I am a big Brian Hartline fan. That said, the timing of his USF job acceptance and commitments certainly had an impact. I'm watching on an iPad screen, but I didn't see anything new from the offense or an acknowledgement of something special for Miami (e.g., Louisville). They had a chance to see Miami play in real time and a lot of film. They knew Miami's line would be big, fast, and physical with a similar profile to Indiana and that Miami had that B1G championship game footage showing Buckeye issues on both lines.
But there were conflicting factors. The new transfer portal challenges for CFP teams. The need to replace the OC and WR coach positions under that same pressure. Personnel issues on the line, especially the right side of the O line. There was a lot to do this year after losing so much talent.
Beat TCUN and it is a successful season.
The win in AA, in those winter conditions, was so much fun to watch. It seemed like they would glide to a NC. But that was as unrealistic based on the evidence.
All teams have weaknesses. For instance, we had a lot of criticism of line play but those lines looked pretty good in AA. They ran right over TCUN, but still there had been scoring issues inside the redzone all year. A run was going to require some new wrinkles and strategies on offense and defense
When I saw Hartline pulled from the box to the field, I worried that the Buckeyes had not really created a novel game plan for Miami. After the first 3 and outs, I felt that my fears had been confirmed. There were some good adjustments at half time, and they damn well might have won were it not for the interception but it was too late.
So, I'm disappointed but relatively happy. I've lived for 8 national championships and I suspect that Day will rebuild his coaching staff and be ready to move that direction sooner than a lot of people think.
