COACH AND PROGRAM
Sure, Ohio State started last season ranked No. 1 in all the major polls. Yes, the Buckeyes won their first 12 games, often by large margins, including two dramatic wins over teams ranked No. 2 at the time: at Texas in September and a classic over Michigan in November.
Quarterback Troy Smith threw 30 touchdown passes, a school record. He won the Heisman Trophy in December, the school's seventh. If only the Buckeyes' season had ended then, all would be hunky-dory in Buckeye Nation.
But alas, there was that pesky final task called the BCS national title game. And when OSU laid a 41-14 egg at the foot of Florida, suddenly, fans were upset. How could this happen? How could a team that looked so good turn so bad?
Coach Jim Tressel is not one to issue public mea culpas -- or in this case, autopsy reports. And he hasn't had to do it very often, with just 14 losses in six years with the Buckeyes. Last season, Tressel reached 60 wins at OSU faster than any coach in school history, including some guy named Woody. He has built up a pretty sizable buffer of goodwill around town, particularly because of his 5-1 mark against Michigan.
But as the days went by after the Jan. 8 Debacle in the Desert and the talk-show callers failed to relent, Tressel eventually was forced to offer an explanation. In a nutshell, he said that sometime while the team was in Arizona preparing for the title game, it lost focus. He's not sure why. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany probably said it best when he opined that had Ohio State been the underdog, the Buckeyes would have won.
In other words, the Gators made good use of motivational tactics while OSU might have gone a bit soft.
When spring practice opened in late March, Tressel still was being asked what happened. One question: "When you had a chance to analyze and break down the tape of the game, what resulted from that?'' Tressel's answer: "What resulted from that? What do you want me to say, depression?''
As the spring sessions got underway, Tressel and the Buckeyes finally could focus forward. The first job is replacing Smith and 11 other departing starters.
Smith was one of nine senior starters who used up their eligibility, and then the Buckeyes were jolted by the early departures of three juniors: receivers Ted Ginn, Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez and running back Antonio Pittman. That's a huge chunk of the powerhouse OSU offense that rolled up 5,000 yards (actually 4,999) and 450 points last season.
The biggest concern for Tressel and his staff is the loss of leadership. Eighteen seniors anchored last year's locker room. All told, the departing players took with them 666 games played, including 336 starts. There are just six scholarship seniors on the 2007 roster. That means much of the leadership is going to have to come from a strong junior class. "There's no question about it, there is a loss of tremendous leadership,'' Tressel said, "and one of the challenges will be for leadership to emerge.''
The last time the Buckeyes had to replace a quarterback, in 2004, OSU struggled to an 8-4 record. That's not good enough in Columbus, where coach Earle Bruce once was derisively called, "old 9-3 Earle'' and was fired despite a .755 winning percentage.
Though the defense should again be stout and the early schedule is soft, the offensive rebuilding could lead to more than one loss to analyze. And for Tressel, that may be cause for more depression.
QUARTERBACKS
Redshirt junior Todd Boeckman entered and exited the spring as the starter in a three-way race against Rob Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton, but it was an underwhelming spring competition overall.
Boeckman (6-5, 235) has been at OSU forever, or at least it seems that way. He committed to the Buckeyes in 2003, then agreed to delay his enrollment (or gray-shirt) until spring 2004. He then redshirted and sat two more years behind Smith.
Babies born the day Boeckman committed to OSU (Aug. 17, 2002) could be headed to kindergarten before Boeckman throws a meaningful pass. He turns 23 in June. "I've been waiting for this chance my whole life,'' said Boeckman, who hails from the same tiny northwest Ohio town (St. Henry) that produced former Buckeye standouts Bob Hoying and Jim Lachey. "I've been here so long, I know how to handle myself on and off the field.''
That may be, but he didn't exactly seize the job in spring. The best that can be said is that he made fewer mistakes than the other two competitors, and that probably is what has kept him in the lead. Tressel values decision-making and a lack of turnovers more than the ability to make big plays. "When Todd has a real feel and a confidence for the field and really has a sense of where everyone is, I think he's very effective,'' Tressel said. "Unfortunately, it isn't always that way and you have to sort that out. He'll get better at that.''
Schoenhoft (6-4, 240), a redshirt sophomore, showed some signs in the Buckeyes' spring game that he might push Boeckman. Schoenhoft threw the game's only touchdown pass, and he has a big arm and some innate leadership qualities.
He still struggles to recognize defenses well, though. A week before the spring game, he threw three interceptions in a scrimmage. "Robbie has a little something about him & a little leadership thing,'' Tressel said. "He's got a lot of ability to throw the football; he's got to gain a greater knowledge of what the guys in the other shirts are doing.''
Henton (6-2, 210), a redshirt freshman, is intriguing because his style is different from the other two. Unlike Boeckman or Schoenhoft, he was recruited after the emergence of the dual-threat Smith, and he has some of Smith's athletic qualities.
He was an under-the-radar recruit out of Georgia who pairs a strong arm with good size and scrambling ability.
But after spring practice was complete, it was clear Henton has a long way to go. He is exciting and can turn a broken play into a big play, but he is not ready for prime time.
In the spring game, he threw three picks, one returned for a touchdown. Two of them were ill advised, telegraphed passes into the flat. "When he looks good, he looks good; and when he errs, it hurts him,'' Tressel said. "He's got a great grasp of what we're trying to do; now he just needs to relax and do it.''
Tressel says the competition will continue into the fall, and he is waiting for someone to emerge. Most likely, though, Boeckman will be the opening-day starter. He's the safest choice, if not the flashiest. "It will be interesting to see how each guy progresses,'' Tressel said. "If I were Antonio and Robbie, I'd be saying [the competition] is going to be very tight. If I were Todd, I'd be telling you, 'Hey, I'm going to step up and take over.' That's the competitive guys you hope you have.''
RUNNING BACKS
Few other schools in the nation could be losing a two-time 1,000-yard running back and be less concerned than Ohio State.
