Ohio State vs. Akron

Today the Ohio State Buckeyes play the Akron Zips.

It’s like my new life vs. my old life.

I grew up south of Akron, where most of our relatives lived and we attended an awesome church.

I now live north of Columbus, where Buckeye football is like a cult.

I love Akron because I have so many long-time friends and family there. Great memories. Rockne’s. Swenson’s. Hoops on Fir Hill. Lebron when he was really Lebron.

I love Columbus because it represents my life post-2004. Delaware. Grace. Graeter’s. Watching our kids grow up and start school.

I love Akron because God grabbed me in some crucial moments there and said, “Hey Gary, I love you and have some plans for you.”

I love Columbus because God planted the Underwoods here for a while and keeps saying, “Gary, I’m not done with you!”

I love Akron because of Jack & Rita, Knute, the Zips, Lake, Mosaic, and BCM.

I love Columbus because of Jennie, Allison, Luke, Julie, and a wonderful adventure.

If I root for the Akron Zips football team, it’s because I was a ballboy there once, and because I gave a chapel talk to their football team, and because, well – Charlie Frye!

If I root for the Ohio State football team, it’s because central Ohio is our home now, and – even during their scandals – the Buckeyes are a rallying point for our community and state.

As exciting as it would be to see the underdog win today, I’m going with Ohio State. Growing up in Akron, I loved watching Mike Vrabel, Antoine Winfield, Chris Spielman, and many others – guys who grew up near my hometown and made it big for the Ohio State Buckeyes… always my home team!

PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 31, AKRON 6.