Ohio State Football: Is Gene Smith out of touch?

If it was up to Gene Smith, the Ohio State football team would play future home playoff games somewhere else. He mentioned, Indy, Detroit, and even Minneapolis! Minnesota! For a home playoff game! The question must now be asked; has Smith lost touch with the fanbase?

Fans have been talking over the last couple of days now about how they strongly disagree with something like that happening. I really haven’t heard many fans say they would want to play a home playoff game indoor because of the weather. It doesn’t make much sense.

If the Ohio State football team were to earn a playoff game played at home, that’s exactly where it should be. This isn’t the first mistake that Smith has made in his tenure as Atheltic Director. A lot of fans, myself included, will never forgive him for playing in a meaningless bowl game in 2011 instead of taking a self-imposed bowl ban. The Buckeyes would’ve played for a national title in 2012 had they done that.

Smith also has the reputation for giving things up to the NCAA when it’s been unnecessary. We have seen time and time again that there is no benefit from cooperating with the NCAA, even with minor violations. They are incompetent and have no real power to punish anyone.

Yes, Smith still has done some good things for the Ohio State University. But comments like this make me think that his time should be coming to an end sooner than you think. If his goal was to alienate the fanbase of his biggest sport, then he achieved that big time.

2026 is still a long four years from now. A lot can still change and minds can still change. Hopefully, the outcry from the fans will help change Smith’s mind about this if it does indeed become an option.