It’s the bar now. Ohio State may have only won just a single national title under Urban Meyer’s seven-year reign, and before that, just one under Jim Tressel, but seasons are now measured by contending for a national title.
The Buckeyes have come achingly close to winning multiple national championships, but breaks, circumstances, Clemson, and yes — Alabama have often gotten in the way. Still, there are just a handful of teams that can legitimately claim that they are in the picture every single year. It’s Alabama (duh), Clemson, Ohio State, and maybe Oklahoma. Outside of that, it’s a revolving door of expectations.
In fact, OSU could have, maybe should have, won titles in 2012, 2015, and 2019, but fell just short. Whether it sanctions (2012), weather and game plan (2015), or controversial calls (2019), there have been a myriad of reasons why the team couldn’t seal the deal.
This season seems to be setting up much the same, even with some key pieces needing to be addressed like quarterback and several spots on the defense.
So what does Ohio State need to go its way in order to lay claim to its ninth national title in program history? We give you five things that have to be colored with a scarlet and gray hue to get it done as we sit here just about six weeks out from the start of the 2021 season.