Our Destiny Awaits

There are a few things I want to cover in this post: The Big Ten Championship, coaching changes are in season, and the Big Ten Will Be Back. Urban Meyer does not lose the same game twice, nor make the same mistake. The task of stopping Wisconsin seems almost too much to bear, but did we not hear the same thing the entire season, leading up to Michigan State. Granted our quarterback was not in his first start, but does it really matter? Last year, Michigan State, the first game, crushed our hopes of a National Championship with a defeat. This year, we face a Wisconsin team that has a crushing running back. Likewise though, if this team and season has proven anything, it is that they can overcome anything and triumph. This is why I have complete faith in Cardale. With the firing of Bo Pelini, and inching towards the same for Brady Hoke, schools are realizing their need to compete and their need to open their wallets much wider than usual. Nebraska realizes the same as Michigan, the need to hire a great coach is paramount to a speedy turn around. Every school in the Big Ten is looking for an Urban Meyer-ish hire. This means, hiring a coach that is a brand himself, that does not necessarily need a school, but instead builds and creates a brand from his own personality and traits. The marriage of Ohio State and Urban is a match made in heaven, and that coupling is something Nebraska and Michigan are looking for. When Lloyd Carr, Jim Tressel, Joe Paterno, and Barry Alavarez/Brett Bielema ruled the Big Ten, the SEC was no where to be found. However, since the recent downturn, the SEC is all you hear about.

A win in the Championship puts Ohio State into the Playoffs. As much as TCU would like to think they belong in the #4 at the end of the year, they don't. The Playoffs is going to be about the biggest names against the Biggest names, until the Big 12 has a Conference Championship. The Four Best Teams are the Four Biggest Names in College Football: Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Jimbo Fisher, and Mark Helfrich. Each of these teams has produced multiple Heisman Trophy Winners and Candidates. When people speak about these teams, their coaches names are mentioned as if they are sitting atop Mount Rushmore. When people speak about TCU or Baylor, their mentions are subtle. Could anyone imagine a better match up than Alabama and Ohio State, Florida State and Oregon. These match ups alone may be bigger than the National Championship itself. 

Reaction to Ohio State vs. TTUN

Today's game was nothing short of a heartache waiting to happen. While, the Buckeyes may have had complete confidence in their team to pull out a win, I was having flashbacks of perfect seasons ending in the past. I hate to be a pessimist, but sometimes I can't help it. I felt like the whole game, we were holding back, in terms of the passing game and our perimeter game. Jalin Marshall did not get the ball much, Michael Thomas did not get the ball much, and neither did Devin Smith. I was perplexed, but then again I do not keep track of That Team, so what do I know about their team as a whole. Oh wait, they were below 500 before the game, and they still are. I know that Rivalry games bring out a different side of any team, but for That Team to come into the Shoe and score three touchdowns, was just embarrassing. This team should not need a half time speech by a defensive lineman to come out punching, when we should have that attitude the entire game. Forgive me for seeing more flaws, than strengths, however; as a Buckeyes Fan this is my job. I will sleep easy when we finish the season on top. I do know though, that no one is perfect, that people make mistakes. I love this team regardless. With that being said, I hope the missing player is found soon, safe and unharmed.

My heart stopped beating when I saw Barrett leave on a stretcher, and saw Cardale on the field. But than again, worse has happened. Buckeye Nation and this team put a True Freshman in charge of a high octane offense, and we succeeded. Why not feel the same about Cardale. I put faith in a coaching staff that is around their players enough to say they have confidence in their team to continue and carry out their mission, to be champions. I must agree, but in my own way with this sentiment. There are many team around the nation that have one Achilles heal, and that is their quarterback or other member of the team. Take for instance, Florida State, without Winston against an already bad Clemson team, the Noles needed overtime to win. Take for instance the inventory of starters we have: Marshall, Elliot, Smith, Smith, Spencer, Samuel, Huerman, and Vannette. On the defense, our weakness is experience alone. Cardale is not the team, but instead a part of it. His mission will be simple for the next two or three games, get the ball out quickly or hand it off. Tonight's game, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, showed that even the toughest teams are weak. Ohio State beat Minnesota, and Minnesota almost beat Wisconsin. Although, the experts maybe saying Ohio State is done, I think we are just beginning. This team did not come all this way, to lose it. We all persevere. Considering our coaching staff, Urban Meyer and Tom Herman, two of the best offensive coaches in college football. Cardale is not stepping into a situation that Barrett did. He understands the offense, and our offensive scheme, which is paramount. Plus, he is not a freshman, but instead a senior. Fear not Buckeye Nation, we maybe in for a bumpy ride, but the road is not worth it if it's not difficult.

