Rebuild or Reload? 5 Keys for Ohio State Success in 2016

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to throw during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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With all due respect to Jim Harbaugh, the references to rekindling a Woody and Bo type rivalry with the Team Up North were premature. The man coaching to the East, despite the blowout loss to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl, is the true rival right now.

Meyer has four losses at Ohio State. Two are to Mark Dantonio. They are in the middle of a 10-year war and round five is setting up to be another epic clash between the Big Ten’s heavyweights. Michigan will be in the discussion, but for now, Michigan State is enemy No. 1.

Just as the 2014 team was fueled by the Chase, the 2016 team must find its identity. There is hope that the pain of losing to the Spartans and failing to defend its title left enough of a bitter taste in their mouths to inspire this team to excel in the spring and summer.

Unlike two years ago, this team has a bullseye on its back. They are still viewed as the elite team in the Big Ten and the country. There is fine line between overconfidence and maintaining championship like swagger. This team has unfinished business to address and it is up to the leaders to get everyone else in line to recapture what should be theirs.

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