2008 record: 10-3, 7-1 (1st-tie in Big Ten)
2008 bowl: Lost to Texas 24-21 in Fiesta
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 9/11
Coach: Jim Tressel (83-19, 9th year)
Offensive coordinator: Jim Bollman (9th year)
Co-defensive coordinators: Jim Heacock (5th year); Luke Fickell (5th year)
Returning offensive starters: 5
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stadium: Ohio Stadium (FieldTurf; 102,329)
Last league title: 2008
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor adds a new dimension to Ohio State’s offense, which has forever utilized the efficient, limit-the-mistakes, hand-it-to-the-tailback model. Pryor can make his own plays. Usually, he can produce a big play with disaster seemingly crashing toward the pocket. There was a learning curve once Pryor entered the lineup full-time, but there were enough flashes of brilliance to suggest a great future. To maximize his skills, though, Pryor must find an array of weapons. Look for sophomore Daniel Herron to get the primary backfield role, after the NFL departure of Chris “Beanie’’ Wells. The receivers are new, but coaches like the dependability of junior Dane Sanzenbacher. Ohio State’s offensive line, with three returning starters, is as large as ever (averaging 310 pounds). Sophomore center Michael Brewster is a potential star. The most intriguing player might be senior right tackle Justin Boren, a transfer from (of all places) Michigan.

Defensive: It’s difficult to imagine an Ohio State defense without linebacker James Laurinaitis, but the Buckeyes must move on to a new era. The focus shifts to Ohio State’s defensive line, where three starters return. The ends, junior Thaddeus Gibson and junior Cameron Hayward, are excellent pass-rushers, while senior defensive tackle Doug Worthington is smart and seasoned. Senior middle linebacker Austin Spitler has the unenviable task of stepping into Laurinaitis’ shoes. The secondary returns three starters, led by senior safeties Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell.

Specialists: Senior place-kicker Aaron Pettrey, who mostly worked behind Ryan Pretorius last season, has the job again and there are no worries. Fifth-year senior Jon Thoma is expected to inherit the punting job from the very solid A.J. Trapasso. The backup wide receivers, sophomore Lamaar Thomas and senior Ray Small, will handle returns. 

Coaching: Maybe Jim Tressel hasn’t delivered enough national titles for everyone’s liking (the BCS title-game losses to Florida and LSU still sting), but no one can deny his ability of building the Buckeyes into a consistent Big Ten Conference championship force. Remember, when Tressel was hired, the ultra-talented Buckeyes couldn’t beat Michigan. Now the Buckeyes own the Wolverines. The Buckeyes don’t have any down seasons and they are generally in the hunt for a national title. There are a few dozen BCS-level schools that would kill for that scenario.

Heisman Hopefuls: The Buckeyes probably don’t have a legitimate candidate, although Pryor’s potential is tantalizing — for the future. Not this season. Not with the glut of Heisman-ready quarterbacks (Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, et al).

Game of the year Sept. 13 vs. USC Jim Tressel will always emphasize the Big Ten schedule. But USC’s early-season visit to the Horseshoe simply can’t be underplayed. Ohio State can leap into the national-title race by defeating the Trojans, a task easier said than done (USC won 35-3 last season in Los Angeles).

Overview: Ohio State has the Big Ten’s most talent-laden roster and looks like a solid pick for the Rose Bowl. Of course, the Buckeyes have their sights set higher than that. There are plenty of household names missing — most notably, NFL-bound linebacker Laurinaitis and running back Wells — but Pryor is one year older and one year better. The Buckeyes’ close-to-the-vest days may be over. If Pryor’s mastery of the offense catches up with his athletic skills, Ohio State may actually be (gasp!) explosive. And if that’s the case, the Buckeyes have the kind of schedule that could set them up nicely for Pasadena (the BCS Championship Game version, that is).

Next up: No. 6 Alabama

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