What Will Be the Buckeyes' Record in 2007?

[Tresselbeliever]

Games of concern:
Washington: not as big of a concern as some of the others, but it will be a test for the young guys on offense.

Purdue: don't forget that they almost knocked us off in 2002. This is not the most talented Purdue squad, but they got playmakers on both sides of the ball and playing at home helps.

Penn State: we all saw what can happen when a defense gets hot on its home turf. That can definitely happen again, especially with a young offense. Defense has to come up big in this game and limit Penn State's playmakers.

Wisconsin: it's a toss up. They have a very powerful squad coming in. And you know that the scoreboard is going to be somewhere in the 20s with the team that runs the ball better winning the game. We beat them in '02 with a good performance behind MoC and they beat us the next two years behind their powerful running attack. Going into a game like this fans usually talk about how our WRs are going to shred their defense, but that usually doesn't happen. It's pretty much coming down to defense and running game and quite frankly it's a toss-up.

Michigan: We will prevail.

[schwab]

Originally Posted by Tresselbeliever

Michigan: We will prevail.

[-Laurinaitis33-]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeMike80

I went with 11-2 for now, but this Ohio State team sort of looks like USC from last year.

Unproven QB, some good running backs, pretty decent defense coming back....

If Ohio State gets some offensive players to step up, especially with the receivers, things could go very similarly....

My losses would be Penn State and the bowl game FWIW

I mostly agree with you, except I think our defense is going to be more than just decent. Our stats should be really good, considering we really play no one, and we have great leadership with Laurinaitis and Freeman coming back. Also, I think our recievers are going to step up huge, Small is going to be really good, and Robiskie and Hartline will be good as well. Also we have great depth with Dukes and Lyons. I think our offense is going to be decent as long as we get the QB situation settled.

[WoodyWorshiper]

Originally Posted by schwab

I wish I was under a rock just like you were last January 8.

There's a difference between "upset" and "exposed" my friend. The Big Ten was weak as hell last year, yet we were [censored]ing our pants against Illinois and scUM. Being "upset" is losing to a team you have no business losing to. We had "business" losing to Florida, they were a better team.

[Oh8ch]

I like this team and the talent we have, but..

1. Beanie is a stud, but he is also out with an ankle right now. If he goes down during the season just where does our O come from?

2. Where is the senior leadership? I count four scholarship seniors (other than former walk ons), one of whom is a second year JUCO. Not that we are without leaders, but the senior class is as sparse as it gets.

3. Michigan at AA will be one of the most motivated teams in the history of CFB. Happy Valley is a snake pit. Illinois could be the surprise team of the conference. Wisky is always tough - even here.

I vote 11-2, but would not be shocked if we pick up a 3rd somewhere.

I find myself looking ahead to 2008 much as I was looking ahead to 2003 a few years back.

[Tresselbeliever]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

I like this team and the talent we have, but..

1. Beanie is a stud, but he is also out with an ankle right now. If he goes down during the season just where does our O come from?

2. Where is the senior leadership? I count four scholarship seniors (other than former walk ons), one of whom is a second year JUCO. Not that we are without leaders, but the senior class is as sparse as it gets.

3. Michigan at AA will be one of the most motivated teams in the history of CFB. Happy Valley is a snake pit. Illinois could be the surprise team of the conference. Wisky is always tough - even here.

I vote 11-2, but would not be shocked if we pick up a 3rd somewhere.

I find myself looking ahead to 2008 much as I was looking ahead to 2003 a few years back.

Obviously if Wells goes down we are screwed like OU was last season. We'll still manage to win a lot of games with a great defense, but national title contention would be out of the question.

Senior leadership? While it is important, talent and speed is more important. Our team last season and OU in 2004 were two of the most senior-laden teams, led by senior Heisman trophy winners, but both got blown out in the NC game. The key is creating the perfect blend between the experienced players and young players with talent. I think we have a good blend there.

Michigan is motivated, but their defense is just worthless.

[Taosman]

3 Night games? Are you kidding me! And we agreed to that!

[buckeyemania11]

my vote goes to 11 - 2

right now ill say we get beat by penn state and wisconsin, but we will beat michigan again