Austin Spitler Osu Football

Ohio State Buckeyes 2010 Football Predictions

The Buckeyes of Ohio capped another season with double-digit win an impressive victory in Oregon in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes ended the year 11-2 overall and 7-1 in Big Ten play, giving them at least a share of conference title for the fifth consecutive season. The Buckeyes won the conference title with thriller overtime against the Hawkeyes in Iowa and is listed in both schools down again this season.

The Buckeyes head into the 2010 season thinking National Championship, but the road won’t be easy with a tough non-conference game at home against the Miami Hurricane, and conference road games against Iowa and Wisconsin. Still this is a very talented football team, as many experts have them ranked in their preseason top five. Here is a look at what the Buckeyes will be bringing to the table on both sides of the ball this season, and my prediction on where they finish up the year in the Big 10.

Offense: Whether or not the Buckeyes play for a National Championship in 2010 depends on the play of junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who many believe is a prime candidate to win the Heisman this season. Pryor had a rough start to the 2009 season, but wound up finishing the year throwing for 2,094 yards and 18 touchdowns and leading the Buckeyes in rushing with 779 yards and seven scores. This year the Buckeyes are hoping to get more production out of senior running back Brandon Saine, but watch out for red-shirt freshman Jaamal Berry.The Buckeyes are loaded at the receiver position, as they have one of the best talents in the country in junior Divert Posey, who led the Buckeyes with 60 catches for 828 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Dane Sanzenbacher gives the Buckeyes a very solid No. 2 receiver. The offensive line figures to be one of the best in the nation right along with the group will send the Badgers this season, which means the Buckeyes will probably be able to run the ball right into the groove of opposing defenses this season.

Defense: The strength of this unit to no surprise comes at linebacker, as the Buckeyes are absolutely stacked at this position. Seniors Brian Rolle and Ross Homan are two of the best in the country, and junior Etienne Sabino figures to have a huge impact this season taking over for Austin Spitler on the strong side. There is some concern up front for the Buckeyes, as the only starter back for this season is senior defensive end Cameron Heyward, who figures to put up monster numbers this season after grabbing 6.5 sacks last season. Sophomore John Simon and senior Dexter Larimore figure to take over at the two tackle spots, while junior Nathan Williams is expected to start at the other defensive end spot. The Buckeyes figure to be very strong in the secondary this season. They have two of the top corners in the conference in seniors Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence, and arguably the best free safety in senior Jermale Hines.

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