Ohio State fans, if you’re still reeling from the Buckeyes’ narrow 32-31 loss to Oregon, rest assured, the season is far from over. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff are setting the tone this week as Ohio State prepares for a Big Ten clash with Nebraska at the Shoe on Saturday. The Buckeyes’ goals remain clear: beat Michigan, win the Big Ten title, and make a national championship run.
Urban Meyer, who has seen this team develop over the years, continues to believe that Ohio State has the best roster in college football. “They were just one yard short against Oregon,” Meyer said. “It’s not time to panic; it’s time to get better.” Meyer noted that Ohio State’s defense needs to tighten up, especially in the pass rush, where issues were exposed by Oregon. He emphasized that while the Buckeyes need to close spacing on the defensive line and rotate more at defensive end, these are all fixable issues. His confidence in the Buckeyes’ potential hasn’t wavered.
Ohio State’s schedule so far includes dominant home wins over Akron, Western Michigan, Marshall, and Iowa, with a combined score of 192-27. Meyer believes that Ohio State still ranks among the elite in college football alongside Georgia and Oregon, thanks to their depth, talent, and well-utilized transfer portal. “Right now, it’s Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State. I just don’t see weaknesses,” he stated. Fellow Big Noon Kickoff analyst Brady Quinn agrees, placing Ohio State and Georgia at the top of his list. “They’re the two best teams. I think they could meet Oregon again in Indianapolis and win,” he said.
Meyer, back in Columbus with the Big Noon Kickoff crew, is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2014 national championship team. Reflecting on that memorable season, he marveled at how Ohio State achieved it all with third-string quarterback Cardale Jones after injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett. “It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years. That was probably the most improbable title, and I don’t think you’ll ever see that again,” he said.
This week’s Nebraska Game Trailer for Ohio State fans taps into these memories, underscoring the Buckeyes’ resilience and reminding them that setbacks can be powerful motivators. With over 40 members of the 2014 team returning for Saturday’s game, the Buckeyes have a lot to celebrate—and to prove—on their road back to the top.
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