Sometimes the Piper Collects at the Most Inopportune Times

During the 1960s and 1970s, I was not an Ohio State fan. Let’s just say it was very easy for that generation to dislike Woody Hayes, and leave it at that.

I was obviously biased, but I thought then that Buckeye players had an annoying and sometimes obnoxious penchant for overcelebration to the point of being out of control after touchdowns and good plays.

I root for the Bucks now (except against UC and Xavier — I know, dream on), but my observation that Buck players overdo it with the histrionics, group pile-ons, and the like after something good happens has remained, even compared to most other teams, which have, unfortunately, done a “good” job of catching up in the meantime.

I guess that’s why I’m not as surprised as a lot of other folks are at this (which, by the way makes this homer material sheer fantasy):

Ohio State had an eye-popping initial answer to Florida’s supposed speed advantage. Ted Ginn Jr. took the opening kickoff and sprinted into BCS title-game history with a 93-yard touchdown return.

But the fast start for Ginn and the Buckeyes took a sudden turn in the wrong direction. While the scarlet and gray portion of the crowd erupted, Ginn hurt his left foot. The injury happened during the post-play celebration in the end zone, Ginn said.

Paul Brown and Bear Bryant (who is given credit for the quote) had a point when they said: “Act like you’ve been there before.” I guess the admonishment now has to go to entire teams — “Act like you guys have scored a touchdown before.”

So the Piper visited Monday night. Though they carry a heavy burden, it certainly isn’t entirely the fault of Ted Ginn and his teammates. I would have thought that sometime in the past 40 years, a Bucks coach might have done something to ensure that the players mellow out on the silliness (and borderline poor sportsmanship). It never happened.

I have a feeling this lesson will stick in the craw for quite a long time. It should.