OSU's 2013 recruiting class: Scout's view 
August, 13, 2012
8/13/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The early returns on Ohio State’s 2013 recruiting class are strong.
As the halfway point of the recruiting year rounded the corner last week, Ohio State had 16 commitments and a ton of praise.
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Georgia Tech close to offering Ohio LB
August, 12, 2012
8/12/12
10:41
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
The headliner of the Springfield (Ohio) 2014 class is Thaddeus Snodgrass, but linebacker Davonte James is another Wildcat garnering BCS attention.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior is hearing from several programs, including Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
The Yellow Jackets are close to offering James, who is being recruited by assistant coach David Walkosky.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior is hearing from several programs, including Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
The Yellow Jackets are close to offering James, who is being recruited by assistant coach David Walkosky.
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A taste of what was on the minds of Ohio State players during the annual Media Day on Sunday afternoon.
JORDAN HALL
The senior running back recounted his freak injury and provided his initial reaction to seeing the cut tendon in his foot: "I was letting my dog out, he went to the bathroom and I went to clean it up out of the grass, stepped on glass. I do it all the time. (The glass) was like deep in the grass, because obviously I didn’t see it, I don’t know how it got there.
"I was like, ‘I need stitches.’ It was leaking pretty bad. I thought that was all it was stitches, then I had to get an MRI and they told me I tore a tendon and I was like, ‘Man, this is my first year and I have to miss the first two games.’"
NATHAN WILLIAMS
The senior defensive end on the toughest part of recovering from a serious injury like the knee issue that led to micro-fracture surgery for him: "I’m never a quitter. You’re going to have to drag me off this field before I call it quits. I think why I was down because it’s just hard to accept the fact that you’re performing at such a high level one day and the next day and so on and so forth you’re just like, ‘Gosh, when is this going to stop? When am I going to feel right again?’ You just have doubts surfacing throughout your mind. It’s a really hard for an athlete to get hurt and realize his potential, it’s a pain not only physically, but mentally it’s even worse."
DEVIN SMITH
The sophomore receiver was asked if he was going to average 20 yards per catch again like he did last year: "No -- I want to average more. And I want catch more than 14 for the whole year last year. I was used to 14 in one game back in high school. I’m looking forward to having a great season. I think every single one of us is going to push each other to have the best year we can."
JOHNATHAN HANKINS
On if he's paying attention to the early NFL Draft projections ahead of his junior season at defensive tackle: "Nah, coach (Mike) Vrabel really has me concentrating on this season and not really worrying too much about this NFL talk. Just focusing on this year and winning as many games as we can for the seniors. That's what I'm here to do."
ADOLPHUS WASHINGTON
The freshman defensive lineman was told a roster had his weight listed as 245 pounds: "Yeah, that’s not right at all. Right now, I’m at about 288, 289."
On playing on the inside at defensive tackle now: "They moved me down to the three-technique, and I did good at it. That’s just where they left me for now on, and I’m fine with it. I think I’ll probably just stay. There could be a situation where I go inside and out, but the biggest adjustment there was probably learning to use my hands even more. Just keeping a stronger base."
JORDAN HALL
The senior running back recounted his freak injury and provided his initial reaction to seeing the cut tendon in his foot: "I was letting my dog out, he went to the bathroom and I went to clean it up out of the grass, stepped on glass. I do it all the time. (The glass) was like deep in the grass, because obviously I didn’t see it, I don’t know how it got there.
"I was like, ‘I need stitches.’ It was leaking pretty bad. I thought that was all it was stitches, then I had to get an MRI and they told me I tore a tendon and I was like, ‘Man, this is my first year and I have to miss the first two games.’"
NATHAN WILLIAMS
The senior defensive end on the toughest part of recovering from a serious injury like the knee issue that led to micro-fracture surgery for him: "I’m never a quitter. You’re going to have to drag me off this field before I call it quits. I think why I was down because it’s just hard to accept the fact that you’re performing at such a high level one day and the next day and so on and so forth you’re just like, ‘Gosh, when is this going to stop? When am I going to feel right again?’ You just have doubts surfacing throughout your mind. It’s a really hard for an athlete to get hurt and realize his potential, it’s a pain not only physically, but mentally it’s even worse."
DEVIN SMITH
The sophomore receiver was asked if he was going to average 20 yards per catch again like he did last year: "No -- I want to average more. And I want catch more than 14 for the whole year last year. I was used to 14 in one game back in high school. I’m looking forward to having a great season. I think every single one of us is going to push each other to have the best year we can."
