I posed this question to Michigan fans yesterday, and thought I'd do the same for our own Buckeye faithful today. Clearly, we begin the season with high expectations, and many hope for at least an appearance in the Championship game. My question for the board is what would you consider the minimum standard for a successful season? A BCS appearance? A BCS win? A B1G championship? And as a follow up, how would you feel about Urban Meyer if the team did not reach those expectations?
For me, the minimum standard for a successful season would be 12-2, a B1G championship game appearance, at least one win over Michigan, and a BCS game appearance. As far as how I would feel about Urban Meyer if we didn't reach that goal it would depend on why we fell short. If we lost some games early --say @ Cal-- because our young defense wasn't ready, I don't think I'd blame Urban at all. But if the offense doesn't take off in Urban's second season, I'd be both very surprised and disappointed.
With the schedule we have, I will not consider anything short of going undefeated in the regular season and winning the B1G championship a successful season.
Depending on how the season shakes out, I may say anything less than a NC is falling short.
I think a trip to the B1G Championship game for sure. With that comes a win over the Skunk Bears in their place up north. Anything less would certainly be frustrating.
If we aren't going to be in the National Championship game I would not be happy with anything less than the Rose Bowl light this year.
I am knocking on wood while typing this.
I think a B1G championship and BCS bowl win. which is extremely possible.
The minimum for the Kool-Aid drinkers is winning a national title, beating Michigan twice and going 26-0. We're never gonna lose a game under Meyer. Its not the minimum, its the expectation in Meyer second year....
I prefer not to drink the OSU Kool-Aid but I want a win over Michigan, a berth in the Big Ten title game and a good bowl game. Anything short of the Capitol One Bowl would be viewed as not a success. 12-2 is good....
Ohio State's band SLAUGHTERED Michigan's band. If this were a football game, it would have been Florida State vs. Savannah State. - SB Nation following OSU vs. UM 2012
Minimum for me to consider it a success
1) Win over Michigan
2) 11 regular season wins
3) 1 post season win (BCS or CCG)
so 12-2 with specific wins.
I think this is a pretty reasonable expectation, actually. I think a 1-loss season will be disappointing, but not a disappointment, per se. And yes, we need to either win the conference title match or a BCS game, and ideally both.
Anything remotely close to that slate will not shake my faith in Urban Meyer; like the previous poster, however, I know folks will break out the pitchforks and torches if we don't run the table all the way through to the BCS National Championship.
The schedule sets up for an undefeated season, but it is college football and anything can happen. If we stumble, I see it happening early. I'd say winning 12 games total is a great season for a 2nd year team. Points shouldn't be a problem, but defense is definitely a question.
I'd say 12 wins, a B1G title, beating scUM, and a BCS appearance in the rose bowl would be good for me.
Just a life long Buckeye fan wanting to talk to other lifelong Buckeye fans. Our honor defend, we will fight to the end for OOO HIIII OOOOOO!
Minimum? 10-2 with a win over UoM.
Regular season, now what about CCG and bowl season?
Rose bowl or bust
I don't want to be the national title or bust guy, but when you think about it, 2013 might be OSU's easiest path to a national title in the foreseeable future. No playoff. No MSU or Nebraska. Putrid Big Ten. Michigan is in first year post-Denard (but maybe that makes them better??). PSU has issues. Weak OOC schedule. Next year, we'll likely have Braxton as a senior, but offensive line might make things interesting. I'll put faith in a young defense, a better Braxton, Meyer in year 2, a terrible schedule and figure I'll take Meyer versus anyone with a month to prepare before a big game.
I'd say undefeated in regular season and B1G championship would be the minimum...not to repeat the first response. I've already said that the NC game (if that's where OSU ends up) would be fine win or lose as long as it's a close lose or a win would be great.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Such high expectations with such a young defense? You must think we've got some kind of super genius magician as DC. ;)
No....it's Heacock being brought in that IMO makes the difference with the young ones.