That's because the Buckeyes have sophomore Chris Wells (6-1, 230) ready and waiting to take over for Pittman. He is nicknamed "Beanie'' -- which dates to him being a long, skinny, string-bean like baby -- but there's nothing long and skinny about Wells today.
He has a punishing, bruising style that fans fell in love with en route to 576 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 carries as a freshman last season. That production is expected to double or triple now that he will be the featured back. "We have expectations for Beanie to take that next step,'' Tressel said.
Wells' presence and the departure of Smith, Ginn and Gonzalez have led many to believe Tressel will feature more of a power-running attack this season, rather than the three-, four- and five-receiver spread sets OSU has used much of the last two years.
Tressel, of course, isn't tipping his hand. He treasures the ability to be multiple and choose from a wide variety of formations and plays.
Asked if the team could use more I-formation, power running this season, he said, "Could we end up using that part of our package more than we did this past year? Yeah.'' The only lingering concern with Wells centers on a fumbling problem that popped up in the second half of 2006. At one point, he lost three fumbles in a four-game span, although he made it through the Michigan and Florida games unscathed.
He also sat out spring ball with a sprained ankle, but that was precautionary and he is expected to be fine by fall camp. Wells will be backed up by another Wells -- Maurice Wells (5-10, 190) -- a junior who has seen limited action and talked about transferring in January before Pittman's departure seemed to change his mind. Maurice Wells is a much different style of back than Chris, more suited to running to the outside and catching passes.
The Buckeyes coaching staff spent some time in New Orleans in the offseason, soaking up the nuances of the NFL Saints' two-back sets using Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.
Tackle Kirk Barton said OSU "stole some of the Saints plays,'' and has tried them out already in practice. Look for Wells and Wells to be used creatively.
Incoming freshman Brandon Saine (6-1, 205) was Ohio's Mr. Football last fall and is expected to help immediately. He is a track star with sprinter's speed. Even if Maurice Wells hangs onto the No. 2 job, Saine should see time in the return game and possibly even as a receiver.
OSU's fullbacks probably won't carry the ball much if at all, but they should play an increased blocking role this season. Senior Dionte Johnson (6-0, 234) is the starter, backed up by senior and former walk-on Trever Robinson (6-0, 220). The Buckeyes moved senior center Tyler Whaley (6-0, 265) to fullback, as well.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
With all the unknowns on the offense this year, one comforting factor for whoever starts at quarterback is the presence of junior receiver Brian Robiskie.
The son of longtime NFL assistant coach Terry Robiskie, Brian (6-3, 195) is sure-handed and polished, always where he is supposed to be and when. He played as a true freshman and last season emerged as the No. 3 receiver behind Ginn and Gonzalez, catching 29 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-clinching score against Michigan. He's as dependable as they get. "A lot of that is I probably take something from my dad,'' Robiskie said. "Growing up, him telling me every week, watching my high school film, watching me run routes. That's something he's always harped on, trying to get better, and routes are something you can always improve on.''
The wildcard in the mix is sophomore Brian Hartline. "Wild'' is the key word, as Hartline last year was a kamikaze both on kickoff-coverage -- flying downfield to make nine tackles, some of them spectacular -- and diving all over the field to catch passes.
Hartline (6-3, 180) caught 17 passes as the No. 4 wideout and must make the leap to No. 2 this season. Part of that maturation process will be learning to rein in his crazy side. "Yeah, probably I've got to calm down, try not to have injuries and things like that,'' he said. "But I'll get the job done, what needs to be done.''
Although neither player lacks speed, neither has proved to be a downfield burner like Ginn. The Buckeyes need a field-stretching receiver, and they hope sophomore Ray Small (6-0, 175) is that guy.
He comes from Ginn's high school (Cleveland Glenville) but played sparingly last season, with eight catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. "Ray's got some pretty good speed,'' receivers coach Darrell Hazell said. "Once he learns how to see things and coverages and movements and understand & he's got great speed, but he doesn't always play at that great speed yet. We've got to get him to play with that fast speed all the time. It's not physical at all, it's all mental.''
Two juniors emerged in the spring practice sessions as candidates for the fourth and fifth spots -- Devon Lyons (6-4, 214) and Albert Dukes (6-1, 190). Lyons has battled injuries the past few seasons, but he had a fine spring game. At his size, he could be a factor. Dukes is from the same high school that produced 2006 NFL first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes (Glades Central in Belle Glade, Fla.)
In 2004 and 2005, the tight end position practically disappeared from the OSU offense, but it made a modest comeback last season, thanks to the efforts of junior Rory Nicol.
After sitting out 2005 with an injury, Nicol (6-5, 250) had a solid sophomore season, with 13 catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns. One of those was a 38-yarder from Ginn on an end-around against Indiana. Big sophomore Jake Ballard (6-7, 255) drew raves in the spring for his blocking and may push Nicol for the starting job. He also had a diving 1-yard touchdown catch last season, showing off some impressive athleticism.
OFFENSIVE LINE
If any one unit is more determined to put the national title game behind it, it would be the offensive line. OSU was manhandled by the Florida front seven, and the Buckeyes know it.
The Buckeyes return three starters off that line, led by junior left tackle Alex Boone (6-8, 325) and senior right tackle Kirk Barton (6-6, 310). "We're out to prove ourselves, because obviously we have a lot of egg on our face after our last episode,'' Barton said. "That's not a true reflection of us based on how our entire season was and how well we played up until the final game. We feel we could be a pretty good set of bookends, and that usually helps a young quarterback.''
Barton was the only one of four juniors who explored entering the NFL draft last winter who decided to return. As the only fifth-year senior starter, he said providing leadership to a young offense was one factor in his decision.
Overall, though, the line has some experience. Besides Barton, redshirt junior guards Steve Rehring (6-8, 329) and Ben Person (6-4, 315) are in their fourth year in the program, and Boone and redshirt sophomore center Jim Cordle (6-4, 280) are entering their third seasons. "The nice thing about the guys that are working on the offensive line right now is they've been around,'' offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Bollman said. "Jim and Alex are the youngest ones, and this is their third season. So they've been familiar with what's going on. That makes that transition a lot easier, a lot smoother on everyone around them.''
