With the resignation of Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and NCAA infractions looming, I think that the Buckeyes will be be taking a holiday from the Heisman race for the next three or four years.

However, I’m intrigued by who might replace Tressel in Columbus.  While his offenses were consistent, they weren’t exactly the kind of attacks that produced huge individual numbers.  One wonders what Terrelle Pryor could’ve done in a more wide-open scheme.  And recall that Troy Smith won the Heisman with the fewest passing yards of any winner (barring option QB Eric Crouch) since 1986.  I’m curious to see if the Buckeyes can finagle some new energy on that side of the ball.

If Ohio State hires the right guy with the right image and the right football mind, it might come out of the sanctions stronger than people anticipate.  After all, the Buckeyes will always get talent.  But having a coach fully utilize that talent on offense is something that hasn’t been realized in quite a while.

Will Ohio State hire someone with Buckeye or Midwest ties?  Most likely.  But a curve ball might be in order here.

In the meantime, the Buckeyes join USC on the NCAA hit-list.  One wonders which program is on deck.