Zach Sinykin's Sports blog: Big Ten Football Preview: Ohio State

OFFENSE: Despite losing explosive weapons Philly Brown and Carlos Hyde, two-time defending Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year QB Braxton Miller is surrounded by elite talent. The senior play caller has the arm power and accuracy to throw the ball anywhere on the field and the legs to get them there if no one is open. He is a preseason Heisman candidate and one of, if not the best players in the Big Ten. Sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliot was the back hand-picked by Urban Meyer and has a motor. I don't expect him to replicate the type of numbers that Hyde had, but he doesn't have to with Miller as quarterback. What he brings that Hyde necessarily didn't is that he can catch balls out of the backfield making him very dangerous with the talented QB he has.

Braxton Miller has two experienced receivers to throw to as Devin Smith and Evan Spencer are both seniors. Devin Smith will be Millers number one target and a great deep ball threat with big play ability. Spencer missed spring practice from a leg injury suffered in the Orange Bowl but figures to be a large part in Ohio State's passing game. In the slot, the Buckeyes will plug in sophomore receiver Dontre Wilson, who is a speedster who gives Meyer a true hybrid weapon that reminds me a little of what Meyer had in Percy Harvin at Florida. Senior tight end Jeff Heuerman is a versatile receiver and blocker, although doesn't display big play ability.

Junior left tackle Taylor Decker is the only returning starter for the Buckeyes, as the offensive line looks to be very uncertain. If it is as uncertain at the start of the season as it was during the spring, the offensive line could derail the Buckeyes offense that has so much promise. Taylor Decker shows nice pass protection but needs to work on creating for run lanes, especially with a talented running quarterback behind him. Junior left guard Antonio Underwood played the most snaps during the spring game and flashes good strength and driving ability. At center, offensive coordinator Tom Herman will rely on Jacoby Boren, who excels in run blocking and shows good technique, although may be better suited for the guard position. Sophomore right guard is, besides for Decker, the only lineman with a starting spot claimed, He brings explosion and strength to the run game and excels at creating space for the runner. Former defensive lineman Darryl Baldwin is trying to earn playing time on the other side of the line, and he brings his long wingspan and strength, which will hopefully be enough to keep rushers away from the quarterback. True freshman kicker Sean Nuernberger was a three star out of high school and the number eight kicker out of high school. Known for his big leg, he will be called upon in clutch situations for Coach Meyer.

DEFENSE: Defensive line should be one of, if not the strongest position group the Buckeyes as they have insane talents at ends with Junior Noah Spence and sophomore Joey Bosa. Both of them apply a ton of pressure to the quarterback and constantly disrupts play in the backfield. Senior Michael Bennett is one of the most feared lineman in the country and should be a leader of this strong Buckeyes defense. Next to him will be Adolphus Washington who will find a permanent home inside this year and brings a lot of size and is very fast for his bulky frame. Senior inside linebacker Curtis Grant who is still battling off incoming five star freshman Raekwon McMillan and is very good at getting to the ball carrier while also being very fluid in pass coverage. Joshua Perry had more tackles than any returning starter and will continue to disrupt play off the edge. Sophomore linebacker and former high school quarterback Darron Lee had a big spring to grab the starting job.

Senior cornerback Doran Grant is the only returning starter from a struggling unit last year and has great ball skills and flexibility. Armani Reeves served as Bradley Roby's main replacement last year and should bring his coverage skills to a new level with more playing time. Last years nickel back will move to safety as Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell will try to use their talent to outweigh their massive inexperience at safety this year. Don't expect the secondary to get much better this year. Junior punter Cameron Johnston is a preseason second team All-American and will display his leg power this year in Colombus.

RECRUITING: Ohio State hauled in the best class in the Big Ten and the third best in the nation headlined by five star linebacker Raekwon McMillan. He is a a big, physical, and nasty linebacker who enrolled early and is competing to start right away. Curtis Samuel comes in as the third best athlete in the country and should contribute at running back and slot receiver in his first year at Colombus. Four star safety Erick Smith is a very fluid and instinctive who plays comfortably at cornerback and safety and will immediately help a struggling unit.

2015 NEEDS by 247sports Composite's Steve Wiltfong:
Urban Meyer and his staff would like to land one of the nation's top quarterbacks in this recruiting cycle. The Buckeyes have landed several playmakers at running back and receiver since Meyer arrived, but they'd like to take two tight ends in this class. Ohio State will also aim to score three offensive linemen, and safety is a major need on the defensive side of the ball.

OVERVIEW: The front seven should be the best in the Big Ten and Braxton Miller is one of the best playmakers in the country, and is also surrounded by offensive threats. The offensive line and secondary have to get better in order for the Buckeyes to make the College Football playoff and bring home the national championship to Colombus. Meyer's team has the talent and versatility to be the best team in the country, but the lack of experience and holes at essential units of the team may hold them from reaching that plateau.

QB Braxton Miller