January 21, 2025

Ohio State Football Was Built to Be the Patriots. Instead, the Buckeyes Can Finish as the Giants

Ohio State football has long been considered a perennial powerhouse in college football. With a rich history, elite recruiting, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Buckeyes have established themselves as a team capable of contending for national championships year after year. In many ways, Ohio State football has been built to emulate a model of consistency, success, and dominance — much like the New England Patriots were under Bill Belichick. However, in a surprising twist, the Buckeyes may end up following a different blueprint entirely. Rather than becoming the Patriots of college football, they may find themselves mirroring the unpredictable but potent nature of the New York Giants — a team that often succeeds in ways that defy expectations but still manages to capture the ultimate prize.

This analogy between Ohio State and the Patriots versus the Giants raises an important question: Is Ohio State’s path to greatness built on an unwavering formula for success, or could they break the mold and take an entirely different route to a national championship? As the 2024 season approaches, the Buckeyes are being viewed as a potential favorite to win the national title, with expectations sky-high. However, the current trajectory of the program suggests that Ohio State’s path to a championship could be more chaotic, unpredictable, and unconventional than we might expect.

In this article, we’ll explore how Ohio State football has been constructed to be the “Patriots” of college football, built on steady success, sustained excellence, and a deep roster of talent. But we’ll also examine why, despite being poised for success, the Buckeyes’ path to a national title may instead resemble the unpredictable nature of the New York Giants — a team that, while capable of stunning victories, often wins through a series of unlikely events.

1. Ohio State Football: Built to Be the Patriots

The New England Patriots under Bill Belichick are widely regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. From 2001 to 2019, the Patriots exemplified a model of consistency, relying on strong defense, a disciplined offense, and a steady roster to continuously compete for championships. The key to New England’s success was their ability to maintain elite-level performance over a sustained period, year in and year out, regardless of roster turnover or changing circumstances. The Patriots’ formula was simple yet effective: a reliable system, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence that rarely faltered.

Ohio State football, in many ways, has been constructed with this same vision in mind. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have become one of the most consistent and well-balanced teams in college football. Day inherited a program that had already been built into a powerhouse by former head coach Urban Meyer, and he has kept the ship sailing in the right direction, achieving success without any major dips in performance. Ohio State has recruited at an elite level year after year, consistently bringing in top-tier talent from across the country. The Buckeyes have a strong, stable coaching staff that has kept the program on track, much like the Patriots’ leadership under Belichick. And perhaps most importantly, Ohio State has cultivated a culture of accountability and excellence that permeates the program.

When you look at Ohio State’s roster, it has the hallmarks of a team that was built for long-term success. From the development of elite quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud (and now Cade Klubnik), to the consistently strong offensive and defensive lines, Ohio State has all the components of a top-tier program. The team’s recruiting success has allowed them to reload each season with talented playmakers at nearly every position — from wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. to defensive stalwarts like J.T. Tuimoloau. Ohio State has a formula in place to win year after year, much like how the Patriots would always reload, tweak, and adjust without ever falling into mediocrity.

The Buckeyes’ roster depth, their ability to develop talent, and their consistent winning culture all seem to suggest that Ohio State football is built to replicate the sustained excellence of the Patriots. On paper, Ohio State looks like a team that could dominate the college football landscape for years to come. The model for success is already in place — a highly disciplined, system-driven program capable of competing for championships season after season.

2. The Unpredictability of College Football: Ohio State vs. the Giants

However, despite Ohio State’s best-laid plans to become the Patriots of college football, the reality of the sport — and especially the landscape of college football in 2024 — makes it more likely that the Buckeyes could find themselves more in line with the unpredictable nature of the New York Giants. Unlike the Patriots, who sustained their dominance over an extended period of time, the Giants’ success has often been marked by surprises, shocking upsets, and moments of pure brilliance that defy expectations.

