It’s been an emotional roller coaster for Ohio State fans lately.
First, star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and other members of the Buckeyes are exposed in a scandal that would ultimately lead to institutional embarrassment and the resignation of it’s incredibly successful head football coach Jim Tressel.
In the aftermath of a damaging scandal, and with expectations relatively low heading into the 2011 season, the Buckeyes showed glimpses of greatness (Wisconsin game) but also displayed inconsistency on both sides of the ball leaving a loyal fan base beyond frustrated.
But alas, Luke Fickell and the Buckeyes still had a shot to salvage the 2011 season when they faced rival Michigan in a game that always means something regardless of the actual ramifications.
The game was a slugfest. An epic battle that featured 816 yards of total offense, nine TDs and an unexpected heroic performance by freshman quarterback Braxton Miller, giving Ohio State fans a lot to look forward to.
The Buckeyes were not victorious in their dogfight with Michigan. And once again, Ohio State fans were drowning themselves in disgust, including yours truly. With uncertainty swirling over who was going to be the next head football coach for a program facing impending sanctions, generalized anxiety across the state of Ohio began to set in.
But then it happened. The most sought after coach on the free market chose to take the Ohio State job. After rumors ran amok, Urban Meyer emphatically declared that he had indeed signed a deal to become to the next head football coach at Ohio State. Buckeye fans across the globe rejoiced.
And then came the sanctions. A one-year bowl ban, among others. No opportunity to play in the Big Ten Title game either. But just when you think Urban Meyer and Ohio State are in the midst of turmoil, think again.
Here are three reasons why Urban and company will actually benefit from next year’s postseason ban.