At this time last year, Buckeye fans, college football fans, and I assume the entire continental United States was immersed in the drama of #QBGeddon. Ohio State had what many considered the three best quarterbacks in the country and had the burden of choosing which one would take the reigns of arguably the most talented Buckeye team in history.
In late July, Braxton Miller diffused the situation a bit by switching his position to wide receiver, which actually made things even more awesome. His position switch added yet another versatile weapon to an arsenal that already rivaled that of Marvel's The Punisher. With Miller, Jalin Marshall and freshman newcomer Torrance Gibson all having substantial quarterback experience but playing receiver, it was possible that Ohio State would have four legitimate threats to throw the ball on the field simultaneously (all of the trick plays!).
As if this wasn't unfair enough, these players were all joined by the Heisman frontrunner, Ezekiel Elliott, as well as the best college football player in the country in Joey Bosa. Players like Darron Lee, Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, Michael Thomas, Adolphus Washington – stars on any other roster – formed a supporting cast that more closely resembled the Justice League than a football team.
The July version of the upcoming season is often significantly more awesome than the autumn version
In July, this team was more than just unbeatable, it was otherworldly or ungodly. Ezekiel Elliott was going to rush for 3,000 yards. Ohio State wasn't going to miss Tom Herman one bit. The Buckeyes were going to break all of the records. Braxton Miller was going to throw a few touchdown passes. Urban Meyer was finally going to win Big Ten Coach of the Year. Ohio State was going to have the best quarterback on the field. The Buckeyes were going to cruise to an undefeated season and repeat as national champions.
But then, none of that happened.
Here's what makes the offseason great: any storyline, any #HotTake, any fantasy can seem reasonable until the opening game when the Buckeyes find themselves down at halftime to a team they were supposed to obliterate for revenge, struggling to score against Hawai'i, beating Northern Illinois by just seven points at home, flipping between two relatively unproductive quarterbacks, or losing to Michigan State in the biggest game of the season.
As much as we like to complain about the lack of football on our TVs and the absence of marching band music around campus, the July version of the upcoming season is often significantly more awesome than the autumn version. So don't fight it; let it be awesome.
There are just under two months of offseason remaining. Instead of grudgingly trudging through, embrace them. Revel in the daydreams of double-reverse passes from Torrance Gibson to J.T. Barrett. Savor the high school tapes of the next men up. Place your lifesavings on the over on Ohio State's win total (disclaimer: do not do that, actually).
Will the dreams materialize when the leaves begin to brown? Maybe, maybe not. But in July, the Buckeyes are always undefeated. Enjoy it.
