Ohio State Lacks Identity: Top 5 Areas Buckeyes Must Fix to Build for 2013

Saturday’s lackluster 29-15 win over the University of Alabama-Birmingham exposed just how far Ohio State is from returning to an elite level. The distance is little bit shocking.

The NCAA penalties keeping Ohio State from winning the Big Ten and participating in a bowl game might be a blessing in disguise.  This team does not need to be concerned about competing for the conference or going to Florida in January.  The Buckeyes need to spend the rest of the season finding the identity that is necessary to win championships.

Over the next eight games, here are the five areas that the team needs to address.

Defense

The Buckeye faithful have been spoiled over the last decade as Ohio State has routinely fielded a Top 10 defense.  They may have to temper those hopes this season.  The expectations were high for the Silver Bullets with nine starters returning.  They were supposed to carry the team until the offense found its rhythm.  Amazingly, they…

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