Many college football fans and experts anticipated Ohio State running to—and through—the College Football Playoff in 2015, but head coach Urban Meyer’s loaded team failed to defend its title and live up to the hype.
And after losing 16 starters—11 of whom were taken in the NFL draft last week—expectations for the 2016 campaign aren’t nearly as high.
There’s certainly optimism among the Buckeyes despite returning only three starters on each side of the ball, and in fact, it’s those starters who are the biggest reason for hope.
Offensively, the Buckeyes will be strong up the middle with center Pat Elflein (who’s transitioning from right guard), left guard Billy Price and quarterback J.T. Barrett all back for another year. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff is using those three as the foundation for what it’s building on offense—which will move at a much faster pace than it has in the past this fall.
“The two things that you sleep good at night are when Pat Elflein’s your center and J.T. Barrett’s your quarterback,” co-offensive coordinator Ed Warinner said, according to Tony Gerdeman of The-Ozone.net. “You sleep good at night.”
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State returns a starter at every level of its defense with defensive end Tyquan Lewis, middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan and cornerback Gareon Conley in the fold. McMillan’s presence is particularly vital because he serves as the natural leader in the middle…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Realistic Expectations for the Buckeyes’ 2016 Season