JOHNATHAN HANKINS
On if he's paying attention to the early NFL Draft projections ahead of his junior season at defensive tackle: "Nah, coach (Mike) Vrabel really has me concentrating on this season and not really worrying too much about this NFL talk. Just focusing on this year and winning as many games as we can for the seniors. That's what I'm here to do."
ADOLPHUS WASHINGTON
The freshman defensive lineman was told a roster had his weight listed as 245 pounds: "Yeah, that’s not right at all. Right now, I’m at about 288, 289."
On playing on the inside at defensive tackle now: "They moved me down to the three-technique, and I did good at it. That’s just where they left me for now on, and I’m fine with it. I think I’ll probably just stay. There could be a situation where I go inside and out, but the biggest adjustment there was probably learning to use my hands even more. Just keeping a stronger base."
Media Day: From freshmen, to QBs, to DLs
August, 12, 2012
8/12/12
7:43
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
A few more notes and quotes from Ohio State coach Urban Meyer’s press conference on Sunday afternoon during the program’s annual media day:
THE BLACK STRIPES: A tradition that started during Meyer’s coaching days at Bowling Green has become big at Ohio State.
Meyer started placing black stripes on newcomers’ helmets until they proved they belonged.
THE BLACK STRIPES: A tradition that started during Meyer’s coaching days at Bowling Green has become big at Ohio State.
Meyer started placing black stripes on newcomers’ helmets until they proved they belonged.
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Media Day: Meyer sums up a week of camp
August, 12, 2012
8/12/12
4:59
PM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
Notes and quotes from Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's press conference on Sunday afternoon during the program's annual Media Day.
STONE TURNED: The depth at tight end might not qualify as a surplus, but it certainly allowed for some flexibility.
And with perhaps a more pressing need at wide receiver, Ohio State is planning to lean on the options in reserve and sending its projected started at tight end elsewhere to lend a set of hands.
The Buckeyes had hinted at a different role for senior Jake Stoneburner during the first week of camp as he lined up all over the field and turned in some big plays deep down the field. And while he'll still line up at times in his more familiar position, Stoneburner is officially listed at a new one.
"He meets with the receivers," Meyer said. "He’ll practice (tight end) at times, because we’ll use him as a surface tight end, but we have two very good tight ends in [Jeff] Heuerman and Nick Vannett, so he’s going to be our [Aaron] Hernandez-type guy, the guy that can do some things."
STONE TURNED: The depth at tight end might not qualify as a surplus, but it certainly allowed for some flexibility.
[+] Enlarge
Jerry Lai/US PRESSWIRE"You don't want to go out there and look sloppy and lose a bunch of games and have a lost season," Ohio State senior Jake Stoneburner said.
Jerry Lai/US PRESSWIRE"You don't want to go out there and look sloppy and lose a bunch of games and have a lost season," Ohio State senior Jake Stoneburner said. The Buckeyes had hinted at a different role for senior Jake Stoneburner during the first week of camp as he lined up all over the field and turned in some big plays deep down the field. And while he'll still line up at times in his more familiar position, Stoneburner is officially listed at a new one.
"He meets with the receivers," Meyer said. "He’ll practice (tight end) at times, because we’ll use him as a surface tight end, but we have two very good tight ends in [Jeff] Heuerman and Nick Vannett, so he’s going to be our [Aaron] Hernandez-type guy, the guy that can do some things."
Welcome to Across The Field, a regular feature on BuckeyeNation where we point you to noteworthy Buckeyes coverage here and elsewhere. Think something should be included? Send it to espnkendrick@gmail.com. First, our BuckeyeNation week in review:
- If you haven't had time to read Wright Thompson's piece for ESPN The Magazine on Urban Meyer's failure to maintain balance in his life during his tenure at Florida and how he plans to change that at Ohio State, it's a must-read.
- Meyer hints that some freshmen will earn playing time, perhaps right away.
- Finishing a series with our colleagues at WolverineNation, and the Buckeyes fared well in the comparisons of defensive linemen, linebackers and secondaries.
- The offense is making progress on picking up the new system, and the defense likes the tempo, too.
- Sophomore defensive lineman Michael Bennett is versatile and looking to break into the starting lineup.
- Linebacker Ryan Shazier was a bright spot at the end of last season, and believes he's a lot better already.
- With practice here, catch Austin Ward's notes after Day 2, Day 3 and Day 6, .
- Ward took an indepth look at the linebackers on the depth chart.
