Jim Tressel, the best of the best records against Michigan, was forced out because of NCAA violations which Meyer will now inherit. Then, there's the legend of Woody Hayes. Woody built the fierce rivalry with the team "up north" with his colleague and friend, Bo Schembechler. Two national championships at Florida and great performances at both Bowling Green and Utah will not account for much if he can't match-up to the likes of Hayes, Brown, Bruce and Tressel.
Soon, the other shoe will drop on Ohio State Football when the NCAA announces either acceptance of the self-imposed penalties for violations committed at Ohio State or adds to them. Most believe there will at least be some additional sanctions placed on the Buckeyes, perhaps losing additional scholarships and even a bowl game for the 2012 season. It is believed that the announcement will come as early as December.
In some ways this might be a break for Meyer. Expectations will not be as high immediately given the sanctions. He still will have to beat Michigan and beat them right away. Losing the game this year was not only expected but not nearly the disappointment given all the talk of Meyer taking the Ohio State job. Now that he has taken the job, beating Michigan will be an immediate expectation. He will be given a year, perhaps two, before the expectation is winning the Big Ten Championship and the National Championship. No matter what, beating Michigan outweights everything else he might want to accomplish. Fortunately for Meyer, the cupboard is not bare. He has a quarterback that he can live with in Braxton Miller. In fact, most Buckeyes are excited about Miller's future with Meyer in place. Running a spread offense will fit nicely with Miller's skills and there is no question that Meyer will recruit the right quarterback coach to develop Miller's passing ability. Recruiting will be priority one for Urban Meyer as he will do his best to erect a fence around the State of Ohio keeping every top prospect in state and in Scarlet and Gray.
Most Buckeye faithful are hopeful too that his recruiting reach from his days as Coach of the Florida Gators will influence many of Florida's top prospects to brave the colder temperatures and choose Ohio State over Florida, Florida State and many of the other top-notch southern schools. Meyer clearly understands what it means to be the Head Coach at The Ohio State University. On paper, it's the perfect fit. According to Meyer, it's his dream job. Most Buckeye fans suffered all season with a bad case of indigestion thanks to the loss of Jim Tressel. Those same fans feel today that Urban Meyer is just what the doctor ordered.