Barton has started 29 games and is considered one of the better right tackles in the Big Ten. Boone saw some action as a freshman in 2005 and started 10 games last year. Rehring established himself at left guard last season after a life-threatening bout with pneumonia forced him to redshirt in 2005 as a sophomore.
Boone and Rehring make up a huge left side. After two years of limited playing time, Person has shown great improvement and is the clear-cut favorite to start at right guard.
One big concern is how well Cordle handles his first starting action at center. OSU has been blessed with fine center play under Tressel -- from LeCharles Bentley to Alex Stepanovich to Nick Mangold to Doug Datish. All four of those players are in the NFL, so Cordle has some big shoes to fill. "He has learned a lot the last couple years,'' Bollman said of Cordle. "It's not like starting from ground zero, believe me.''
The Buckeyes should have decent depth. Juniors Kyle Mitchum (6-5, 295) and Jon Skinner (6-5, 300) have three years in the program and are among the top backups. Bryant Browning (6-4, 328) redshirted last year and shows promise, as does fellow redshirt freshman Connor Smith (6-5, 290).
KICKERS
The big question heading into last season was how would OSU replace four years of stellar kicking from Mike Nugent and Josh Huston. When then-redshirt freshman Aaron Pettrey (6-1, 199) missed his first two field-goal attempts, those fears seemed justified.
But Pettrey rebounded to make eight of his last nine tries, including two from at least 50 yards out. He also recorded 37 touchbacks on 64 kickoffs, and the sophomore now is solidly entrenched as the starter. Ryan Pretorius (5-9, 180), a 28-year-old walk-on from South Africa, made one of two field-goal tries (he was good from 52) last year and kicked off 19 times. He provides a solid insurance policy.
DEFENSIVE LINE
After one spring practice session, OSU defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Jim Heacock was sweating and hoarse, a product of extended hollering at his very young charges up front.
But he also was smiling. Because while the Buckeyes lost three starters up front -- including two NFL draft picks (Quinn Pitcock and Jay Richardson) and an NFL free agent signee (David Patterson) -- Heacock still has plenty of talent in the pipeline. "It's fun because you see a great deal of excitement about what they're doing,'' Heacock said. "This group is hungry and their eyes are big. They're listening to every word you say.''
The only returning starter is junior end Vernon Gholston (6-4, 260), who plays what OSU calls the "Leo'' position, a hybrid rush end that also drops into zone coverage on occasion.
Gholston is coming off a breakout sophomore year in which he had 15 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and an interception. He was voted second-team All-Big Ten. He is sculpted, with muscular arms and low body fat. Fellow end Lawrence Wilson predicts great things for Gholston this season: "I see All-American.''
Wilson (6-6, 270), a junior, could be this season's Gholston in terms of breaking out. He has been in the rotation for more than a year now and has all the tools.
The third end will probably be sophomore Robert Rose (6-5, 260) who recorded 3.5 sacks in limited playing time. At this point, he is more of a rush specialist who needs to improve his all-around game.
With the Buckeyes losing their top three tackles from 2006, Heacock moved sophomore Doug Worthington (6-7, 274) from end to inside. He is an interesting case, in part because he does not have the prototypical squatty build of a tackle but is more long and lean. "He's a tough kid who can bend his knees,'' Heacock said. "When you get a tall guy in there, you worry about getting a little too high, but he bends his knees, so it makes him low. He's very aggressive, he's got long arms for pass rush and he gives the inside guys (on offense) a little bit different look.''
For now, the other starter is sophomore Todd Denlinger (6-3, 280), the only tackle who was in the regular rotation last season.
But two players are pushing hard for playing time. Junior Nader Abdallah (6-5, 310) is rededicated after languishing on the bench. He lost nearly 50 pounds in the offseason and looked much faster in the spring.
Redshirt freshman Dexter Larimore (6-3, 275) is a bulldog with a tenacity that speaks to his wrestling background. Coaches have compared him to former OSU standout Tim Anderson.
LINEBACKERS
If you didn't know what James Laurinaitis (6-3, 244) accomplished last season, listening to him talk would convince you he's a novice player with a lot to learn. "There's a lot of stuff I've got to improve upon,'' the junior said. "Reading plays faster, getting to the quarterback better, being more physical, there's a lot of stuff you can name off. I'm a perfectionist.''
That's pretty scary, considering Laurinaitis was the 2006 Nagurski Award winner and a finalist for both the Butkus and Bednarik Awards. He was first-team All-Big Ten and led Ohio State with 115 tackles, adding four sacks and five interceptions.
That's all. And coming into the season, he was better known for being the son of former pro wrestler Joe "The Animal'' Laurinaitis. The big question last fall was who would replace three departed NFL draft picks (A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel).
Laurinaitis answered those questions, playing with a fierce, instinctive style very reminiscent of Hawk.
Now, the challenge is to do it again and not rest on those laurels. "Sometimes, the hardest thing about being here at Ohio State is praise,'' linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said. "Sometimes, praise is something you don't think you've swallowed and it's hurting you, but in the long run, it really is. But James is a different kid, and if there's anybody that can handle it, I think he did a very good job of handling it. He's very level-headed.''
OSU spent about 75 percent of its defensive snaps in nickel coverage last season, with two linebackers on the field. The player who saw the most time with Laurinaitis is junior Marcus Freeman (6-2, 242), who recorded 71 tackles and whose strength is speed.
When the Buckeyes are in a traditional base look, Laurinaitis plays the middle, Freeman is on the weak side and seniors Curtis Terry and Larry Grant will battle to start on the strong side.
