Your 2013 Ohio State Season Preview

"And that will do it!  The Buckeyes win the national title! Their 8th in school history! They've taken down Alabama and the SEC!"

Calm down, Buckeye fans...As far as I know, I'm not a psychic.  But make no mistake about it, that is clearly where this year's team has their sights set.  Below, we will preview their journey and what needs to happen to get there.

Offense:

The offense should be much improved in Year 2 under the Tom Herman/Urban Meyer spread/power run/no huddle offense.  Junior Quarterback Braxton Miller is back and poised for a serious Heisman run.  Four offensive line starters, all seniors, return from last year's undefeated season and former five-star recruit Taylor Decker has locked down the right tackle position.

Ohio State will be dealing with several suspensions in the backfield - senior Carlos Hyde for the first three games, and junior Rod Smith for the opener.  Fear not, as the Buckeyes are loaded with five-star talent at running back.  Jordan Hall, who was thought to be the best option for the "pivot" or "hybrid" role, will slide over as the starting running back to start the season.  There are several guys working to get on the field - including true freshmen Ezekiel Elliot (EzE for future references) and speedster Dontre Wilson.

The receivers are led by several veterans, but should feature some new faces throughout the season.  Jalin Marshall, the previously mentioned Wilson, James Clark, and Corey Smith all bring more speed to the field for the Buckeyes.  Corey Brown is Mr. Consistent and Devin Smith is always a deep threat.  Senior Chris Fields is actually the starting "H" or hybrid right now.

The staff has raved about the tight ends, and some expect the group to be the best in the country.  Both Nick Vannett and Jeff Heuerman are athletic tight ends who can both block and pass.  Two tight end sets may be more common in Buckeye Country this year.

Overall, the offense is a veteran group that should improve upon last season's average of more than 37 points per game in Year 2 of this offense.  The hype around Dontre Wilson has him as a leading candidate for "X factor" on the team.  Additionally, the offensive line should be one of the top units in the nation.

Defense:

Unlike the offense, Luke Fickell and Everett Withers' unit will field a lot of new faces.  Just four starters return from last season, and Bradley Roby is suspended for the Buffalo game.  Ryan Shazier is the only starter back among the front seven.

The entire defensive line will be new starters, but the coaches like the young talent they have.  Former five-stars Noah Spence and Adolphous Washington will bookend the line on the ends, while juniors Joel Hale and Michael Bennett will anchor the interior.  The athleticism is expected to be better than 2012, but it is all potential right now as most of the guys have limited experience.

The linebacker corps is the biggest question mark for the 2013 team.  Ryan Shazier is a pre-season All-American, but the rest of the unit is unproven.  As of now, the staff will roll with former number two overall recruit (2011) Curtis Grant and sophomore Josh Perry.  Do not expect to see a lot of the 4-3 base defense with the inexperience at this position.

When Brad Roby returns, the secondary will feature three four-year starters.  Christian Bryant and C.J. Barnett anchor the safety positions.  There's a lot of young talent waiting in the wings.  Tyvis Powell has earned the "STAR" position as the nickel-back.  Expect to see freshman Vonn Bell on the field at some point this season.

With the depth in the secondary and question marks at linebacker, expect to see quite a bit of the "4-2-5" nickel package and "3-2-6" dime package against the four and five wide receiver sets.  The young players will have to grow up in a hurry if the defense wants to return to a top unit nationally.

Other factors:

Ohio State is one of just twenty schools in the country returning their entire coaching staff.  It is Year 2 with the new staff, meaning the players have more familiarity with the system.  Meyer is 34-4 in previous stops in his second year, including a national title at Florida.  Braxton Miller is reportedly "not even in the same hemisphere" when compared to last year.  Will it result in a more polished product on the field? We'll soon find out.

The 2013 recruiting class was ranked second or third nationally.  There are a lot of fast skill players and playmakers who should make an impact.  Urban said they lacked some of that top end speed last year.  They like what they have now and the offenses should have some more "jets."

Schedule:

Date	Opponent / Event	Location	Time / Result
08/31/13	vs. Buffalo	Columbus, Ohio	12:00 p.m. ET
09/07/13	vs. San Diego State	Columbus, Ohio	3:30 p.m. ET
09/14/13	at California	Berkeley, Calif.	7:00 p.m. ET
09/21/13	vs. Florida A&M	Columbus, Ohio	TBA
09/28/13	vs. Wisconsin *	Columbus, Ohio	8:00 p.m. ET
10/05/13	at Northwestern *	Evanston, Ill.	8:00 p.m. ET
10/19/13	vs. Iowa *	Columbus, Ohio	3:30 p.m. ET
10/26/13	vs. Penn State *	Columbus, Ohio	8:00 p.m. ET
11/02/13	at Purdue *	West Lafayette, Ind.	TBA
11/16/13	at Illinois *	Champaign, Ill.	TBA
11/23/13	vs. Indiana *	Columbus, Ohio	TBA
11/30/13	at Michigan *	Ann Arbor, Mich.	TBA
Big Ten Championship Game
12/07/13	TBA *	Indianapolis, Ind.	TBA

The Buckeyes should be favored in every game, probably by a touchdown at least.  The toughest games will be Wisconsin, at Northwestern (who won 10 games last season), and of course the finale in Ann Arbor.  Ohio State is the hands-down favorite to win the "Leaders" Division and get to Indy in December.  San Diego State and California may be tricky non-conference games.

