Ohio State Football: Why this season is so critical

You only get so many chances to win a national championship. It’s not an easy thing to do, even if you are one of the best programs in the country year in and year out. The Ohio State football program hasn’t won a national title since 2014. They also played for a national title in 2020 but came up short.

It’s hard to get all of that talent to come together and win it all. That’s why you have to take advantage of your title window when it’s open. In 2022, the Buckeyes’ title window is definitely open. They have their quarterback returning and maybe the best receiver in the country to go along with a stellar running back.

All of those pieces are key when you’re trying to make a run at winning it all. Those pieces alone won’t win you a national title, but they certainly get you close. They won’t have all of those pieces returning next season, so now is the time to make a run.

Not winning it all this season isn’t the end of the world, but it certainly isn’t what Ohio State football fans expect. When the team is put together like this, a National Championship Game appearance is the bare minimum. They need to get that far.

We’ll see if the defense can hold up its part of the bargain or not. The offensive line still has some questions as well. But if those two units can put it together, there is no excuse for this team to not get to that final game. They’re just too talented not to.

Am I saying this season is a national championship or bust? I think I am. Ryan Day would probably tell you that privately as well. He knows the stakes for this year. He knows what is expected of him.