Terry (6-2, 234) was coming on strong last season before a foot injury hobbled him. He was still battling it during spring ball. Grant (6-3, 225) is a junior college transfer who was a bit lost last season, but he drew praise from the coaching staff for his improvement in the spring. He had two sacks and two forced fumbles in the spring game, returning one 80 yards for the game-clinching touchdown. "I see a difference just maturity-wise,'' Fickell said of Grant's progress. "There's really a little bit of a dedication and refocus, because there's no doubt he's got the ability to play; it's just about getting in a situation in the right time in the right place and doing the things right.''
Sophomore Ross Homan (6-1, 237) looks promising and will fight for playing time behind Freeman. Sophomore Austin Spitler (6-3, 242) also has shown major improvement since last season, though it will be tough for him to find much playing time behind Laurinaitis.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The OSU coaches think that for the first time in years, they have two big, physical cover cornerbacks in junior Malcolm Jenkins (6-1, 202) and sophomore Donald Washington (6-1, 195). Because of that, look for OSU to switch to more of a cover-2, or "Tampa-2" scheme, with Jenkins and Washington pressing receivers at the line more often.
Jenkins gained experience as a true freshman in 2005, running down a Texas receiver from behind in just his second collegiate game.
Last season, he blossomed into a first-team All-Big Ten selection, when he had four interceptions, including one returned for the game-clinching score against Penn State.
He has all the tools -- size, speed, an aggressive mindset and the ability to find the ball in the air. And he doesn't turn 20 until December. This is probably his last season in an OSU uniform. "He's played a lot of football, and he knows the system very well,'' cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson said. "He's a very coachable young man as well, and he has a chance -- if we can get him to do all those little things all the time -- he has a chance to be very, very special, because he has talent.''
Washington started nine games and played extensively last season as the nickel corner. He was more solid than spectacular, but he was impressive enough in the spring to lock down the spot opposite Jenkins and vacated by Antonio Smith. "He has done a nice job this spring,'' Johnson said. "Those guys [Washington and Jenkins] are interchangeable.''
At the team banquet last December, Washington's peers voted him the team's outstanding first-year defensive player. But he's looking for more, such as his first interception. "Last year I think I played good at times, but I don't think I was consistent,'' he said.
Sophomore Andre Amos (6-1, 180) looked to be the third corner until he suffered a knee injury in spring practice. He may miss a portion of the season. If Amos isn't ready, look for redshirt freshman Chimdi Chekwa (6-1, 180) to take that spot, with a challenge from junior Brandon Underwood (6-2, 180).
The spring depth chart listed the starting safeties as junior Jamario O'Neal (6-1, 200) at strong and junior Nick Patterson (6-2, 210) at free. But after the spring session, both of those players are fighting an uphill battle. Looking good to start instead are two sophomores: Kurt Coleman (5-11, 185) at strong and Aaron Gant (6-0, 205) at free. Coleman is just a playmaker, plain and simple, and will be on the field somehow. "I think Kurt is going to be a heckuva player,'' Tressel said.
O'Neal came in with high hopes but has struggled to progress in reading and reacting effectively. Patterson has had several chances to seize a job.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Moeller (6-1, 205) was moved from linebacker to safety this spring. He is a big hitter who can be a force on the blitz but has struggled in coverage so far.
Keep in mind the Buckeyes are bringing in a whopping six defensive backs in the freshman class. Two of them, James Scott (5-10, 165) and Donnie Evege (5-11, 185), enrolled in spring, and Eugene Clifford (6-2, 190) was a prized recruit who could see time right away.
PUNTERS
Junior A.J. Trapasso (6-1, 220) enters his third season as the starter. For each of the last two years, Trapasso finished fifth in the Big Ten in average. OSU was fourth in net punting last season. Trapasso got off to a strong start, booming four punts of 50 yards or more against Texas in September, after which he was voted Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.
He tailed off a bit at season's end. Still, he placed a respectable 17-of-49 kicks inside the 20 and had only four touchbacks. Walk-on Jon Thoma (6-1, 190) is the top backup.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ray Small has the unenviable task of replacing Ted Ginn, Jr. as punt returner. All Ginn did in his three years was set the Big Ten career record for punt-return touchdowns (six) and add two kickoff-return scores.
Ginn's numbers declined after his spectacular, four-touchdown freshman season, but still, Small cannot be expected to duplicate Ginn's lightning. "He needs experience,'' Tressel said. "He's going to be a pretty good one. You could see each time he did it, he was a little more comfortable.''
Kickoff return candidates include Maurice Wells, Robiskie, Hartline, O'Neal and a number of incoming freshmen.
The Buckeyes are always strong at kick coverage. Last season, they blocked a punt and a field goal without having opponents record a block.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
So much seems to depend on the emergence of a quarterback, and recent history makes it tough to predict how that might affect the season.
When Justin Zwick was battling Troy Smith in 2004, OSU started 3-3. But two years earlier, when Craig Krenzel won the job from Scott McMullen, the Buckeyes went 14-0 and won a national title. So just because the Buckeyes don't have an established quarterback does not rule them out of the national championship race.
Grading the Ohio State Buckeyes
Unit Grade Offense
C
Special teams
B+
Defense
B
Intangibles
A
The schedule should help a new quarterback ease into the job. The Buckeyes open with Youngstown State, then Mid-American Conference foe Akron, then a trip to Washington, which is coming off a 5-7 season.
The early Big Ten games look winnable, as well. It's conceivable OSU could be 8-0 before hitting a rough final month: at Penn State, home against Wisconsin and at Michigan in the last four weeks.
In the spring of 2005, Tressel surprised observers by stating he thought OSU had what it took to contend for a title. Normally, he is not that bold. Last season, he avoided such talk. This season, he veered back closer to his 2005 tone. "If we play to our potential, we're capable of being as good as anyone in the country,'' he said. "And we feel that every year we've been here, and we feel that today.''
Tressel has been very good at adapting to different personnel in his six years at OSU, and with a solid run game and a deep and athletic defense, the Buckeyes should not suffer a major dropoff. Expect something in the order of 10-2, capped by a fifth BCS bowl berth in six years.
