Technically, the Buckeyes were winless last year despite going 12-1 and winning the Sugar Bowl. Of course five OSU players were caught up in the NCAA allegations of selling memorabilia for tattoos, among other issues. Coach Jim Tressel was largely made the scapegoat and is now gone, with OSU also vacating all those wins, the co-Big Ten title, and all monies it received from playing in the Sugar Bowl. The school also put itself on probation, but still awaits the NCAA’s official discipline. That probably won’t come until the fall, so it’s not even 100 percent certain that Ohio State will be allowed to participate in any postseason games this year. The Buckeyes have a huge question at quarterback, with star Terrelle Pryor, the main player caught up in the scandal, having hool. Senior Joe Bauserman, who has served as Pryor’s backup the past two years, will be the guy to start the season but may have a short leash. Daniel Herron is the top running back but he is suspended the first five games. Top returning receiver DeVier Posey and the team’s best offensive lineman, Mike Adams, also will miss the first five games.

OSU’s defense was terrific last year, finishing the year third nationally in rushing defense (96.7 ypg), fourth in total defense (262.2 ypg), and fifth in scoring defense (14.3 ppg). And it should be good again despite having lost six starters including NFL first-round pick Cameron Heyward. The unit definitely could use former top recruit Etienne Sabino to live up to his promise at linebacker. OSU did get one piece of good news this offseason in that safety and playmaker Tyler Moeller earned a sixth year of eligibility after missing 2009 with a head injury and suffering a season-ending chest injury early last season.

OSU opens the season Sept. 3 vs. Akron. Its over/under win total is 9 at Bodog

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