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Opinion: Ohio State should have standout year

September 3, 2012
By MATT MITCHELL - Southington Chalker High (PageOne@tribtoday.com) , Tribune Chronicle | TribToday.com

This upcoming season for the Ohio State Buckeyes will be very intriguing.

With a new coach and a new system, the Bucks will look to improve from their 6-7 record from last season.

Urban Meyer, a two-time national champion at Florida, brings his spread offense to Columbus. With sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller running the offense, which lacks the veteran leadership that the defense has, must step up and help the young QB. Tailbacks Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde will anchor the running game. Senior fullback Zach Boren, who Meyer said is "the most talented player on the offense", will lead the blocking game.

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Coach Urban Meyer leads the Buckeyes in singing the alma mater.

On the receiving end, the starters will be Corey "Philly" Brown and DeVeon Smith. The backups will be Chris Fields and freshman Michael Thomas. Jake Stoneburner will also play a key role in the passing game. He led the team with seven receiving touchdowns and had 14 receptions, which also led the team.

On the defensive side, you have one of the most talented lines in the country. John Hankins and John Simon of Cardinal Mooney are the standouts. Senior Etienne Sabino leads the fairly young linebacking core.

The defensive secondary is led by C.J. Barnett, who led the team in tackles last year (75). Senior cornerback Travis Howard also joins him. Kicker Drew Basil will anchor the special teams.

My prediction for the Buckeyes this season is an 11-1 record. Their only loss coming to Michigan State.However, because of NCAA sanctions thanks to Jim Tressel and "tattoogate", the Buckeyes will be ineligible for the Big Ten title, any bowl games and any BCS championship.

 
 

 

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