How Far How Fast at Ohio State?
Urban Meyer walked into a pretty good situation at Ohio State. The roster was stacked with talent by his predecessor yet the team comes off of a losing season. Last season's injuries means that many more players return with experience. That said, it's not really even too important what is achieved in 2012, because the team is banned from postseason play. A seven-win season is probably enough in year one and most prognosticators expect the Buckeyes to win more than that. Looking a bit more down the road, how long will it take until Ohio State grabs hold of the division, if not the conference?
Sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller will get a season to marinate and mature in a new offense that's sure to take advantage of his dual-threat ability. Meanwhile, continuity on defense was maintained with the retention of interim head coach/defensive coordinator Luke Fickell. Beginning in 2013, both Nebraska and Michigan State come off of the conference schedule in exchange for Northwestern and Iowa. Denard Robinson will graduate from rival Michigan as well, setting up Ohio State for some good runs at a division title.
The competition within the Leaders division is Wisconsin and Penn State. Both schools can be formidable, but neither seem to enjoy quite the advantages that OSU does. The Badgers don't recruit as well as the Buckeyes and PSU will begin facing both Michigan and Nebraska in 2013. The road is open to the Big Ten championship game for Ohio State. Then they just need to get by Nebraska, Michigan, or Michigan State to get to the Rose Bowl or beyond.
Following a coach like Jim Tressel might not normally seem like a good idea. But a closer look at the circumstances shows that Meyer may have just walked into a perfect scenario. As soon as next year, they may be talked about like Alabama or LSU.
7/6/2012
Two things we need to start seing improvement in with BO and NEBRASKA they need to beat teams there suposes to like northwestern and teams of that elk then start being competative with the really good teams we are still getting beat ugly in games like thoes that’s unexceptable and needs to stop when thoes things start happening then we can talk about winning big 10 titles and national championships again!!!! This is bo’s fifth year this needs to start happening!!! This is the truth as I see it dang I won’t us to be realavent again!!!! Its a lot easier to reload then rebuild let’s get back to thoes days!!! Then and only then our huskers will be back!!!! GO BIG RED!!!!
7/7/2012
I think they will. Pelini is no dummy. He knows football and has things up his sleeve. They know a lot more than we do. They’re working on things they’re not telling us of course, for security sake. Our competition is tracking every move we make too you know. Can’t let the cat out of the bag. Remember, he came in and undid a huge mess in a pretty short amount of time. 2 championship appearances in 4 years is a damn good start considering where they came from. He also had the Big 12 exit year to deal with and then our first year in the B1G to deal with. That alone probably put us back a couple years really. But I believe they’re getting there. I believe these next 2-3 years are going to be very telling. He’s got excuses for now like I outlined above, but if things aren’t different by the end of the next 2 or 3 years, then I think folks will be furious and he will be driven out of town like all the rest who couldn’t win. Remember though…in 2010 they came out with all barrels firing and it wasn’t until Martinez got hurt that it started going down hill. There was talk of Heismans and NC’s. Sure they could say well what about the Texas game? or the SDSU game? Well, there certainly are things on this team that needed to be addressed back then and improved on, still do. Lots in fact. Nobody is saying they were perfect, but it was something positive to build on. Really positive. Overall, what do you think would have happened if Taylor Martinez didn’t get hurt? Things might be a shade different right now. Lost time.
San Diego, Ca.
7/7/2012
Meyer, would seem to be the X factor, because of how long might he maintain himself. Like Osborne, in that regard and at this stage in his career with the cardio issues.
It will be fun though, to see Nebraska face a real master of the spread set, this season and in next season’s league championship game.
Oldham,SD
7/7/2012
Ohio State is loaded to the gills with talent and is a great program.
However, I think Bo has a good chance to reach that level soon. I know no one wants to believe that but I’m on the kool-aid and can feel it. If so, it could come down to those two most years.
7/7/2012
Greg, couldn’t agree more. It will be interesting to see the spread done by a master and it will only make us better playing against better competition. BTW, hows San Diego? I was born and raised in a little town in San Diego country called Lakeside before moving to Nebraska. I live in Oklahome now of all places. Very lonely being a Husker here. I went to a “sports bar” here the night Oklahoma played in their bowl game and only a few fans were there. Not like Nebraska. But then again, is there anyplace like Nebraska?
bshirt…I think so too. I do think Bo will end up being a great coach. Maybe not a legendary coach like Meyer or Saben, but a great one. Lots of programs would LOVE to have him on their sidelines. And besides, I like a coach you wouldn’t want to be against in a fight! They just need to get it together and make this thing gel. And they will. Is there any way to re-set the clock to early 2010? That’s what i want to see in 2012.
I have faith that they know what they’re doing, but we have to have patience…he’s still a relatively new head coach and so are all the others. It’s not like we went out and hired Urban Meyer!
San Diego, Ca.
7/7/2012
PE,
Thanks and San Diego’s not too bad.
I wouldn’t suppose Lakeside’s changed too much, especially the town area. Maybe an extra freeway.
Very much a small town vibe.