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2. Ohio State
Coach:
Jim Tressel has accomplished everything Buckeye fans could ask for -- including a national championship back in 2003 following an epic OT win over Miami.
Last season:
11-2. The double-digit victory total rang hollow as OSU lost its second consecutive BCS championship game, this time to LSU.
Studs:
There's no shortage of talent in Columbus, the most obvious being returning Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy winner James Laurinaitis at linebacker. Quarterback Todd Boeckman, who led the Big Ten in passing efficiency last season, will be protected by a dominating line, the best of whom is three-year starting tackle Alex Boone. Chris "Beanie" Wells headlines the running backs, while Brian Robiskie leads a good group of receivers. Malcolm Jenkins at defensive back is superlative.
Scoop:
The disappointment of losing another title game was palpable in Columbus this off-season. Five or six juniors who would likely have been first-day NFL draft choices stayed in school. There was a sense of intensity and urgency during off-season workouts. Tressel will have to focus that energy and resolve each Saturday. The Buckeyes could lose to USC on September 13 and still play for the national championship.
Prediction:
11-1
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