Penn State vs. Ohio State: Why Urban Meyer Should Pick the Buckeyes

First off, let me say that I don't think that Urban Meyer will be taking any head coaching job this year. His comfy seat in the ESPN broadcasting booth is probably still looking pretty good compared to the stresses of the sideline that once hospitalized him.

That being said, there are two college football powerhouses who will be shopping for head coaches in the offseason. With both the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes currently employing interim head coaches, now would be an excellent time for Meyer to get back into coaching.

But even if Meyer did decide to return, and was courted (as he would be) by both of these programs, which would he choose? Which should he choose?

I think the answer is a no-brainer. Here's a comparison of the value of both jobs.

Fans

Both programs have large, devoted fan bases. They both have fans that travel well (to bowls, neutral site games and away games), and they both consistently fill stadiums that seat over 100,000.

Advantage: Even

Facilities

Penn State has excellent facilities, but with the $21 million renovation to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Ohio State might have the best facilities this side of the Phil Knight-funded Oregon Ducks. 

Advantage: Ohio State

History

Both of these schools have a rich college football history. Penn State has two national championships and a Heisman Trophy winner in John Cappelletti. However, Ohio State has seven national championships and six Heisman Trophy winners (seven trophies with Archie Griffin doubling up).

Advantage: Ohio State

Recent Football Status

Ohio State has been better recently as well as throughout history.

The Buckeyes have been to more BCS games than any other college football team (nine), and have played for the BCS Championship three times, winning the first one against the Miami Hurricanes.

The Nittany Lions have only been to two BCS games, neither of which was the championship game.

Advantage: Ohio State

Scandal-o-meter

Both schools have been recently rocked by scandals that saw successful and beloved coaches deposed.

However, I think that the sundry nature of Penn State's scandal makes that job a little less attractive than it would have been a year ago. No one wants to be associated with child molestation in any way.

Advantage... well, Disadvantage: Penn State

Summary

These (normally) are two of the most sought-after coaching jobs in the college football world. However, Ohio State has a little more to offer.

Both schools have no problem bringing in recruits (as both exist in great high school football states and can go out of state with ease). Both have rich histories and solid fan bases. But Ohio State has been slightly better as of late, and currently offers some of the best facilities around.

That, in conjunction with the Sandusky scandal and the difficulty in replacing Joe Paterno, makes Ohio State the more attractive offer for Urban Meyer. I can't imagine he'd go to State College with all the criminal investigations still swirling around that school.

Ohio State will be where he ends up if he returns to coaching next season.