Football season is almost upon us.
Day one of Big Ten Media Days is set to kick off in the Windy City on Monday morning, and while Urban Meyer and Ohio State's players aren't set to appear until Tuesday, there are still plenty of Buckeye storylines to keep an eye out for.
Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota, Rutgers and Michigan are set to represent the conference on the first day of the event, bringing with them plenty of Ohio State connections. Eleven Warriors will have you covered throughout the day with content from Chicago, but for now, here are a few Ohio State-themed storylines that could arise on day one.
Now or Never For Harbaugh
If there is a season for Michigan to make a run at a Big Ten title, or even simply beat Ohio State, this appears to be it.
The Wolverines had their best chance in 2016, but failed to get the best of the Buckeyes in double-overtime in Columbus. After dealing with multiple injuries at the quarterback position, Michigan finally appears to have a star behind center in Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson. Mix that in with a loaded, experienced defense, Jim Harbaugh's squad should content for a Big Ten title and push Ohio State to the brink this season. But what happens if they don't?
You have to imagine Harbaugh would be firmly on the hot seat if he doesn't beat the Buckeyes this season, yet Michigan doesn't have a clear successor to replace him as head coach. Does Harbaugh feel the pressure mounting as the Michigan head man? We will likely find out Monday, as he is sure to be asked plenty about the rivalry and lack of elite success since arriving in Ann Arbor.
Frost Warning
The biggest name at media days is almost always Urban Meyer, however with Scott Frost in town representing Nebraska, the intrigue surrounding the Cornhuskers is officially back.
Frost has brought a level of excitement to the Cornhusker fan base that has Nebraska thinking Big Ten title already. While that isn't likely for Frost's first year, the Huskers figure to be much better than the 4-8 record they posted a year ago.
Nebraska's 2018 schedule is brutal. The Cornhuskers have to travel to Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State this season, with the trip to Columbus being the last of the three in that murderer's row of road games. With the Buckeyes being the gold standard of the Big Ten with Meyer at the helm, how does Frost feel about his tough road and what could a win over Ohio State in Columbus do for his program? Something to keep an eye on as is the first coach to take the podium on Monday morning.
Return to Happy Valley
After a stunning upset that catapulted Penn State back into national prominence in 2016, Ohio State is set to return to State College, Pa. on Sept. 29 for a rubber match of sorts.
Penn State's 2016 win over Ohio State brought the Nittany Lions back to national prominence. The Buckeyes return to Happy Valley this season.
The Buckeyes got revenge last season, staging a fourth quarter comeback for the ages, defeating Penn State 39-38 in Columbus. With Trace McSorley back behind center for the Nittany Lions, James Franklin's squad once again looks primed to contend for a conference title. With Ohio State and Penn State meeting so early in the season, the game carries plenty of intrigue, but doesn't provide the pressure of a late October matchup that we have become used to seeing.
The loser of this matchup could very well still make a push to play in Indianapolis in December and perhaps still sneak into the College Football Playoff. While bragging rights are still on the line, the pressure of the premier matchup won't have as much pressure on it, as it is still early enough for the losing team to rebound with two months left in the regular season. Does James Franklin view that game the same way? Or is the pressure always on, especially in a white-out game with the Buckeyes in town?
Make sure to stay tuned to Eleven Warriors on Monday for updates throughout the week from media days. For a primer of when each coach, player and analysts are set to speak, make sure to check out our Big Ten Media Day primer. Also, make sure to follow Dan Hope, James Grega and Andrew Lind on Twitter for updates throughout the day.
