Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes have returned to Columbus with the coveted College Football Playoff national title trophy in hand, a moment that every fan dreams of. Yet, as jubilant as this victory is, the shadow of an earlier upset looms large—a home loss to their arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, on November 30. This defeat will undoubtedly be a talking point for fans and analysts alike, sparking debates about its impact on the season’s legacy.
The Urban Meyer Perspective
During a recent episode of “The Triple Option,” former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer addressed this very topic. Host Rob Stone posed a question that many have been pondering: will the loss to Michigan remain an “asterisk” next to their national championship win? Meyer’s response was clear and emphatic.
“No,” he stated. “It’ll be discussed with some of the die-hards, but no. It will go down. I would always tell our staff, ‘How do you evaluate recruiting?’ No. 1 is wins. No. 2 is NFL draft picks. I mean, that’s the business we’re in. … The NFL evaluates your players for you.”
Meyer’s insights reflect a broader understanding of college football’s competitive nature. The focus on wins and the subsequent player development is what drives programs forward, and in this case, the Buckeyes have certainly delivered.
Talent That Stands Out
Meyer highlighted the impressive roster that Ryan Day has assembled, showcasing a mix of young talent and seasoned players. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, along with standout safety Caleb Downs, have all played pivotal roles in the Buckeyes’ success this season.
“This will go down, in my mind, as one of the great teams in the last 20 years of college football,” Meyer declared, underlining the significance of this year’s squad in the annals of the sport.
The Debate on Legacy
However, the conversation took an interesting turn when Mark Ingram, a former Alabama running back and co-host on the show, challenged Meyer’s assertion. He pointed out that the rivalry loss would hinder Ryan Day and the current team’s claim to being the best in Ohio State’s storied history.
Ingram reminded Meyer of the 2015 championship-winning team, which featured stars like quarterback Cardale Jones, tailback Ezekiel Elliott, and wide receiver Devin Smith. “They won’t be able to be up for debate because they didn’t win Michigan, they didn’t win the Big 10 title,” he argued. “Because what did you do? You beat Michigan, you won the Big 10 title, you won a national championship. So when you have that kind of, like, pettiness amongst the competitive nature of the faithful — of the championship teams — that’s what’s gonna hold them back in those conversations.”
This perspective raises an essential question: how do we measure greatness in college football? Is it solely about the trophies, or do rivalries and conference titles weigh just as heavily in the legacy of a program?
Historic Run and Resilience
Despite the rivalry loss, the journey that Ohio State embarked upon this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Buckeyes demonstrated remarkable resilience, winning four consecutive do-or-die matchups against formidable opponents. This historic run is a testament to the team’s character and determination.
Interestingly, one could argue that the loss to Michigan served as a catalyst for their success. It forced the Buckeyes to confront their weaknesses and rally around a common goal. Without that setback, it’s conceivable that Ohio State might not have achieved the ultimate victory in the national championship.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this season, fans are left to ponder what the future holds for Ohio State football. With a talented roster and a proven coaching staff, the potential for continued success is palpable. However, the specter of the Michigan loss will undoubtedly linger, serving as a reminder that in college football, every game counts, and rivalries can define a season.
In the end, while the national championship trophy shines brightly in Columbus, the discussions surrounding the Michigan loss will continue to fuel debates among fans and analysts alike. Will this team be remembered as one of the greatest in Ohio State history? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the passion for college football remains as fierce as ever, and the Buckeyes have certainly made their mark this season.
