2007 record: 11-2, 7-1 (1st in Big Ten)
2007 bowl: Lost to LSU 38-24 in BCS title game
2007 final AP/coaches' ranking: 5/4
Coach: Jim Tressel (73-16, 7 years)
Offensive coordinator: Jim Bollman (8th year)
Co-defensive coordinators: Jim Heacock (4th year); Luke Fickell (4th year)
Returning offensive starters: 10
Returning defensive starters: 9
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stadium: Ohio Stadium (grass, 102,329)
Last league title: 2007
2008 schedule: [view]
2007 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Visualize Ohio State’s offense, and you’ll undoubtedly think about moving the chains, an effective offensive line, the ultimate tailback. The Buckeyes have all of those elements — and more — this season. Junior running back Chris “Beanie’’ Wells galloped for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He has the power of a murderous downhill runner and the burst to hit the big-play homer. The offensive line won’t be a concern, although someone (offensive tackle Alex Boone?) is needed to step into Kirk Barton’s old leadership role. Even though Ohio State doesn’t necessarily need a play-maker at quarterback, that position has emerged with tantalizing possibilities. Senior Todd Boeckman, stepping into a rough spot last season in replacing Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, was admirable in his year-long performance. Now the Buckeyes have freshman Terrelle Pryor, a dual-threat talent who could become Ohio State’s change-of-pace option (remember Tim Tebow, circa 2006?) while making life miserable for opposing defensive coordinators. The receivers, notably senior Brian Robiskie and junior Brian Hartline, are top-notch.

Defensive: In a word – superb. Ohio State led the nation last season in fewest average yards (233 per game) and points allowed (12.7). Leading the way is senior middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, who seems as if he has been in Columbus since the days of Woody Hayes. Laurinaitis, already assured of a spot alongside Ohio State’s all-time best linebackers, disdained the NFL draft for one more shot at the national title. Certainly, he expects another special Ohio State defense, despite the loss of pass-rushing defensive end Vernon Gholston. The Buckeyes can make up for that absence with senior linebacker Marcus Freeman and a defensive line that will be greater than the sum of its parts. The secondary has a gem in senior cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, along with an exceptional safety tandem in junior Anderson Russell and junior Kurt Coleman.

Specialists: Things look solid in the kicking game. Senior place-kicker Ryan Pretorious and senior punter A.J. Trapasso are among the nation’s best. Is there room for improvement in the return game? Um, slightly. The Buckeyes ranked 117th last season in kickoff returns, quite a comedown from the era of Ted Ginn Jr.

Coaching: It has been a long time since Ohio State was the program that couldn’t beat Michigan, the program that was painted as a perennial underachiever. Since Jim Tressel came to Columbus, the Buckeyes have generally been an efficient powerhouse in the Big Ten. Had the Buckeyes come through in the past two BCS title games, that would’ve been three national championships in six seasons – grounds for tossing rose petals at Tressel’s feet. Even with the final-game faltering, Ohio State keeps knocking at the door and the recruiting is better than ever. If you’re looking for stability and the nation’s best infrastructure, look to Tressel, look to Ohio State.

Game of the year Sept. 13 at USC What about Michigan? Clearly, the Buckeyes have higher goals in mind than another Big Ten title. Besides, Ohio State has made Michigan into its personal play toy, going 6-1 against the Wolverines since Tressel’s arrival. For Ohio State to reach its third consecutive BCS Championship Game, it must set the tone with a victory in Los Angeles.

Heisman Hopefuls: In a fair fight, Laurinaitis would be a prime Heisman contender. But realistically — you know the long, long odds of a defensive player winning the Heisman — the better bet is Wells. There’s a long-standing Heisman tradition surrounding tailbacks at Ohio State. Wells is well-positioned if Ohio State lives up to its potential.

Overview: The Buckeyes are loaded. Twenty-one of Ohio State’s starters are juniors and seniors. Most of them have bitter memories from the title-game losses to Florida and LSU. When you mix talent and experience with incentive, well, watch out! The early game at USC gives the Buckeyes an opportunity for a big national splash. The defense will be stingy. The offense — good line, bullish runner and a potential fascination at quarterback — should be even better. Watch out, BCS title game. Here come the Buckeyes … again!

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

Tebow 'can't say for sure' he'll stay at Florida USC's Carroll: Sanchez questionable vs. ASU Pelini: No proof that Cornhusker spit on Daniel Extra Points: Five things we learned Saturday Heisman Hopefuls: Bradford, McCoy set for collision Walters: More at stake in OU-Texas than bragging rights Wait is over for No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas No. 17 Cowboys seek respect against No. 3 Tigers Take a bow Vandy; Take a seat JoePa Projections for all 34 bowl games College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: