Bryan Albin’s College Football Preview

As my preseason top 25 comes to a close, my third ranked team is a team looking to continue its dominance of the Big 10.

3. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

2009 Recap-        In 2009 the Buckeyes had lofty expectations for the season. With QB Tyrelle Pryor starting as a sophomore, it was expected that the Buckeyes could make it to the National Championship game. However, in a week 2 showdown against USC in Columbus, the Buckeyes had their hearts broken by USC for the 2nd straight year. The Buckeyes’ chances of winning the Big Ten for the 5th straight year took a major ht when the Buckeyes lost at Purdue as Pryor looked horrible in the pocket all night. Luckily for the Buckeyes, Pryor rebounded and the Buckeyes clinched a spot in the Rose Bowl with a dramatic win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. In that Rose Bowl, Ohio State surprised many when they controlled the Oregon Ducks and Pryor played like the superstar that many expected he would be. An 11-2 season and Rose Bowl victory have given Buckeyes fans high hopes for the 2010 season.

Offense- In 2010, much like in 2009, the Buckeyes offensive efficiency will all depend on how well Jr. QB Tyrelle Pryor plays. In 2009 he threw for just over 2,000 yards with 18 TD’s and 11 INT’s. We all know Pryor is a fantastic runner, as he nearly ran for 800 yards and 7 TD’s a year ago, but the Buckeyes need him to become a more legitimate passing threat for RB’s Dan Herron and Brandon Saine to excel this year. A veteran offensive line anchored by LG Justin Boren ought to help Pryor improve his passing, given that they will provide him with plenty of time to throw. The real key to Pryor being a successful QB this year will be the play of his receivers. DeVier Posey is a solid number one target , but there are questions as to whether or not Dane Sanzenbacher is a legitimate number 2 for a title contending team. If Sanzenbacher fits the bill, Ohio State ought to have plenty of ways to be explosive on offense.

Defense- The foundation of Ohio State football under Jim Tressel has been the defense that his teams play. Guys like A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, James Laurinitis and Chris Gamble have been pieces on great Ohio State defenses under Tressel. This year, I expect the name Cameron Heyward to join that list of elite Ohio State defenders of the Tressel era. Heyward had 6 sacks a year ago, and his combination of size and speed terrorizes opposing offensive lines.With Sr. DT Dexter Larimore also on the line, Ohio State has probably the best defensive line in the Big Ten. The line’s efforts will be key against Conference foes Iowa, Penn State and Wisconsin, who are all known for playing power football before anything else. With 7 seniors starting on this years defense, I am more than confident in saying that Ohio State will have the best defense in the Big Ten. If the newly formed secondary can gel quickly, it may turn out to be one of the most stifling defenses in the nation.

Schedule- In recent years under Tressel, Ohio State has played a marquee non-conference game early in the season. That tradition continues this season, as Ohio State plays host to the Miami Hurricanes on September 11th. Other than that game, the Non Conference slate is soft for the Buckeyes, as they play Marshall, Ohio and Eastern Michigan. The conference schedule will be difficult for the Buckeyes in 2010, due to two very difficult road games against Big Ten contenders Wisconsin and Iowa. The last two home games of the year for the Buckeyes are also potential road blocks, as they host Penn State and Michigan.

Prediction- Ohio State will start with an easy win over Marshall. Then, in week 2, the Buckeyes will realize their newly formed secondary is not yet ready for a strong passing attack, as Miami, led by Jacory Harris, will put up points through the air early. Tyrelle Pryor will end up trying to do to much to keep up, and a few turnovers will leave Ohio State falling to Miami in a tight game. Ohio State will rebound quickly with 4 wins in a row before visiting Wisconsin. Wisconsin will jump out to a quick lead behind John Clay’s power running. Ohio State will show its character in the 2nd half, though, as Tyrelle Pryor will finally break out into the star that people have been waiting for. This emotional breakthrough will spur Ohio State on the rest of the season, as huge wins over Iowa, Penn State and Michigan will allow Ohio State 11-1. Many people will be campaigning for the Buckeyes to make the Championship game, but the Buckeyes will find themselves playing in the Rose Bowl against Oregon for the 2nd straight year instead.