Sure, it wasn't what we had all hoped for, nor was it even kind of the final result that we thought might come. The term "shutout" carries quite the connotation, but it shouldn't be what defines the 2016 team, neither the individuals that everyone wants to give the blame. This is Ohio State football, the kingdom-come of football lore and the largest fan base in the world. We may have lost key guys to the next level, and there may be question marks across the board, but time and time again ole Coach Meyer has showed us the mastery of his ways, and I'm sure this fall he will bring us back to the top.
Take for example, the age of the team, and the consensus agreement that the offensive coaching schemes were severely behind what they were in the Tom Herman days. Two things that, while within Coach Meyer's control, were still just far enough out of reach to prevent him from righting the ship the second things began to show wear and tear. The idea of firing a coach mid-season is very controversial, and can bring up plenty of other issues and concerns (i.e. Alabama). The market last winter was very thin, and as we can see now, the wait has paid off. Behind our new offensive coordinator, ex-Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson, the offense will catch fire again, leading to high yardage potential and a plethora of points. Coach Wilson's teams at Indiana always put the Big Ten in a trance, and the opportunity for him to toy around with some of the best athletes in America with absolutely impeccable facilities will bring out the best in him, much as it did working under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma for a decade.
We knew the inexperience coming in, and while they exceeded expectations and turned heads across the country, road games and a brutal stretch down the middle of the season took the juice out of the team and threw their bodies and mental game into disarray. We have never questioned the talent of any of our recruits, but typical analysis and points usually never change. Yet, the pattern is still there, and as we have seen time and again, Coach Meyer's teams, when hungry and as the underdog, always show up for every game like there will never be another.
Coach Meyer, as well as all of Buckeye nation, knew this was a team that had the talent but not the experience. The experience next season will be of nearly no concern, and I can assure you, the best of our now seasoned veterans will come out to play. Coaching changes were evident, and now that the team and staff is set, the road back to the CFP is underway, awaiting the return of the Ohio State Buckeyes.The experience next season will be of nearly no concern, and I can assure you, the best of our now seasoned veterans will come out to play.
