‘How to Become a Winner’: Ohio State Football Provides Lesson for SEC in Comedy Sketch
In a world where college football is as much about entertainment as it is about competition, Ohio State University has made a name for itself as one of the most successful and respected programs in the sport. Known for their strong traditions, impressive roster of players, and consistent winning, the Buckeyes are often seen as a model for how to build a successful football program. However, in a recent comedy sketch, Ohio State Football has turned the tables, offering a humorous and satirical lesson to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) on “How to Become a Winner.”
The sketch, created as part of a light-hearted segment poking fun at the intense rivalry between the Big Ten and the SEC, portrays Ohio State as the ultimate source of wisdom for its southern counterparts. While the premise of the sketch is clearly comedic, it brings to light some interesting commentary on the difference in football culture, expectations, and attitudes between the two conferences. Through exaggerated humor, the sketch presents Ohio State as the polished, disciplined program with a formula for success, while the SEC is depicted as full of ego, bravado, and self-important antics.
Though meant for laughs, the sketch also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the real-life competition and dynamics between two of college football’s most prominent conferences. In this article, we break down the humor behind the sketch, the real-life rivalry between the Big Ten and SEC, and the lessons it humorously suggests about how to build a successful football program.
The Premise of the Sketch: Ohio State as the Authority
The comedy sketch starts with an over-the-top, self-important figure, perhaps someone who embodies the stereotypical SEC coach—loud, brash, and arrogant—approaching Ohio State football for a “lesson in winning.” The skit plays on the idea that the SEC, often regarded as the powerhouse conference in college football, could benefit from some guidance on how to elevate its game.
In the sketch, Ohio State coaches and players are portrayed as offering a step-by-step guide on how to become a “true winner,” with the southern-based SEC schools being the butt of the joke. The Buckeyes’ supposed superiority is emphasized with tongue-in-cheek advice, such as focusing on fundamentals, not letting ego get in the way of teamwork, and committing to long-term success rather than flashy short-term wins. The sketch is careful to play on the longstanding perceptions that the SEC, while undeniably successful, is often seen as being full of showboating and dramatic flair—something the Ohio State characters are depicted as disapproving of.
Ohio State, known for its emphasis on discipline, structure, and sustained success, is painted as the “grown-up” in the room, offering lessons to the “younger, more reckless” SEC programs. The SEC’s culture of “winning at all costs” and its intense focus on individual players, flashiness, and immediate results are humorously contrasted with Ohio State’s reputation for long-term strategic thinking and development. The comedy comes from the exaggerated portrayal of these differences, with Ohio State’s portrayal as calm, collected, and no-nonsense, while the SEC schools in the sketch are depicted as loud, over-the-top, and prone to self-congratulation.
The Real-Life Rivalry Between the Big Ten and SEC
To understand the full impact of the comedy sketch, it’s important to grasp the real-world rivalry between the SEC and Big Ten. Both conferences are considered to be among the top college football leagues in the nation, and both boast a rich history of success. However, the SEC has long been seen as the dominant force in college football, winning multiple national championships in recent years, most notably with Alabama and LSU leading the charge.
On the other hand, Ohio State and the Big Ten have been competitive, with Ohio State consistently finishing among the top teams in the nation. While Ohio State has its fair share of championships, the perception has often been that the SEC schools are superior in terms of raw talent, national visibility, and high-pressure performances on the biggest stages, such as the College Football Playoff. This divide has led to a sort of “bragging rights” rivalry between the two conferences.
The sketch humorously plays on this divide, positioning Ohio State as the calm and disciplined alternative to the more flashy and showboating SEC. The SEC’s “big-name” players, from Heisman Trophy winners to quarterbacks and wide receivers who become household names, are often seen as the embodiment of SEC football. In contrast, Ohio State has built its reputation on team-oriented football, where success is attributed to a collective effort rather than the stardom of individual players.
While Ohio State certainly has its stars—players like J.K. Dobbins, Justin Fields, and Chase Young come to mind—its program is more often associated with a solid, methodical approach that emphasizes strong recruiting, great coaching, and consistency over flash. The comedy sketch leans into this contrast, using humor to highlight the differences in philosophy between the two conferences.
Lessons in “Winning” According to Ohio State
The comedy sketch’s portrayal of Ohio State offers several lessons in “winning” that the program prides itself on, even if exaggerated for comedic effect. These lessons include:
- Teamwork Over Individualism: The sketch mocks the idea that individual talent is enough to win championships. Ohio State, in real life, has consistently stressed the importance of teamwork. Players are expected to work together to achieve success, and the team-oriented culture is a hallmark of the Buckeyes’ winning formula. In the sketch, Ohio State is depicted as dismissing the SEC’s obsession with individual stars, instead teaching the “importance of the team” as the true path to success.
- Long-Term Success Over Flashy Results: One of the recurring themes of the sketch is that Ohio State focuses on long-term development rather than immediate, short-term gratification. While SEC schools are portrayed as obsessed with the “quick fix” of high-profile transfers or immediate results, Ohio State’s program is portrayed as prioritizing the steady cultivation of talent and sustained excellence. The sketch humorously suggests that the SEC’s obsession with flash and hype prevents its programs from achieving true greatness.
- Discipline and Structure: Ohio State’s reputation for being disciplined and structured is central to its success. In the sketch, Ohio State coaches stress the importance of sticking to the fundamentals, building players up through rigorous training, and keeping the focus on the team’s ultimate goal. In contrast, the SEC is shown to prioritize wild celebrations, over-the-top personalities, and unsportsmanlike conduct, all of which undermine true football excellence.
- Respect for Tradition and History: Another key point in the comedy sketch is Ohio State’s respect for its football history. The Buckeyes have a tradition of success, with decades of legendary players, iconic coaches like Woody Hayes and Jim Tressel, and a passionate fan base that supports the program through thick and thin. The sketch uses humor to show how the SEC’s obsession with current trends and new technologies clashes with Ohio State’s focus on history, respect, and time-honored principles.
The Humor in Stereotyping: Exaggerating Real Differences
At the heart of the comedy sketch is a satirical approach to the perceived cultural differences between the Big Ten and SEC. The humor comes from how exaggerated the personalities and behaviors of the teams from each conference are portrayed. The SEC is depicted as bombastic, larger-than-life, and obsessed with self-promotion, while Ohio State is shown as calm, collected, and focused on the long-term team effort. These stereotypes are, of course, overblown for comedic effect, but they reflect some of the real differences in style and culture between the two conferences.
For instance, the SEC is often seen as more oriented toward immediate results—hiring flashy coaches, landing top recruits, and having athletes who are primed for the NFL. The Big Ten, and Ohio State in particular, on the other hand, is often perceived as focusing on player development, teamwork, and a more balanced approach to the game. The sketch cleverly exaggerates these differences, portraying the SEC as a chaotic, egotistical mess, while Ohio State stands as the shining example of discipline and structure.
A Light-Hearted Commentary on College Football Rivalries
While the comedy sketch offers a playful jab at the SEC, it also serves as a reminder of the fierce and often entertaining rivalries that define college football. Ohio State’s rivalry with schools like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia is one of the most well-known and exciting storylines in the sport. Though the sketch presents a humorous one-sided view of the competition, it also highlights how these rivalries create drama, excitement, and plenty of discussion among fans.
The rivalry between the SEC and Big Ten has always been a subject of debate among college football fans. Which conference is superior? Which style of play is more effective? The answer may never be entirely clear, but what’s undeniable is the passion and excitement each conference brings to the table. The sketch, by poking fun at these rivalries, also serves as a tribute to the culture, the pageantry, and the fun that college football provides.
