#4-OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

A damaging off season for Ohio State can not end soon enough as the Buckeyes attempt to reload after losing their coach, their star qb and multiple players to suspension over the past 4 months.

Luke Fickell has a huge hole at quarterback that he hopes to fill with either Joe Bauserman or true freshman Braxton Miller. A good offensive line returns seniors JB Shugarts, Mike Adams, and Mike Brewster. Dan Harren is back at running back but will miss the first 5 games due to suspension. Look for a running back by committe scenario with Rod Smith, Jaamal Berry, and Jordan Hall all sharing time.

Only four starters return on defense including defensive lineman Nathan Williams and John Simon. The linebacking group is extremely young and figures to have several freshman see playing time. Travis Howard and sophomore Dominic Clarke take over at the corner positions in what looks to be a shaky secondary.

The Buckeyes have a tough early challenge when they visit a Miami team in what is looking to be the "In-eligi-bowl." Colorado visits Columbus to round out a 4-0 September for Ohio State. The Big Ten schedule kicks off with a bang when Michigan State visits OSU and the following when when OSU travels to Lincoln, NE for the first time. Wisconsin visits the Buckeyes in the middle of the season and as usual, Ohio State will finish with Michigan. Prediction: 10-2 overall; 6-2 in conference.