The Buckeyes start their 2008 campaign in search of completing at least one hat-trick but not wanting to complete another. Back-to-back losses in the BCS Championship games obviously hurts and a repeat visit for the third consecutive year will head the agenda. Clearly the one hat-trick Tressel won't want on his CV will be three consecutive BCS Championship losses.
So is all the hype coming into the 2008 season valid? Are the Buckeyes capable of returning to the championship game? Well the line makers make them a solid +300 chance to do so. The last three years has seen a one-sided Big 10 Conference where the Buckeyes have gone 22-2 in conference play while capturing three straight titles. Another Big 10 Championship would equal Michigan's four consecutive crowns. Given Ohio State's schedule, the Buckeyes should either go 12-0 on the year or a more realistic record of 11-1 and should ensure that the Alumni equal history. Date | Opponent Aug. 30 Youngstown St. (Ohio State has won 29 straight home openers, and have not lost to instate school in 80 years) Sep. 6 Ohio (OSU is 23-1 vs MAC including 5-0 vs Ohio) Sep. 13 at USC (Buckeyes are 11-2 SU since 91 vs PAC 10)Sep. 20 Troy (Ohio State is 43-1 SU at home vs non conference opposition)
Sep. 27 Minnesota (Bucks have won 3 straight Big 10 openers by an average of 33 points per game)
Oct. 4 at Wisconsin (Last year Buckeyes came from behind, notching 28 straight points in a 38-17 beat down)
Oct. 11 Purdue (OSU has won 6 straight at home in this series)
Oct. 18 at Michigan State (Buckeyes are 11-2 L13 SU vs MSU)
Oct. 25 Penn State (Since 1933 Buckeyes are 7-0 at home in this series)
Nov. 8 at Northwestern (OSU is 14-1 L15 SU in Evanston)
Nov. 15 at Illinois (Revenge on board , as Bucks go down in flames vs Illinois last season at home)
Nov. 22 Michigan (Michigan has lost 6 of the L/7 meeting SU in Columbus)
The entire sports world will focus on the September 13th mega-showdown against USC that'll be certain to have national title implications. The game falls nicely for Ohio State, given it will be their third game while only the second for the Trojans. Also, given USC will be breaking in a new starting QB and six other new offensive starters, I have no doubt that Ohio State will win this early season clash of the titans—stamping itself as the team to beat. There are other land mines to worry about. Going to Wisconsin won't be easy and dealing with a road trip to Illinois won't be a plus. The Michigan game is in Columbus, but it comes after going on the road to face Northwestern and the Illini. If this is the national title contender it's supposed to be, the home schedule, including the date with the Wolverines and the October battles with Purdue and Penn State, shouldn't be a problem. Outside of the USC game, the non-conference slate is a breeze facing Youngstown State, Ohio and Troy. The Buckeyes miss Indiana and Iowa. With nine starters back on both offense and defense and with one enormous chip on their shoulders for two straight BCS title game disappointments, Ohio State with their vast array of experience and talent have all the ingredients for a title run. The offense is led by Heisman Trophy candidate Chris Wells at tailback who will score points in abundance. Wells job will be made easier behind a talented offensive line—led by two senior's that will both see action in the NFL in LG Steve Rehring and LT Alex Boone. Senior QB Todd Boeckman should have a big year throwing to Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie. DE Vernon Gholston who went sixth in the NFL draft will be a loss for Ohio State’s defense. But given the Buckeye's defense was so dominant last year, finishing top in the nation in scoring defense (allowing 12.7 points per game), the loss may not be as detrimental as it would to other college programs. The talent on defense that is at Tressel's dispersal would be the envy of many a coach with two-time All-American LB James Laurinaitis being supported with DE Cameron Heyward and CB Malcolm Jenkins. I have listed some interesting Buckeye trends below. Ohio State is 96-0 SU when they score more than 28 points. Along with that perfect 96-0 SU record, are ATS marks inside that number of 56-12 when the Buckeyes are off a win, 49-8 ATS in conference games and 12-0 ATS when playing with revenge. The Buckeyes are 10-3 ATS their last 13 as home favorites of 10.5 or more points.
Ohio State is 17-6 ATS against conference opponents since 2005. .
Ohio State is 29-4 SU and 24-8-1 ATS at home in conference play, including 19-1 SU and 17-3 ATS their last 20.
Ohio State is 21-3 SU and 14-9 ATS in their last 24 non-conference games, including 4-2 ATS in bowl games.
Ohio State is 5-15 ATS vs. the Fighting Illini the last 20 in this series.
Ohio State is 6-14 ATS on the road off a double digit win.
The Buckeyes are 6-16 O/U as home favs of -10.5 points or more.
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