2012 College Football Predictions: Ohio State Buckeyes BCS Odds, Schedule and Preview

2012 Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – Ohio State College Football Preview: Last season was pretty much rock bottom for the Ohio State football program. An NCAA investigation led to suspensions for several star players, the early departure of Heisman hopeful quarterback Terrelle Pryor, and of course, the firing of former coach Jim Tressel. All the drama off the field took its toll on the field, and the Buckeyes struggled to a 6-7 record, posting a losing season for the first time since 1999.

Enter Urban Meyer. Once the Buckeyes managed to sign the lure the two-time national champion coach out of retirement, optimism was instantly restored to the Ohio State football program. Sure, the pursuit of a national title will have to wait at least a year because of an NCAA postseason ban, but the fact that the Buckeyes are even being mentioned in the conversation of national championship contenders after such a disastrous season is a testament to Meyer’s reputation. Heck, he already inked a top-10 recruiting class, and with the addition of his spread offensive, Ohio State will be looking to play spoiler all season long.

At the heart of Meyer’s offensive system is a dual-threat quarterback. From Alex Smith at Utah to Tim Tebow at Florida, a QB that can burn defenses with their arm and their legs is crucial. What a coincidence that Ohio State happens to have a dual-threat QB in sophomore Braxton Miller already on the roster. Miller held his own as true freshman last year despite being thrown to the wolves. Ohio State was missing its starting left tackle, best wide receiver and starting running back, and Miller kept the Buckeyes competitive. While he did most of his damage with his legs last year, he should only get better as a passer with experience. Miller was built to excel in Meyer’s system, and he should blossom into a star this season and beyond.

Defensively, this year’s group should only get better this season, as well. Defensive end John Simon passed on the NFL to return, and he will lead a unit that returns largely intact up front. The linebacking corps in particular should be strong Meyer also nabbed a pair of five-star recruits to provide depth to the defensive front, and after underachieving last season, the Buckeyes’ defense should resemble the stingy, physical units that often  carried the team in past years.

The X-factor this season could be tight end Jake Stoneburner. He had seven touchdowns in seven games last year, and he has the combination of size and speed that makes him a matchup nightmare. The Buckeyes didn’t do much throwing in Miller’s first year under center, but tight ends have always played a big role in Meyer’s spread attack. Stoneburner has the type of speed that will allow him to get down the field for big plays, and thanks to his size, he should quickly become a favorite target of Miller.

Looking at the schedule, the Buckeyes have to be a little disappointed they are ineligible for postseason play because an undefeated season isn’t out of the question. Road games against Michigan State and Wisconsin stand out as the two toughest tests for the Buckeyes, along with the regular season finale against the arch rival Michigan Wolverines. The showdown against Michigan is particularly interesting because Ohio State already knows it won’t be going to a bowl game. The rivalry game against the Wolverines is going to essentially be the Buckeyes de facto bowl game. If Michigan enters the matchup with a conference title or national title hanging in the balance, the Wolverines better be ready for a war.

Long term, Meyer’s class of four and five-star recruits along both the offensive and defensive lines and at the skill positions will make the Buckeyes a force to be reckoned with. Much like USC did last season in its final year of postseason probation, Ohio State has the chance to lay the groundwork for a tremendous 2013-14 season. Winning in Madison has always proven to be a near impossibility for the Buckeyes, and while Miller and the rest of the team adjust to Meyer’s system, another bump in the road wouldn’t be a shock. Still, the Buckeyes have a chance to have one of the top records in the Big Ten, and they could ultimately decide the conference champion even though they aren’t eligible.

Prediction: 10-2

Preseason 2012 Ohio State Buckeyes NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: * ON PROBATION
Odds to Win 2012 Big Ten Champonship: * ON PROBATION
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2012 Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 Miami (OH) 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 8 UCF 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 15 California 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 22 UAB TBA —
Sat, Sep 29 at (11) Michigan State TBA —
Sat, Oct 6 (24) Nebraska 8:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 13 at Indiana 8:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 20 Purdue TBA —
Sat, Oct 27 at Penn State 6:00 pm —
Sat, Nov 3 Illinois TBA —
Sat, Nov 17 at (10) Wisconsin TBA —
Sat, Nov 24 (12) Michigan 12:00 pm —

Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2012 Big Ten Football Predictions and Odds article.

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