How's Rich Rodriguez faring in his first year at Michigan? Illinois returns Juice Williams, but who fills the running back void? Will anyone challenge Ohio State for the title? Take a look at what questions were answered this spring and what problems linger heading into the fall.
Ohio State Buckeyes
2008 Schedule
Aug. 30 Youngstown State
Sept. 6 Ohio
Sept. 13 @ USC
Sept. 20 Troy
Sept. 27 Minnesota
Oct. 4 @ Wisconsin
Oct. 11 Purdue
Oct. 18 @ Michigan State
Oct. 25 Penn State
Nov. 8 @ Northwestern
Nov. 15 @ Illinois
Nov. 22 Michigan
2007 overall record:
11-2
2007 conference record:
7-1
Returning starters
Offense: 9, defense: 9, kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Todd Boeckman, RB Chris Wells, WR Brian Robiskie, LT Alex Boone, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Marcus Freeman, CB Malcolm Jenkins, FS Anderson Russell
Key losses
RT Kirk Barton, DE Vernon Gholston, LB Larry Grant
2007 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Chris Wells* (1,609 yds)
Passing: Todd Boeckman* (2,379 yds)
Receiving: Brian Robiskie* (935 yds)
Tackles: James Laurinaitis* (121)
Sacks: Vernon Gholston (14)
Interceptions: Malcolm Jenkins* (4)
Spring answers
1. Line locked up: The Buckeyes filled the only hole on their offensive line this spring with sophomore right tackle Bryant Browning. The 6-4, 312-pound Browning seamlessly transitioned to the first team as he replaces All-Big Ten selection Kirk Barton. Acclaimed freshman Mike Adams could push Browning this summer, but the front five looks fairly set heading into the season. "He's very dependable," coach Jim Tressel said of Browning. "He's got power. He does some things that we think are going to be very, very special, and he works like crazy."
2. Welcome return: Defensive end Lawrence Wilson returned to the field this spring determined to make up for lost time. Sidelined last season after breaking his leg in the opener, Wilson moves into a primary pass-rushing role as Ohio State replaces superstar Vernon Gholston (14 sacks last fall). Wilson readjusted well from the injury, recording a sack in the spring game and reaffirming his spot with the first-team defense.
3. Not so average Joe: The competition to back up quarterback Todd Boeckman will undoubtedly be impacted by a certain incoming freshman from Jeannette, Pa., but Joe Bauserman made a strong case in the spring game. Bauserman, a former minor league pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, threw a 51-yard touchdown pass and had a 63-yard scoring strike called back on a holding penalty. Antonio Henton entered the spring as Ohio State's primary backup, but the 22-year-old Bauserman will remain in the mix this summer along with that Pryor guy.
Fall questions
1. The Pryor Effect: Ohio State's integration of acclaimed quarterback Terrelle Pryor will be one of the nation's top preseason story lines. Boeckman's starting job is safe, but the Buckeyes likely won't keep a player of Pryor's caliber on the sidelines for long. Will they follow Florida's lead and use Pryor like Tim Tebow, with Boeckman playing the role of Chris Leak? Pryor has the athleticism to play right away, but his ability to grasp the offense and improve as a passer will determine how quickly he sees the field.
2. On the mend: Nine starters return on each side of the ball, but a rash of injuries during spring practice places a greater emphasis on training-camp performance. The offensive line was banged up throughout the spring and must re-establish chemistry before the season. Running back Chris Wells was held out of contact drills this spring as he recovered from wrist surgery. The health of both Wells and top wide receiver Brian Robiskie (knee surgery) is a minor concern entering training camp.
3. Trio in trouble: The status of defensive backs Donald Washington, Jamario O'Neal and Eugene Clifford remains in doubt heading into the summer. Tressel never revealed why the three players were held out of some spring workouts or whether suspensions would be forthcoming. All three will be under close surveillance until the season. Washington is projected to start opposite standout Malcolm Jenkins, and both O'Neal and Clifford are expected to see time behind starters Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman.
