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I wanted to take some time and rank our 2009 schedule, the toughest games to where an upset could happen (1), down to the sure fire win (12). In this post I take into consideration overall program, talent level, coaching, recruiting, and depth.
- USC (12-1)
- This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, as they will be our toughest opponent this coming season. USC loses a lot of talent... notably QB Mark Sanchez and their entire LB core... however USC recruits and stock piles blue chip players from across the nation giving them depth at almost every position. Passing game could struggle but their running game should be strong again with Joe McKnight coming back.
- at Penn State (11-2)
- Coming off an 11-2 season the Nittany Lions should be ready for another Big Ten run. They do lose several speed players i.e Derrick Williams, but they do return starting QB Daryll Clark and RB Evan Royster. It doesn't help either that this game is at Happy Valley. How will our young LBs do against the run? This is why they are high on the list.
- at Michigan (3-9)
- Rivarly game. Let's be honest... Michigan sucked last year and it was great watching them fall on their face. However it's year two under DickRod and historically teams do significantly better in year two under a new coach. The QB position is paper thin but I think an unknown steps in. Rivarly games are always tough on the road.... but the Buckeyes win.
- Illinois (5-7)
- 2008 was a bad year for Illinois but they return a lot in 2009. Key players coming back are QB Juice Williams, RB Daniel Dufrene and WR Arrelious Benn. This will be a tough game but I think the following favor the Buckeyes: It's a week 4 matchup and it's at home.
- Wisconsin (7-6)
- Another tough year for Brett Bielema... could this be his last? He's on the hot seat to win now which will make him desperate for that signature win he's lacking. They return RB John Clay and their QB but they got a big time WR recruit in Kraig Appleton.
- Minnesota (7-6)
- On the rise and opening a new stadium this year however the Buckeyes don't play at Minnesota. They return a young dynamic QB who completed 62% of his passes for over 2,500 yards. Also return big weapons at WR and RB. Can Minnesota take advantage of a young and game inexperienced Buckeye defense?
- Iowa (9-4)
- Iowa didnt play Ohio State last season so its hard to gauge exactly how "good" they were made out to be, but they showed improvement, especially in the run game, but they lose Doak Walker winner Shonn Greene. I would have ranked them higher at 4 if Greene had come back.
- Navy (8-5)
- Easy game for the Buckeyes. Navy loses pretty much every skill position on offense and we know that their offense and running game is their strong point. Will they be able to fill these holes? Should be a good game before USC.
- Toledo (3-9) @ Browns Stadium
- Toledo got their big win last year against Michigan. Lightning won't strike two years in a row. Toledo returns their QB, RB, and WR but the Buckeyes roll.
- at Purdue (4-8)
- Curtis Painter and several other skill position players are gone, thus opening a lot of holes on this team. I think it's too much to overcome in one year. Buckeyes win but not a blow out.
- New Mexico State (3-9)
- Losing both your QB and most productive WR isn't good when coming into Columbus. I expect the Buckeyes to blow out NMS.
- at Indiana (3-9)
- Indiana lost by an average of 14.8 points last year. I expect that number to climb again this year. The Hoosiers will be hurt with their biggest threat being dismissed from the team, QB/WR Kellen Lewis. The game is at Indiana... but really it's going to be another Ohio State home game, at night.
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