Today we will preview the OSU Buckeyes. This team seems destined to have another great season. They return almost all starters from last years 11-2 big ten champs team. No way could OSU coaches count on two-time All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis returning, or All-Big Ten cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. Both of them were probable first-round picks. Both came back for one reason, to win a National Championship.

Offensively they have the heisman trophy front runner in tailback Bennie Wells. Handing the ball off to Wells is Todd Boeckman who was first team all big ten last year. Boeckman, a fifth-year senior, put together one of the better seasons in school history: 25 touchdown passes and a 64 percent completion rate. Of course he has one of the most highly recruited backups, Terell Pryor. Look for him to play the same roll that Tim Tebow did his freshman year at Florida. The buckeyes have two proven pass catchers and are trying to develop at third option. At the top of the depth chart is Brian Robiskie, senior, and junior Brian Hartline. Together they were the most dynamic and interesting tandems in the Big Ten. Last season, they each caught more than 50 passes, combining for 107 receptions for 1,629 yards and 17 touchdowns. In preseason camp look for one of there highly touted freshman receivers to step up and give them the third option Boeckman needs. Protecting Boeckman and opening holes for Wells will be the same line as last year. They only lose one of there top seven offensive lineman from last year.

They basically have the same defense that dominated almost all teams they played last year. At defensive line the Buckeyes lose one starter and gain one starter, so the net result might be improved play overall. Gone is Gholston, whose 14 sacks last season broke Mike Vrabel's school record and who was picked sixth overall in the NFL draft. But junior end Lawrence Wilson, who broke his leg in the season opener and missed the rest of the year, returns healthy after being forced to take a redshirt season. Much was being expected last season of Wilson, an athletic, emotional rush end. At linebacker the buckeyes might have too many good ones. Laurinatis, Freeman, and Terry will be the starters when they play three LB’s. But they have depth like no other team at linebacker. In the secondary all the top six return. They dominated most WR’s in the big ten last year. Look for more of the same from this bunch. Defense has always been Coach Tressel’s calling card. This team will be no different this defense should be in the top five in all stats once the season has ended.

The Buckeyes talent and depth is amazing. Traditionally, quarterbacks make big improvements in their second full year of starting, which bodes well for Boeckman. With a horse like Wells at his disposal, experienced receivers, and a veteran line in front, he doesn't need to try and do too much. Defensively, the front needs to step up. But with all four tackles and three experienced ends returning, that should happen. Laurinaitis, Freeman and Jenkins are All-America caliber, and again, the defense has incredible depth. No question, this is the favorite to win the Big Ten, which would be the first time a team has won three straight outright league championships. They are likely to pick up one loss along the way. Whether that will prevent them from reaching the title game remains to be seen. And even if they get there, in order to reach their ultimate goal, they likely will have to conquer their most elusive demon beating the best the Southeastern Conference has to offer. Record will most likely be 11-1 this year which will at worst put them in the Rose Bowl.

Tomorrow we will preview #4 Oklahoma Sooners!

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