Just for the record, I wasn't one of the ignorant ppl that has no clue about coaching who was calling for Fick's job last year (I just mentioned the facts, and if things didn't turn around, which they did, then he'd be in trouble. I feel the same this year, bc he's still somewhat unproven as a head DC). I've coached (with two coaches that have won 5 OHSAA state titles) and when those coaches were taken out of the equation...it hurt the entire team (hence take JT away in 2011 along with the scandal and just look at OSU's 6-7 record as well as the IU, Cal, and other games last year and please, please I beg of you to tell me I'm wrong). It's facts...you lose big DCs and HCs, then your team isn't the same. I, for one, I'm happy as a clam that Heacock
couldwill be brought back to help with the young defensive players. Urban Meyer and the staff are no dummies...they know what it will take to win. I'd say last year speaks for itself. With Urban...12-0, without him....you make the call on that. I'd hate to guess what last year would have been like without Urban Meyer as HC."There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
The bar I would like to see them reach is a BCS win of some sort. (Don't care at large, NCG or B1G Automatic).
If they don't make it into the BCS, the only way I will be appeased is with a bowl win over a hyped up SEC team. That would soothe any wounds well...
Two losses or less, B1G title, BCS bowl and/or bowl win over the SEC, win over TTUN.
"Success - it's what you do with what you got" - Woody Hayes
Minimum expectations for me = a BCS win and a win over TTUN.
The latter is non-negotiable.
I am hesitant to say a NCG win just because the majority of the front seven on defense are incredibly young/green (albeit incredibly talented).
Go Bucks!
Minimum to be somewhat satisfied: B1G Championship game appearance and at least 1 of winning said championship game and winning a BCS bowl game.
If we lose our division to Wisconsin or Purdue that would be an epic failure, obviously. And losing 3 games before the bowl game would also be pretty bad with our talent-schedule combo.
Minimum to be satisfied would be win over TTUN and BCS bowl win.
Minimum to be joyous = maximum = National title
If we're not undefeated heading into bowl season we have a bad loss. We should be favorites over every team we play. So I guess anything less than 13-1.
Nothing new here from me, as far as opinions go, but I fail to see how the Buckeyes don't run the table and make the B1G Championship game, win it, and are one of the top two teams in the country. This really isn't meant to be disrespectful, but the Bucks should be absolutely loaded this year. They've gotten a year in Urban's/Herman's system, and the word is that they are FAR ahead of last year's pace. I know the front seven will be a work in progress, but there is some significant talent that saw the field last year in part-time action, and PRODUCED. I would frankly be a little shocked if they're not 12-0 entering at the end of the regular season. The M*ch*g*n game will not be easy, but I see a win there.
At least 10 wins
BIG Championship
BCS bowl (which will happen anyway if we get the first two)
I think there should be a B1G championship at minimum with a chance for a national title, preferably over Alabama or Florida. Would be willing to settle for LSU.
Undefeated.
Beat Michigan twice.
Win NC.
MINIMUM = 12-1, beat Michigan, Big Ten Champs, win Rose Bowl. Allowing for something weird to happen.
Weird last year was 12-0 and not playing in the BCS Title game. Hard to do unless the NCAA is involved.
Terror, destruction, and a trail of woe in our wake
Even at our weakest we still are heads and shoulders above our regular schedule competition. We've been blessed with a favorable schedule and a very "down" BIG conference. We are the only viable team in the league. With that being said, and as I've stated elsewhere, we will set scoring records on the offensive side, and hold opponents to an all-time record low of points on the defensive side. Thankfully for coach UFM there will be no complacency. Worst case scenario: NCAA runner-up in Championship Game. Obviously, best case scenario, and more than likely outcome: NCAA National Champions. How do you spell Buckeye Success: U N D E F E A T E D. GO BUCKS!!!!
tosubuckeye
Umm, what? Favorite to win the B1G? Absolutely. Best coach in the league? Hard to argue against that. Most talented roster? Has to be.