Sure, Ohio State started last season ranked No. 1 in all the major polls. Yes, the Buckeyes won their first 12 games, often by large margins, including two dramatic wins over teams ranked No. 2 at the time: at Texas in September and a classic over Michigan in November.
Quarterback Troy Smith threw 30 touchdown passes, a school record. He won the Heisman Trophy in December, the school's seventh. If only the Buckeyes' season had ended then, all would be hunky-dory in Buckeye Nation.
But alas, there was that pesky final task called the BCS national title game. And when OSU laid a 41-14 egg at the foot of Florida, suddenly, fans were upset. How could this happen? How could a team that looked so good turn so bad?
Coach Jim Tressel is not one to issue public mea culpas -- or in this case, autopsy reports. And he hasn't had to do it very often, with just 14 losses in six years with the Buckeyes. Last season, Tressel reached 60 wins at OSU faster than any coach in school history, including some guy named Woody. He has built up a pretty sizable buffer of goodwill around town, particularly because of his 5-1 mark against Michigan.
But as the days went by after the Jan. 8 Debacle in the Desert and the talk-show callers failed to relent, Tressel eventually was forced to offer an explanation. In a nutshell, he said that sometime while the team was in Arizona preparing for the title game, it lost focus. He's not sure why. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany probably said it best when he opined that had Ohio State been the underdog, the Buckeyes would have won.
In other words, the Gators made good use of motivational tactics while OSU might have gone a bit soft.
When spring practice opened in late March, Tressel still was being asked what happened. One question: "When you had a chance to analyze and break down the tape of the game, what resulted from that?'' Tressel's answer: "What resulted from that? What do you want me to say, depression?''
As the spring sessions got underway, Tressel and the Buckeyes finally could focus forward. The first job is replacing Smith and 11 other departing starters.
Smith was one of nine senior starters who used up their eligibility, and then the Buckeyes were jolted by the early departures of three juniors: receivers Ted Ginn, Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez and running back Antonio Pittman. That's a huge chunk of the powerhouse OSU offense that rolled up 5,000 yards (actually 4,999) and 450 points last season.
The biggest concern for Tressel and his staff is the loss of leadership. Eighteen seniors anchored last year's locker room. All told, the departing players took with them 666 games played, including 336 starts. There are just six scholarship seniors on the 2007 roster. That means much of the leadership is going to have to come from a strong junior class. "There's no question about it, there is a loss of tremendous leadership,'' Tressel said, "and one of the challenges will be for leadership to emerge.''
The last time the Buckeyes had to replace a quarterback, in 2004, OSU struggled to an 8-4 record. That's not good enough in Columbus, where coach Earle Bruce once was derisively called, "old 9-3 Earle'' and was fired despite a .755 winning percentage.
Though the defense should again be stout and the early schedule is soft, the offensive rebuilding could lead to more than one loss to analyze. And for Tressel, that may be cause for more depression.
QUARTERBACKS
Redshirt junior Todd Boeckman entered and exited the spring as the starter in a three-way race against Rob Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton, but it was an underwhelming spring competition overall.
Boeckman (6-5, 235) has been at OSU forever, or at least it seems that way. He committed to the Buckeyes in 2003, then agreed to delay his enrollment (or gray-shirt) until spring 2004. He then redshirted and sat two more years behind Smith.
Babies born the day Boeckman committed to OSU (Aug. 17, 2002) could be headed to kindergarten before Boeckman throws a meaningful pass. He turns 23 in June. "I've been waiting for this chance my whole life,'' said Boeckman, who hails from the same tiny northwest Ohio town (St. Henry) that produced former Buckeye standouts Bob Hoying and Jim Lachey. "I've been here so long, I know how to handle myself on and off the field.''
That may be, but he didn't exactly seize the job in spring. The best that can be said is that he made fewer mistakes than the other two competitors, and that probably is what has kept him in the lead. Tressel values decision-making and a lack of turnovers more than the ability to make big plays. "When Todd has a real feel and a confidence for the field and really has a sense of where everyone is, I think he's very effective,'' Tressel said. "Unfortunately, it isn't always that way and you have to sort that out. He'll get better at that.''
Schoenhoft (6-4, 240), a redshirt sophomore, showed some signs in the Buckeyes' spring game that he might push Boeckman. Schoenhoft threw the game's only touchdown pass, and he has a big arm and some innate leadership qualities.
He still struggles to recognize defenses well, though. A week before the spring game, he threw three interceptions in a scrimmage. "Robbie has a little something about him & a little leadership thing,'' Tressel said. "He's got a lot of ability to throw the football; he's got to gain a greater knowledge of what the guys in the other shirts are doing.''
Henton (6-2, 210), a redshirt freshman, is intriguing because his style is different from the other two. Unlike Boeckman or Schoenhoft, he was recruited after the emergence of the dual-threat Smith, and he has some of Smith's athletic qualities.
He was an under-the-radar recruit out of Georgia who pairs a strong arm with good size and scrambling ability.
But after spring practice was complete, it was clear Henton has a long way to go. He is exciting and can turn a broken play into a big play, but he is not ready for prime time.
In the spring game, he threw three picks, one returned for a touchdown. Two of them were ill advised, telegraphed passes into the flat. "When he looks good, he looks good; and when he errs, it hurts him,'' Tressel said. "He's got a great grasp of what we're trying to do; now he just needs to relax and do it.''
Tressel says the competition will continue into the fall, and he is waiting for someone to emerge. Most likely, though, Boeckman will be the opening-day starter. He's the safest choice, if not the flashiest. "It will be interesting to see how each guy progresses,'' Tressel said. "If I were Antonio and Robbie, I'd be saying [the competition] is going to be very tight. If I were Todd, I'd be telling you, 'Hey, I'm going to step up and take over.' That's the competitive guys you hope you have.''
RUNNING BACKS
Few other schools in the nation could be losing a two-time 1,000-yard running back and be less concerned than Ohio State.
