Can someone explain to me how Meyer's hiring makes The Game competitive? I mean....if Braxton had connected with Posey then we would be talking about 9 straight and a stud QB going into his sophomore year. Charlie Weis had a good first year at ND with a good QB as well.
Because the default is a competitive Game. Tressel won 5 of 6 before RichRod came in, but only 2 of those games were decided by as much as a touchdown -- including the Michigan win. The theory that it will be more competitive is based on the belief that it was about to become uncompetitive the other way. Michigan has a Top 5 recruiting class (#1 Scout; #2 Rivals), the best defensive coordinator it's had in over a decade, and OSU is likely facing NCAA sanctions that could include at least a one-year bowl ban.
Yes, if Miller had connected with Posey (who is graduating, btw) OSU would have taken the lead (not convinced they'd have held on) But there are several other plays you can point to --including the questionable TV overturn followed by a hold and a PF I still haven't seen a replay of, as well as the whiffed punt snap-- that would have made the game a 4th quarter yawner. There are plays like this in almost every game. There were probably five plays like this in the 2005 and 2006 games that went against us, and we lost.
Miller could be good, but I don't think he'll be Troy Smith or Pryor. More importantly, Mattison is not Ron English, Scott Shafer, Greg Robinson, or RichRod. Most of the defense is returning, and he has a stack of 4-star recruits coming in.
Meyer is obviously a great coach. But I question whether he can put it on cruise control and run a dominant program (see 2010 Florida). And if he gets back into it 100%, how long will he last this time? In any event, he's starting off behind the 8-ball with current talent, incoming class, and likely sanctions. I predict we'll win 3 of the next 4, stealing one in Ohio and holding serve at home.