The ceiling is obviously 13-0 and the BCS Championship Game.  However, history says back-to-back undefeated seasons are not likely.  It has only happened five times previously in the Big Ten, and the last time was 1947-1948.  So, is 26-0 in the cards?  Time will tell.  The season starts soon.

Depth Charting: Ohio State Defense

In honor of the two-minute drill, I'll be putting together our best guesses at the defensive depth chart before Urban Meyer and Ohio State releases the "official" two-deep.  It's Buffalo week, and the 2013 season kicks off in five days.  Without further ado, here's what your Buckeyes defense should look like on gameday.

DE:

The two starting ends will be sophomores Noah Spence and Adolphous "Diesel" Washington.  Spence is your pure pass rusher, or "Leo," while Washington will hold down the strong-side position.  Backing up the young studs should be Steve Miller, Tyquan Lewis, and Jamal Marcus.  Freshman Joey Bosa may see spot-duty at the strong-side defensive end position.

DT:

Michael Bennett has established himself as a starting tackle.  Joel Hale and Tommy Schutt are in a battle for the nose tackle spot.  Hale may get the nod early, but Schutt will probably be starting by season's end.  In addition, man-beast Chris Carter (now below 340 lbs.) should see some goal-line and short yardage duty.  Michael Hill and the previously-mentioned Joey Bosa should also be backups.

WLB:

Ryan Shazier is the only returning starter from last year's front seven.  Behind him may be a variety of young guys - most likely Craig Fada or Camren Williams.

MLB:

For now, Luke Fickell will roll out Curtis Grant.  The former five-star recruit has struggled his entire college career to grasp the increased speed of the game, but the junior will get another shot to start this season.  Pushing for that spot will be true freshman Mike Mitchell and walk-on Joe Burger.

SLB:

Josh Perry is listed as the starter for the SAM position, but the sophomore has very limited game experience.  Behind him are true freshman Trey Johnson and perhaps Camren Williams.

STAR/Nickel:

The Buckeyes will employ quite a bit of a 4-2-5 nickel defense against some of the spread and pass-happy offenses.  The nickel-back will likely by Tyvis Powell, though he is being pushed by stud freshman Vonn Bell and Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown.  Brown is projected as the starter for the "Dime back" position should the Buckeyes go 3-2-6 against five-wide sets.  Cam Burrows will be a backup there.

CB:

Though he will miss the first game due to suspension, Bradley Roby should be back with force for the remainder of the season.  The All-American is on the Thorpe pre-season watch list and should go in the top 15 of the 2014 NFL draft if all goes according to plan.  Opposite of him will be junior Doran Grant.  Behind those two are sophomore Armani Reeves (starting in Roby's place against Buffalo) and freshmen Gareon Conley and Eli Apple.

SS:

Christian Bryant is being looked at as a leader for the defensive unit.  Hopefully he has matured enough and won't take any stupid 15-yard penalties this season.  His backups are likely to be Corey Brown and Vonn Bell.

FS:

C.J. Barnett is another veteran in the defensive backfield.  He, Bryant, and Roby are all four-year players who have started the last three seasons.  Ron Tanner is likely to be his backup.

Specialists:

Freshman Aussie Cameron Johnston is slated to be the starting punter.  Hopefully he can deliver Brad Wing-like results.  Senior Drew Basil has become a solid kicker inside of 50 yards.  Bryce Haynes is the long snapper.

Coach Meyer has said they have a variety of options at returner - Corey "Philly" Brown, Devin Smith, Bradley Roby, Dontre Wilson, Jordan Hall, Rod Smith, and Jalin Marshall have all been speculated to be returners.  Even senior Chris Fields returned a punt for a TD in 2011.  There's an embarrassment of riches to choose from in this department.


Finally, the team will hold voting today for the 2013 captains.  Jack Mewhort is already set in stone as one - Urban said as much at the end of spring practice.  Braxton Miller and Christian Bryant are the next two in line as they went to B1G Media Days.  Other candidates include 2012 captain Jordan Hall, Ryan Shazier, C.J. Barnett, Corey (WR) Brown, Corey Linsley, Kenny Guiton, and Michael Bennett.  The bet from the 614 is Mewhort, Miller, Bryant, Hall, and Shazier.  Ohio State will make an announcement later today.

We will post a preview of the entire 2013 season on Friday.  Football week is upon us.  Enjoy it everyone!

