2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Ohio State Buckeyes Season Preview

2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Ohio State Buckeyes Season Preview: Urban Meyer has been the head coach at Ohio State, and since taking over, the Buckeyes have yet to lose a regular season game. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, dreams of a national title vanished with a loss in the Big Ten title game, and a subsequent loss to Clemson in the Orange Bowl dealt a sour ending to a promising season. Hopes were once again high for the Buckeyes heading into the 2014 season, but after quarterback Braxton Miller went down for the year with a shoulder injury, Ohio State suddenly has to face the year without its best offensive weapon and a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. With Miller out, the question now becomes what the realistic expectations now are for Meyer’s team.

The Good News:

Ohio State might just have the best defensive line in the country. Defensive end Noah Spence and defensive tackle Michael Bennett headline a group that can rush the passer and dominate the line of scrimmage. The linebacking corps is stout, as well. Meanwhile, the offense is loaded with speedy playmakers at the skill positions. Running back Ezekiel Elliott can score whenever he touches the ball, and Devin Smith, Evan Spencer and Dontre Wilson are explosive after the catch. Meanwhile, backup quarterback J.T. Barrett has the athletic tools to run Meyer’s spread system. A relatively soft schedule also helps the cause.

The Bad News:

Did I mention that Miller is out for the season? Not only will the Buckeyes be missing their offensive leader and most explosive offensive weapon, but they also lost workhorse back Carlos Hyde and four starters on the offensive line to the NFL. The Buckeyes also lost three starters in the secondary, including star corner Bradley Roby and both starting safeties. To top off the losses on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes will have to play their toughest opponent on the road when they face Michigan State in East Lansing.

Outlook:

Despite the loss of Miller and Hyde from one of the best rushing attacks in the country, the Buckeyes are still loaded with talent on offense. The transition to Barrett won’t be without its bumps, but thanks to the talent around him, he will just have to get the ball into the hands of his teammates in order for Meyer’s offense to work its magic. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ defense should be as good as it has been since Meyer took the reins, and the team’s loaded defensive front is perfect for navigating life in the Big Ten. That being said, the Buckeyes simply aren’t the same team without Miller’s playmaking ability. For one, it seems highly unlikely that Ohio State will be able to go on the road with a first-year start under center and defeat the Spartans. In addition, there is likely going to be at least one game tough game that Miller would have found a way to pull the Buckeyes out of with his own individual talent. When all is said and done, the Buckeyes have the speed on both sides of the ball to run over most of the competition in a weak conference, but a couple of losses are likely on tap in the wake of Miller’s injury.

Prediction: 10-2, Second in the Big Ten East Division