- Storm Klein's attorney filed a motion to dismiss his domestic violence and assault charges.
- 2013 defensive line recruit Billy Price, like many kids in Ohio, was bitten by the Buckeye bug early.
- Offensive line coach Ed Warinner has few complaints about the group so far in camp.
- Brad Bournival caught up with legendary lineman John Hicks in this week's Time & Change.
- Top offensive line recruit Dorian Johnson is on the market again, and the Buckeyes are among his favorites.
- It's been a pretty good summer on the recruiting trail for the Buckeyes.
- The storyline is supposed to be that Urban Meyer recruits nationally. So far, Bournival writes that Meyer is recruiting with pretty much the same blueprint as his predecessor, at least geographically.
- On the recruiting trail, 2014 WR Nate Brown likes the Buckeyes, as does 2014 OT Demetrius Knox of Texas, who is apparently down to the Longhorns and Buckeyes.
- 2013 TE recruit Marcus Baugh finally made a visit for the first day of practice, and loved every minute of it.
- And arecruit committed to Florida still hasn't shut the door on Ohio State, and a Florida WR (Levonte Whitfield) will make his decision soon.
Football
- Luke Fickell says he's happy to return to a coordinator role. (Columbus Dispatch).
- Brian Bennett analyzed the Buckeyes schedule. (ESPN)
- DT Johnathan Hankins is the 18th-best player in the Big Ten, and QB Braxton Miller is No. 19, writes Adam Rittenberg. (ESPN)
- The Buckeyes are the No. 14 team in ESPN's power rankings.
- Former Buckeyes receiver Duron Carter, the son of Cris Carter, officially tranferred to Florida Atlantic..
- For the second year in a row, and perhaps a surprise, OSU students and alumni didn't buy up every ticket available. (Maybe it's because the costs keep going up.) (Columbus Dispatch)
- Here's a real downer: a Yahoo contributor counted down Ohio State's 25 most devastating losses. (Yahoo)
- A former OSU recruit won't get to play at Duke right away. (Raleigh News & Observer)
- Defensive end Nathan Williams is raring to go in his recovery from microfracture surgery. (Toledo Blade)
- Is 12-0 really realistic? (theozone.net)
- Bradley Roby is poised to become the next in line of great OSU corners. (Eleven Warriors)
- A watch list of Buckeyes in NFL camps. (Buckeye Empire)
- Brandon Castel relays five things Urban Meyer can learn from Rich Rodriguez's failure up north. (theozone.net)
- Meyer will be the keynote speaker at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. (Business First)
- Big Ten Network ranked the best helmets in the conference, and No. 1 is plainly a bad call. (BTN)
Basketball
- Ex-Buckeye David Lighty will play for a team in France. (Dispatch)
- Ohio State and Duke will have a rematch in the ACC-Big Ten challenge, and this one will be in front of the Cameron Crazies. Circle your calendars for Nov. 28 at 9:30 p.m. (Plain Dealer)
- Here are five offseason storylines and some best case/worst case scenarios for the Big Ten programs (ESPN)
- And the Buckeyes are the fourth-best team in the country according to one publication. (Sporting News)
- And former OSU basketball standout Arnie "Stilts" Risen, an All-Big Ten center in the 1940s, died at age 87. (Plain Dealer)
The Gang's All Here
- The Buckeyes are getting shut out of the medal stands in London. (Lantern)
- Ohio State held a military kids camp at various facilities. (OSU)
Quick hitters from a media session after Ohio State practiced on Friday morning near the end of the first full week of training camp.
Staying put: Bradley Roby might eventually present a two-way option for the Buckeyes.
For now, the sophomore cornerback is going to have to wait until he's proven a little more on one side of the ball before jumping to the other.
"Well, he’s one of those guys who thinks he can fly to the moon also," co-defensive coordinator Everett Withers joked. "He’s a talented guy, but we want him to be great at being a corner. To me, he’s still working to do that.
Staying put: Bradley Roby might eventually present a two-way option for the Buckeyes.
For now, the sophomore cornerback is going to have to wait until he's proven a little more on one side of the ball before jumping to the other.
"Well, he’s one of those guys who thinks he can fly to the moon also," co-defensive coordinator Everett Withers joked. "He’s a talented guy, but we want him to be great at being a corner. To me, he’s still working to do that.
On the third workout of spring practice, Ohio State turned its attention to short-yardage sets.
For offensive line coach Ed Warinner, that effort can be considered night.