Tonight, Mississippi State lost to Ole Miss. Ole Miss is already a two loss team. I believe, Ohio State and TCU will move up in the Playoff together, without anyone being leapfrogged. However, at the conclusion of the Big Ten Championship, granted Ohio State wins, the Committee will have no choice but to put Ohio State at #4. More than anything, the purpose of the Committee is to put the four best teams into the spotlight. The four best teams will be Ohio State at #4 because the match ups of the decade would be #1 Alabama vs #4 Ohio State, and #2 Oregon vs. #3 Florida State. What better way to start the playoffs, with a Urban-Nick Bowl. Plus, an overrated, but still undefeated, Seminoles and against the Ducks. This way, if the Seminoles are really overrated, they'll be destroyed by the Ducks, likewise, if the Big Ten is really as good as we portray, then their best should be able to beat the SEC's. Enough Said

This Game Should Not Be Close

I grew up watching Ohio State Football, screaming and crying multiple times a game out of frustration and happiness. The Game, this Saturday brings to the forefront that while this game is no different than past games, against TTUN, this team is very different. In years past the eyes of Buckeye Nation has been fixed upon a dominate running back and quarterback. In 2012 and 2013, the Wolverines knew they had to stop Hyde and Miller, but could not do either. In 2014, however, the Wolverines have much more to contend with. As a counter, one may say that the Wolverines defense is getting better considering the games that they have lost have been close, except for the few that were against far superior teams (or seemed as though).

Michigan has faced close games, that may not have defined them per say, but tell a story not unlike most. The Wolverines are a team with a great history, much like Ohio State. These two teams created the hype of the Big Ten, which has superseded any other conference. When Ohio State and Michigan are undefeated and dominating the media cannot get enough of the Big Ten. It is though, the drama of other conferences does not matter because the two most dominate teams are at their best. Sure the SEC is dominate now, but we are starting to see a glimpse of what could be. Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, Lloyd Carr, and the next coach of TTUN have in their job duties, to tare down the SEC and put the Big Ten on center stage. We cannot and must not forget teams that are holding their own currently or are getting tools able to to do so. But, history has shown that the Big Ten is back when the Wolverines and Buckeyes are at their best. 

At the beginning of the season, the talk was about Ohio State's dominance, Michigan State's stability, and Penn State's march forward. Everyone knew TTUN was destined to fail this year. There was hope that TTUN would solve all their problems with the hire of Nussmeir as their new offensive coordinator, but everyone knew an offensive coordinator from Alabama would not be able to do the same considering the personnel and quality of players are much different. No one can escape the fact that Hoke was hired because of Tressel's success. Tressel was vastly underpaid but highly successful and from a lesser division. Michigan fired Rich Rod hoping to find the same thing, but came up short. Now they have to open multiple check books and kiss the ass of any respected coach. 

Urban Meyer has built this team to be unstoppable. Just look at our roster: Marshall, Wilson, Elliot, Thomas, Smith, Smith, and Spencer. This offense gets set up quickly, takes a look at the defense, than calls an audible or runs the original play call. I have seen multiple times, read options plays called, the play is changed at the line, than a short pass is thrown to the outside, which avoids the effectiveness of a blitz up the middle. Likewise, if pressure comes from the outside, the play can be changed to a run up the middle to avoid the pressure. There is no reason Ohio State should not dismantle the Wolverines, nor any other team, other than the simple excuse of turnovers. However, Barrett has shown his ability to makes plays, more with his arm, than his legs. As much talent as the Wolverines have, they do not comes close to comparing against the Buckeyes. This is not a guarantee of a win simply because of talent, but instead recognition of what one has versus another. 

The Wolverines will come out with everything they have, but not for Hoke, for their seniors and themselves. Hoke is gone and everyone knew it at the beginning of the year. I would love to beat the Wolverines so badly that Hoke is not allowed on the team bus, but this probably won't happen. I look for our defensive line to have a great day.Barrett will steal the show though, considering he needs only one touchdown throw to break Drew Bree's Big Ten record. Regardless of all the predicting going on, one thing is for sure about rivalries, they are unpredictable and all about opportunity. How many opportunities will the Buckeyes have and take advantage of, and how many opportunities will the Wolverines have and take advantage of? The answer to that question will be the deciding factor in the game.  

