OHIO STATE
Record: 7-0 (3-0 Big Ten)
Ohio State can’t tackle. It has endured multiple special teams breakdowns. It recently moved starting fullback Zach Boren to linebacker to a depth-starved position (he proceeded to lead the team in tackles against Indiana). It has endured multiple key injuries, particularly on the defensive side. Dropped passes have been an issue, too.
So what’s the Buckeyes’ record a little past the halfway point of Urban Meyer’s first season? It’s perfect. Few would argue that Ohio State has been the Big Ten’s best team so far this fall.
If this is what Meyer can do with a flawed team in his first season, think about what he’ll accomplish in the coming seasons at Ohio State.
The biggest reason for Ohio State’s unblemished record is sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller. No Big Ten player — and perhaps no player nationally — has meant more to his team’s success than Miller has to the Buckeyes. Although many pegged Miller to thrive in Meyer’s spread offense, his first-year progress has exceeded all expectations. Through seven games, he has 1,271 pass yards, 912 rush yards and 20 touchdowns (11 pass, 9 rush), putting himself very much on the Heisman Trophy radar. The offense has had other bright spots — running back Carlos Hyde, big-play receiver Devin Smith, a surging line — and is well ahead of schedule as a unit, putting up 115 points the past two weeks.
Ohio State might have the offensive firepower to run the table in a weak Big Ten, but fixing the defense is the top priority for Meyer and his staff. Despite boasting several playmakers — cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Travis Howard, linebacker Ryan Shazier, linemen John Simon and Johnathan Hankins — the Buckeyes need to get back to their roots on that side of the ball.
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