On the sixth day of training camp, the Buckeyes went back to try it again in goal-line situations.
Chalk that performance up as day.
Apparently the figurative sun came out during a morning session Friday, and Warinner was basking in it compared to the darkness of that early session more than four months ago.
"What a difference there is in this mentality of hitting it in there, being physical, playing hard, attacking," Warinner said. "I like where we’re headed in that direction.
For offensive line coach Ed Warinner, that effort can be considered night.
On the sixth day of training camp, the Buckeyes went back to try it again in goal-line situations.
Chalk that performance up as day.
Apparently the figurative sun came out during a morning session Friday, and Warinner was basking in it compared to the darkness of that early session more than four months ago.
"What a difference there is in this mentality of hitting it in there, being physical, playing hard, attacking," Warinner said. "I like where we’re headed in that direction.
Dorian Johnson talks about his new path
August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
5:25
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Dorian Johnson has been a prime target for recruiters intent on benefiting from Penn State's NCAA sanctions. That has made him a prime target for reporters with frenzied fan bases that would love to land the four-star offensive tackle. All has made for some wild times for the nation's 27th best prospect.
“The last couple of days have been real crazy,” Johnson said on Verbal Commitment, ESPN's Recruiting Nation podcast. “My phone has been blowing up non-stop.”
The speculation turned out to be warranted when the prospect from Belle Vernon (Pa.) High School became the fourth prospect to pull his Penn State commitment since sanctions were announced against the football program in July. The Nittany Lions were hit with a four-year bowl ban and a reduction of 30 scholarships over a four-year period.
“The last couple of days have been real crazy,” Johnson said on Verbal Commitment, ESPN's Recruiting Nation podcast. “My phone has been blowing up non-stop.”
The speculation turned out to be warranted when the prospect from Belle Vernon (Pa.) High School became the fourth prospect to pull his Penn State commitment since sanctions were announced against the football program in July. The Nittany Lions were hit with a four-year bowl ban and a reduction of 30 scholarships over a four-year period.
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Video: Dorian Johnson on recruiting
August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
4:13
PM ET
By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
Dorian Johnson joins College Football Live to talk about why he decommitted from Penn State and which schools he is looking at, a list that includes Ohio State.
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Meyer's recruiting focus: Stay the course
August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
3:49
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, especially when it comes to recruiting for Ohio State.
The thinking was that coach Urban Meyer would bring more of a national feel to his recruiting classes.
Through 1½ recruiting classes the numbers are actually quite similar to classes in the past under Jim Tressel.
The thinking was that coach Urban Meyer would bring more of a national feel to his recruiting classes.
Through 1½ recruiting classes the numbers are actually quite similar to classes in the past under Jim Tressel.
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The first game of the season always carries with it a great deal of excitement and a touch of nervousness -- sometimes maybe a little bit of pressure. For wide receiver Nate Brown (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett), the first game of the 2012 season could go a long way in determining his future.
“I went up to Vanderbilt about two weeks ago and they were showing a lot of interest,” Brown said. “They asked for my game film from our first game of the season and they said they will probably make a decision off of that.”
The Commodores aren’t the only team that is waiting to see how he has progressed this summer.
“I went up to Vanderbilt about two weeks ago and they were showing a lot of interest,” Brown said. “They asked for my game film from our first game of the season and they said they will probably make a decision off of that.”
The Commodores aren’t the only team that is waiting to see how he has progressed this summer.
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FORT WORTH, Texas -- His best friend has given the Longhorns his pledge. So what’s next for Demetrius Knox?
The Fort Worth (Texas) All Saints offensive tackle is in no rush to make a decision, despite the fact teammate Daniel Gresham committed to Texas on Tuesday.
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The Ohio State offense doesn't plan to slow down for anybody during the season.
It's certainly not going to take a foot off the gas in training camp, either.
While the Buckeyes get used to a faster pace with their new spread offense, the players on the other side of the ball have to acclimate to nonstop action as well. Through just one week of practices, the defense is seeing the benefit of working at such a high tempo in August -- and apparently wouldn't have it any other way.
"The offense always sets the tempo," defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said after practice Tuesday. "I mean, that’s probably one of the things when you’re really going live, the offense is always going to set the tempo. When they’re an up-tempo team, it really creates a little more tempo defensively.
"It makes you have to adjust -- but a lot of things nowadays, we’re very impatient, so when things are happening fast, it’s almost like these guys are used to that. Everything is instant nowadays, so I think they enjoy the uptempo practice, the uptempo offense. There’s more excitement."
