BIG TEN FOOTBALL: Ohio State Buckeyes 2008 Season Predictions

The Buckeyes return 20 of 22 starters from last season's National Championship runner-up team.  With Heisman candidates Chris "Beanie" Wells and James Laurinaitis, as well as other stars like Todd Boeckman, Malcolm Jenkins, and Brian Robiskie this team is stacked.  The Buckeyes are determined and hungry for not only their third straight outright Big Ten title, but for a chance at redemption.

Here are my predictions for the 2008 Ohio State Buckeyes.

8/30     YOUNGSTOWN STATE

Jim Tressel takes it easy on his former team.  Relatively speaking.

Prediction:  Win (42-3)

9/06     OHIO

The battle of Ohio is really lopsided.

Prediction:  Win (45-7)

9/13     at USC

The game of the season.  Expect a low scoring slug-fest.

Prediction:  Win (17-14)

9/20     TROY

Troy University has played some powerhouses to tight finals.  Not this time.

Prediction:  Win (38-10)

9/27     MINNESOTA

The Gophers are no match for the high powered Buckeyes.

Prediction:  Win (45-7)

10/04  at WISCONSIN

The Badgers keep it close until early in the 4th quarter, when Beanie Wells runs for 2 touchdowns to seal the victory for the Buckeyes.

Prediction:  Win (34-16)

10/11  PURDUE

Joe Tiller can't pull out a victory in his final game against the Scarlet and Gray.

Prediction:  Win (31-10)

10/18  at MICHIGAN STATE

Last season's game was not as close as the score indicated.  The Buckeyes will not let that happen again.

Prediction:  Win (38-17)

10/25  PENN STATE

The last time the Nittany Lions came to Columbus, JoePa had to run off the field to use the facilities.  This season he'll remain on the sidelines, although he may not want to.

Prediction:  Win (31-14)

11/08  at NORTHWESTERN

Pat Fitzgerald found out last season how it feels to be embarrassed by the Buckeyes.  This season won't be much different.

Prediction:  Win (48-10)

11/15  at ILLINOIS

The Buckeyes have revenge in mind when they travel to Champaign.  The Illini will give it their best shot.

Prediction:  Win (28-20)

11/22  MICHIGAN

Welcome to "The Game" Coach Rodriguez.  Tressel makes it 7 of 8 against the arch rival.

Prediction:  Win (28-20)

Final Record: 12-0.  Much to the chagrin of most college football fans the Buckeyes will return to their third straight BCS Championship game.  You know what they say...  third times a charm.