Urban Meyer at Ohio State: Why Former Florida Coach Won't Be Instant Success

Urban Meyer, the former head coach of the Florida Gators, is making a move back to coaching in 2012 with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

While the two have yet to cross the t's and dot the i's, it seems at this point that this move is going to happen.

That's right, Meyer and his two BCS titles are coming to Columbus, OH. 

While Buckeye fans are likely ecstatic, as they should be, there is no reason to jump off your couch just yet and claim Ohio State will be hoisting the BCS Trophy in 2012. Instant success is not going to happen.

The Buckeyes will likely improve from their 2011 season record of 6-6, but there will not be a huge amount of improvement. Here's why.

Ohio State Was Horrible in 2011

To Ohio State standards, 2011 was not a good season. There is still much work to be done following the fall-out of Jim Tressel, so things will likely not be easy for Urban Meyer.

The Buckeyes will be losing star running back Dan Herron, who pretty much turned things around once he returned from suspension.

The Buckeyes went 3-3 with his return, but all three of those wins were over divisional foes Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois. Without Herron, this team may struggle.

On the other hand, the Buckeyes do have some players coming up, such as quarterback Braxton Miller and wide receiver Devin Smith, but it remains to be seen how well they will play under Meyer.

Meyer will have some work to do, but he does have some young players that could help him have some success in 2012.

2012 Will Not Feature His Recruits

When Urban Meyer won at Florida, he had players like Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes.

From what we have seen this year at Ohio State, they likely don't have such young and unique weapons as said players.

Meyer is going to have to recruit these types of guys, but unfortunately it is getting a little late to make a move for highly-touted recruits for the 2012 season.

Meyer will have to dig through the remains, but he will then need to focus on 2013 to make his mark on in recruiting.

With Meyer, Ohio State will undoubtedly be a more attractive option to players. The Buckeyes will have success, especially once Meyer gets his guys in there.

The Big Ten Will Be Tough to Win

This season, the Big Ten has proven it is a tough place to win. They have 10 teams that are bowl eligible, and many of those teams are likely going to only improve in 2012.

The Wisconsin Badgers have leaped the Buckeyes as the best team in the conference, and as of late, the Michigan State Spartans and Michigan Wolverines are right on their coattails as well.

Depending on what happens with Penn State, they could be in the mix as well.

The Big Ten definitely isn't tougher then the SEC, but given the recent strength of the conference, things may not be so easy for Meyer and the Buckeyes.

They Will Need to Adjust to Urban Meyer's System

Urban Meyer does not run an easy system—that is why his teams have been so good. And with many young players, it will take time to adjust to that system.

Meyer has proven in the past that he can turn his teams around, but considering the amount of freshmen and sophomores this team is looking at in 2012, it may take some time.

The Buckeyes will likely get tripped up next season once they start playing stronger opponents. Next season, they play Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin on the road—they could easily lose those three games.

Meyer will likely take 2012 as a feel year to transition his players to his system, and so that he can implement it for the future of Ohio State football.

While success may not come as quick as some may hope, it very much could be within reach soon.