Ohio State vs. Alabama

JKampf@MorningJournal.com

@JKBuckeyes

COLUMBUS — Tom Herman walked through a side door into the atrium at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Dec. 18, waved his hand, smiled, then disappeared through another side door.

Welcome to the whirlwind that has become the life of Herman, who is Ohio State’s offensive coordinator for only a few more weeks before taking over as the Houston Cougars’ coach once the Buckeyes playoff run is over.

Herman is still doing his job with the Buckeyes, but coach Urban Meyer said his current/soon-to-be-former OC

Sugar Bowl, College playoff semifinal 8:30, Jan. 1 Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

Ohio State, 12-1, Alabama 12-1

WOIO; Radio: WKNR-AM 850, WEOL-AM 930 is a busy guy these days as he prepares Ohio State’s offense for a Sugar Bowl game against Alabama while also having an eye on his future with the

John Kampf

Cougars.

“Looks like someone hit him with a bat when he’s walking around here,” Meyer said with a chuckle. “A good bat though.”

Herman wasn’t made available to the media on Dec. 18, but many spoke highly of the assistant coach who has been dubbed “the quarterback whisperer” for his ability to have three quarterbacks prepared to the point that the Buckeyes are playing in the College Football Playoff with their third-string quarterback.

Meyer was among those singing Herman’s praises.

“He’s a pro,” Meyer said of Herman. “We had a good conversation this morning.”