Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Rant Sports College Football Rank: No. 2
Strength: Dual-threat quarterbacks have suddenly become the way of the world and the Buckeyes have one of the most versatile QBs in the country. Braxton Miller is working his way up the list of Heisman Trophy hopefuls in 2013 as his sophomore season was full of both passing and rushing excellence. In fact, Miller led the Buckeyes in both rush yards and pass yards, which isn’t easy to do at a Big 10 program like OSU.
Weakness: The Buckeyes didn’t play in a BCS bowl game last year, which hasn’t happened to this program since 1999! Bowl games are expected in Columbus and considering last season was a dud, Miller and the gang can’t afford to slump out of the gate. Pressure is usually a good thing, but the Big 10 might just spin off of its axis if the Buckeyes aren’t able to win a bowl game this year.
Player with most to prove: Carlos Hyde is a on a very short leash in Columbus. Head coach Urban Meyer has suspended Hyde for the first three games, which doesn’t mean much considering the Buckeyes don’t play a ranked team until Week 5 when Ohio State welcomes the Wisconsin Badgers. Hyde played a big role in last year’s offense, so let’s see if this three-game suspension really holds him back.
Projected 2013 regular season record: 11-1
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