TTUN Predictions

As a young man growing up in Groveport, I remember many Saturdays watching the Buckeyes cruise through their season. The likes of Eddie George, Bobby Hoying, Joe Germaine, Stanley Jackson, Terry Glenn, and David Boston leading the charge. I always remember Ohio State being highly ranked, the Big Ten in general and not knowing anything about the SEC (lol), and highly favored in their last games of the season, the highly anticipated and sometimes dreaded, Meatchicken vs. Ohio State. As I have stated in earlier posts, I do not have confidence in this being a blow out yet, and I do not know if I will get there. Don't get me wrong, our team, this year, seems poised enough and has the ability to attack teams at every angle, as we have proven this year multiple times. However, I get the feeling that this game will be closer than what it should be. The reasoning being, our youth. These Buckeyes have played at the Shoe, during times in which the stadium has no seating left and people are standing just to see the game. They have not played against a team with nothing to lose. Meatchicken has nothing to lose. Their coach is all but fired, the players have no idea who will replace him, their record is embarrassing, and all year they have heard about Ohio States chances of getting into the playoffs. This game is textbook upset, considering we all remember the Cooper years. Although, those years were forgotten because of then Tressel, and now Meyer years.

I would like to think that Meatchicken will enter into the game without a thought of provoking our Buckeyes, considering this game, like the next 3 or possible 4, means everything to this team, this season, and Nation (Buckeye Nation). However, I doubt this will happen because of the stakes. I do like, however; that Meyer has already told his team, that if they fight, they are off the team. That is quite an ultimatum considering how the emotions will be come kickoff. My suggestion for lessening the altercations to nothing is simple, every players, most importantly Barrett, has to become a field general, so to speak, What do I mean? After every play, get the offense back on the line. Every player needs to make sure every player is not buying into what they will be selling or trying to do. If Elliot runs the ball, is tackled, than the defense just lays on him, someone on the offense needs to call the refs attention to that, then help get him up, not necessarily pull the guy off of him. If Ohio State pulls a meatchicken defensive players off another Buckeye, that is all meatchicken needs to start something, and I am sure the refs will be watching. After a few penalties on the defense for personal fouls or unsportsman like conduct, meatchicken will get the hint or get blown out.

Historically speaking, this game has defined National Championships, as the victor goes on to play for everything. This team has too much talent both on the field and in the coaching staff to waste it on a close game. Meatchicken will probably play at its best, but their best could not even beat our second string, so here's my prediction for this game.

Ohio State: 55 TTUN: 14

This is Why:
This score is dependent upon whether or not last games mistakes are corrected. Fumbles, interceptions, and missed throws cannot happen this week, especially considering the next game decides everything else. I think Meatchicken gets two running touchdowns off two turnovers. Ohio State will overwhelm the defense, but mental mistakes will be our downfall. I am sincerely hoping that this game is a blowout, but given the past, this is what I pick. I think that our secondary will show the best of what Coach Ash has to offer, our defensive line will mostly dominate, but show flashes of weakness. I understand that offenses and defenses are not perfect and that mistakes happen. I am not expecting a perfect game, what I am expecting is a decisive win. As much as Buckeye Fans and Nation does not want to admit it, we are putting on a show for the Committee, for that coveted #4 spot. It is as simple as that. Truth be told, without 3 turnovers last game, Indiana probably would not have had 27 points, but this game is different and everybody knows it.

To say we need to destroy Meatchicken is an understatement. We need to strike fear into the hearts of their players with big hits and big plays. We know that Gardner has more interceptions than touchdowns, that regardless of how many picks he has, he won't stop throwing. We know that they will run too. Our defensive front 4 will have to get pressure on Gardner, which goes without saying. Pressure with 4 allows our linebackers to stay in coverage to stop any screens or back doors tosses, as well as Gardner running the ball. Barrett has to play within the contexts of what he's given. There is no need to throw into double coverage if an H Back or running back is open for an easy pass and 15 yards after that. Don't force it if you don't have to. Try not to take as many hits this game, The last thing we need is Barrett to get injured. He has to be perfect for the Big Ten Championship and maybe beyond. Utilize quick throws and the new running formation we saw last week. Quick throws cut down a defenses ability to get to the quarterback. The formation where Barrett, Elliot and Samuel are in the back field will work every time. It is very difficult to tackle our guys in space because of their speed. Elliot and Samuel are bruising backs, let them loose.