That's because the Buckeyes have sophomore Chris Wells (6-1, 230) ready and waiting to take over for Pittman. He is nicknamed "Beanie'' -- which dates to him being a long, skinny, string-bean like baby -- but there's nothing long and skinny about Wells today.
He has a punishing, bruising style that fans fell in love with en route to 576 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 carries as a freshman last season. That production is expected to double or triple now that he will be the featured back. "We have expectations for Beanie to take that next step,'' Tressel said.
Wells' presence and the departure of Smith, Ginn and Gonzalez have led many to believe Tressel will feature more of a power-running attack this season, rather than the three-, four- and five-receiver spread sets OSU has used much of the last two years.
Tressel, of course, isn't tipping his hand. He treasures the ability to be multiple and choose from a wide variety of formations and plays.
Asked if the team could use more I-formation, power running this season, he said, "Could we end up using that part of our package more than we did this past year? Yeah.'' The only lingering concern with Wells centers on a fumbling problem that popped up in the second half of 2006. At one point, he lost three fumbles in a four-game span, although he made it through the Michigan and Florida games unscathed.
He also sat out spring ball with a sprained ankle, but that was precautionary and he is expected to be fine by fall camp. Wells will be backed up by another Wells -- Maurice Wells (5-10, 190) -- a junior who has seen limited action and talked about transferring in January before Pittman's departure seemed to change his mind. Maurice Wells is a much different style of back than Chris, more suited to running to the outside and catching passes.
The Buckeyes coaching staff spent some time in New Orleans in the offseason, soaking up the nuances of the NFL Saints' two-back sets using Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.
Tackle Kirk Barton said OSU "stole some of the Saints plays,'' and has tried them out already in practice. Look for Wells and Wells to be used creatively.
Incoming freshman Brandon Saine (6-1, 205) was Ohio's Mr. Football last fall and is expected to help immediately. He is a track star with sprinter's speed. Even if Maurice Wells hangs onto the No. 2 job, Saine should see time in the return game and possibly even as a receiver.
OSU's fullbacks probably won't carry the ball much if at all, but they should play an increased blocking role this season. Senior Dionte Johnson (6-0, 234) is the starter, backed up by senior and former walk-on Trever Robinson (6-0, 220). The Buckeyes moved senior center Tyler Whaley (6-0, 265) to fullback, as well.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
With all the unknowns on the offense this year, one comforting factor for whoever starts at quarterback is the presence of junior receiver Brian Robiskie.
The son of longtime NFL assistant coach Terry Robiskie, Brian (6-3, 195) is sure-handed and polished, always where he is supposed to be and when. He played as a true freshman and last season emerged as the No. 3 receiver behind Ginn and Gonzalez, catching 29 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-clinching score against Michigan. He's as dependable as they get. "A lot of that is I probably take something from my dad,'' Robiskie said. "Growing up, him telling me every week, watching my high school film, watching me run routes. That's something he's always harped on, trying to get better, and routes are something you can always improve on.''
The wildcard in the mix is sophomore Brian Hartline. "Wild'' is the key word, as Hartline last year was a kamikaze both on kickoff-coverage -- flying downfield to make nine tackles, some of them spectacular -- and diving all over the field to catch passes.
Hartline (6-3, 180) caught 17 passes as the No. 4 wideout and must make the leap to No. 2 this season. Part of that maturation process will be learning to rein in his crazy side. "Yeah, probably I've got to calm down, try not to have injuries and things like that,'' he said. "But I'll get the job done, what needs to be done.''
Although neither player lacks speed, neither has proved to be a downfield burner like Ginn. The Buckeyes need a field-stretching receiver, and they hope sophomore Ray Small (6-0, 175) is that guy.
He comes from Ginn's high school (Cleveland Glenville) but played sparingly last season, with eight catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. "Ray's got some pretty good speed,'' receivers coach Darrell Hazell said. "Once he learns how to see things and coverages and movements and understand & he's got great speed, but he doesn't always play at that great speed yet. We've got to get him to play with that fast speed all the time. It's not physical at all, it's all mental.''
Two juniors emerged in the spring practice sessions as candidates for the fourth and fifth spots -- Devon Lyons (6-4, 214) and Albert Dukes (6-1, 190). Lyons has battled injuries the past few seasons, but he had a fine spring game. At his size, he could be a factor. Dukes is from the same high school that produced 2006 NFL first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes (Glades Central in Belle Glade, Fla.)
In 2004 and 2005, the tight end position practically disappeared from the OSU offense, but it made a modest comeback last season, thanks to the efforts of junior Rory Nicol.
After sitting out 2005 with an injury, Nicol (6-5, 250) had a solid sophomore season, with 13 catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns. One of those was a 38-yarder from Ginn on an end-around against Indiana. Big sophomore Jake Ballard (6-7, 255) drew raves in the spring for his blocking and may push Nicol for the starting job. He also had a diving 1-yard touchdown catch last season, showing off some impressive athleticism.
OFFENSIVE LINE
If any one unit is more determined to put the national title game behind it, it would be the offensive line. OSU was manhandled by the Florida front seven, and the Buckeyes know it.
The Buckeyes return three starters off that line, led by junior left tackle Alex Boone (6-8, 325) and senior right tackle Kirk Barton (6-6, 310). "We're out to prove ourselves, because obviously we have a lot of egg on our face after our last episode,'' Barton said. "That's not a true reflection of us based on how our entire season was and how well we played up until the final game. We feel we could be a pretty good set of bookends, and that usually helps a young quarterback.''
Barton was the only one of four juniors who explored entering the NFL draft last winter who decided to return. As the only fifth-year senior starter, he said providing leadership to a young offense was one factor in his decision.
Overall, though, the line has some experience. Besides Barton, redshirt junior guards Steve Rehring (6-8, 329) and Ben Person (6-4, 315) are in their fourth year in the program, and Boone and redshirt sophomore center Jim Cordle (6-4, 280) are entering their third seasons. "The nice thing about the guys that are working on the offensive line right now is they've been around,'' offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Bollman said. "Jim and Alex are the youngest ones, and this is their third season. So they've been familiar with what's going on. That makes that transition a lot easier, a lot smoother on everyone around them.''
