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3. Ohio State
Coach:
Jim Tressel
Last year:
12-1. The Buckeyes were dominating until the BCS national championship, in which Florida dismantled them, 41-14.
Offense:
How do you replace Troy Smith, the Heisman-winning quarterback, and Ted Ginn Jr., who threatened to break a long one every time he touched the ball? You don't. Ohio State is never without an abundance of talented players, but none compare to Smith and Ginn. Of three candidates for quarterback, Todd Boeckman is most familiar with the system and will likely start. The Buckeyes will be good up front, especially with tackles Kirk Barton and Alex Boone. Chris "Beanie" Wells will start at tailback.
Defense:
While the offense searches for new leaders, the defense will keep the team in every contest. Playboy All America James Laurinaitis is the latest in a long list of outstanding Buckeyes linebackers. At cornerback, Malcolm Jenkins leads a very quick secondary.
Schedule:
Very favorable. The Buckeyes open at home against Youngstown State and Akron. Then there's a road trip against relatively weak Washington, followed by Northwestern, Minnesota and Purdue. By then Ohio State should have its offense in order and be ready for the toughies: Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Prediction:
10-2
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