Ohio State: Top 3 Reasons Why One-Year Bowl Ban Will Actually Benefit Them

It's been an emotional roller coaster for Ohio State fans lately.

First, star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and other members of the Buckeyes are exposed in a scandal that would ultimately lead to institutional embarrassment and the resignation of it's incredibly successful head football coach Jim Tressel. 

In the aftermath of a damaging scandal, and with expectations relatively low heading into the 2011 season, the Buckeyes showed glimpses of greatness (Wisconsin game) but also displayed inconsistency on both sides of the ball leaving a loyal fan base beyond frustrated.

But alas, Luke Fickell and the Buckeyes still had a shot to salvage the 2011 season when they faced rival Michigan in a game that always means something regardless of the actual ramifications.

The game was a slugfest. An epic battle that featured 816 yards of total offense, nine TDs and an unexpected heroic performance by freshman quarterback Braxton Miller, giving Ohio State fans a lot to look forward to.

The Buckeyes were not victorious in their dogfight with Michigan. And once again, Ohio State fans were drowning themselves in disgust, including yours truly. With uncertainty swirling over who was going to be the next head football coach for a program facing impending sanctions, generalized anxiety across the state of Ohio began to set in.

But then it happened. The most sought after coach on the free market chose to take the Ohio State job. After rumors ran amok, Urban Meyer emphatically declared that he had indeed signed a deal to become to the next head football coach at Ohio State. Buckeye fans across the globe rejoiced. 

And then came the sanctions. A one-year bowl ban, among others. No opportunity to play in the Big Ten Title game either. But just when you think Urban Meyer and Ohio State are in the midst of turmoil, think again.

Here are three reasons why Urban and company will actually benefit from next year's postseason ban.

Urban Meyer Has An Extra Year to Recruit Players Across the Country

The state of Ohio is no longer prime breeding ground for Ohio State recruits.

Urban Meyer is more than just a great football coach. He's an impeccable judge of talent and even better recruiter.

It shouldn't take Meyer long to get acquainted with the players he has, and more importantly, the players he needs.

He's respected across the country and a virtual demigod in the state of Florida. His no-nonsense persona, an impressive resume and a winning system will certainly attract the nation's finest recruits.  

2012 Will Be A Practice Year for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes

Since the Buckeyes won't be vying for a national title next year, or even the Gator Bowl, Urban Meyer will essentially have a year to formulate the perfect combination of talent.

2012 will basically be practice for the Buckeyes in preparation for a national title run in 2013.

Make no mistake about it. Ohio State is not rebuilding. More like revamping. Meyer's commitment to a high-powered offense will certainly take some time for star quarterback Braxton Miller to get used to, but he should thrive under Meyer's tutelage.

One season should be plenty of time for Miller to get used to Meyer's system.

Braxton Miller Will Have a Year to Learn from Urban Meyer

Braxton Miller's 2011 season had its ups and downs. But there's no doubt that the kid can flat-out play.

He excelled against some staunch defenses and played without his top receiver for most of the season. And one other thing, he was only a freshman.

At his introductory press conference, Urban Meyer had this to say about his new quarterback:

"To tell you I'm excited to coach him, I'm not using the correct adjectives. And because there's mixed company around I'm not going to use the correct adjectives, how excited I am."

Alex Smith, former Utah quarterback under Meyer, was wildly successful in Meyer's high-powered spread offense. Just wait until Miller is unleashed in Meyer's creative schemes. 

Bowl bans are not usually a good thing. But in this case, it might actually benefit Ohio State.

Get ready Buckeye fans. We have a lot to look forward to.