In the aftermath of Ohio State's appearance in the College Football Play-off, it's only makes sense to wonder what the consequences of such a historic loss might be.  And make no mistake - it was historic - both in terms of Ohio State's long and storied history as well as in the career of the Buckeyes' head coach, Urban Meyer.  

The potential effects are categorized in to five groups for this particular exercise.     .  

Staff Turmoil/Turnover

It's only the Friday following Saturday night's game - and it is already in full swing.  Tim Beck has been replaced as the quarterbacks coach - and rumors abound regarding the status of the Offensive Coordinator. 

Of course, these changes might not be due entirely to the embarrassing loss to Clemson (apparently, Tim Beck had already made his intentions to leave known to Meyer weeks ago), but it's reasonable to wonder if the change at OC would have have occurred so quickly, if at all, if the Buckeyes had progressed to the final

Players Staying/Leaving

Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley and Raekwon McMillan are the first underclassmen (juniors and redshirt sophomores) to declare their eligibility for next April's draft.  It was widely expected Marshon Lattimore would follow suit - but that may not necessarily be a foregone conclusion.  However, there could be others. 

Of course, we'll never know how many more there might have been if those players would have had the opportunity to showcase their talents on college football's biggest stage again on Monday night.  

In fact, the silver lining to Saturday's disaster may be the players who are not leaving for the NFL this year.  For instance, Billy Price is apparently going to follow in Pat Elflein's footsteps and move from guard to center for his senior year.  As someone once said, it's like adding an (experienced) 5-star recruit to the o-line.  

Veteran quarterback, JT Barrett even mentioned the loss is his statement about returning.  "I cannot leave Ohio State like this."  With any luck at all, OSU's do-everything H-back, Curtis Samuel, will follow suit.  

Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard have also stated their intentions of sticking around.  Defensive end will continue to be a major position of strength - and depth - for at least another year.    

Which starters stay and who moves on will obviously influence off-season transfers, as well.  This was already expected to be a more active year than usual in that regard

Affects on Recruiting

Much like the national championship two years ago enhanced Ohio State's recruiting efforts, it's only reasonable to assume the blow-out loss could detract from those efforts.  Like the positive effects, the reaction to the negative effects might be delayed somewhat. 

It will be interesting to see how the class of '19 may stack up vs the class of  '17.  Of course, those effects could be mitigated a bit if this year's team is able to show the blow-out loss was more of a fluke.

Naturally, this topic is not entirely unrelated to the staff turnover issue, as well.  But initially, it appears the staff changes may potentially have actually helped in that regard, if anything.  Stay tuned.

Fair Weather Fans

Obviously, the fan-base does not directly affect the team's performance.  But they could have an indirect effect down the road.  A discouraged fan base that has lost some degree of interest could affect the television numbers - and potentially even more if there are any further disappointments in the near future (Not that I'm suggesting there will be).  

Naturally, a less rabid, smaller television following could lead to fewer prime time television appearances.  Fewer prime time appearances could adversely affect the recruiting process.  And vice versa.  Potentially, a vicious downward cycle.  

Impact on the Play-off Selection Process

A 31-0 pasting in the play-off semi-final is certainly not going to help Ohio State's standing with the selection committee next season.  Of course it's not a deal killer all on it's own by any means - but it could easily have an adverse effect in the event of a close call. 

A historic loss of that magnitude could have far reaching consequences.  Particularly, now that we're in the play-off era.  Let's just hope the 2017 season goes so well, there can be no doubt -