Toledo vs Ohio State: Buckeyes Survive but Will Luke Fickell?

The Buckeyes may have prevailed against the Toledo Rockets 27-22, but the lack of energy on both sides of the ball brings up the question as to how long Luke Fickell will last as the interim coach?

Ohio State is currently 2-0 and a huge road test next weekend against the Miami Hurricanes will be yet another hurdle for Fickell and the Buckeyes.

Overrated?

The Buckeyes spanked Akron in the opener, but today was just a struggle from the start.

Joe Bauserman was just 16 of 30 against a mediocre pass defense that ranked 86th in the nation last season. Devon Smith and Verlon Reed are the two main pass catchers at the moment as far as receivers are concerned.

Jake Stonburner made a tremendous one-handed grab for a touchdown, but the team is running out of options in their passing game. The return of Devier Posey could be huge for the team, but he is not going to line up against Miami or Michigan State.

Patience Not a Part of Sports Any More

If this were a decade ago, the Buckeyes could be patient with Fickell as he established his own footprint on the program.

Not in today's world of sports does any fanbase have the patience or the mindset of not thinking about the future. It's a win-now world and when your program has any sort of struggles, the fans feel like they're owed a change.

What happens if the Buckeyes lose to Miami and or Michigan State? Both of those teams have their own issues, but Ohio State's unimpressive performance today makes you realize just how much pressure is on Fickell.

Former Coach Returning to Old Stomping Ground?

Luke Fickell played and was a graduate assistant at Ohio State in the mid to late '90s. He has since been a coach on staff since 2002 as either linebacker or special teams coach.

Then in 2005 he was named as a co-defensive coordinator. After former head coach Jim Tressel resigned as the result of an NCAA investigation after former Buckeyes reaped "improper benefits," Fickell was tabbed as the interim coach.

Fickell has paid his dues and he is hoping that a 9 or 10-win season would translate into a full-time position as the Buckeyes head ball coach.

However, there have been numerous rumors that former Florida Gators head coach and former Buckeye graduate assistant Urban Meyer is lurking in the background and the job could be his if he wants it next season. Meyer spent two seasons as an assistant in Columbus and was born in Toledo, Oh. 

Does it Make Sense?

Meyer's roots are from the state and though the fit may seem way off base at the moment, there is no doubt that if the Buckeyes do not reach a BCS Bowl or even a Big Ten Championship that Meyer may get a call.

Meyer is arguably the top coach currently on the market and he is also one of the greatest coaches in the BCS era. Winning two BCS National Championships and becoming the second fastest coach in NCAA history to reach 100 wins is nothing short of spectacular. 

So, do the Buckeyes have the guts and the glamour in them to go after this prestigious coach sooner rather than later? 

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