For the past thirty years I have been wearing Ohio State gear in the poker rooms of Las Vegas. Always faithful during the years of near misses and almost championship seasons. Yes, it was probably me that started the rumor that former OSU coach John Cooper was being enshrined in the Michigan Hall of Fame.
Two years ago after Ohio State named a new coach, Jim Tressel, I was intrigued. A few nights later during an OSU basketball game he was introduced at halftime. He proclaimed that he was honored and humble to be a part of such a great football tradition. He promised that in 310 days when the OSU football team traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Buckeyes would be prepared.
Elation and jubilation were my first thoughts. Now we have a coach that finally understands. As a poker tournament player, naturally all tournaments are important BUT the best of the best know that some tournaments are more important then others. I had a feeling that after thirty years of patiently waiting that this was a coach to lead us to the Promised Land. At a game during his first season, I saw several people wearing shirts with "In Tressel We Trust" as their motto. I figured in three years we would be solidly back in the top ten, and five years later a chance at the National Championship.
In only his second season, the Buckeyes started strong, rolling over their early opponents. Like catching a rush in the early rounds of a tournament, it is a nice feeling to have chips but you haven't won anything yet. As the season progressed pressure mounted -- comparable to being close to the money. After winning their first ten games, the Buckeyes were in the money, assured of a good bowl berth. After two close wins they reached the final table with only Michigan in their way to playing for the National Championship.
Buckeye fans have kept therapists in business watching John Cooper figure out every conceivable way to lose to Michigan and the ensuing Big Ten titles and national fame. Jim Tressel, who had never lost to Michigan, won the game and now was going to play defending champion Miami for the title.
The closest poker comparison was the 1989 World Series Championship. Johnny Chan was the two time defending champion. Larry Coker, the Miami coach had won 34 consecutive games, was the defending champion and actually hadn't lost as a head coach since 1978. Johnny was facing Phil Hellmuth, confident, cocky and trusting his game. To give Johnny credit, Phil had a large chip lead when they got heads up. What people forget is the reason Phil had the lead was because he took a gamble with (A-10) against Don Zewin (10-10) and Steve Lott (2-2). Like Tressel, disdaining a field goal approach and throwing a fourth down touchdown to beat Purdue, Phil also took a big chance. He was rewarded when an Ace hit the board. Phil kept the pressure on heads up and won the title. Johnny Chan's unbelievable streak was over.
Since Ohio State and Miami were starting off 0-0, the Buckeyes were a 12-point underdog. Miami was everyone's #1 team.
During the recent Bellagio Five Diamond tournament, several poker-playing friends asked if I was going to the Fiesta Bowl to see my beloved Buckeyes. Since I needed to be in Tunica, MS for the Jack Binion WPO thirty-six hours after the game and tickets were very hard to come by, I planned on watching the game at home. However, during the Pot Limit Omaha Championship with about 100 players remaining, Phil Hellmuth said he was thinking of going to the Fiesta Bowl and he would take me as his guest for a tip if he was successful that day. Fourteen hours later, after a long battle, T.J. Cloutier outlasted Phil, who finished second. A man of his word, "Fiesta Bowl here we come!"
Over the years I have probably lost enough money betting with my heart on the Buckeyes, especially against Michigan and in bowl games, to buy my own casino. The start of this last season was no different: I made my annual bet on the Buckeyes to win the title, then put my ticket away with 30 years of other losing tickets.
Talking to Russ Hamilton about poker business I asked his opinion on the game. He loved Ohio State. So after paying my bills I emptied my piggy bank on Ohio State + 12 points. A few hours later with loose change and some old downtown casino chips the sports book wouldn't take, Elizabeth and I headed for Phoenix.
After picking up Phil at the airport on the eve of the game, we had dinner with my financial advisor, Denny Mardas and his wife Suzanne, also die-hard Buckeye fans. We had a very enjoyable evening with table talk about poker, finance and football and we were ready. Hopeful, cautiously optimistic, we headed for the game.
Phil bought tickets enroute from San Jose for several time the $150 face value. Scalpers were plentiful for prices ranging from $500 to several thousand; you could see the game in person. Programs were sold out hours before the game. The atmosphere was electric. Ohio State had about 80% of the fans and it resembled a home game.
Watching the game and the two great teams and coaches was like watching two great players heads up. They used field position like chip position. Miami took the lead 7-0 and immediately became more aggressive the next time they got the ball. Ohio State rose to the task, also became more aggressive and was soon facing fourth down in easy field goal range. Tressel gambled on a fake field goal and failed. You could feel the apprehension spread through the Buckeye faithful. Like true champions the Miami team went for the big play to bury the Bucks. But the defense again came through with an interception, which they returned deep into Miami territory. A few minutes later, facing fourth down from the one-yard line, Tressel again took the challenge and this time the gamble paid off in a touchdown. The game was tied. Miami knew we had come to play.
On the next play another turnover for Miami, followed by an OSU touchdown. "We just smacked them in the mouth." I told Phil. Early in the third quarter, a long pass put OSU on the Miami 4 yard line. The conservative approach would have been to run the ball four times and probably go ahead by two touchdowns. That riverboat gambler Tressel went for the jugular on first down and threw an interception. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Just like a great poker player, you overcome your beats and mistakes and keep the pressure on.
As the clock was winding down and Ohio State protecting a 17-14 lead there were several chances for the Buckeyes to put the game away, but every time Miami was all in, they would take the pot. A field goal at the buzzer and the first ever championship to be decided in overtime. Time to raise the stakes and the pressure.
Miami won the first pot and took a 24-17 lead. The Buckeyes were down to their last chip on fourth down, but completed a pass to stay alive. The next time the Buckeyes were all in Miami had the advantage with one to come and going to the river, they looked like a winner. A Buckeye receiver failed to catch a fourth down pass while a Miami player was tackling him, but the ensuing penalty gave OSU one more chance and they took advantage and tied the game at 24.
The Buckeyes then took a 31-24 lead and they already had the upper hand after knocking Miami's two Heisman hopefuls out of the game with injuries. However champions don't quit and Miami's QB came back in, and the same penalty in the end zone on OSU gave Miami four chances to tie the game. It looked like double overtime for sure. Shortly thereafter it was fourth and goal from the one-yard line. "I hope they pass, I told Phil". "Why?" he asked. " A legendary Ohio State coach named Woody Hayes, who disdained the pass, always said, "Three things can happen when you pass the ball and two of them are bad," was my reply. A fourth down pass ensued and, just like in poker, the percentages held up. Ohio State Buckeyes - Undefeated National Champions (14-0). Perseverance, Patience, and Trust in your decisions and faith in your game pay off. I hope coach Tressel stays on as football coach at Ohio State for many years. He might be too tough a player in poker tournaments.
I would like to thank Phil Hellmuth for the unforgettable day in my life watching the game. Great tip, Phil!
I would also like to thank Russ Hamilton for confirming my faith with his handicapping expertise. Great tip, Russ!
Now here is my tip for 2005. While in Phoenix, I was privileged to preview Phil's new book on poker titled "Play Poker Like the Pros". This book may actually be as good as Phil believes he is, if that's possible. Andy Glazer (who has overcome the double handicap of being a Michigan graduate and an attorney to become a top notch poker writer) wrote the introduction for the book.
For poker enthusiasts of all levels who want to enjoy poker more and improve their game, this book is a must for your library, trust me.
Go to Ultimate Bet now!