Head and shoulders above all opponents? That is a pretty bold statement, and a stretch, IMO. Cal, @MSU, Purdue (OT), @IU, @Wisc (OT), Michigan were all one-score games. OSU looked dominant over Nebraska and @PSU in the 2nd half, but all of the mentioned games (IU is probably an exception) could have easily had a different result.
Again, OSU is the favorite to win the league, but to say they're they only viable team in the league is a bit arrogant. Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern are all capable of winning the league. There might even be some surprises in Wisconsin, MSU, and IU (I'm not predicting IU wins anything).
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Ohio State missed a FG, and ran the clock out instead of trying to score again. I think some M*chigan fans forget that.
Against Cal, it was Hall's first game, and they were lacking Carlos Hyde.
Against MSU, It was the teams first road game of the season. Hyde was just returning, and Ohio State lost Hall during the game.
Had Hyde gotten more touches, that game against Wisconsin might not have gone to OT.
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
I'm sure those are all valid points. I'm also pretty sure that all of those teams OSU beat by one score could produce a list of key points in those games (or missing personnel) that could've changed the outcome had they executed (I think Sparty missed 1 or 2 FG and Gholston played through getting knocked out).
You can look at Michigan @ ND---Michigan had 6 turnovers and lost by 7. Or look at Nebraska and what would've happened if Devin went in for Denard instead of Bellomy. Nebraska doesn't start with the all-out blitzes if it's not Bellomy in the game.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
I would never say that Ohio State is "head and shoulders above" their Big Ten competition.
Nevertheless, I think the idea is that 2013 Ohio State will be better than 2012 Ohio State, while the schedule gets even easier than last year:
As long as Ohio State does not run into a string of bad fortune (knock on wood), the Bucks should demolish most teams on their schedule and the season probably comes down to two road games - at NW and at Michigan.
I would agree - we've let our own expectations grow so much that I start to get a little concerned about "trap games." At Cal and at NW have both been mentioned somewhat frequently, but I think playing The Game in the Big House is the game to be concerned about, as usual, especially if the Bucks are undefeated at that point and TTUN has a chance to play "spoiler."
Honestly the only successful season is winning the national championship right? I mean I would be okay with 12-2 a B1G championship and bowl win or something like that, but I think I'd still be disappointed that we aren't recognized as the best in the land. As far as my feelings on Meyer, they won't change at all after this season regardless, it's too early to change my thoughts on the guy. Now, if this year and 2014 are busts I'll start questioning him.
"I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."
--Jack Tatum
With minimum being the key word, I expect to beat Buffalo in the Home opener. Maximum expectations are to run the table, win the B1G, and do battle for "All The Marbles." I'll settle for somewhere inbetween, if they stomp Michiscum.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
I am pretty sure we will be double digit favorites every game we play until the NC game. So a loss in the NC game is the only acceptable loss.
Its good to be the king
I wouldn't be surprised if OSU is the favorites in every game, but I can assure you they won't be double-digit favorites in every game.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Definitley need to reel in a few of these dreamers...lol I think we will be favored in most games but that depends on what happens during the season.
I would dare consider a 2-loss season a disappointment IF it were losses to TTUN and the bowl game, which means we entered The Game undefeated and fell apart the last two games. I have a very hard time believing Urban Meyer will allow that to happen, but stranger things have happened (cough, cough, Cooper, cough, cough).
We lose on the road to Cal vs. their circus offense because our defense hasn't jelled yet or we lose on the road at night to Northwestern, those losses would be bitter to swallow and severely disappointing in their own right. They'd also likely keep us out of the national title game even if we beat TTUN and the B1G title game. Rose Bowl would be fine but we'd have to win it.
