I was not born in Ohio and as a result I ultimately had a choice about whether or not I should cheer for Ohio State. Having grown up in Chicago's South Side (read-heavily Irish) neighborhoods and suburbs, the choice to root for Notre Dame was practically made for me at birth. Luckily for me, my dad-also not of Ohio origin-was a really big fan of Woody Hayes and as a result, Ohio State. So when I grew up and started to cheer for the Irish, I could tell his wheels were turning.

It wasn't really until the 1996 Rose Bowl that OSU caught my attention. I didn't care for them either way but watching that game settled it for me at the age of 13-I was going to be a Buckeye.

I start with this brief piece of history because the two high points in my life as a Buckeye fan were the 2002 and 2014 seasons-both of which ended the same way and had a lot of parallels. That got me thinking about next year.

Anything can happen, we all agree. Its easy to say injuries can derail a dream even in the face of this year's win with a 'third' string QB but lets face it, another hit to JT or Cardale or Zeke and next year's destiny may not be fulfilled. There is also that championship thing that tends to bring out the best in your opponents. Florida State barely fought off lesser foes all year who were giving the Noles their best shot every week. That is going to happen next year and the Bucks play some pretty decent teams. I don't expect this team to lose but it can happen.

My question, ultimately, is how do you want a championship season to go. I wasn't around when some of the dominant Woody teams were running roughshod over the country, I only know two titles that were surprises to say the least. In 2002, the Buckeyes boasted a phenomenal (possibly never seen again) defense, incredible special teams, and a predictable but effective offense. Sure, as the season wore on we all knew this was ONE of the best teams in the country but without the heroics of a highly recruited, all be it underperforming Quarterback from Texas, Oklahoma may have never  fallen and given the Bucks the chance to play Miami ( I do know the Bedlam Game outcome would have given rise to it but an undefeated OU team mops up that Ok. State team). I will admit-as a sophomore sort of bewitched by the speed and strength of the U, I didn't expect Ohio State to win. I thought they would keep it close but when the straws were drawn, I said to my suite mates (Morrill Tower 13th floor represent) that if OSU beat Miami, I would jump into the Olentangy where the crew team undocked-an area of the river where green scum generally formed in thick layers. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

That brings us to this year-we all knew (myself included, as the 2002 Bucks killed any part of the 'doubting Brewster') that this team was among the nation's elite but outside of Buckeye Nation, the idea that Ohio State would be a national champion was a long shot. It of course unfolded as it was supposed to but lets face it-it was a shock to more than a few people.

That won't be the case next year. TCU is the way too early #1-which is asinine given what OSU has coming back-but in my mind Ohio State will be the unquestioned best team in the country, regardless of what the QB situation is. For the record, OSU will be the pre season #1 when the polls come out. So for next year, anything less than a championship is a let down.

Ohio State is on the precipice of becoming a dynasty in the same vein the Hurricanes, Trojans, and Crimson Tide all were in the last 15 years. A championship next year finishes that off. So at long last, I ask my 11W brothers and sisters. How do you want it? Would you rather see your team sneak up on some people and hoist the trophy or would you rather seem them go wire to wire as the bully on the block? Next year, Ezekiel Elliot, Cardale Jones\JT Barrett, Mike Thomas, and Joey Bosa (to name a few) will be household names and will surprise exactly no one. Would you rather see your team fulfill a predetermined destiny or take the whole thing while every one else tries to figure out if they are a good team or not. Since 2002 and 2014 were similar in my eyes, I have no basis for comparison. It was close in 2006 but some traitor from Ashtabula, Ohio ruined that for me (we should hire that guy).

For the TL;DR folks-would you rather OSU win from the top or the bottom?