As the 2009 college football season approaches, the Examiners from around the Big Ten prepared a preseason look at how they see the conference shaping up. Following the article will be links to all Big Ten schools that have college football examiners. Let’s take a look at defending Big Ten Champions, four straight years and counting provided by your Ohio State Buckeye Examiner.
Q: What does your team need to do to improve on their 2008 season?
A: The Buckeyes will need a consolidated team effort to continue to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten. Terrelle Pryor’s continued development into an all around quarterback that can beat you with more than his legs will be critical.
The Buckeyes look to be much deeper and improved on the offensive line. The ability to establish the run with Dan “Boom” Herron and Brandon “Zoom” Saine will be important for offense effectiveness and help eliminate some of the pressure that will fall to Pryor.
The defense will be stingy as usual. The Buckeyes have allowed 21 points or fewer 40 times since 2004, tops in college football. Look for the Buckeyes to also continue the tradition of excellent linebackers with Ross Homan, Brian Rolle, Etienne Sabino and Austin Spitler
Q: Is your team looking at a move forward or a move back in the Big Ten? Or are they right in the same area?
A: The Buckeyes literally have no where to go but down. I don’t expect that from the well coached and extremely talented Jim Tressel team. However, there isn’t any question that every team in the league is gunning for them since they have won the last four titles, two outright and two shared with a 29-3 record.
Q: Only three Big Ten teams are in the Top 25 coaches' poll. Fair or not?
A: At this point, the answer is fair. I would love to argue, but a conference that produced a 1-6 record in bowl games is hard to defend. The Buckeyes and Penn State will definitely have an opportunity to prove their metal and deserve the top 10. I was disappointed to see Michigan State didn’t get more credit. Coach Dantonio has proven he’s a top notch coach and I look for them to be at the top third of the conference on a yearly basis.
Q: Rate the following on a scale of 1-11 (11 being the best) in comparison to the rest of the Big Ten; Offense, Defense, Special Teams, Coaching
A: Offense ranked ninth. The Buckeyes will have some things to prove but should be one of the top offenses in the league. Terrelle Pryor will be the wheel man and how far the Buckeyes will go nationally depends on his ability to live up to the hype. Dan Herron or Brandon Saine will have to bring a stronger performance in 2009 if they want to be considered worthy to fill the shoes of Chris Wells.
Defense ranked eleventh. I know Penn State fan is jeering at me right now, but I believe the league will see a faster Buckeye defense that is eight deep on the defensive line and has some young linebackers that can get to the ball quickly. The defense will be piloted by the veteran safeties Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell.
Special Teams rank tenth. Jim Tressel is man who puts more emphasis on special teams than any other coach in Ohio State history. Ohio States kicking game will be solid with Lou Groza Award nominee Aaron Pettrey. The return game should be special too with Ray Small returning punts and Brandon Saine, Lamar Thomas and a cast of others that may end up deep fon kick-offs for the Buckeyes. Look for the kick coverage teams to be solid with the deep athletic talent the team possesses.
Coach is ranked eleventh. Jim Tressel has won one national championship, five Big Ten Championships and beat Michigan seven out of eight. Need I say more? It doesn’t get any better than that. If this guy would have managed to win the championship in 2006 or 2007 we would be talking about him all the time and not Urban Myer or Pete Carrol.
Q: Who is one player on your team that will be a player to watch?
A: I would love to be able to provide an answer that may shock some people. But alas, I can’t. Terrelle Pryor. College football fans in the country know this kid was the top high school recruit in 2007 and there are huge expectations. He showed some great poise as a freshman and some superior athletic talent. The coaches seem to exude his work ethic and desire to improve. The sky's the limit and we should see the next level of what his college legacy will be.
Q: Which player will be the most valuable player in the Big Ten?
A: Terrelle Pryor will be the most valuable player because he’s the most compelling, dynamic story in what is a plain Jane, boring conference. I said it, and we all know it’s true. There won’t be anything fancy to how Penn State beats people this year. Darryl Clark and Evan Royster are outstanding players, but they just don’t have the flare to hang with Pryor. At the end of the season, Pryor’s stats will be the most impressive in the Big Ten.
Q: Who will be the surprise team in the Big Ten?
A: The surprise team in the Big Ten will be Illinois. I look for the Fighting Illini to win 8 games and be very competitive. It won’t be a surprise to some for Illinois, especially with some of the talent they have. After Ron Zook's team endured a tough year last year, I think their re-entry into the top 5 teams in the league will have some people turning their heads.
Q: Who will win the Big Ten, earning the automatic BCS berth?
A: Maybe I’m partial but what the heck. As Keith Jackson would say, "How bout them Buckeyes!" OSU will be flying under the radar this year. I know there is always expectation for Ohio State, but everyone has already defamed them as over rated and the champion of a pathetic conference. Penn State was put on the cover of Sports Illustrated from a regional perspective in picking a potential national champion. The Buckeyes will have a shot at the national championship, but to get there, they will have to go undefeated. I think they're up to the task. Penn State looks to be the only team that may challenge. However, I think Penn State's passing game will hurt them against strong opponents. Granted, their defense will always keep them in the game.
For more Big Ten Round Table preseason insight meet the other Big Ten Team Examiners? Check their thoughts as we prepare for the 2009 Big Ten season.
Jay Lee represents Illinois.
Brandon Moore represents Indiana.
Joe Winn represents Iowa.
Frank Benson represents Michigan.
Michael Ferro represents Michigan State.
Mike Schoemer represents Minnesota.
Benjamin Miraski represents Northwestern.
Kevin McGuire represents Penn State.
Bryan Rose represents Wisconsin.
Purdue doesn not have an Examiner at this time. If you're a Purdue fan and you would like to cover the Boilermakers, please see Examiner.com details for how to become an Examiner.
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