2006 record: 12-1, 8-0 (1st in Big Ten)
2006 bowl: Lost to Florida 41-14 in BCS title game
2006 final AP/coaches' ranking: 2/2
Coach: Jim Tressel (62-14, 6 years, 9 at school)
Offensive coordinator: Jim Bollman (7th year)
Defensive coordinator: Jim Heacock (3rd year, 12th at school)
Returning offensive starters: 4
Returning defensive starters: 5
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stadium: Ohio (grass, 101,568)
Last league title: 2006
2007 schedule: [view]
2006 statistics: [view]

Offensive: So how do you replace Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Troy Smith? How do you replicate the game-breaking ability of Ted Ginn Jr.? Short answer: You don’t. Ohio State must make do with its remaining offensive parts and there are some building blocks. The offensive line should be fine with the bookend tackle tandem of senior Kirk Barton and junior Alex Boone. That’s good news for junior Todd Boeckman, the likely quarterback, because he gets protection and help for the running game, where sophomore Chris Wells is capable of big things. The receivers, junior Brian Robiskie and sophomore Brian Hartline, could develop into something special.

Defensive: Ohio State’s strength is linebacker, where junior James Laurinaitis patrols the middle, junior Marcus Freeman returns on the weakside and senior Larry Grant, once a big-time junior-college player, inherits the strongside position. Elsewhere, the Buckeyes are in transition, but they are counting on junior cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, potentially one of the nation’s top cover men, and junior defensive end Vernon Gholston to provide stability.

Specialists: The kicking game is in fine shape with sophomore place-kicker Aaron Pettrey and sophomore punter A.J. Trapasso. But there’s a help-wanted sign at returner, where Ginn’s absence will be felt.

Game of the year Nov. 17, at Michigan Almost always, this game decides the Big Ten championship. Ohio State has beaten the Wolverines three straight times (and five of six times under Tressel).

Coaching: Jim Tressel seemed headed to his second national title, but the Buckeyes were steamrolled by Florida in the BCS Championship Game. That took the shine off a very special 12-0 regular season. But Tressel’s contributions are much appreciated. Before his arrival, Ohio State was an underachieving program. Now the Buckeyes are annual prospects for BCS bowl games — and sometimes, a whole lot more.

Heisman Hopefuls: Troy Smith won the award last season, but the Buckeye trophy case can take a break. Ohio State has no serious contenders.

Overview: The Buckeyes are clearly reloading, but it would wrong to dismiss the program entirely. New playmakers must be discovered. Confidence might take a momentary dip. But with the right breaks, Ohio State can get to double-digit victories. It probably won’t repeat as Big Ten champion, but you can bet the league’s other contenders don’t want to see the Buckeyes on their schedule.

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

Making travel plans? Georgia DE Lemon suspended after arrest   Louisville wide receiver shot in back Louisville receiver Spillman released from jail Opinion: Offseason winners, losers Walters: Weis must come forward, discuss Spygate Walters: Top 10 impact games of season Rivals.com notebook: Kennard shines at USC's camp Vote: What's the best conference? Send us your college football tailgating photos College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: