The Beginning of the End for the SEC

Brady Hoke has been officially fired at Michigan. I think we can all agree this a little later then what we, Big Ten fans wanted. The beginning of this title, The Beginning of The End for the SEC is reflective of this decision. Michigan and Ohio State built the Big Ten and made all the other conferences nullen void. During Lloyd Carrs time and before that, Michigan was in it's prime. Ohio State fired John Cooper, and hired Jim Tressel, the answer to our losing to Michigan ways. Fast forward ten years, and now we have Urban Meyer, the king of overcoming adversity, and the next coach of Michigan, which will become the king of bringing Michigan back.

It is fitting though, that this year, prior to all the talk about how dominant the SEC is that the most dominant skill positions are not in the SEC. So how are they dominant? The running back is dominated by the Big Ten, the quarterback is dominated by the Big Ten and PAC 12, and the only reason why a receiver is put into the Heisman talk is because people feel the need to put Alabama in every discussion they have pertaining to an award. Otherwise, the majority of the conferences are doing things the SEC is not.  The most wins the SEC will have is the same if Ohio State wins the Big Ten and Oregon wins the PAC 12. How fitting. The ACC is relevant because of Florida State and its lack of ACC strength, but still undefeated season. As much as I would love to see Florida State finally fall at the Championship game, I am more interested in Missouri upsetting Alabama, and Ohio State beating Wisconsin.

The Big Ten Championship, granted Ohio State wins, will decide the #4 spot in the playoffs. However, with more attention of Michigan, it is imperative that the hire is made immediately, after all the entire off season has begun. While Ohio State and remaining Big Ten teams are practicing for Bowl games, Michigan could be turning their program around. First and foremost, the hiring of a new coach and coaching staff, which could hit the road recruiting now. I would say, depending on the coach, give Michigan two seasons before they are ranked and relevant. Secondly, hire an AD that understands the rivalry and Big Ten. The Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry used to decide the National Championship. Since Hoke took over, it has been second two anything the SEC has. No More! I forsee a rivalry game starting at 330 or maybe even 8 pm. I know that it is tradition for the game to be at noon, but times are changing, and everybody watches football at night, but works during the day.
There are traditions to keep alive, and some that change. It does not matter what time the game starts, what matters is the two teams. With a New Michigan and Ohio State, Auburn and Alabama and whomever else in college football will become second best.

It may be wrong to revel in the misery of another, but in the interest of a dying super power, we have no other option. Why feel bad for Hoke, when the next coach could take the program in the opposite direction and quickly? I am sure he will find another job, I just don't care where.

Here is some food for thought. For years, Ohio State fans have been wondering about the stability of our linebacker core. A complete overhaul of our defense may not be done. What if . . . . . .  the new head coach at Michigan fires most of his coaches or the other coaches put their faces on the block for going else where? What if . . . . Luke Fickell takes a head coaching job at a MAC team or elsewhere? What if . . . . . . Greg Mattison sees Luke leave and calls Urban for that spot? I'm not saying this will happen, but much weirder things have happened. Think about, how many coaches from Tressel are left over? Not many. The only player left from Tressel is Taylor Decker, otherwise this team is 99% his recruits.

Is there too much wishful thinking, to think that the all mighty SEC may be on its way down? It is too far fetched to believe, that the Big Ten is inching towards the powerhouse it once was? We all believed that Ohio State was done after Braxton Miller, but JT Barrett took college football by storm. JT Barrett goes down, and now we have a third string quarterback starting in the Big Ten Championship and beyond. I do not think these ideas are too far fetched, as much as I believe that Ohio State will still win the Championship, Semi Final, and Final. One thing that I will always do is keep the faith in this team.

O - H!!!!