Buckeye fans have been treated to an emotional roller coaster since that fateful day that Tatgate broke. By treated I mean kicked, knocked down, kicked again and then given a swirly.
Tress was gone, Fickell was tossed into an impossible situation, recruiting was in the toilet, Meyer came along, the class improved, the intensity improved and many of us spent time in The Horseshoe on a horribly crappy day to watch the new edition of the Buckeyes for the first time. Many fans are now expecting that the roller coaster is peaking and this will be an outstanding season. Many are predicting a chance to play a spoiler role. Even more feel that 10 wins + is a reasonable assumption.
Will there be disappointment? It’s possible, and this is why.
1. New system
Braxton fits the prototype for a QB in a Meyer-type system and Meyer himself has praised him to no end. He will, however, still have to learn said system. Going from what was barely even a system at all under Bollman to a complex situation will take a mental adjustment. It is entirely possible that this year will have a steep learning curve associated with it. Fortunately, this is the best year to do that with no post-season.
2. Stupidity running rampant
This wasn’t the best off-season for Buckeye football players who like to make dumb choices. Meyer responded well in cracking down rather hard, but hopefully that lack of discipline is under control. Now, I know, most of the incidents were relatively minor and nowhere near the level of what has happened at other schools, but it’s still an expression of questionable judgment. If there is a team that is being looked at under a microscope, it’s OSU Football. If these off-field incidents turn into on-field distractions, there could be a huge issue with morale.
3. Motivation
The opportunity to play spoiler should be enough. The Buckeyes can play loose and literally ruin other peoples’ seasons. That’s a pretty fun role to play. If you aren’t playing to improve your own position, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Will the team see things that way as the year plays out? They can still end the season ranked highly in the AP, possibly even #1 if they can pull off an undefeated year, but as the year drags on and they hear about every team but themselves, it could have a negative consequence. As they realize the season is over the Saturday after Thanksgiving and other teams are “playing for something” can they keep their intensity?
I can be counted among the group of people who feel the Buckeyes will be just fine. I even have the vibe that this could be a special season that Buckeye fans will always remember. Trying to temper that, however, might not be a bad idea.
