[joepa66]

Gonna also take some of Willi's thread to give my short takes on the league teams this year!

I - O -

The Buckeyes will look like new this year with many changes that will alter their offense, defense and even the special teams. The best thing about the 2007 season for TOSU is that Jim Tressel remains their constant as head coach.

OFFENSE - I don't think they'll attempt to match the aeronautical show they had the last few years with Troy Smith at QB, they'll have a new QB and also lost WRs Teddy Ginn and Tony Gonzalez. They also lost RB Antonio Pittman but fully expect them to establish the pride of Woody Hayes' past teams by running the ball early and often while easing in new QB Todd Boeckman into the driver's seat.
Chris "Beanie" Wells was brilliant at times running the ball during his freshman year, and the rugged running back will shoulder much of the load with Maurice Wells a speedster who creates opportunities of his own and just needs the line to bust open a crack or two in the defense. When Boeckman does get the chance to throw he'll more than likely rely on TE Brian Hartline and WR Brian Robiskie first, as they are high percentage throws to these two possession-type receivers. If Ray Small can get some room, he could help the running game but stretching the field as a deep threat at wideout. Up front the Bucks have a very capable and talented group of lineman headed by Alex Boone and Kirk Barton.

DEFENSE - Hey didn't that Laryngitis graduate? Nope, the All-American linebacker, James Laurinaitis is back as the Bucks top tacker from 2006 as well as second-leading tackler Marcus Freeman. DB and first-team All Big Ten star Malcolm Jenkins is also back, along with Big Vernon Gholston who will be a dominating force at defensive end.

SPECIAL TEAMS - TOSU is happy to have their punter and kicker both returning from last season.....A.J. Trapasso and Aaron Pettrey. But the special teams have been decimated from the losses of kick/punt returners Ginn and Gonzo. Long snapper Drew Norman must also be replaced....nice how I slipped my cuz in there huh?! Maurice Wells has limited return experience and in the spring Ray Small participated on special teams but both are virtually unproven.

THE SCHEDULE - Tough conference roadies at State College and Ann Arbor this year against two teams the "experts" are saying will contend for the conference crown, and Wisky comes a calling in C-Bus this year. The early season schedule is favorable with wins against Tressel's former team at The Shoe vs. Youngstown State (1AA), Home vs. Akron, @ Washington, Home vs. Northwestern (a team that always gives the Bucks fits), @ Minnesota (they Buckeyes own them), then a possible stumble @ Purdue, a Homer vs. Kent, and Home vs. Michigan State, before a grueling stretch @ Penn State, Home vs. Wisky and a dangerous Illinois team, then the big matchup in Ann Arbor vs. Michigan. I can see the Bucks being 7-1 before that final four stretch where they may lose 2x and possibly a 3rd time. Final result 9-3 or 8-4 depending on how the early portion of the schedule benefits the maturation process of the new skill position players on offense!