NCAA College Football Season Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team has been a cut above the competition in the Big Ten over the last five years. They have won the Big Ten for five straight years and appear to be the College football odds favorites to win it yet again.
The Buckeyes will be returning most of their offensive starters from the 2009 squad that went 11-2 en route to a win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Their offense has a nice balance of power and speed. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor led his team in both passing and rushing yards, but that will likely change with senior running back Brandon Saine finally healthy. The Buckeyes can go five deep at tailback, which will give Pryor more time to develop his passing skills.
The Buckeyes return seven starters from a unit that ranked in the top five nationally in total defense, points allowed and turnover margin. Defensive end Cameron Heyward is an All America candidate and will anchor the defensive line. Their top two tacklers from last season, linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, will be back for their senior season.
Aside from their conference schedule, an important game looming for Ohio State is a September 11 home matchup with Miami (FL). The two teams played in one of the most memorable championship games in college football history in 2003, with the Buckeyes edging out the Hurricanes in 31-24 in double overtime.
The key to Ohio State’s success will rest on the shoulders of Pryor. He needs to prove he can be consistent for a full season. If he can replicate his success from last season’s Rose Bowl (266 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 72 rushing yards, 134.98 QB rating), Ohio State may have a chance to return to the National Championship game for the third time in five years.
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