Those with ties to both Ohio University and Ohio State put in tough spot

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Saturday's game between the Ohio State University Buckeyes and Ohio University Bobcats is putting some fans in a position they are not used to.

With the schools being just an hour and a half drive apart, many have connections to both and have to decide who they'll root for.

“I just want a good game but you know like I said I’m a Bobeye all day. I'm a Buckcat," said Dr. Jason Rawls, an assistant professor of Hip Hop at OSU.

In his office he has OU pens, an OU notepad, and OSU banners on the wall. He grew up in Columbus and is a lifelong fan of the Buckeyes. But he got his doctorate at OU and all of his kids have gone there.

"Can I stay neutral?" Rawls said as he laughed. "I’ll be enjoying the game, can I put it that way? It’s hard to say.”

Emily Caldwell, an assistant director of research communications at OSU, also has strong ties to both universities.

"It's complicated for me," she said.

She graduated from OU, worked there, and got married in Athens. But she also grew up in Columbus, has been an OSU fan her entire life, and has worked for OSU for almost 30 years.

“I go into every Ohio State football game thinking we’re going to win. I’m more of an optimist than a pessimist and if I'm disappointed, I'll be really happy for Ohio University Bobcats if they win, so, is that fair?" she said. "I definitely have friends who are all in for Ohio University to beat Ohio State Saturday. I have a harder time wishing for that outcome."

When the two football teams play on Saturday, it'll be their first matchup in 15 years. 

"Everybody kind of understands they get that it's O-U Oh yea, and its Go Bucks. But it's all OH-IO," Rawls said. "When you come from both teams, when you’re a part of both teams and when you root for both teams each week and then they pit them against each other they make it tough on you but we can manage."

There is an aspect of the game people are not having a hard time making a decision on. They're all looking forward to seeing the bands from the two schools perform together.