When the Giants won their two most recent Super Bowls (in 2007 and 2011), they weren’t the dominant team throughout the season. In fact, they were often considered underdogs, but they capitalized on key moments, timely plays, and outstanding individual performances in the postseason to capture the ultimate prize. The Giants weren’t a machine of consistency like the Patriots — they were a team that came together when it mattered most, executing at the highest level when the stakes were the highest.

For Ohio State, this is the direction the team may end up taking in 2024. Despite their status as preseason favorites, the Buckeyes could face a series of obstacles that would prevent them from being the dominant, well-oiled machine many expect them to be. College football is a different animal compared to the NFL, and the unpredictable nature of the sport makes it difficult to foresee any team dominating the entire season from start to finish. Ohio State has the talent and capability to win a national title, but their path to that goal might not be as smooth as we anticipate.

Tough Competition from the Big Ten and National Scene

The Buckeyes’ road to a national championship could very well be marked by unexpected challenges. First and foremost, Ohio State faces a grueling schedule in the Big Ten, including their annual rivalry game against Michigan. While Ohio State has dominated Michigan in recent years, the Wolverines are poised to be a formidable contender in 2024. Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan squad has made significant strides in recent seasons, and their matchup with Ohio State is always a high-stakes game that can swing the momentum of the entire season.

Additionally, Ohio State’s national title aspirations will be tested by the likes of Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, and other elite teams across the country. The unpredictability of the College Football Playoff system means that a single loss or even a close game could send the Buckeyes into a battle for a playoff spot. In this regard, Ohio State’s journey could resemble that of the Giants — a team that faces stiff competition but has the potential to rise above it all when it counts.

Flashes of Brilliance Amidst Inconsistency

While Ohio State is undoubtedly one of the most talented teams in the nation, their success in 2024 may hinge on moments of brilliance, just as the Giants’ Super Bowl victories were defined by standout performances. Whether it’s a game-winning play by Cade Klubnik, a breakout performance by a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr., or an unexpected defensive play in a critical moment, Ohio State’s championship run could be determined by flashes of brilliance — not by their ability to sustain dominance over an entire season.

For instance, Ohio State may enter the playoffs as one of the top teams but could face a tough, physical team that gives them fits. Much like how the Giants would get hot at the right time during their Super Bowl runs, the Buckeyes may have to navigate adversity and capitalize on key moments, relying on key players to rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.

The Pressure of Expectations

As the preseason favorites, Ohio State is burdened with immense expectations. The weight of being the team that everyone believes will win it all can sometimes lead to unforeseen pitfalls. The pressure to perform at an elite level can create moments of tension and stress that derail even the most talented teams. Ohio State’s journey to the national title may not unfold according to plan, and they may find themselves in situations where they have to fight their way out of adversity — much like the Giants did during their Super Bowl runs.

3. The Road to the Title: Will Ohio State Defy the Odds?

Ohio State football is undeniably one of the most talented teams in college football, but the path to a national championship is rarely as straightforward as it seems. Much like the New York Giants, the Buckeyes may find themselves facing unexpected obstacles, with their championship hopes tested at every turn. While Ohio State has been built to be the Patriots of college football, their ultimate success may not come through a methodical, dominant season of perfection. Instead, it could come in the form of timely plays, key performances, and an ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

The Buckeyes’ journey in 2024 will be full of challenges, from stiff competition within the Big Ten to the unpredictable nature of the College Football Playoff. But if Ohio State can capitalize on their moments of brilliance, embrace the chaos, and handle the pressure, they could very well emerge as national champions — not through consistent dominance, but through the type of unpredictable success that has defined the New York Giants’ greatest triumphs.

In the end, the 2024 season may not see Ohio State becoming the Patriots of college football, but rather, it may turn out to be a year where the Buckeyes finish as the Giants — a team that wins it all against the odds, through brilliance in key moments, and by making the most of the chaos that defines the sport. Whether they end the season with a national title or fall short, Ohio State football will remain a force to be reckoned with, and their championship run will be remembered for the journey — and not just the destination.

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