National Signing Day 2012: Drama Gives Life to a Wisconsin-Ohio State Rivalry

Oh boy, are things picking up steam quickly in the Big Ten after national signing day.

With the Ohio State Buckeyes getting a top class in the country, it is quite clear that Urban Meyer has done the job that many had expected of him when he took over the program. Some though are not fond of the way he does things, one of whom is highly regarded Wisconsin Badgers head coach Bret Bielema.

According to Graham Watson of Yahoo.com, Bielema was quoted:

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"There are a few things that happened early on that I made people aware of that I didn't want to see in this league, that I had seen take place in other leagues,"

"Other recruiting tactics, other recruiting practices that are illegal. I was very up front and was very pointed to the fact, actually reached out to coach Meyer and shared my thoughts and concerns with him. The situation got rectified."

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Those are pretty bold statements to make about the conference's newest big-time coach. While one could understand where the two-time conference champion coach is coming from, one could certainly now envision these events spurring a big-time rivalry in the making.

Meyer wasn't slow to respond, as he told Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

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"Sometimes they say, 'How can you go recruit a young guy committed to another school?'" Meyer said. "You ask a question, 'Are you interested?' If they say, 'No,' you move on. If they say, 'Yes, very interested,' then you throw that hook out there. If they're interested, absolutely [you recruit them], especially from your home state. Is it gratifying to take a guy from another school? Not at all."

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While the Buckeyes have a longstanding rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines, things could now very easily expand to Wisconsin during this new regime under Meyer.

Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke likely isn't too happy about the way things are going either, especially after losing 4-Star cornerback recruit Armani Reeves to the Buckeyes.

Meyer just carries that celebrity status that can change recruits' minds. According to the previously stated source, Graham stated that Meyer actually signed eight recruits who were previously committed to another program.

This is where the Bielema comes into play, as he lost previously committed 4-star offensive tackle recruit Kyle Dodson to the Buckeyes. To be fair, Dodson is a Cleveland native, so it isn't far-fetched that he would change his mind to his home-state powerhouse.

Since the events though, Bielema has been vocal about his displeasure in Meyer's recruiting methods, and it is just adding more fuel to the fire.

Feelings will differ from person to person whether Meyer's propensity to go after already-committed recruits is unethical. His actions are at least getting the attention of his colleagues, and he is putting the Buckeyes back on the map with a target on their backs.

Meyer isn't here to be these coaches' friends, he is here to beat them. They need to be ready to compete with a recruiter like Meyer, and once they can do that there will be no reason to complain.

The only thing we will get is a more competitive environment with much more heated rivalries.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.