Analysis: Young Buckeyes grow up on big stage

Ohio State belies common sense.

For a team as young as the Buckeyes are, they play with poise. They’ve been to Norman and they took care of business in dominant fashion. Saturday night, against a pesky Wisconsin defense, Ohio State struggled against the tenacious Badgers, but never lost its composure in a thrilling 30-23 overtime victory.

The Buckeyes are at the top of the Big Ten because they built a culture that reflects the high demands of their head coach. Urban Meyer instilled a commitment to excellence through accountability and leadership, and the on-field product is mesmerizing to watch.

As a team, Ohio State plays with more cohesion and confidence than its 2015 squad did. This team performs with relentless intensity, hungers for glory, and uses insane athleticism to quiet hostile crowds.

Meyer called it the most talented team he’s coached, and there’s a reason - this team is built on his vision.

Ohio State has been a recruiting powerhouse only rivaled by Alabama since Meyer arrived in Columbus. However, it's not just the talent the Buckeyes attract that makes the program consistently one of the nation’s best: it’s how they develop it.

Mickey Marotti, Ohio State’s assistant athletic director for football sports performance, works with players in the offseason, and the results have been stunning. To demonstrate, running back Mike Weber lost 20 pounds in the offseason, transforming him into a powerhouse. He broke through would-be tacklers Saturday, resulting in a crucial fourth-down conversion against the Badgers.

Then there’s the leadership aspect. Meyer named team captains right after the 2015 season ended, since he understood then how inexperienced his squad this year was going to be. So, behind the outstanding leadership of J.T. Barrett, Pat Elflein, and Raekwon McMillian, the team formed an identity.

The product is far from finished, but it’s clear this team possesses the mentality needed to become a championship-caliber squad.

What they showed in Madison against a top 10 team and one of the nation’s best defenses should come as no surprise to those who cheer for the Scarlet and Gray. Ohio State has been unbelievable on the road during the regular season, going 20-0 since Meyer took over as coach.

This means they haven’t lost a regular-season road game since 2011. That’s amazing consistency, especially when you consider what they faced tonight.

Wisconsin had revenge on its mind. Echoes of the 59-0 beatdown it suffered in the Big Ten championship game two years ago were a tremendous rallying cry. Head coach Paul Chryst had two weeks to prepare an outstanding game plan. All this, coupled with a frenzied environment, created the perfect storm to sink the young Buckeyes.

Instead of buckling under the pressure, they rose to meet it head on. This Ohio State squad thrives in stressful situations, and the Silver Bullets’ goal-line stand in overtime reflects the team’s intensity and growth.

The Buckeyes are building an impressive resume by winning their biggest games on the road, and gaining confidence in the process. If they continue to buy into Meyer’s vision, Ohio State could develop into the nation’s best team.