2010 College Football Preseason Rankings: SI Gives Ohio State Some Love

Dave Thurman (9:18 pm)

I finally broke down and bought the SI College Football Preview, because I always purchase a copy when the Buckeyes are featured on the front cover. 

I realize this is only regional, as OSU is sharing the magazine cover with Alabama, Boise State, and Texas.  Still, one can't help but notice that the Bucks are being shown some serious love this year.

Of course Ohio State is ranked No. 2 behind Alabama in SI's Top 25.  Iowa is ranked sixth, Wisconsin checks in at 11th and Miami at 15th. 

Incidentally, the two-page spread at the beginning of the Scouting Report shows a cool picture from this year's Rose Bowl of Ross Homan and Cam Heyward bearing down on LaMichael James. 

There is also an article on how offenses are taking a hit, as defenses seem to rule the game these days, and the piece sports a cool photo of Ross Homan looking big and hungry. 

Nice stuff!

As for the front cover itself, Heyward looks mean, Brian Rolle intense (though a little flabby in the gut), and Homan like the kid next door. Well, that might be an overstatement, but his facial expression doesn't look very intimidating.

Thankfully, the aforementioned photo inside is a lot more flattering, or at least more menacing.

What I found especially cool in this year's preview is a foldout center spread that documents the 10 favorites for the 2010 Heisman Trophy as chosen by Sports Illustrated writer Cory McCartney. 

He anoints Terrelle Pryor as the favorite, which kind of surprises me since Mark Ingram returns as the defending champ. 

But the picture of TP at the bottom of the centerfold is worth the price of the magazine. Pryor is sitting coolly on the field holding a ball in his right hand. 

Only time will tell whether all of this proves to be a jinx, but it is at least nice to see the Buckeyes getting some positive press for a change.