In his heart, Urban Meyer doesn’t much care who, when or where his Ohio State football team plays.
He’s ready to take on the world. After he fills the NFL’s first round with talented departures Thursday, it’s “national championship or bust” for the Buckeyes. Bring on Michigan. Bring on Alabama.
But scheduling is huge for middle-rungers, and particularly those aspiring to attain a .500 record that likely assures a postseason bowl berth. That’s why the Big Ten’s new setup of nine conference games is so important ... and so much more difficult for Illinois.
Lovie Smith’s first UI club will play five Big Ten road games, beginning Oct.