Ohio State Football Preview
Can Pryor Live up to the Hype?
Ohio State under head coach Jim Tressel has been accustomed to playing for the national title over the past few years.
Ohio State finished with three losses last year and it is still viewed as a poor season, even with all three losses coming to teams ranked in the top ten.
They will likely compete for the conference championship, but it may be tough with the Buckeyes losing seven players to the NFL Draft.
This cannot be a major concern though with Tressell always reloading with big talent. The AP preseason poll has Ohio State as No. 6, which is the highest of any teams in the Big Ten.
This present season as well as the future seems to be in the hands of sophomore Terrelle Pryor. The quarterback has been hyped since high school and was able to play well last year.
His comparisons to Vince Young seem legit and he should be able to lead the Buckeyes to win the Big Ten.
Offense
Pryor is very talented at the spread and can run well, but he will have to be able to throw it downfield more with Beanie Wells also gone from the offense.
The new starting running back Dan Herron has proven that he can handle running the ball after coming in last year while Wells suffered a foot injury.
Tressell may also use Brandon Saine at running back in a two-back set. These two quick backs along with Pryor give the Buckeyes plenty of speed in its backfield.
Freshmen Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde may also get their chance to impress running the ball.
Pryor’s ability to throw the ball seems to be depending on how the receivers are able to perform. Ohio State lost its two top receivers, and the returnees have not yet established themselves.
DeVier Posey, Ray Small, Dane Sanzenbacher and Lamaar Thomas need to step up and help in getting the passing game going this season.
Freshmen Duron Carter and James Jackson may be able to come out early and compete for playing time at receiving as well.
The offensive line struggled last season, but it has three returning starters that should show their experience and play more physical.
Michigan transfer Justin Boren will also get a chance to play this season and help the offensive line improve.
Defense
The Buckeyes’ defensive unit played great against the run last year, but lost some big defensive playmakers in James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman and Malcom Jenkins.
The defense has three returners in the front four, which should help the new starters on defense be able to adjust and make an impact.
Defensive end Thad Gibson had five sacks last season and has the speed to get a hold of the opposing quarterback plenty this year.
Austin Spitler and Tyler Moeller are coming in to fill the holes at linebacker. They have plenty of talent and should still be able to play well.
The loss of Laurinaitis will likely be shown this season, but these new starters should adjust quickly.
Jenkins is a big loss in the secondary, but Kurt Coleman will lead the group after getting 78 tackles and four interceptions last season.
Chimdi Chekwa will play at one corner with Andre Amos and freshman Corey Brown competing to start at the other corner.
Special Teams
Aaron Pettry returns at kicker after making seven of eight field goals last year. Jon Thoma and Ben Buchanan will have to compete for the starting position in punting.
Ray Small will be back to return punts with Lamaar Thomas returning kickoffs.
Ohio State’s Schedule
Ohio State will likely win at least a share of the Big Ten title and make it to its fifth straight BCS bowl. The second game of the season against Southern California will show just how good this team is.
The Buckeyes play Navy in their season opener on Sept. 5, which should be an easy win for the Buckeyes.
Pryor will need to step up and live up to the hype in order for the Buckeyes to compete for the national title. Of course if they make it that far, then they need to worry about another embarrassment to the SEC.
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