The Ohio State Buckeyes kick-off their 2008 football season this Saturday against Youngstown State in Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes are picked to win the Big 10. Chris Wells was picked as the preseason offensive player of the year. James Laurinaitis is the preseason defensive player of the year. Let's face it...this game could be a massacre. However, we all know that Jim Tressel will not allow his former team to be absolutely embarrassed in front of 100,000 people. I think that the Buckeyes will build a comfortable lead, then grind it out on the ground, all the while playing excellent defense. Actually, I cannot see Youngstown State scoring a touchdown. A lot of Ohio State players should see action on Saturday, on both sides of the ball.
I want to see the special teams step up their game from last year. Coach Tressel has always said that the punt is the most important play in football. If the Buckeyes have to punt, lets make sure the coverage is sound. Also, seeing a scarlet jersey return one for a touchdown would be nice to see as well. The biggest thing for the special teams is no blocked field goals!
I don't need to see Todd Boeckman throw for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. I just want to see him control the offense, complete most of his passes and most of all...no interceptions. The game plan for Youngstown State should not be so complicated that he, or a receiver, makes a mental mistake. I am kind of anxious to see Terrelle Pryor. Coach Tressel says that he is learning a lot from Todd Boekman. If you take Boeckman's leadership and knowledge combined with Pryor's athletic ability and talent, you have something really special in the making.
My prediction is Ohio State 41, Youngstown State 3.
Here are some interesting nuggets:
- Jim Tressel is 73-16 in seven years at Ohio State
- The Buckeyes have not lost to an Ohio opponent since falling to Oberlin in 1921, 7-6
- The Buckeyes are 106-8-4 in home openers, winning the last 29 in a row
- They are 379-105-20 in Ohio Stadium since it opened in 1922
- OSU returns 20 starters from last year, the most in the Big 10
