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Ohio State Football: HOT TAKE, Buckeyes will be just fine in 2017

By Scott Gerdenich

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 10: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks with the media during Media Day for the College Football Playoff National Championship at Dallas Convention Center on January 10, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 10: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks with the media during Media Day for the College Football Playoff National Championship at Dallas Convention Center on January 10, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Once again Urban Meyer will have his Ohio State football team in the running for a national title.

It is August 1st today, and that means we are 30 days away from the first Ohio State football game. On Thursday the 31st, there will be much anticipation and excitement for fans. Not only is it the kickoff to the college football season, but because it will be a preview of what the 2017 Buckeyes will look like in their opening game versus Indiana.

This will be an interesting year for Urban Meyer and Ohio State, a team that went to the playoffs this past year but got embarrassed by Clemson in the semifinals. The Buckeyes have lost a lot of talent to the NFL over the past two seasons, but Urban is used to that.

He has made a reputation of being able to stockpile talent year after year in anticipation of guys graduating or leaving early for the draft. On top of injuries, transfers, and suspensions he has to be prepared for anything and he is.

There is a reason why Urban Meyer is one of the best in the business, and in my opinion, THE BEST in the business. He knows how to get the most out of his players year after year.

No matter who Urban plugs in they are ready to contribute. Ohio State is going into the 2017 season with high expectations once again, and that is nothing new in Columbus when it comes to demanding the Buckeyes compete for the national championship.

While Urban did suffer some losses on both sides of the ball from last year’s team, he has the most important player on the team back for one more year. That player is JT Barrett.

With Urban and JT Barrett running the show, along with new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, the Buckeyes should be explosive. Not only in the rushing game but the passing game as well.

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Everyone can see the Big 10 is vastly improving year after year, with Michigan and Penn State closing in on taking over as the top spot in the conference. But Urban Meyer has a chance to go on one more run with this team before losing his veteran quarterback after the 2017 season.

The schedule looks to provide some challenges once again, but they will have 2 out of their 3 toughest games in Columbus. Penn State and Oklahoma at the Shoe will be a blessing for the Buckeyes. The trip to Happy Valley turned out to be a difficult one for the Buckeyes last season.

This will greatly help their chances of making the playoffs once again this year. Michigan has a solid quarterback in Speight, but in my opinion they are still a year away from taking back this rivalry from the Buckeyes.

So when people ask me what I expect the Buckeyes to do in 2017, I tell them they will do the exact same thing they have been doing. At worst, being invited to a very good bowl. At their very best, if everything clicks at the right time, this team will be back in the national championship once again.

Next: 10 bold predictions for the 2017 college football season

All I can say to Ohio State fans is this, cherish Urban Meyer for as long as you have him. I believe he will bring one more championship to Columbus before setting off on another venture. And it could very well come at the end of the 2017 season.

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