This game should be decided in the first half. We destroyed Maryland, and they beat Meatchicken. This game will not be boring, but it will be brutal. I expect Meatchicken to come out and throw punches (literally and figuratively). We need to throw them harder, faster, and for longer periods of time.

O -H!!!!!

Buckeye Jersey and Controversy

My family and I went into The Buckeye Corner today and looked around. Needless to say I could have bought everything in the store, without a doubt. We went to buy a couple items and noticed that I saw a Braxton jersey, but not a Barrett. I see this as totally disrespectful. I asked the manager about it and he said that manufacturing said, by the time the jersey's are able to make it to the stores, the season will be over. This did not make sense to me. Considering all that Barrett has accomplished this season, the least that we owe him this year is the ability to buy and wear his jersey. During the Indiana game, the Big Ten Network put on the television, a comparison of Braxton of Barrett. Former Ohio State Running Back Maurice Clarett saw this as disrespectful. I do not see this as disrespectful, considering Braxton's first year was under Luke Fickell, not Tressel nor Meyer. Is this to say that Braxton would be further developed if his first year would be under Meyer? It could or could not have helped. Under the past two years under Meyer, Braxton is, without a doubt, one of the greatest athletes Ohio State has ever seen, but has yet to develop into a quarterback like Barrett. The instinct of a quarterback cannot be untaught, but instead honed into something that can begin in college and prosper in the NFL. The attributes Braxton possess are incredible. He has a strong arm, incredibly agile, and a headache for defenses. However, the downside of Braxton is his inaccuracy and frailty. Do not get me wrong, I love Braxton, but his agility leaves him open to injury. During the Clemson game last year, it was easy to see that Clemson was targeting Braxton and succeeded considering he has sat out his entire Senior year. Barrett on the other hand, is accurate, seems to be tougher, not as fast or agile, but an overall better choice. Although the comparison is skewed, in 10 games, Barrett has done an amazing job, with room to prove, and he's a Freshman. Barrett has done more than enough to have his number and name on a jersey, without showing disrespect to a faithful player.

I do not think our quarterback controversy is a controversy at all. In fact, I think he chooses to go pro because he understands that an injury to his shoulder again will hinder him more in the short run, than going into the NFL in the long run. Braxton will have to enter into the NFL with an open mind towards different positions because the two things the NFL looks for the most is strength and accuracy. Barrett, along with the rest of the team, will return next year poised for an undefeated season.

I sincerely hope, if Braxton comes back, Meyer makes a decision that is best for the team, not one person. If Braxton comes back, then is hit and injured during the season, will the season be a waste and will he second guess his decision to come back knowing he could have been getting paid to play. As much as I hate to say it, and that is only because I love Braxton, Barrett is our future.

What This Tuesday May Bring

I think we can all agree that this game against Indiana was embarrassing. Ever since Minnesota I have felt like we leave points on the field. JT misses a throw, a receiver drops a pass, or the opponents defense has prepared for our offense, whatever it is, it's annoying. However, these are my thoughts on Tuesday Night. Unless the Committee sees a W more than the turnovers and lack of control, we will either stay #6 or fall. I do not think style points have anything to do with the rankings, because if they did Florida State and TCU would be outside the top 4. I would love to say Ohio State wins out and they are in, but I can't with confidence. On the other hand I can see why Ohio State gets into the playoffs.

First and foremost, Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is our golden ticket. The Committee was put on notice as to the deadliness of Gordon through his rushing yards throughout the season. If Ohio State can stop Gordon and destroy the Badgers in the Championship, that would be huge compared to the fact that the Big 12 does not have a conference championship game. The fact that the Big 10 does will go along way. If Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship, and Mississippi State does not represent the West in the SEC Championship, the committee has stated before they value Conference Championship over second place finishers.

The Committee will make the Big 12 create a Championship game because they won't expand the 4 team playoff until they are ready. This committee has shown they possess the power and do not take suggestions. The majority of the coaches in the Power 5 would support the expansion to 6 or 8 team playoff, however though, they have stated that there are no plans to accommodate this. So, the Big 12 has two options, Championship game or dismantle into other conferences. I think dismantling is too difficult and unrealistic, but a Championship would do more good than harm. The Committee will force this if Ohio State is #4, Florida St. is #3, Oregon is #2, and Alabama is #1.