Barton has started 29 games and is considered one of the better right tackles in the Big Ten. Boone saw some action as a freshman in 2005 and started 10 games last year. Rehring established himself at left guard last season after a life-threatening bout with pneumonia forced him to redshirt in 2005 as a sophomore.
Boone and Rehring make up a huge left side. After two years of limited playing time, Person has shown great improvement and is the clear-cut favorite to start at right guard.
One big concern is how well Cordle handles his first starting action at center. OSU has been blessed with fine center play under Tressel -- from LeCharles Bentley to Alex Stepanovich to Nick Mangold to Doug Datish. All four of those players are in the NFL, so Cordle has some big shoes to fill. "He has learned a lot the last couple years,'' Bollman said of Cordle. "It's not like starting from ground zero, believe me.''
The Buckeyes should have decent depth. Juniors Kyle Mitchum (6-5, 295) and Jon Skinner (6-5, 300) have three years in the program and are among the top backups. Bryant Browning (6-4, 328) redshirted last year and shows promise, as does fellow redshirt freshman Connor Smith (6-5, 290).
KICKERS
The big question heading into last season was how would OSU replace four years of stellar kicking from Mike Nugent and Josh Huston. When then-redshirt freshman Aaron Pettrey (6-1, 199) missed his first two field-goal attempts, those fears seemed justified.
But Pettrey rebounded to make eight of his last nine tries, including two from at least 50 yards out. He also recorded 37 touchbacks on 64 kickoffs, and the sophomore now is solidly entrenched as the starter. Ryan Pretorius (5-9, 180), a 28-year-old walk-on from South Africa, made one of two field-goal tries (he was good from 52) last year and kicked off 19 times. He provides a solid insurance policy.
DEFENSIVE LINE
After one spring practice session, OSU defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Jim Heacock was sweating and hoarse, a product of extended hollering at his very young charges up front.
But he also was smiling. Because while the Buckeyes lost three starters up front -- including two NFL draft picks (Quinn Pitcock and Jay Richardson) and an NFL free agent signee (David Patterson) -- Heacock still has plenty of talent in the pipeline. "It's fun because you see a great deal of excitement about what they're doing,'' Heacock said. "This group is hungry and their eyes are big. They're listening to every word you say.''
The only returning starter is junior end Vernon Gholston (6-4, 260), who plays what OSU calls the "Leo'' position, a hybrid rush end that also drops into zone coverage on occasion.
Gholston is coming off a breakout sophomore year in which he had 15 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and an interception. He was voted second-team All-Big Ten. He is sculpted, with muscular arms and low body fat. Fellow end Lawrence Wilson predicts great things for Gholston this season: "I see All-American.''
Wilson (6-6, 270), a junior, could be this season's Gholston in terms of breaking out. He has been in the rotation for more than a year now and has all the tools.
The third end will probably be sophomore Robert Rose (6-5, 260) who recorded 3.5 sacks in limited playing time. At this point, he is more of a rush specialist who needs to improve his all-around game.
With the Buckeyes losing their top three tackles from 2006, Heacock moved sophomore Doug Worthington (6-7, 274) from end to inside. He is an interesting case, in part because he does not have the prototypical squatty build of a tackle but is more long and lean. "He's a tough kid who can bend his knees,'' Heacock said. "When you get a tall guy in there, you worry about getting a little too high, but he bends his knees, so it makes him low. He's very aggressive, he's got long arms for pass rush and he gives the inside guys (on offense) a little bit different look.''
For now, the other starter is sophomore Todd Denlinger (6-3, 280), the only tackle who was in the regular rotation last season.
But two players are pushing hard for playing time. Junior Nader Abdallah (6-5, 310) is rededicated after languishing on the bench. He lost nearly 50 pounds in the offseason and looked much faster in the spring.
Redshirt freshman Dexter Larimore (6-3, 275) is a bulldog with a tenacity that speaks to his wrestling background. Coaches have compared him to former OSU standout Tim Anderson.
LINEBACKERS
If you didn't know what James Laurinaitis (6-3, 244) accomplished last season, listening to him talk would convince you he's a novice player with a lot to learn. "There's a lot of stuff I've got to improve upon,'' the junior said. "Reading plays faster, getting to the quarterback better, being more physical, there's a lot of stuff you can name off. I'm a perfectionist.''
That's pretty scary, considering Laurinaitis was the 2006 Nagurski Award winner and a finalist for both the Butkus and Bednarik Awards. He was first-team All-Big Ten and led Ohio State with 115 tackles, adding four sacks and five interceptions.
That's all. And coming into the season, he was better known for being the son of former pro wrestler Joe "The Animal'' Laurinaitis. The big question last fall was who would replace three departed NFL draft picks (A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel).
Laurinaitis answered those questions, playing with a fierce, instinctive style very reminiscent of Hawk.
Now, the challenge is to do it again and not rest on those laurels. "Sometimes, the hardest thing about being here at Ohio State is praise,'' linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said. "Sometimes, praise is something you don't think you've swallowed and it's hurting you, but in the long run, it really is. But James is a different kid, and if there's anybody that can handle it, I think he did a very good job of handling it. He's very level-headed.''
OSU spent about 75 percent of its defensive snaps in nickel coverage last season, with two linebackers on the field. The player who saw the most time with Laurinaitis is junior Marcus Freeman (6-2, 242), who recorded 71 tackles and whose strength is speed.
When the Buckeyes are in a traditional base look, Laurinaitis plays the middle, Freeman is on the weak side and seniors Curtis Terry and Larry Grant will battle to start on the strong side.