Depth Charting : Ohio State Offense

"Shark Week" at Ohio State's football training camp is wrapping up.  Urban has said this week will make or break the 2013 season for the Buckeyes.  An "official" two-deep depth chart has not been released, although that could come any way.  We will race against the OSU media team and coaching staff and see how close we end up.  Without further ado, here is your depth chart for the 2013 Ohio State offense:

QB:

1) Braxton Miller (Junior), aka Xbrax 360.  Heisman Trophy favorite, regardless of Manziel's eligibility.  Miller will be expected to put up even bigger numbers in Year 2 of Urban Meyer and Tom Herman's spread offense.  Last season saw him total more than 3,300 total yards and 28 touchdowns, including some ridiculous running ability.  Feel free to look up his 2012 highlights on YouTube for moves not able to be duplicated in video games.  He'll also look to improve his 58.8% completion percentage in becoming a more efficient passer.

2) Kenny Guiton, aka Kenny G.  The fifth-year senior from Texas has been called "the ol' right hander" by Urban Meyer as well as Mr. Reliable.  If Miller misses time because of the beating he takes running the ball, similar to last year, Guiton can be counted on to manage the offense.  He led the Buckeyes to a thrilling 4th quarter-tying drive against Purdue and capped off the comeback in OT.  There probably isn't a backup QB in America as highly thought of and respected as Kenny G.

Others - Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett

RB:

The Bucks are absolutely loaded at running back.  They're seven deep, and Coach Meyer says, "There's not a miss in the group."  There is a good mix of scat backs and power backs.  With returning senior Carlos Hyde suspended for the first three games, true freshman Dontre Wilson has been receiving a lot of buzz at training camp.  Wilson is a speedster in the mold of recent Oregon backs.  In fact, he was committed to the Ducks before Chip Kelly bolted for the NFL.

1a) Carlos Hyde* - "El Guapo" won't see the field until at least the fourth game.  He rushed for 970 yards last season in just 9 games of work.  He's a true power back but has sub-4.5/40 speed to go with it.  He set the goal of becoming Meyer's first 1,000 yard running back, but his suspension will likely prevent that.

1b) Jordan Hall - The fifth-year senior was granted a medical redshirt after missing most of last year with various injuries.  He's slated to start at RB in game 1, but he will likely move to the H-back/pivot position.

2) Rod Smith - Last season, Smith was all over the field in various spots, returning kickoffs, catching passes, and running all over Nebraska's defense.  If he can conquer his fumbling issues, Smith could be poised for a breakout year with Hyde suspended.  He's 6'3'', 225 pounds, which isn't the typical Urban Meyer running back.

The rest - Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball return.  Ball received a lot of buzz in the spring, but both guys haven't gotten a lot of hype in camp.  Incoming freshmen are Ezekiel Elliot as well as the previously-mentioned burner Dontre Wilson.  Many believe Wilson will be more of an H-back in the mold of Percy Harvin.

WR:

Three guys have separated themselves over the past year - returning starters Corey Brown and Devin Smith are expected to be the starters and returning junior Evan Spencer has impressed the coaches as well.  Brown was Mr. Reliable last season, though he struggled to gain many YAC (or is it RAC?) yards.  Smith was the big play threat, but often could not break free from tighter coverage.  Sophomore Michael Thomas is slotted in that 4th WR position.  Chris Fields received praise from coaches at the end of last season as well as in the spring.

The rest - The Bucks are unproven beyond those first four to five guys.  Injuries and transfers have left little depth.  Incoming freshmen Jalin Marshall and James Clark could see some time as they push the veterans.  Other than that, there hasn't been a lot of talk in the two-deep.

H-back:

Aka "The Percy Harvin Role" (real original, media) - This position was almost non-existent in last season's offense.  The staff has been grooming Jordan Hall for this role.  Other candidates to back him up are Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall.

TE:

Meyer has called this perhaps the best tight end group he's ever had.  They are led by Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett.  Both guys are very solid catching the ball as well as blocking.  It is unclear if sophomore Blake Thomas will be playing, as there are rumors out now of a career-ending injury (more to come as it becomes available).  Finally, freshman Marcus Baugh will miss the first game for underage drinking and should provide some depth after that. 

OLine:

The offensive line was a strength in 2012.  Only converted-TE Reid Fragel left (fighting for a spot with the Bengals in the NFL), which opened up the RT position.  It appears sophomore Taylor Decker has edged out Chase Ferris for that spot.  Next to him at the RG spot will be Marcus Hall, senior.  Hall is flanked to his left by three more seniors (wow, 2014 could be rough up front) - center Corey Linsley, LG Andrew Nowell, and LT Jack Mewhort.

Behind the starting five it's a little less clear - the guess here is LT Kyle Dodson, LG Darryl Baldwin, C Jacoby Boren, and RG Tommy Brown to go along with the previously mentioned RT Chase Ferris.

We shall see how this compares to the official Depth Chart in a matter of days.  What is clear on offense is that there is a lot of returning starters, and quite a bit of experience in the backups mixed in with some highly-touted freshmen.  Expect the Bucks to improve on their B1G-leading 37 points per game from last season.