With the Ohio State Buckeyes rolling to 2-0 record and the Irish managing a tight win to reach the same start, I can begin prep for Wednesday night’s two GOP primary debates in earnest. (Of course time must be taken to watch the Cleveland Browns begin their march to the playoffs when they face the Jets Sunday.)

I mention NCAA and NFL football at the start of a column on the debates and the presidential race because the connection between the two is very real. It has to do with audience.