Growing up in the bible belt of football, The states of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana (Notre Dame) football matters. Most kids know the storied history of these programs better than they know the founding fathers. The names of Woody, Bo, and Rockne resonate more than Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy. Jim Tressel of the Ohio State Buckeyes is the most popular man in the state. It’s often joked he could run for governor and win in a landslide. He always quips only if the election is held before I lose a game. Tressel is a man of high moral standing in the Ohio community, fans often have been heard shouting “God wears a sweater vest.” referencing Tressel’s dress on the sidelines.

This week ESPN did a spot on Tressel’s motivational theme for the upcoming season. After hearing Barack Obama’s “Fierce Urgency of Now” speech Tressel adopted it for his team, describing the speech as inspirational and dove tailing it with his message to his team. Now while no official endorsement came Obama’s speeches were woven into clips of OSU football. This is huge in a state that is so close. Obama’s association with the team and their coach paints Obama in a different light to many OSU fans and voters. Tressel’s borrowing of Obama’s speech can lead to converts. If the Obama campaign wants more avenues to reach and connect with undecided Ohioans he will have to drive his way through Tressel. With a huge September 13th match up with USC a smart move for Obama would be to appear with the team at their pep rally. Don’t talk politics, but give a roof shattering pep talk. If Obama can be in any way credited with a big victory for the Buckeyes he might ride the scarlet and grey to the presidency.