum over the past 12 months.
At the center of it all is head coach Urban Myer, coming back to Columbus after a string of successes in the coaching profession. Myer has displayed his expertise and ability to adapt like moving Zach Boren from offense to defense to fill in for an injured defensive unit. How about the play of backup quarterback Kenny Guyton, leading Ohio State to a last-second score to tie Purdue, and then win it in overtime, with starter Braxton Miller in the hospital with an injury.
And after Ohio State's defense gave up too many points in a win against Indiana, Myer took a more hands-on approach with the defense, which has improved from week to week.
Myer has guided the Buckeyes with a steady hand. His message to the players and coaches has been the same since Day 1: "You didn't come to Ohio State to be average."
We wholeheartedly agree.
Too bad the Buckeyes are banned from postseason play this year. But the NCAA punishment could have been much worse. And there probably are some rough spots ahead for OSU until sanctions are put in the past.
But that just makes this season that much sweeter. 2012 has been a pleasant surprise and a win Saturday would make it that much sweeter.
