Drowning in the hot takes regarding this past weekend's most pivotal college football tilt, however, I felt summoned to return to the keyboard to examine a narrative getting overshadowed by Baker Mayfield's apology for his attempt to replicate Ohio's own Neil Armstrong by planting an Oklahoma flag in Ohio Stadium's AstroTurf. To be completely honest, I wish the new Heisman front runner would've channeled his state's history and school's mascot and "planted" the flag sooner. Like before the game to call his shot sooner. He could've even avoided any criticism by citing he was inspired by Ohio State infamously tearing down Michigan's banner in the 1970s (Baker, if you're reading this, hit me up. I've got some more ideas for your brand and Heisman campaign).
Nevertheless, that aforementioned narrative is the fact Urban Meyer has been outcoached in five straight games. Thanks to sheer talent advantages across the board and a couple controversial inches if you ask Jim Harbaugh, Ohio State has managed a 3-2 record in those contest. For most programs, that wouldn't be too damning. THE Ohio State University football fans will be the first to tell you the Buckeyes are no ordinary program, though.
Let's look at those five games. Lackluster offense and a narrow win over a 3-9 Michigan State team was brushed aside because of the budding rivalry in recent years. A victory over Michigan will never draw widespread questioning, even though the offense failed to move the ball for much of the game. The goose egg against Clemson was such a resounding third strike nearly the entire coaching staff on that side of the ball was let go. To kick off this season, Ohio State looked stagnant for 30 minutes against Indiana. They raised the bar to a whole new level this weekend when they turned Oklahoma into a suddenly stout defense for an entire game. Consider this your friendly reminder that a stout Big 12 defense is the definition of an oxymoron.
Any and all blame has now shifted squarely onto the shoulders of J.T. Barrett. Many people think Harvey Dent was foreshadowing his own destiny when he said you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain, but I'm starting to believe his prophecy was in reference to Barrett. Without his play in the 2014 campaign, the Buckeyes would have never won a national title, and Barrett will soon pass Drew Brees for most touchdowns responsible for in Big Ten history. He has overwhelmingly carved out his place in Buckeye lore. Teammates have rallied behind Barrett and praised his invaluble leadership in the face of criticism this week.
But heroic loyalty and nostalgia don't help win football games. At this point, JT Barrett is a grotesque hybrid of the Manning brothers in the 2010s. His regression on the field is as depressing and difficult to watch as Peyton's fall from grace, while his facial expressions on the sidelines of late have looked as dead and emotionless as Eli's meme generating stares. To make matters worse, Urban Meyer said he was concerned about his quarterback's confidence earlier this week.
It's statements like those why I'm most concerned about Ohio State's prognosis for 2017 and beyond. Meyer vaulted Alex Smith up draft boards to get selected first overall in the NFL Draft. Meyer's system got Tim Tebow selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (You could have probably had a compelling debate about which accomplishment was more impressive up until last week when Alex Smith torched the Patriots). It seems blasphemous to suggest, but given Meyer's offense is now the reason a mob is calling for Barrett's benching, is it possible its his scheme that has become stale and most responsible for the struggles?
The threat of a vertical passing game is nonexistent. Hell, the idea of the threat of a vertical passing game is nonexistent. The supposed power spread attack abandons the run game and its talented backs in the Buckeyes' biggest outings. Adjustments and trends by opponents have left the trademark pace of Meyer's offense in the dust. Hesitation and confusion now cloud what used to be clear and prescient reads. A quarterback counter where Barrett slogs ahead for a yard or two into the heart of the defense appears to be its staple play for some reason. There have been points in the past twelve months where I've had more confidence in the defense to get on the scoreboard. If this current progression stays par for the course, Meyer won't be able to clean house again to avoid a majority stake in the blame.
I want to affirm I'm not calling for a coach who is 62-7 to be fired. I simply find it curious Meyer is not facing more anger from Ohio State fans, many of whom are constantly chomping at the bit to share a critique whenever anything scarlet and gray shows signs of going awry. It does warrant a mention the last time Ohio State suffered multiple embarrassments in a five game stretch, the team reeled off thirteen wins in a row to win a national title. This time around, though, the Big Ten is stacked with former sleeping giants in Michigan and Penn State now wide awake and chasing playoff appearances.
Beating up on Army, UNLV, and Rutgers to close out September may be exactly what the doctor ordered, as confidence for a floundering offense and more game reps for a young defense (whose woes I didn't bother discussing) should be immensely beneficial. But right now, one of college football's best coaches seems out of pixie dust. And to stay on top of one of the sport's best divisions, he better hope to find a sprinkle or two fast.
J. Nave