We go unbeaten and lose the national title game close I wouldn't call it a disappointment considering the talent we will have coming back in 2014. It would show the big strides OSU made in 2013. We get to the national title game and then get blown out I will be disappointed because I refuse to think Coach Meyer will allow us to get run off the field. That's just me.
And any disappointment can be alleviated by beating the Stink Weasels.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
As long as we beat those losers up north and win at least 8 games I can live with it. Anything less will lead to a bout with depression. I don't want to get my hopes up too high though especially with a QB like Braxton who is susceptible to injury. I do believe we have a great shot to go undefeated though if we stay healthy and the defense meshes well
Its sad but with out weak schedule anything short of going undefeated in the regular season is a failure. The BIG is extremely weak our out of conference schedule is weak. Our toughest 2 games are scUM and Northwestern. Cal lost their best player and QB, Wisconsin has a new coach, Iowa is not Iowa, Penn State lost their starting QB and leader on defense. One could argue our 3rd toughest game is Indiana lol. The way I see things we are much more talented than any team we face next season (including Nebraska if we see them in the BIG championship) and a loss to any team would be a disappointment. The question is can we hang with the SEC in a bowl game which my answer is absolutely yes if we play up to our potential.
Aug. 31 TBA Buffalo Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 7 TBA San Diego State Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 14 TBA at California Berkeley, Calif.
Sept. 21 TBA Florida A&M Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 28 TBA Wisconsin Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 05 TBA at Northwestern Evanston, Ill.
Oct. 19 TBA Iowa Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 26 TBA Penn State Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 02 TBA at Purdue West Lafayette, Ind.
Nov. 16 TBA at Illinois Champaign, Ill.
Nov. 23 TBA Indiana Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 30 TBA at Michigan Ann Arbor, Mich.
only win I want is a beatdown of u know who
14-0, BCS National Champs. It's been way too long since the Buckeyes have lifted the crystal!
National champions.
* Big Ten Championship
* Rose Bowl Berth & Win
Those are my minimum expectations. I would like to think we'll make it to the NCG as well.
12-1, B1G title, and a Rose Bowl win. That's my minimum. The B1G is so awful, I can't imagine this team not winning it. To fall short of that would be incredibly disappointing.
Minimum expectations: One loss season with a win over Michigan, B1G title, and a BCS bowl appearance.
Too many things can happen on any given Saturday to be disappointed in Urban's 2nd year if we don't achieve this, especially after last year's 12-0 season.
My realistic hope is that we run the table and get to the NC game. I don't think we'll win it (too many question marks with this team for a title), but we'll get in.
I am curious to what Michigan blog said when you posed the question.
It was here on 11W in another thread. My response was 10-2 and an appearance in the B1G championship game, at a minimum, for this season to be "successful." However, successful does not mean happy.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
I think a B1G title and a Rose Bowl win is my minimum.
13-1
Top 3 in Final Poll
Victory over Michigan
Victory in B1G Championship
Victory in BCS Game (any game)
* That's the minimum. I have high expectations- I know.
The 2012 National Champions.
That is what your fan base should expect.....nothing less than a BCS game and no more than two losses by the end of the bowl game.
Not trying to start anything, but what's your expectations out for Nebraska this year?
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
Top 10 rushing offense in the country again. Improvement on the defensive side....no big time blowouts. Win the division and lose to you guys in the B1G title game..lol. Hopefully make it to a BCS game and win it.
Not having to play you guys or Wisconsin in the regular season makes our schedule easier.
Lowest win total I expect is 10 games, but we should win 11 games.
Your Huskers have a really good RB (can't think of his name) coming in from Katy,Texas; a big school powerhouse program and State Champs in Texas.
