 "Photo: Stephen Durda/The Daily Texan")
Ohio State fans went from elated to down in the dumps during the waning minutes of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl last season. Longhorns Colt McCoy and Quan Cosby spoiled the after parties in Columbus with their game-ending heroics to clinch the victory for Texas.
This season, Buckeye fans have roses on their minds instead of a bag of chips.
Even after replacing top players on both sides of the ball to the NFL, Ohio State is still favored by many to hoist the Big Ten trophy at the end of the season. The Buckeyes lost a talented group that included running back Chris Wells, linebacker James Laurinaitis, cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Brian Robiskie.
Buckeye head coach Jim Tressel will hand quarterback Terrelle Pryor the keys to the offense this year after a solid freshman campaign last season. Pryor has the ability to break off a big run, but questions still remain about his arm.
The Buckeyes will need to improve up front on the offensive line. The big men should have an edge of nastiness this season with three starters returning, and the addition of former rival Michigan guard Justin Boren. The O-line must provide more time for Pryor to examine the defense, after allowing 29 sacks in 2008.
The Buckeyes will have no problem getting to the opposing quarterback with an unstoppable pass rush. Defensive end Thaddeus Gibson should blossom up front in his junior year as an All-American-caliber pass rusher.
Tressel will have an abundant supply of pass rushers who may not even get a chance to get on the field. If the Buckeyes can find a decent replacement for Jenkins in the secondary, Ohio State may claim one of the best pass defenses in the nation.
Ohio State will start the season in cruise control against Navy, as long as it’s not looking ahead to the next game against USC. After a 31-point fiasco in the Coliseum last year, the Buckeyes will seek revenge at the horseshoe in this heavyweight match up. A win could help the Buckeyes with a much-needed boost in the BCS rankings since their conference is relatively weak this year.
But a win against the Trojans might not matter if the Buckeyes can’t beat Penn State. The Nittany Lions’ win over Ohio State led them to the Rose Bowl last season. A win at Happy Valley could secure the conference and a return to Pasadena.
Buckeye fans are restless for a BCS victory after their recent drought and want a whiff of the roses this year. An appearance in the Rose Bowl would mark this first time in the Jim Tressel era.
The Buckeyes reloaded with a group of young players filled with speed, speed and more speed. Ohio State is hoping to rally behind their young players, including Pryor, and defy expectations that this is a rebuilding year.
Team Name: Ohio State Buckeyes
Head Coach: Jim Tressel
Conference: Big Ten
2008 record: 10-3
Key Players:
- Terrelle Pryor — Sophomore — QB
2008: 146.5 rating, 1,311 yards, 12 TD
Has worked on his passing game this offseason, and should pose a threat through the air as well as on the ground. - Thaddeus Gibson Jr. — Junior — DE
2008: 26 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Led the Buckeyes in sacks last season and should improve upon last year’s numbers. Dominant speed rusher who doesn’t take plays off.
Game to watch: Sept. 12 v. USC
Longhorn fans will certainly keep an eye out on the outcome of this game, which should play a factor in the BCS rankings. Let’s try and make a game out of it this year Buckeyes, instead of a 31-point fiasco.
The word on Ohio State: The Buckeyes lost some big-time playmakers all around the field. Reloaded with young talent this year and looking to make a statement, Ohio State will be the favorite to capture the Big Ten crown in a weak conference.
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