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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Season five is a pivotal one for Meyer. By all reasonable standards, it is difficult to complain about anything considering all of the accomplishments. Nothing is reasonable at Ohio State though, especially when it comes to championships.

There is still some doubt about whether the program is on Alabama’s level yet, at least to Meyer since that seems to be his true measuring stick. That will escalate should Alabama beat Clemson in the College Football Playoff Championship to claim its fourth title in nine seasons under Nick Saban. No team reloads better than the Crimson Tide and that will give Meyer additional ammunition should the team falter a bit in its offseason training.

Next: Ohio State Win Proves Playoff System Needs Changed

Meyer and his staff have their work cut out for them if they want the 2016 season to be special. The pieces are in place for the team to reload, but the players are mostly unproven. No one really knew how good Elliott, Decker, Powell, Apple, Lee and Marshall were going to be just 18 months ago. They turned out okay and so will the replacements.

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