Ohio State not in the Top 10?!?! I know. Wild.
Five months ago I would have pegged the Buckeyes in the Top 5, but the Columbus mass exodus got me thinking.
When you lose your starting quarterback, running back and wide receivers, there's room for concern. Now, much like Texas and Florida, Ohio State is accustomed to bringing in top talent every year, so there will be plenty of playmakers darting around with the ball this season, in theory.
On offense, Jim Tressel must replace seven starters (QB, RB, FB, 2 WR and 2 OL). Luckily for him, Chris "Beanie" Wells gives Ohio State enough talent that it shouldn't feel a drop off after the departure of Antonio Pittman. To keep things fun, the unrelated Maurice Wells will serve as the "2" in the 1-2 punch Ohio State throws at opponents. If you're wondering who the younger Wells is and what's he capable of, just watch the video (the different views of the play make the first 45 seconds worth it).
However, all eyes are on Todd Boeckman. The junior steps in with eight completions under his belt and will be looked to as the guy to fill the shoes of last year's Heisman winner. My guess is that, while Boeckman is larger than Troy Smith in stature, those proverbial shoes won't be entirely filled. It's imperative for 6'5, 235-pound gunslinger that he does not implode. Put the ball in the hands of the Wells-tandem and make the occasional key throw to Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline or Ray Small and all is fine in Columbus. If Boeckman can live through the growing pains of this season, we'll start placing big-boy expectations on him in 2008.
With Doug Datish and T.J. Downing gone from the offensive line, a guy like Alex Boone will really have the chance to shine at the tackle position. Senior Kirk Barton, playing right tackle, will likely get the accolades this year, but Boone has the chance to leave Columbus with an insane legacy along that line.
On the defensive side, all eyes are on James Laurinaitis because he's already established himself as the next great Ohio State linebacker - and he's entering his junior season. The unit returns missing five key parts, but Columbus has become America's top factory for producing beasts, so I'm sure the Buckeyes will boast another Top 15 unit - although they'll miss Quinn Pitcock. Keep an eye on 6'7 defensive tackle Doug Worthington (then again, at 6'7, that won't be hard).
I think people are overlooking Ohio State's schedule: hitting the road to play Penn State and returning to face Wisconsin with a date in Ann Arbor looming is not the best way to wrap up a season.
The Buckeyes will have a little growing up to do this year, but they should still shoot for the Capital One Bowl. Anything better than a third-place finish in the conference this year would be outstanding.
Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: James Laurinaitis
80s theme song: "That Was Yesterday" - Foreigner (1984) … I doubt any Ohio State fan has made it this far because they're so appalled at the ranking. However, the glory was yesterday, but should be back very shortly (as in 2008 or 2009). Sing along: "But that was yesterday, I had the world in my hands. But it's not the end of my world, just a slight change of plans. That was yesterday, but today life goes on."
Save this date: Nov. 17 at Michigan (yup)
25. Boston College & Intro; 24. UCLA; 23. Hawaii; 22. Florida State; 21. Georgia; 20. Oklahoma; 19. South Carolina; 18. Oregon; 17. Rutgers; 16. Arkansas; 15. Louisville; 14. Penn State; 13. Cal