The critics are out. After Ohio State’s 49-20 loss to Purdue on Saturday, there are a lot of questions about Urban Meyer’s future in Columbus.

It’s just one loss, but the 7-1 Buckeyes were embarrassed at Ross-Ade Stadium over the weekend, much like they were in Iowa City last fall. And now, some folks are questioning whether the 2018 season could be the last hoorah for Meyer.

College football analyst and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum has been the conductor of that train since August. Many times, Finebaum has said that he believes that Meyer’s run in Columbus is coming to an end.

During his weekly radio interview with WJOX on Monday morning, Finebaum doubled down on his claim and believes the door is closing on the Meyer era.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

With the launch coming on January 1, 2023, Ohio sports betting apps are almost here.

FanDuel is now giving users a $100 bonus for Ohio pre-registration. Go pre-register now.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

“I’ve been suggesting that Urban Meyer has been done for awhile, because based on the bad marriage and based on body language and the admission by him that he is still struggling with some health issues,” Finebaum said. “Saturday night, he looked like the saddest man in America. He probably was.”

Finebaum has repeatedly used Meyer’s exit from the University of Florida as a reason behind his belief. He doesn’t believe the head coach can handle much adversity.

Meyer, of course, has been at the center of the national media since August when the alleged domestic violence arrests involving former assistant coach Zach Smith were discovered.

Finebaum believes that Meyer plans to “run away” from his troubles at Ohio State.

“I just don’t think Urban Meyer has the makeup to deal with much more adversity,” Finebaum said. “I think it’s who Urban Meyer is. When things get tough, he runs away and quits.”

The Buckeyes are still 7-1 and 4-1 in the B1G. They control their own destiny. If they win out, they’d have another shot at a B1G title and could earn a bid in the College Football Playoff.

It’s not as if Ohio State is on the brink of losing its program.

But the attitude in Columbus has changed, at least temporarily. And Finebaum believes Meyer’s run is coming to an end. I guess we’ll find out in a few months whether his prediction was correct.