Ohio State may be a little more offensive minded team than they have been in years past with the loss of the nations best linebacker duo, Hawk and Carpenter. If the Buckeyes 34-20 rout of the Fighting Irish in the Fiesta Bowl is any indication of things to come, then we can fully expect these Buckeyes to contend for a national title. Much like the Bush-Leinart Heisman talk last season, we may hear similar talk surrounding QB Troy Smith and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. Notre Dames Brady Quinn may be the top returning Heisman vote-getter, but it was obvious that Smith out performed him when they went head to head in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl. Ted Ginn Jr. is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. He is a game breaker and he can change a game in a single play. Tailback Antonio Pittman who rushed for 1,331 yards last season and averaged an impressive 5.5 yards per carry will be the offensive glue who the Buckeyes will rely on to control the clock and wear teams down. With most of the offensive line still in tact, it is evident that the Buckeyes have every base covered on the offensive side of the ball. But what about the defense that has grown to be synonymous with the Ohio State Buckeyes? Tackles Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson are the only 2 starters back on defense. Yes, I said only. The offense will make up for some of the defenses inexperience, especially early on when they are still figuring things out, but I have no doubt that the Buckeyes will have a talented team on the defensive side of the ball. Laurinaitis, Kerr, and DAndrea all have played extensively at linebacker and I expect Larry Grant, a former University of Florida signee who played last season at City College of San Francisco, will step right in at linebacker. The talent is definitely there. They may not be the number 1 team in the country against the run as they were a season ago, but they will be solid and will probably surprise us all. Once again, the Buckeyes take on National Champion Texas in the second week of the season. They then should take care of Penn State at home, but may have problems with Iowa on the road the following week. The good news is that Michigan comes to Columbus this season and it seems like the Big 10 Championship usually depends on that matchup. I like an offensive Ohio State team to run up the scoreboard in the Big 10 this season. Odds to win National Title: 11/2
Odds to win Big 10 Championship: 1/1
Over/Under win totals: over 10.5 -110/under 10.5 -120 Lines at Bodog |