Both the offense and the defense have been buzzing early in camp, thanks to the energy the coaching staff has poured into workouts, which is at least partly a product of the new offensive approach.
The speed the Buckeyes are playing with has forced the entire roster to push the pace and lean on the brutal offseason conditioning program that was preparing them to handle it. And that's clearly not just going to benefit the offense.
"Coach [Urban] Meyer has that motto, practice hard so the games are easy," defensive lineman Michael Bennett said. "He’s doing that.
"Everything is really fast, you don’t get a rest, so when the game comes -- you’re just loving it."
So far, the Buckeyes don't appear to mind the faster practices either.
It's certainly not going to take a foot off the gas in training camp, either.
While the Buckeyes get used to a faster pace with their new spread offense, the players on the other side of the ball have to acclimate to nonstop action as well. Through just one week of practices, the defense is seeing the benefit of working at such a high tempo in August -- and apparently wouldn't have it any other way.
"The offense always sets the tempo," defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said after practice Tuesday. "I mean, that’s probably one of the things when you’re really going live, the offense is always going to set the tempo. When they’re an up-tempo team, it really creates a little more tempo defensively.
"It makes you have to adjust -- but a lot of things nowadays, we’re very impatient, so when things are happening fast, it’s almost like these guys are used to that. Everything is instant nowadays, so I think they enjoy the uptempo practice, the uptempo offense. There’s more excitement."
Both the offense and the defense have been buzzing early in camp, thanks to the energy the coaching staff has poured into workouts, which is at least partly a product of the new offensive approach.
The speed the Buckeyes are playing with has forced the entire roster to push the pace and lean on the brutal offseason conditioning program that was preparing them to handle it. And that's clearly not just going to benefit the offense.
"Coach [Urban] Meyer has that motto, practice hard so the games are easy," defensive lineman Michael Bennett said. "He’s doing that.
"Everything is really fast, you don’t get a rest, so when the game comes -- you’re just loving it."
So far, the Buckeyes don't appear to mind the faster practices either.
Our 2012 schedule analysis series wraps up the Leaders Division teams today. Last but not least in the division are the Ohio State Buckeyes, who -- like Penn State -- have only the regular season to play for this year.
Nonconference opponents (with 2011 records)
Sept. 1: Miami (Ohio) (4-8)
Sept. 8: UCF (5-7)
Sept. 15: Cal (7-6)
Sept. 22: UAB (3-9)
Leaders Division games
Oct. 13: at Indiana
Oct. 20: Purdue
Nov. 3: Illinois
Oct. 27: at Penn State
Nov. 17: at Wisconsin
Crossover games
Sept. 29: at Michigan State
Oct. 6: Nebraska
Nov. 24: Michigan (protected)
No plays
Iowa
Minnesota
Northwestern
Gut-check game: The Buckeyes open with four very winnable games at home, offering them a great chance to get off to a fortuitous start under Urban Meyer. But lest they get ahead of themselves, they will close September with a very difficult road game at Michigan State. The Spartans beat Ohio State last year in Columbus, and the number of Ohio natives on the Michigan State roster means this will be a high-intensity, hard-hitting affair. Meyer will get his first real read on how tough his first edition Buckeyes are on Sept. 29.
Trap game: Few here really seem to qualify, but keep an eye on that Nov. 3 visit from Illinois. That game comes a week after what should be a stern test at Penn State and before a bye week and the two headliner games to close the year. If the Buckeyes start looking ahead to their first week off of the season, then the Illini might be able to pull out a surprise.
Snoozer: UAB won three games last year and fired its coach. The Blazers haven't had a winning season since 2004. A couple of other FBS teams from the state of Alabama would have gotten the juices flowing, but this one is just a final, minor speed bump before Big Ten play begins.
Non-con challenge: There's nothing on the schedule as difficult as recent non-league games against USC, Texas or even Miami. Cal comes closest to being a challenge, though the Golden Bears haven't been too intimidating the past few years. They've also only got 11 starters back. But Jeff Tedford's teams can usually put points on the board, and that might create a challenge for an Ohio State offense that could still be finding its sea legs.
Telltale stretch: There are two, really. The first two Big Ten games against Michigan State and Nebraska will tell us whether this Ohio State team is capable at making a run at a 10-win or better season. But the closing two games are what people are most likely to remember. Even though they can't win a division title, the Buckeyes will be fired up for going to Madison and making a statement against Wisconsin -- and no matter what they say, you know Urban Meyer wants to beat Bret Bielema. Of course, the Michigan game is always the Michigan game, and this year it will serve as Ohio State's bowl. If the Buckeyes can spoil their rival's chances at winning the Legends Division, all the better.
