Ricky Blaine and Neonmoon cover where I am at when looking for a hopeful spin on the situation. Beck won a lot of games at OSU, but the numbers show his offense wasn't as good as his predecessor and successor. OSU won because of the talent and experience as much as (or likely more than) anything Beck brought to the table. Herman isn't defending a national title, so not making the playoffs next year isn't on his or Beck's shoulders. I hope Herman will shoot for more than 8 wins and will pull the plug on Beck calling plays at the earliest opportunity, should Beck ever even call plays next season.
The offense will look better so long as injuries don't decimate the OL. But even with some bad luck, having more experienced guys and the fact that we have at least average talent across the board, especially at QB, should help keep the chains moving. Add to it that Beck may or may not actually call the plays, and there should be a bit more of a silver lining on the offensive side of the ball. Herman gets continuity (and I am hoping he is just waiting for the OC he really wants and that wasn't an option this offseason) and the chance to see if calling plays himself is possible.
Or Herman could just be stubborn and Beck leads us to a sub .500 record at midseason before Herman steps in and he too struggles and we finish where we were or worse than last season and Herman earns himself a Strong scent of failure.