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
Two very high level running backs coming in this fall. One for California that scored like 6 or 8 TD's in a single game and has electric speed - and I'm not hyping false speed either, the guy is flat out a burner in the open field. The guy from Texas is similar to Peterson of the Vikings for how he runs....obviously not at the same level as Peterson, but the style is similar. We have our second string running back transferring out right now but he would likely have gotten passed on the depth chart by our redshirt freshman running back and possibly both high school running backs. It is nice to have some solid talent coming in for the running back spot, but it still comes down to how the offensive line does, which shouldn't be an issue. They are being regarded as the top offensive line in the B1G this year along with whomever else in the conference that will have solid O Line play this year. I assume you guys will have a solid offensive line this year?
Your team is a given for what is expected, but Northwestern is the team that scares me the most since they are in our division.
I'm not sure Michigan is going to be all that great this year....maybe a 10 win type of team?
Them's fightin' words!
Actually, I have Michigan at 10 wins, too. But, that's not too shabby. I think Nebraska will have their work cut out for them snagging a win in AA. At no fault of Nebraska's, I think Michigan holds a pretty large chip on its shoulders after last year's game in Lincoln. Not to mention that Michigan has failed to win the Legends division in its first two years of existence---and Michigan fans don't like to wait around for this kind of thing. Hoke and company are hungry for the B1G championship (<<---get it? Hungry...?).
I expect it to be more competitive than the first two meetings. Here's hoping everyone is healthy.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
The big question for Michigan in '13 is whether or not Gardner can be the kind of QB that Hoke needs to run his "pro" offense. He was new to the position last year, and that newness gave Michiganders hope that the good things he showed would be the norm for this coming season. But he also showed weaknesses, and looked confused and uncertain against OSU. If Gardner doesn't improve, it will be a rough year for tsun.
I dunno. I thought Gardner looked damn good against everyone he faced except OSU. They'll be good next year.
Yes, OSU was by far his worst game. I hate to keep going back to it, but the game plan and offensive play calling wasn't best for Devin. Hell, he was on and off the field so much he never had a chance to get in a rhythm. I don't have the stats or anything, but it seemed like he didn't complete two consecutive passes (if he even made the attempts).
Chalk it up to a hostile environment and a defense playing their hearts out---even an off day. Point is, if they only game you saw Devin play at QB was The Game, that's considerably unfair to Devin.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Hail, don't you think NW and Nebraska are hungry for a Big Ten championship, too?
Michigan at 10 wins, which assumes 2 losses in the regular season or 3 losses overall, looks optimistic to me. I see Michigan losing +/-4 games out of Notre Dame, @PSU, @MSU, Nebraska, @NW, @Iowa, Ohio State, bowl game.
I'd predict Michigan goes about 9-4 and is not in the BT CG.
Yeah, we'll have to see how everything clicks with the young guys. If the Oline lives up to its hype, the year will go pretty well. I like Michigan's chances at home against anyone. I don't see Iowa and PSU being huge threats, but we're not far off. I think Michigan loses two of ND, Neb, and OSU and @MSU and @NW.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
"I expect it to be more competitive than the first two meetings. Here's hoping everyone is healthy enough."
Fixed that for you. Its so damned hard to be entirely healthy by the time these two teams square off. I hope all the major players are as close to %100 as possible.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
A season similar to 2010 but not vacated. Anything less would be a great disappointment. Anything short of a national championship would make me feel like we fell short of our goals though. Hey, if you don't expect greatness how will you reach it right?
13-0 bowl game or National championship will be played in 2014, so dose not apply to question as worded.GO BUCKS!
I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then.
1. Braxton stay healthy all season.
2. Beat Michigan.
3. Win B1G Championship
I have gotten to the point where I don't even care about a BCS game a month after the season unless it is National Championship.
NC Buckeye.
Having the players stay disciplined and out of trouble.... Then let the cards play and it should be an incredible year to be a Buckeye Fan.
~Naples Buckeye - "May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't." - General George S. Patton, Jr.
We won't go undefeated two years in row. We got really lucky last year (7 games by a touchdown or less I think?) and odds are we revert back to mean, and every bounce won't go our way. At least 10 wins w/ a win over TSUN, and bcs bowl victory will work for me.