Ohio State Football: 2010 Season Preview

Expectations are high in Columbus for the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes as they enter the 2010 College Football season, but then again, when are they not?

Following an impressive 26-17 Rose Bowl victory over the Oregon Ducks this past January, the Buckeyes return 14 starters from that team (8 on offense, 6 on defense) including quarterback Terrelle Pryor and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Pryor and Heyward anchor their respective sides of the ball and are projected All-Big Ten First Team performers. Joining them on that list are offensive linemen Justin Boren and Mike Brewster, linebacker Ross Homan and defensive back Chimdi Chekwa.

With those core players leading the way, and talented underclassmen looking to contribute, it is no wonder the experts are picking the Buckeyes to be serious National Championship contenders.

Offense:

Everyone is going to be talking about Terrelle Pryor, and you can bet the first thing opposing teams will see on their scouting report will be his name. After a productive Sophomore season which saw Pryor throw for 2,094 yards and rush for 779 more, the 6'6, 240 lbs. signal caller enters his Junior campaign with the expectations of having a “2005 Vince Young” type run toward the title this season.

This summer, head coach Jim Tressel has made claims that we may see Pryor throw up to 30 times a game. With that being said, and teams keying on him, Pryor will need the rest of his offensive skill players to relief some of the pressure. Running backs Brandon Saine and Boom Haren need to be productive for balance on offense while wide receivers DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher must convert on big play opportunities.

Nevertheless, for all of these things to happen the Buckeyes need consistency from their front five. The offensive line is a veteran group who can dominate a game if they are all on the same page.

Overall, this is a unit that possesses the potential of putting a lot of points on the board.

Defense:

Physicality and toughness has historically been the staple for Ohio State defenses, and this season should be no different.

The OSU front seven, led by the aforementioned Cameron Heyward and Ross Homan, is one of the most talented and physical units in the country. Although the unit will be breaking in several new starters, guys like defensive tackle Johnny Simon and linebacker Etienne Sabino are destined to be the next Heyward and Homan. Experienced linebacker Brian Rolle and lineman Nathan Williams are playmakers who can rush the passer and create some turnovers.

Depth will be a strength for this unit as rotating in fresh bodies will allow the Buckeyes to really increase the pressure on opposing offenses. In order for Ohio State to claim a National Championship, that defensive pressure must produce turnovers resulting into points or favorable field position for the offense.

Special Teams:

This unit lost a lot but special teams has never really been issue in the Tressel era.

Taking over the kicking duties for Aaron Pettrey will be Devin Barclay. Barclay, a 27-year-old former Major League Soccer player, nailed a 39-yard winning field goal in an overtime victory against Iowa that sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl. Last season, Barclay hit 7-of-10 field-goal attempts after Pettrey suffered a season-ending knee injury against New Mexico State. Drew Basil has a bigger leg than Barclay and likely will kick off but should compete with Barclay for the place kicking job.

The Buckeyes will also have to replace punter Jon Thoma. This job is currently up for grabs with the early front-runner looking like Ben Buchanan.

OSU will miss the return skills of Ray Small, who ranked second in the Big Ten in punt returns but the Buckeyes have no lack of options for Small’s replacement. Posey, Sanzenbacher, and Devon Torrence are all capable returners with solid hands and speed. Kickoff coverage should be no different as an array of speedy athletes will look to duplicate last season’s top unit in the Big Ten.

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