In all corners of the angst-infested universe that some call Buckeye Nation, it had been a dreamlike, worry-free 6½ months.
Since Ohio State beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon in the national championship game, the good news has flowed like water gushing from an unmanned fire hose.
With the exception of opposing coaches paid millions to believe they can win titles with any band of knuckleheads that happen by practice, just about everyone thinks the Buckeyes are locked and loaded for a serious bid at a title repeat.
In light of the recent past, that’s a stunning series of developments.