The Committee realizes the Big Ten is coming back with a vengeance. At the very least Ohio State and Michigan State are relevant regardless of what Bowl they go to, playoff or not. Michigan will make a huge statement with their new head coach, Penn State and Wisconsin are a couple years away, considering Wisconsin let a bad LSU team win, and Penn State is still dealing with NCAA sanctions. With this understood, the Committee is forced to recognize the Big Ten over the Big 12.

Finally, Ohio State is its own worst enemy. Buckeye Fans understand what this means, but let me explain. When Ohio State does not turnover the ball, does not self inflict themselves with interceptions, does not miss blocking assignments, or route assignments, we are a devastating team. The skill players, couple with JT are simply amazing. However, too much time in the pocket causes over throws or throws into coverage. Under throws turn receivers into defensive backs because they have to wait for the ball. Blown blocking assignments cause our running game to struggle, both with jet sweeps and right up the middle. Next year, Elliot will be a Carlos Hyde Jr., his speed is there he just needs more  weight so that he can bounce off of tackles and continue running. Jalin and Samuel are on the cusp of being one step away from long touchdowns. Dontre needs to gain more weight to break those shoe lace tackles that keep him from breaking one as well. Our front 4 has to destroy offensive lines. I barely saw our defense get to the quarterback on Indiana.

My final thoughts.....as long as Ohio State plays sound, fundamental, and aggressive football we can't be stopped. It does not matter who we play.

One question I have for you......

If you had to give our Buckeyes a motivational speech, what would it be?

The Calm Before The Storm

I was listening to the Urban Meyer Call In Show yesterday, and thought to myself, what is it that the coaches say to the players, getting them to perform the way they do? This got me to thinking of what I would say. It may not be perfect, but it is what it is. I must preface this by giving my prediction for Indiana and Ohio State.

Ohio State 56 Indiana 10

I served in the Marines from 2005-2009, as an Infantryman. This is where I was taught that relentless effort is perfection, that being good is not good enough. 

Infantry Marines train tirelessly towards the perfection of their craft, so that when the times comes and bullets are coming at you in war, your body reacts before your mind does. Your body is trained by your superiors and seniors to react in a manner that could save a life, whether it is your own or another Marines. This coaching staff was assembled to bring together mental and physical toughness through repetition. You all (the players) have been taught to be more powerful than a coach. When someone messes up and it is not because of effort, your brothers pick up before a coach does. Brotherly love can be stronger than fatherly love. This is the essence of this football team. Our pursuit of perfection extends to every game we play, regardless of who we play. It does not matter if it is Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama or anyone else. Our pursuit of perfection is not not making mistakes, it is making mistakes and learning from them, from each other. Our pursuit of perfection ends when we are in Dallas, holding up the National Championship trophy and not until than. Every game until then is a battle that we must win. At the end of every battle is a war that must be finished. College Football has wages a war upon us, and game by game we have won the battles convincingly. I model our team as if we were in the military because of this; we have the most lethal military known to mankind. On one hand we fight a war as viciously as possible, making our enemy think twice about attacking us once more. On the other hand, we are able to be human beings and help others out in need. We fight a way every Saturday from August to December, just to finish the war in January. The character of a Unit is immortalized with how they end a campaign. Tonight, we choose how we will be immortalized. 

Tomorrow, this team will run into the Horseshoe a motivation we have never seen. This motivation comes from the recognition of how close to the finish line we are, how close we are to finishing what we started. The week after this is TTUN in our stadium. The only way to finish to STRONG!

O-H!!!!!!!!!!

College Football Playoff

As an avid Buckeyes Fan, I feel as though our backs are always against the wall. No matter what we do, our schedule is never tough enough and even when it is the teams we beat (if we do), those teams are having a bad game and does not mean the other conference is weak. The old BCS system was a computer program created to put the best teams at the front of the line, competing for a National Championship. The BCS put two teams in the National Championship every year, no more and no less. However, with the creation of the College Football Playoff system, 13 experts are thrown into a room and told to create a list of the best teams in college football. Some would say this is awesome, some would say this is a joke. I, for one, think there are many cons. First and foremost, the replacement of computer programs to human beings is a bad idea. 13 people deciding on what teams deserve to be where is subject to bias. There is no way for bias not to enter the equation. This past Saturday, Ohio State beat Minnesota in 20 degree weather, with snow falling. Alabama and Mississippi State played in 60 degree weather, with nothing but sunshine above. Will this be taken into account once the committee releases their top 4? Should it be? Are the conditions, with which a team has to play in really that important? I would contend that they most certainly do. For any team to travel into a different climate, that is drastically, the results could reflect a totally different outcome. Could any team outside of the Big Ten play and dominate in the weather Ohio State just played in? This is where bias comes in, in regard to what different members of the committee understand and know from experience.

