Things the way they are putting EVERYTHING in a holding pattern. I really do think he's the guy...
Unfortunately, because the hearing isn't until August 12, the program
is in a holding pattern. Not only that, I don't think the actual penalties will be handed down until after that hearing, which means it will be even later in the year (and later in the recruiting season) to know exactly where the school stands. But I will agree that I think Luke is the guy. First and foremost, and this is pure speculation on my part and not to be argued in this thread, there's other threads more appropriate for that, I think the Bucks are going to get hammered by the NCAA. Let's say there's a USC-type punishment (no bowl for several years and scholarship reductions). No big name is going to want to take on a job of this magnitude with one hand tied. In the end, Fickell is going to be the best choice to sell the school while under these circumstances. So, what are some things that Fickell can do to give himself a chance to succeed?
1. Get rid of any cancer types. Now's the time to clean house. Anyone not willing to follow the rules on and off the field has to go. End the culture of putting your hand out. At some point in time, this is going to have to happen. Might as well be now.
2. Re-recruit the class of 2011. This class is the key to holding the program together over the next years. The class has a player for each position, other than running back and offensive tackle. If these guys can grow and develop, there will be somewhat of a foundation to build from. The Bucks need to keep this class intact.
3. This season is going to be hell to watch on offense (it would have even if JT had not resigned). You're missing the two best game planning staff members and your playmakers. If Miller is even close to being ready, I say go with him. Hopefully he grows into the position, and that shows some hope for the future. At the end of the season, I think Bollman and Dick Tressel will retire. This allows you to hire a new OC, and frees up the new guy to bring in assistants that have worked with him. Maybe you slide Drayton over to Recruiting Coordinator or back to running backs. Any way you slice it, the key hire for Fickell will be his new OC.
4. I think defensively things will be status quo for this season. Things should be OK provided no one else gets suspended or worse. At the end of the year, I'm guessing that Heacock will retire. This will be an interesting hire. Will we see someone who Fickell has worked for in the past (Pagac or Tenuta)? As usual, I am less worried about what happens defensively.
5. Recruiting is going to be a bitch for the next several years. I think there will still be a handful of in-state guys that dreamed of being Buckeyes and are willing to ride out the storm. You do the best you can finding under the radar types, and hope that the player development staff can take them further. But, make no mistake, this will be Fickell's greatest challenge.
I'm just throwing stuff out there. If the punishment is less than what I expect, then maybe you will see one of college football's top guns take a shot. But there's an old saying: "You don't want to be the guy who follows a legend. You want to be the guy who replaces the guy who followed the Legend."
