ESPN made a stop in Columbus on Thursday as part of its “Titletown USA” series.
Ohio’s capital city is one of 20 finalists for the fictitious honor given out by the Worldwide Leader.
The 20 finalist cities were determined by a combination of 2,000 fan-generated nominations, an ESPN production content research team, and a blue-ribbon panel consisting of 19 non-ESPN journalists and 12 SportsCenter anchors. According to ESPN, Columbus is in the running due to the Ohio State football program, which has won seven national titles and over 30 Big Ten titles and features more than 100 All-Americans. And Ohio State’s seven Heisman Trophy winners are tied with USC for most by any school.
Thursday’s event at OSU – which was held between St. John Arena and Ohio Stadium – was similar to ESPN’s College GameDay program. Wendi Nix was the host and she interviewed two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin on the set (one of his Heismans was also perched on the set). Over 200 Ohio State fans showed up dressed in full Buckeye gear. Also making appearances were the OSU marching band, the OSU cheerleaders and Brutus Buckeye. The north rotunda of the Horseshoe provided the backdrop for ESPN’s set.
The Columbus segment will air Monday, July 21, in the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter. Also on that day, ESPN Classic will highlight Columbus with an airing of the 2003 Fiesta Bowl (2002 national championship game) between Ohio State and Miami at 2 p.m., and an airing of SportsCentury: Jack Nicklaus at 5 p.m.
Upon completion of the daily series featuring all 20 cities, online polling will re-open Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26. The winner will be announced Sunday, July 27.
The 20 “Titletown USA” finalists include: Green Bay, Wis.; Louisville, Ky.; Gainesville, Fla.; Detroit; Williamsport, Pa.; Boston; Los Angeles; Columbus, Ohio; Chapel Hill, N.C.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; San Francisco; Pittsburgh; Knoxville, Tenn.; Valdosta, Ga.; Parkersburg, W. Va.; and Chicago; Lawrence, Kan.; Palo Alto, Calif.; Massillon, Ohio; and New York City.
Yes, “Titletown” might be viewed as a silly event by many people; something to fill air time during the slow summer months before football begins (but not quite as bad as the "Who's Now" thing last summer). However, the most notable name at the event – Griffin – was happy to be a part of it.
“Well, I’m glad Columbus was chosen because it’s a wonderful city and I think we’ve got a lot of great things happening here in Columbus,” Griffin said moments before taping his segment with Nix. “And hopefully we’ll get that Titletown designation.”
Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel was a bit perplexed when told on Monday (during his press conference about his new book) that Columbus was a candidate for “Titletown USA.”
“Well, we might be a little thin on the pro end of things,” Tressel said. “We only have three pro franchises – the Blue Jackets, Crew and Clippers. Some cities have a dozen.
“Why should we be Titletown? You got me there. Because this is a great place to live. I think you should call the chamber of commerce because you got me on that one.”
Griffin on the 2008 Buckeyes
Griffin also gave his take on Ohio State’s 2008 team and if it can get back to the national championship game for the third consecutive season.
“The highlight of the early part of the season in the game at Southern Cal,” Griffin said. “I think it’s important for us to go out there and play well. And then at the end of the year, hopefully beat that school up north. Then I think we have the potential to be in the national championship game and win it. But again, you’ve got to take care of the little things first and we’ve got a tough schedule.”
Griffin was asked if the USC game will actually be bigger than the Michigan game this year.
“I don’t know that any game is ever bigger than the Michigan game for Ohio State,” he said. “That’s a very, very big game any year.”
Griffin is a big fan of OSU junior tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells. He is one of the early favorites for the Heisman Trophy.
“I’d like to see that; I’d like to see him win the Heisman,” Griffin said. “He’s an outstanding running back; one of the best that has played. If he can stay healthy, I think he’s got a good chance.”