Even if Ohio State’s wins at Penn State and Minnesota are not impressive, but still result in a W, the environment is the reasoning. I just watched an ESPN clip, where the hosts were discussing the #4 spot in the playoff rankings that were being released. Once analysts said they feel Ohio State should be #4, but that they won’t get it because of their resume. The other analysts said they wouldn’t have even mentioned them at all, that the loser of Mississippi and Alabama deserves to be in that spot. Ohio State is overlooked because the argument is never had on national television. While the committee members have to make a choice, if any portion of that choice is based upon television super powers, which choice has to take into account the growth of a team, not the blemishes of that team. To say the Buckeyes are not worthy of the 4^th spot because of Virginia Tech, is to say that a late season loss is college football suicide. In the interest of fairness, is this not the case? At this point in the season, conference championships are what matters.

Why should a conference champion be substituted for a one loss (at the moment) SEC team? This in my opinion is the exact reason for why the Playoff Committee is useless. If the BCS system were expanded to include 4 teams the rankings would be based solely upon computer programing taking into account key aspects of a game. Secondly, a 4 team playoff is far too short for anything meaningful to happen. This playoff formula needs to include 6 teams, which would include the Conference Champions, then two other wild cards that could come from any conference. I believe Ohio State will end up in the 4 team playoff because of this, by the time Ohio State gets to the Conference Championship, Wisconsin should be in the top ten, which if Ohio State wins the Championship, that win will be more impressive than anything TCU and Baylor has, considering the entire country knows how dominate the running game of Melvin Gordon is, especially posting 400+ on Nebraska. If Ohio State stops him, and wins the Championship, we are in. Is there any other team that can boast that dominant of a running game?

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The Big Ten Will Be Back

Perception is only half the equation, in becoming a dominate conference. The other half is winning all of your games. The Big Ten, the way I see it could be one of the most dominate conferences in college football. Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes will bring great pride to Columbus and the Big Ten through scheduling, winning, and coaching styles. This is proven through press conferences with the players and coaches. Coaches and players constantly reiterate that they are never satisfied with their performances because they realize the only celebration that matters is at the end of the year: The Big Ten Championship and National Championship. The games leading up to those though, are stepping stones used to keep this team on their toes. Consider this, Braxton is injured less then two weeks before the season starts. The national perception is that Ohio State is nothing without him, and that their inevitable failure is imminent. Fast forward to the Virginia Tech game, where nothing seemed to go right on either side of the ball. We lose, then start on a rampage of winning games in a convincing manner. We are a hungry team, that is not satisfied with simple appetizers, but instead an entire 4 course meal. 

Ohio State will always be considered the most consistent team in the Big Ten. The problem, however, is that Big Ten teams have problems winning games against perceived big time opponents. For example, Week 2 of this years season was brutal. Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin all dropped their games against Oregon, LSU, and Virginia Tech. The problem as I stated before, is the perception of these games no matter the score. The perception of the Big Ten is that the conference is overall weak, therefore; even if these games were won the consensus would have been that these teams had a bad night, and the score was not a rational reason for the turnout. In other words, the Big Ten is still weak even though they beat good teams in great conferences. The only way to contradict the perception of the Big Ten is to win and constantly at that. 

This Buckeyes team is poised for greatness, that can only be described as relentless. Rising into the Final Four is nothing more than Ohio State being Ohio State. What do I mean by this? The rotation of players into the program, than to graduation is starting to show the end of the Tressel era, and transition into the Urban Era. Since Urban has taken the helm, the Buckeyes have sustained top 5 recruiting classes and Freshman are no strangers to the battle field. This team is young and poised. There is no question, this team will not be satisfied until there are many trophies at the Woody Hayes Facility. As Buckeye Fans, we cannot rely on other teams to hold up their end of the bargain, but we can expect this team to hold there's up, which they have done. 

