Ohio State Football: 5 Reasons Buckeyes Will Compete in Big Ten This Year

With the Jim Tressel era over at Ohio State, many are predicting the Buckeyes' reign of dominance in the Big Ten conference to end as well. The six-time defending Big Ten champions (now five after the self-imposed sanctions) replace quarterback Terrelle Pryor and a host of other seniors. Additionally, running back "Boom" Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and left tackle Mike Adams will sit out for the first five games of the season.

However, the Buckeyes also have a roster loaded with young talent and former "blue chip" prospects. Although they lost Tressel and offensive coordinator Darrell Hazell, the coaching staff remains and has even made impressive additions by hiring former Florida running backs coach Stan Drayton and Mike Vrabel.

Here are five reasons why Ohio State will still contend for the Big Ten Championship.

Depth at Running Back

The Buckeyes have a surplus of young running backs on their depth chart. Even though none of them are household names yet, they have enough talent to collectively carry the OSU offense while the team transitions to a new quarterback and receivers.

Jordan Hall, who played well in limited action during his first two years at OSU, will start at running back while Herron serves his suspension. Behind him are Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith, two big tailbacks with remarkable speed for their size.

Jaamal Berry also figures to play a big role in the Buckeye backfield and on special teams.

Braxton Miller Will Play

The news that Joe Bauserman will be the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 was not what most Buckeye fans wanted to hear. But there is no question that ballyhooed freshman Braxton Miller will play at quarterback—and it might not be long before he is the full-time starter.

Even as a freshman Miller is the most dynamic quarterback on the roster. He is a solid passer and has the mobility to not only attack defenses, but to also compensate for OSU's frequently underachieving offensive line.

And although Bauserman has reportedly had a solid preseason camp, most figure his spot as a starter is more of a courtesy to the 25-year-old senior. He does not have the mobility or the accuracy to remain the starter, and it will be only a matter of time before Miller starts taking most of the snaps.

Defensive Line

OSU lost defensive line starters Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore, but the unit as a whole is bigger and stronger than it was in 2010. Mammoth tackle Johnathan Hankins will assume a starting role on the interior of the defensive line, as will 290-pound Garrett Goebel.

John Simon and senior Nathan Williams are also expected to have big seasons for OSU.

The defensive line rotation also includes 295-pound sophomore Adam Bellamy, as well as freshmen Michael Bennett and J.T. Moore.

Last year the Wisconsin Badgers defeated OSU in part because they were able to run well against the Buckeyes' smaller defensive linemen. Repeating that task will be much harder against this group.

Tight Ends

Tight ends were not much of an offensive weapon during Tressel's tenure, but that will not be the case in 2011, and the Buckeyes will be better for it.

OSU has more depth at the tight end position than any time in recent memory, with 6'8" Reid Fragel, Jake Stoneburner and freshman stud Jeff Heuerman. Stoneburner has the speed and strength to create mismatches against opposing linebackers, and Fragel is a huge target in the red zone.

Tight ends could be a major point of focus in the passing game, considering many of the Buckeyes receivers will be seeing their first playing time this season. Whoever plays quarterback will find plenty of help from his tight ends.

The Schedule

It seems that many people are just assuming the Buckeyes will lose four or five games this season now that Tressel is gone, but it is hard to imagine the Buckeyes losing many games on their manageable schedule.

The four strongest teams they play—Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska and Wisconsin—all have plenty of flaws. The Miami game will be played in a virtually neutral territory as loads of Buckeye fans are expected to pack Sun Life Stadium. The Hurricanes also have to adjust to a new coach and play with the oft-intercepted quarterback Jacory Harris, all under a looming cloud of NCAA uncertainty.

Michigan State spent much of last season in the top 10, but losses to Iowa and Alabama proved that it was not an elite team. It will also be difficult for the Spartans play well in Ohio Stadium.

The sixth game against Nebraska is one that most people think OSU will lose. Although Nebraska is talented, its offense is also one-dimensional. The Huskers will have a tough time rushing the football against the Buckeyes' front seven.

The night game at the Horseshoe against Wisconsin is another contest people are promising the Buckeyes will lose. However, the Badgers will be playing in an extremely hostile environment with a talented, but new quarterback in Russell Wilson. A Wisconsin win is far from a guarantee.