Ohio State Football: Who Starts Against Akron?

September 3, 2011, when Ohio State takes the field to kick off a new season, the team will look a great deal different than the one that just won the Sugar Bowl.  Not only are 24 seniors graduating, but as everyone knows, six players (counting Jordan Whiting) will be missing due to suspension.  Since five of the six would probably have started, it means that a very inexperienced squad will fill out the lineup versus Akron.  Although a lot may change between now and fall practice, including injuries, defections and ineligibility, it's fun to try and guess who will start for the Buckeyes.  Below is my best guess.

Quarterback 

Talk about a crap shoot.  With Pryor serving his suspension, the coaches could go with the experience of Joe Basuerman, the athletic ability of Ken Guiton, or the arm strength of Taylor Graham.  Or, true freshman phenom Braxton Miller could get the call right off the bat.  I know people won't like to hear this, but Tress is loyal to his seniors, so look for Joe Bauserman to take the first snap.  However, all bets are off from that point forward.

Running Back 

Boom Herron will be missing but there is all kinds of talent waiting in the wings. Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, and Carlos Hyde all had there moments in 2010, and yet the best of the bunch may be Rod Smith who red-shirted, but turned heads during bowl practices.  Once again Tress is likely to give the first chance to the versatile and dependable veteran Jordan Hall. 

Fullback 

Nothing complicated here.  It is Zach Boren backed up by Adam Homan.

Wide Receiver 

Another Chinese fire drill, with Dane Sanzenbacher graduating and DeVier Posey facing a suspension.  Candidates to start include sophomores Corey Brown (who tops all of the contenders with eight career catches), Chris Fields and James Jackson, red-shirt freshmen James Louis and Ty Williams, and incoming freshman Devin Smith and Evan Spencer.  I'll go with Corey Brown and Chris Fields because they are the only ones who have caught a pass!

Tight End 

Another easy one with Jake Stoneburner starting backed by Reid Fragel.

Offensive Line 

Although big Mike Adams won't be starting (and might head to the NFL), there is still enough experience to fill out the line. I'll pencil in the following: LT - Andrew Norwell; LG - Jack Mewhort; C - Mike Brewster; RG - Marcus Hall; RT - J.B. Shugarts.  It wouldn't surprise me to see Corey Linsley sneak in there at one guard spot. 

Defensive Line 

Solomon Thomas would likely start if not suspended, so look for the following players to get the call: DE - Nathan Williams; DT - John Simon; DT - Johnathan Hankins; DE - Adam Bellamy.  The other possibility is Garrett Goebel, but don't be shocked if some true freshman like Chase Farris, Kenny Hayes and Michael Bennett get long looks.

Linebacker 

This is another wild one as the only returning starter is Andrew Sweat and it is open to debate as to where he will play. My best guess looks like this: WILL - Dorian Bell; MLB - Etinenne Sabino; SAM - Andrew Sweat.  Others in the running are Storm Klein and Jon Newsome. 

Cornerback 

Since the Bucks lose both starters this could be interesting.  Candidates include Donnie Evege, Travis Howard, FSU transfer Dionte Allen, Dominic Clarke, and Bradley Roby.  Super recruit Doran Grant may get a look here right away as well.  I'm going with Travis Howard and Dionte Allen in the opener.

Safety 

There is plenty of talent here with no less than four players who have started at safety or star: Orhian Johnson, C.J Barnett, Tyler Moeller, and Christian Bryant.  Others with experience are Nate Oliver, Jamie Wood, Corey Brown and Zach Domicone.  The best bet is C.J Barnett and Orhian Johnson at safety and Tyler Moeller at star.

Specialists  

Unless something changes it will be Drew Basil at kicker and Ben Buchanan at punter.

There you go, your likely starters on September 3rd against the Akron Zips!