So it’s probably true, but what does it mean?
Perhaps not so much. Then again, maybe a lot.
Smith would replace Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez, whose term with the group has expired, the report said. Two other members — Bobby Johnson and Condoleezza Rice — are expected to be replaced later this month.
OSU’s AD since 2005, Smith knows his way around selection systems. He spent five seasons on the NCAA men’s Division I basketball committee and served as its chair in 2010-11.
Ohio State made this year’s football playoff for the second time in three years, losing 31-0 to Clemson in the semifinals.
Committee members are expected to recuse themselves from a vote involving a school to which they have direct financial ties, which means Smith won’t be sitting in on the discussion when it’s time to decide whether the Buckeyes become one of the four schools to compete for the national championship.
Still, that might not stop Harbaugh from throwing his challenge flag. I mean, what if Michigan is in the mix? Not to question Smith’s ethical compass, but should the Ohio State athletic director be put in a position of determining the fate of his school’s arch rival?
If Harbaugh does react, it won't be the first time he's had something to say to or about Smith on Twitter. Just last year, after Smith accused Harbaugh of practicing in Florida to "jump start" his program, Harbaugh countered by congratulating Smith on untangling himself from Ohio State's infamous tattoo scandal.
So it might get interesting if Harbaugh suspects foul play. And given the way his mind works, it’s not all that difficult to imagine what he’s thinking.
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