Terry (6-2, 234) was coming on strong last season before a foot injury hobbled him. He was still battling it during spring ball. Grant (6-3, 225) is a junior college transfer who was a bit lost last season, but he drew praise from the coaching staff for his improvement in the spring. He had two sacks and two forced fumbles in the spring game, returning one 80 yards for the game-clinching touchdown. "I see a difference just maturity-wise,'' Fickell said of Grant's progress. "There's really a little bit of a dedication and refocus, because there's no doubt he's got the ability to play; it's just about getting in a situation in the right time in the right place and doing the things right.''
Sophomore Ross Homan (6-1, 237) looks promising and will fight for playing time behind Freeman. Sophomore Austin Spitler (6-3, 242) also has shown major improvement since last season, though it will be tough for him to find much playing time behind Laurinaitis.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The OSU coaches think that for the first time in years, they have two big, physical cover cornerbacks in junior Malcolm Jenkins (6-1, 202) and sophomore Donald Washington (6-1, 195). Because of that, look for OSU to switch to more of a cover-2, or "Tampa-2" scheme, with Jenkins and Washington pressing receivers at the line more often.
Jenkins gained experience as a true freshman in 2005, running down a Texas receiver from behind in just his second collegiate game.
Last season, he blossomed into a first-team All-Big Ten selection, when he had four interceptions, including one returned for the game-clinching score against Penn State.
He has all the tools -- size, speed, an aggressive mindset and the ability to find the ball in the air. And he doesn't turn 20 until December. This is probably his last season in an OSU uniform. "He's played a lot of football, and he knows the system very well,'' cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson said. "He's a very coachable young man as well, and he has a chance -- if we can get him to do all those little things all the time -- he has a chance to be very, very special, because he has talent.''
Washington started nine games and played extensively last season as the nickel corner. He was more solid than spectacular, but he was impressive enough in the spring to lock down the spot opposite Jenkins and vacated by Antonio Smith. "He has done a nice job this spring,'' Johnson said. "Those guys [Washington and Jenkins] are interchangeable.''
At the team banquet last December, Washington's peers voted him the team's outstanding first-year defensive player. But he's looking for more, such as his first interception. "Last year I think I played good at times, but I don't think I was consistent,'' he said.
Sophomore Andre Amos (6-1, 180) looked to be the third corner until he suffered a knee injury in spring practice. He may miss a portion of the season. If Amos isn't ready, look for redshirt freshman Chimdi Chekwa (6-1, 180) to take that spot, with a challenge from junior Brandon Underwood (6-2, 180).
The spring depth chart listed the starting safeties as junior Jamario O'Neal (6-1, 200) at strong and junior Nick Patterson (6-2, 210) at free. But after the spring session, both of those players are fighting an uphill battle. Looking good to start instead are two sophomores: Kurt Coleman (5-11, 185) at strong and Aaron Gant (6-0, 205) at free. Coleman is just a playmaker, plain and simple, and will be on the field somehow. "I think Kurt is going to be a heckuva player,'' Tressel said.
O'Neal came in with high hopes but has struggled to progress in reading and reacting effectively. Patterson has had several chances to seize a job.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Moeller (6-1, 205) was moved from linebacker to safety this spring. He is a big hitter who can be a force on the blitz but has struggled in coverage so far.
Keep in mind the Buckeyes are bringing in a whopping six defensive backs in the freshman class. Two of them, James Scott (5-10, 165) and Donnie Evege (5-11, 185), enrolled in spring, and Eugene Clifford (6-2, 190) was a prized recruit who could see time right away.
PUNTERS
Junior A.J. Trapasso (6-1, 220) enters his third season as the starter. For each of the last two years, Trapasso finished fifth in the Big Ten in average. OSU was fourth in net punting last season. Trapasso got off to a strong start, booming four punts of 50 yards or more against Texas in September, after which he was voted Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.
He tailed off a bit at season's end. Still, he placed a respectable 17-of-49 kicks inside the 20 and had only four touchbacks. Walk-on Jon Thoma (6-1, 190) is the top backup.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ray Small has the unenviable task of replacing Ted Ginn, Jr. as punt returner. All Ginn did in his three years was set the Big Ten career record for punt-return touchdowns (six) and add two kickoff-return scores.
Ginn's numbers declined after his spectacular, four-touchdown freshman season, but still, Small cannot be expected to duplicate Ginn's lightning. "He needs experience,'' Tressel said. "He's going to be a pretty good one. You could see each time he did it, he was a little more comfortable.''
Kickoff return candidates include Maurice Wells, Robiskie, Hartline, O'Neal and a number of incoming freshmen.
The Buckeyes are always strong at kick coverage. Last season, they blocked a punt and a field goal without having opponents record a block.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
So much seems to depend on the emergence of a quarterback, and recent history makes it tough to predict how that might affect the season.
When Justin Zwick was battling Troy Smith in 2004, OSU started 3-3. But two years earlier, when Craig Krenzel won the job from Scott McMullen, the Buckeyes went 14-0 and won a national title. So just because the Buckeyes don't have an established quarterback does not rule them out of the national championship race.
Grading the Ohio State Buckeyes
Unit Grade Offense
C
Special teams
B+
Defense
B
Intangibles
A
The schedule should help a new quarterback ease into the job. The Buckeyes open with Youngstown State, then Mid-American Conference foe Akron, then a trip to Washington, which is coming off a 5-7 season.
The early Big Ten games look winnable, as well. It's conceivable OSU could be 8-0 before hitting a rough final month: at Penn State, home against Wisconsin and at Michigan in the last four weeks.
In the spring of 2005, Tressel surprised observers by stating he thought OSU had what it took to contend for a title. Normally, he is not that bold. Last season, he avoided such talk. This season, he veered back closer to his 2005 tone. "If we play to our potential, we're capable of being as good as anyone in the country,'' he said. "And we feel that every year we've been here, and we feel that today.''
Tressel has been very good at adapting to different personnel in his six years at OSU, and with a solid run game and a deep and athletic defense, the Buckeyes should not suffer a major dropoff. Expect something in the order of 10-2, capped by a fifth BCS bowl berth in six years.
