There is excitement in the air in Columbus, Ohio, as the Buckeyes get ready for the season opener against Youngstown State, but fans are already looking down the road towards Miami.  Ohio State returns 19—that’s right, 19—starters from last year’s title game appearance, and they are picked by many to get to the title game again this year.

The one thing that separates Ohio State from the other schools is the experience they have on both sides of the ball, mainly on offense, with Heisman candidate Chris “Beanie” Wells leading the 10 starters back on offense.

All of these starters returning is a very good thing for sixth-year senior Todd Boeckman, who is the starting quarterback this year.  However, Boeckman’s job may be in some trouble, as freshman phenomenon Terrelle Pryor has done amazing things at summer practice. When asked if he would feel comfortable putting Pryor in a game, Jim Tressel responded:"Oh absolutely."

With the offense taken care of, there aren’t many questions on defense either.  Butkus Award winner James Laurinaitis returns with a defense that is every bit as good as last year’s stellar performers on that side of the ball.  Ohio State is very well taken care of on this side of the ball.

Ohio State’s true test will be their schedule.  The past two years, everyone has blamed their two straight national championship losses on their schedule, but this year is different with all three of their toughest games coming on the road: at USC, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Overall, Ohio State will most likely go undefeated this year, and with super freshman Terrelle Pryor now in the mix for quarterback, they can end their drought in the National Championship category.