Commentary

Impact of Meyer on Ohio State

An in-depth look at how the Buckeyes' personnel will fit their new coach's scheme

Originally Published: November 28, 2011

By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

There are many reasons why almost everybody seems to agree that Urban Meyer is the right hire for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After all, no coach in the country has better credentials. Meyer, only 47 years old, has won two national championships, produced a Heisman Trophy winner in Tim Tebow and had 26 of his players drafted during his six seasons at Florida, including a nation's best nine in 2007 and 2009.

Meyer also understands the culture at Ohio State, having been born in the state of Ohio and served as a Buckeyes assistant under Earle Bruce.

However, there are two main reasons that stand out to me when I think about Meyer's chances to be successful at OSU: his offensive scheme and his ability to teach. Having spent time with Meyer this fall shooting film-room features for "College GameDay," I can say he is certainly one of the brightest football minds in the country, and he is as passionate and creative as any coach I've spent time with.

Meyer's ability to teach is what separates him from the rest of college football's mad scientists. Meyer excels at explaining each move on the chess board and why it's important -- both in the micro and the macro. Head coaches at powerhouse football programs like Florida and Ohio State can't spend all their time breaking down game tape. Meyer's ability to communicate his offensive scheme -- as well as his tactical approach on defense and special teams -- is one of his greatest strengths.

So what does this mean for Ohio State in the next few years? As is the case with any regime change, Ohio State will likely hit some bumps in the road during Year 1 of the Meyer regime. However, based on Meyer's track record as a coach and recruiter, I think the Buckeyes have enough current and incoming talent to legitimately challenge for the Big Ten title in 2012 -- and it won't shock me if Meyer has the Buckeyes in the national title hunt as early as Year 2.

Here's why I think he'll be able to do it, with an in-depth look at how Meyer's scheme and approach will fit with the personnel currently on the Buckeyes' roster.

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