I listen to radio shows, ESPN (for about 5 minutes), and other sports outlets to gain a feel for where all the attention is. I hear the discussion of whether SEC, Big 12, and PAC 12 teams should have to play in the colder north. The problem is that, until more Big Ten teams dominate their games, there is no reason for these conferences to prove themselves. They may be weak, but there is no way to prove so. In 2016 and 2017, Ohio State plays Oklahoma; in 2018 and 2019 Ohio State plays TCU; in 2020 and 2021 Ohio State plays Texas, and in 2022 and 2023, Ohio State plays Notre Dame. These up and coming series will help the Buckeyes tremendously, but the Big Ten has to do so as well. Having one strong team will do nothing but harm the conference. It has got to be a collective effort. Remember Buckeye Nation we have the super power of ESPN against us.

My final argument and remedy for perception is coaching staffs. Ohio State, as I stated in an earlier blog, took a huge step and slapped the Big Ten in the face by hiring Urban Meyer. I have not been to the facilities, only to the Horseshoe for games, but Ohio State has invested in its brand. Michigan has no choice but to open their bank accounts to a top notch coach. This coach will be on a time table much like Urbans was at Ohio State. Universities and coaches have to coach to win, and cut weak coaches. There is no other way to say it. Illinois gave Tim Beckman his two weeks notice, Michigan's weakest link is Brady Hoke. I understand the friendship is important, but winning is a job, not a hobby. We must act as such. 

The Future of The Big Ten is Urban Meyer

The hiring of Urban Meyer at Ohio State put the Big Ten on notice: improve or be left behind. Meyers reputation for winning has put him in charge of one of the most prestigious college football programs in the Nation, combining two powerful brands in one, Ohio State and Urban Meyer. Ohio State has been the standard barrier for the Big Ten during the Cooper years, through Tressels tenure, and now through Meyers. Given Meyer's reputation for consistent championships, the rest of the Big Ten will have to adjust quickly or become a second tier team in up and coming conference.

Wisconsin, Penn State, Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan State will have to step up there schedules and games. Recently, Wisconsin played and lost to LSU; Penn State just hired a new coach; Nebraska has to step up their scheduling; Michigan has to hit a grand slam for their next coach; Michigan State has to win their Out of Conference games. Wisconsin would be higher if they beat LSU; Penn State is rebuilding itself; Nebraska has to strengthen their schedule; Michigan will be rebuilding, but quickly; Michigan State has to win huge in out of conference games. Ohio State is the only team that has been a consistently bowl game contender in the Big Ten. As a Buckeyes fan, I have no problem with Ohio State being the top/only contender, but in relation to the strength of an overall conference, the Big Ten is severely lacking. The Big Ten is in need of contenders, not teams because we have the teams, the teams I stated above.

This is where the Urban effect comes into play. His recruiting, coaching style, and personality has and will bring Ohio State many glories before he is done, which is a great problem to have. The problem is with the rest of the conference. For example, the SEC is the current conference receiving all the media love, with multiple teams being place in the top 25. The SEC's out of conference games are often blow out victories. The entire SEC conference is thought to be loaded with great teams, therefore; victories and loses are hailed as great victories that teams outside the conference could not withstand. It takes years to build a reputation, and only a few seasons to tare it all down. It is easy to say SEC teams should play teams in the north, where weather plays a huge factor, but until the perception of the Big Ten extends further than Ohio State, there is no need for the SEC to feel obligated to prove themselves against another conference. Ohio State cannot hold the conference up by itself and if it has to do so, we will be no better than the ACC, which has the representation of Florida State.

The Big Ten does not want to be known as the Ohio State conference, but instead The Toughest Conference in the North. My dream would be for the Big Ten to draw the same, if not more attention than the SEC, hire coaches that could draw students from the south and all corners of the country, and beat big teams from other conferences. Ohio State has already started down the road of success given Urban Meyers current record over 3 years. If I had to predict, Penn State will be ranked within three years, considering Franklin can build a program based upon his experience and be successful. Wisconsin will be dominant in the West and during their non-conference games within two seasons, considering Andersen can build depth within the program. Michigan has to hit a grand slam with their next coaching hire, which will get Michigan back into contention within two years. Michigan State has to win their big non-conference games from here on out. I think it goes without saying, until this happens, Ohio State will have to hope Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, and Notre Dame stay in the top ten during the next ten years and go undefeated for a secure spot in the College Playoffs.