Okay, we’re exactly one week away from the start of Ohio State football, 2019 version. Yes there are a lot of so-called unknowns and transition type things occurring, and that has a lot of people down on the Buckeyes (and high on Michigan) somewhat.
You know all the factors. Urban Meyer is off getting his hand involved in countless endeavors after retiring as head coach last season. That means a new guy is wearing the headset, Ryan Day. With it, for better or worse, there have been wholesale changes on the coaching staff. Additionally, Dwayne Haskins unexpectedly put up video game numbers in his one-year under center and is off to the NFL, so in comes a new starter at quarterback.
Many feel, that’s simply too much to overcome when it comes Ohio State winning its third-straight Big Ten championship.
But, there’s also a lot to like about this team. As such, here’s five reasons the Buckeyes will win another conference title in 2019.
Next … a bounce-back D
The defense
Last year was a hot mess on defense. There were far too many big plays, too many points given up, and too many schematic issues. Reflecting back, it’s amazing Ohio State only had one loss and ended up in the Rose Bowl (thank your lucky Buckeye stars for a record-breaking offense).
But this year will be different. The secondary has veteran and explosive playmakers that’ll lock things down better through the air, and all indications point to a more aggressive downhill scheme and style of play with the linebackers and secondary support that should limit the gash plays on the ground.
Oh, and that defensive line is going to be a monster yet again. Defense travels, and Ohio State will need it in road trips to Lincoln and Ann Arbor.
Next … the brain trust
The coaching staff
I know, I know, but there are wholesale changes. Yes, there certainly are, and while that usually spells doom and gloom when you transition from an Urban Meyer to Ryan Day staff, that won’t be the case here. What’s not been talked about enough is the ability for Day to recruit some of the best football minds in the country to fill out his new staff.
Sure, there will be some speed bumps, but you have some offensive savants calling plays on offense, and well-respected guys engineering the defense. What’s more, Day doesn’t seem to be afraid of listening to those around him. Collaboration and talent usually equals success.
Next … playmakers on offense
The skill positions
Ohio State lost three leaders from the wide-receiving group, and that has to take at least a bit of a toll. However, that room is still a talented and deep one. Binjimen Victor, a healthy Austin Mack, Chris Olave, K.J. Hill, and a electrifying freshman in Garrett Wilson figure to give Justin Fields plenty of game-breakers to spread the ball around.
And then there’s the running back position. Flying a bit under the radar this year because of split-duties with Mike Weber last year is J.K. Dobbins. Madison, Wisconsin might be the only location with a better option in the backfield, and the junior at Ohio State is ready to be tote the mail like a veteran USPS worker. It should be a more balanced offense than last year, and that’s always a good thing when asking opponents to formulate a game plan.
Next … the guy pulling the trigger
Justin Fields
The prevailing thought when Dwayne Haskins declared for the 2019 NFL Draft is that Ohio State would take a bit of a slide. How can you not when a Heisman finalist takes his talents to the National Mall.
But … the guy supplanting Haskins has a higher ceiling than almost every other quarterback in the country. He may not have ever cracked the starting lineup at Georgia, but don’t forget that there was already a solidified starter there with Jake Fromm (State Farm). The fact that the coaching staff still felt the need to get Fields in on some packages last season in Athens speaks volumes for his talent.
It’ll take him a bit to get more and more comfortable in this offense, but the kid can sling it and burn people with his feet. He’s fast, physical and as dynamic of a player that you’ll see at the quarterback spot. And everyone is sleeping on him. He’s going to break out this year and be a handful.
Next … my guy can beat up your guy
Talent trumps all
Say what you will about X’s and O’s, experience, schedule, and anything else to analyze this season — then throw it all in the garbage with last weeks’ leftover meatloaf.
When you boil it all down, what team in the Big Ten has more talent than anyone else? No, despite popular opinion elsewhere, it’s not Michigan. Sure, the Wolverines have decent talent, but the Buckeyes have hauled in NFL talent for years now and the cupboard is stocked full of meaty groceries to cook any meal you want.
When game plans are stuck in the mud, when adversity strike and you just need guys to go out in the parking lot and make plays, Ohio State wins that contest over any other team in the conference, and is on par with the likes of Clemson and Alabama.
Prepare and develop, but when all else fails, it might boil down to one guy beating the other in front of him at eleven positions on the field. I like OSU’s chances there.
