Rumors Have It

The Ohio State Buckeyes once again lost a close one at home to the Penn State Nittany Lions today.  It was a good game to watch as both teams actually had some offense to go with their stubborn defenses.  However, the talk in Buckeye nation is not so much about this year's team as it is about Urban Meyer becomming the next Ohio State football coach.  Rumors starting flying earlier in the week when word leaked out that there had been some discussions. 

Both Meyer and Gene Smith, Athletic Director of Ohio State, deny that there have been any talks or job offered.  On both counts, both Meyer and Smith did not emphatically deny anything.  Generally, when you hear this type of narrative between two parties, expecially coaches and universities, experience tells us that a deal is coming.  There is still one more game to play on this year's schedule plus the potential for a lesser bowl for the Buckeyes.  Of course that game is "The Game" next Saturday against the Wolverines of Michigan. 

Everyone in Columbus knew the opportunity was there for Meyer to take the Buckeye job when he relocated to the greater Columbus area over a year ago.  Although an Ohio native, by all accounts, it seems strange that he move would into an area of Ohio without potential interest in taking the job. 

Some Buckeye fans may be relunctant to see Meyer hired for the prestigious position as he was the Florida coach who defeated the Troy Smith-led Buckeyes in their second championship game in the early 2000's.  Others are chomping at the bit thinking that an Urban Meyer-led Buckeye team would light it up for a change with a whole brand new way of playing football in Columbus. 

Urban Meyer would make them forget about Woody Hayes and his three yards and a cloud of dust.  Urban Meyer would make them forget about Jim Tressel and his defensive, field position style of play.   Meyer would actually have the team go offensive in a big way which most Buckeye fans would love to see. 

The timing is right.  Only a week left and "The Game".  They could have him signed, sealed and delivered in plenty of time to be able to hit the ground running with recruitment.  Eager Ohio State fans can only think of what he might be able to land out of the State of Florida where speed is king. 

Others are concerned that Urban Meyer will refuse the position because the Buckeyes are going to be sanctioned in some fashion or another by the NCAA for the infractions of this year.  The self-imposed penalties may be added to including non-appearance in a bowl game for 2012.  That actually might work to Meyer's advantage being able to build, shape and mold a team in his own fashion not having to worry about being competitive right away for a national title shot. 

My guess is that Ohio State will bid farewell to Luke Fickel and welcome in Urban Meyer as early as a week from Sunday, the day after the Buckeyes beat Michigan.  It's a shame for Fickel as he has done a credible job in a very difficult situation.  However, the Buckeyes expect to win the Big Ten every year; compete for the national title every year.  They know with Urban Meyer, they have a far better shot at doing both.