Analysis: All told, this is the type of schedule that's built for success in Meyer's first year. On paper, at least, Ohio State should be 4-0 going into Big Ten play, and it will be favored to beat Indiana, Purdue and Illinois. Nebraska and Michigan, both of whom beat the Buckeyes in 2011, have to come to Columbus. The road trips to Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin probably mean a 12-0 season is out of the question. But a nine-win season, at least, looks very achievable.
More B1G schedule analysis:
Legends: Minnesota | Iowa | Michigan State | Michigan | Nebraska
Leaders: Indiana | Purdue | Wisconsin| Illinois | Penn State
Sept. 1: Miami (Ohio) (4-8)
Sept. 8: UCF (5-7)
Sept. 15: Cal (7-6)
Sept. 22: UAB (3-9)
Leaders Division games
Oct. 13: at Indiana
Oct. 20: Purdue
Nov. 3: Illinois
Oct. 27: at Penn State
Nov. 17: at Wisconsin
Crossover games
Sept. 29: at Michigan State
Oct. 6: Nebraska
Nov. 24: Michigan (protected)
No plays
Iowa
Minnesota
Northwestern
Gut-check game: The Buckeyes open with four very winnable games at home, offering them a great chance to get off to a fortuitous start under Urban Meyer. But lest they get ahead of themselves, they will close September with a very difficult road game at Michigan State. The Spartans beat Ohio State last year in Columbus, and the number of Ohio natives on the Michigan State roster means this will be a high-intensity, hard-hitting affair. Meyer will get his first real read on how tough his first edition Buckeyes are on Sept. 29.
Trap game: Few here really seem to qualify, but keep an eye on that Nov. 3 visit from Illinois. That game comes a week after what should be a stern test at Penn State and before a bye week and the two headliner games to close the year. If the Buckeyes start looking ahead to their first week off of the season, then the Illini might be able to pull out a surprise.
Snoozer: UAB won three games last year and fired its coach. The Blazers haven't had a winning season since 2004. A couple of other FBS teams from the state of Alabama would have gotten the juices flowing, but this one is just a final, minor speed bump before Big Ten play begins.
Non-con challenge: There's nothing on the schedule as difficult as recent non-league games against USC, Texas or even Miami. Cal comes closest to being a challenge, though the Golden Bears haven't been too intimidating the past few years. They've also only got 11 starters back. But Jeff Tedford's teams can usually put points on the board, and that might create a challenge for an Ohio State offense that could still be finding its sea legs.
Telltale stretch: There are two, really. The first two Big Ten games against Michigan State and Nebraska will tell us whether this Ohio State team is capable at making a run at a 10-win or better season. But the closing two games are what people are most likely to remember. Even though they can't win a division title, the Buckeyes will be fired up for going to Madison and making a statement against Wisconsin -- and no matter what they say, you know Urban Meyer wants to beat Bret Bielema. Of course, the Michigan game is always the Michigan game, and this year it will serve as Ohio State's bowl. If the Buckeyes can spoil their rival's chances at winning the Legends Division, all the better.
Analysis: All told, this is the type of schedule that's built for success in Meyer's first year. On paper, at least, Ohio State should be 4-0 going into Big Ten play, and it will be favored to beat Indiana, Purdue and Illinois. Nebraska and Michigan, both of whom beat the Buckeyes in 2011, have to come to Columbus. The road trips to Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin probably mean a 12-0 season is out of the question. But a nine-win season, at least, looks very achievable.
More B1G schedule analysis:
Legends: Minnesota | Iowa | Michigan State | Michigan | Nebraska
Leaders: Indiana | Purdue | Wisconsin| Illinois | Penn State
ABOUT BUCKEYE NATION
Austin Ward
Austin Ward joined ESPN.com in 2012 after five years as a college football writer at the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. The award-winning journalist lives with his wife in Columbus, Ohio. Email him at ajward.espn@gmail.com.
Brad Bournival
Brad Bournival, a lifetime Northeast Ohio resident, joined ESPN in 2012 and is the recruiting writer for BuckeyeNation. He has covered sports at the professional, college and high school level for 16 years. Recently, Bournival was a freelance writer for The Plain Dealer, The Medina Gazette and SportsInk.com. Email him at bradbournival.espn@gmail.com.