Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes have an excellent opportunity in 2013 to make a second consecutive run at perfection.
The schedule for one is quite favorable prior to Big Ten play. The Buffalo Bulls, San Diego State Aztecs, California Golden Bears and Florida A&M Rattlers each pale in comparison to the conference.
Of the four Cal is the strongest as the it fought OSU tough in Columbus last season, not to mention are hosting the Buckeyes this year. That said, the Bears are losing key offensive players in receiver Keenan Allen and center Brian Schwenke to the NFL.
Factor in Cal’s weaker recruiting class (No. 32 on Rivals.com, tied at No. 31 on Scout.com) in contrast to Ohio State’s and its already at a disadvantage. Even worse, coach Jeff Tedford was fired last November according to ESPN.com.
In short, expect the Buckeyes to be perfect when conference play kicks off.
As for what to expect on the field, the line of scrimmage is where games are won.
Dan Hope of The Lantern wrote of Meyer’s offensive line on Monday:
In [Ed] Warinner’s second spring at OSU, there is much more certainty on the offensive line with four returning starters, all entering their senior seasons.
Of his four returning starters, Warinner said Hall made the most noticeable improvement this spring, but that all four have gotten better.
“Marcus has improved his footwork and … his quickness and change of direction and just all the little mechanics of playing O-line,” Warinner said. “I think Norwell’s bending better … Jack’s a little more confident out on the edge … Corey’s real strong and solid inside.”
Continue reading at Bleacher Report – Big Ten Football
