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| sportsillustrated.cnn.com |
Given his reputation and track record of putting together great college football teams, Ohio State fans everywhere captured a first-hand glance of what to expect from Urban Meyer’s Ohio State Buckeyes. Signing 25 players this college signing day with a significant emphasis on defense, Meyer’s game plan and emphasis will continue the great tradition of outstanding Buckeye team defense. Choosing three top-notch defensive lineman and five linebackers, it appears that the emphasis for the Buckeyes will continue to be on stopping the other team.
No matter what recruiting concern you follow, all agree that Meyer delivered in his first efforts at Ohio State. Some have the class as high as third in the nation and all have the class in the top ten. Meyer did not win a whole lot of friends among Big Ten coaches as he convinced several notable recruits to de-commit from their intended school and commit to Ohio State. Both Michigan State and Penn State saw losses of a recruit to Meyer and the Buckeyes. Meyer also shored up the offense with a number of offensive linemen.
In addition to strengthening the offensive line, Meyer recruited two wide receivers and several other skill positions including a running back and quarterback. A number of the recruits are already enrolled at Ohio State and will be eligible to participate in spring practice. Losing three scholarships for this year’s recruiting class apparently did not hurt the Buckeye’s overall rating. Two more years of fewer scholarships will take their toll on the program but arguably the greatest detriment of the NCAA violations will be the loss of post season practice in anticipation of a bowl game.
The Buckeyes are not eligible to play in the post season in 2012 and missing those extra six to eight weeks of practice, game preparation and the bowl game itself will ultimately hurt the team. Most Buckeye fans will also reluctantly be happy that Michigan is back in the hunt with another top ten recruiting class. Although we always want to win “The Game”, we want it to be competitive. A strong Michigan team only helps the Buckeyes.
Although football has run its course for the 2011 season, spring practice is not all that far off. It will be interesting to see how Urban Meyer’s first spring practice shapes up. All eyes will be on Braxton Miller and the passing game. Should be an interesting spring.
