There was a good article in the Dispatch today talking about expectations. Behind closed doors, Tressel came in with the mindset that it would take 18 months to get the program where he wanted...recruits, staff, system, mindset, etc. Of course, we know what happened in 2002. Oller (? I forget who wrote it) says that Urban has the opportunity to be more urgent than 18 months. Granted, that's kind of dumb considering we have no postseason this year.
Still, an interesting question. Urban wasn't brought in to take his time and start having OSU dominate in the 6th and 7th year of his contract. Given his short stays at all his previous schools, what are your expectations for competing for a national title? At what point do you start second-guessing the hire if OSU isn't finishing in that top 4 or 5 range and playing for a title?
I know a common answer is probably year 3...Braxton will be a senior, two years of bowl eligiblity, 3+ recruiting classes by Meyer, etc. In all honesty, I actually say year 4. If by the end of year 4 we haven't played for a national title, then I think the fans start to get a little anxious. You're talking about a top 3 program the last decade with a top 2 coach from the last decade. I say year 4 (and not 3) because of a few things. The guys on the team, especially on offense, may simply not work for Meyer's system. He has practically begged for more playmakers, especially at wideout. It may take a couple years to get the guys he wants. Secondly, OSU as a program (and Urban in the big 10) hasn't gone through the big ten title game yet. Imagine ending the seasons playing Michigan/Michigan or Michigan/Nebraska to win the big 10 title. And for a national title chance...both of those have to be W's. Throw into the equation the uncertainty after 2013 and the whole playoff system...you could be looking at Michigan/Nebraska/Oklahoma/Alabama 4 games in a row (with however long the breaks are going to be) to win a national championship. It's going to be a whole new mindset and everything. I know we all like that Michigan game late in November, but it's going to be extremely tough especially if we have to play them the following week. If it was Rich Rod and Michigan, then ehh not that big of a deal.
