2010 Ohio State Football Predictions
Once the Big Ten’s addition of Nebraska takes effect in 2011, the conference will likely have a championship game. That is not yet the case, and that means that Ohio State will still have an easier road to the BCS title game for one more year. In other power conferences like the SEC, ACC, and Big 12, a team has to win a conference championship game after winning its half of the league if it hopes to get into the BCS title picture. With this in mind, Ohio State should have an easier time getting there than, say, Alabama. Plus, this year the Buckeyes have a pretty favorable schedule. A non-conference home game with Miami early in the season, and a road game at Iowa late in November may be the only major hurdles standing in Ohio State’s way. I feel quarterback Terrelle Pryor is poised for a breakout season, not unlike the one that Troy Smith had when he won the Heisman Trophy. Pryor is the best dual-threat QB in college football. He rushed for 779 yards last season, and that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Plus, an offense which returns eight of 11 starters has to be very encouraged by their dominating performance in last season’s Rose Bowl. A strong defense is a given in Columbus. The Buckeyes lose five starters, but head coach Jim Tressel has proven time and time again that he reloads rather than rebuilds. Looking for a place to bet on college football this season? Bet your college football picks at Sportsbook.com where our readers can get up to $100 in free bonus cash!
Offense: When the Buckeyes tried to make Pryor a drop back passer he struggled, but when they let him be what he is, a playmaker, the offense began to click. I’m expecting big things from one of the best playmakers in the nation this season, and it certainly won’t hurt that he has a nice supporting cast. Brandon Saine and Boom Herron, who combined for over 1,300 yards rushing in 2009 will join Pryor in the backfield, and all three of them should benefit from a big offensive line. Pryor also has some nice weaponry on the outsides in wide receivers DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher. Tight end Jake Stoneburner is another reliable target. In all, the Buckeyes bring back eight off 11 offensive starters, making for a combination of talent and experience that will be tough to tame.
Defense: A strong defensive scheme and superior talent should make up for the loss of five starters on the defensive side of the football as it does year after year in Columbus. Last season, the Buckeyes held their opponents to just 2.9 yards per carry and only allowed a 30.9 percent third down conversion rate, and I expect no less in 2010. Senior defensive end Cameron Heyward, who recorded 6.5 sacks in 2009, appears poised for a big season as the leader of the defensive front. Linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle are about as solid as you can get. They were the team’s top two tacklers last season. Strong safety Jermale Hines leads of the secondary as an all-conference-caliber player.
Prediction: 1st Big Ten – With a favorable schedule and a lot of talent coming back, the Ohio State Buckeyes will be right in the mix for a sixth straight Big Ten championship. I also expect them to contend for the BCS title. College football odds makers have listed the Ohio State Buckeyes at +600 to win the BCS championship.
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