Ohio State was at the forefront of controversy throughout the 2013 season. Though they were undefeated and vying for a spot in the National Title game, many believed teams like Auburn, who had significantly more challenging schedules, deserved to be ranked ahead of them. Though, in the end, all of the arguments were pointless, as the Buckeyes lost in the B1G Championship game to Michigan State.
Ohio State and an incredible regular season, finishing their schedule 12-0, but lost their final two games against the Spartans, and in the Orange Bowl against Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, and Clemson, putting a damper on such a great season.
Coach Urban Meyer will have to rally the troops and get everyone ready to forget the end of 2013, and have the same start in 2014. Unfortunately for him, the Buckeyes lost six players to the NFL, and multiple key contributors to graduation.
They still return superstar Braxton Miller, but this will be a much different Buckeye team in 2014.
Top Newcomers
Raekwon McMillan, Linebacker: A five-star recruit by the top recruiting sites, McMillan arrives to continue the trend of high-level linebacker play in Columbus. McMillan flashes a good burst, with the ability to read the play and get to the ball carrier. He may not see much time early, as his position is currently filled by Curtis Grant, but McMillan will be a fixture in the front seven moving forward for the Buckeyes,
Damon Webb, Cornerback: Webb steps on campus as three of the four starters in Ohio State’s secondary move on for the NFL. Webb is very quick and has a chance to make an early impact as he battles in a wide-open secondary race to replace Bradley Roby, Christian Bryant, and C.J. Barnett.
Top Returning Players
Braxton Miller, Quarterback: Miller is a perfect fit in Coach Meyer’s spread offense. His mobility and strong arm allow the Buckeyes to attack at all levels of the field. Last season, Miller threw for 2,094 yards and 24 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,068 and 12 more scores. He is a dynamic playmaker, and the catalyst for Ohio State.
Joey Bosa, Defensive End: Arguably the best lineman on the one of, if not, the best defensive lines in the country, Bosa showed as a true freshman he can do it all. It will be scary to see how he improves on his 2013 campaign and his seven and one-half sacks.
Positional Breakdown
Quarterback: Miller returns to start for the fourth consecutive season. Former backup Kenny Guiton is now playing for the Los Angeles Kiss in the Arena Football League, so redshirt sophomore Cardale Jones will take over as the primary backup.
Running Back: Though the Buckeyes lost Carlos Hyde to the NFL, they still have plenty of depth at running back. Ezekiel Elliott will start as the top back, with Rod Smith, Bri’onte Dunn, and freshman Curtis Samuel all to compete for carries.
Wide Receiver: The positional group with the most experience, the Buckeyes return starters Devin Smith and Evan Spencer. Sophomore Dontre Wilson will assume the slot role, and with similar size and skill set, could have a similar impact that Percy Harvin had in Meyer’s offense when he was at Florida.
Tight End: Jeff Heuerman resumes his role as the starting tight end for Ohio State. He is the prototypical in-line tight end. He blocks well, and isn’t necessarily explosive, but consistently finds openings in zones and can run after the catch.
Offensive Line: There will be almost an entirely new line protecting Braxton Miller in 2013, as the Buckeyes lost four starters, with only tackle Taylor Decker remaining. Decker played right tackle last season, but slides over to Miller’s blind side as Jack Mewhort is now with the Colts. Between all five projected starters, they only combine for 16 career starts, so growing pains are inevitable.
Defensive Line: Arguably the best defensive line in the country. Michael Bennett, Joey Bosa, Noah Spence, and Adolphus Washington make up a terrifying unit that can create pressure from every angle and through every gap.
Linebacker: Ohio State lost its top linebacker from 2013, Ryan Shazier, to the NFL, but return Curtis Grant and Joshua Perry. The other role is slotted to be filled by sophomore Darron Lee.
Cornerback: Shutdown man Bradley Roby is now with the Denver Broncos, leaving Duron Grant the only returning starter in Ohio State’s secondary. Armani Reaves will take over across from Grant, and Cam Burrows will hold down the nickel position, as his skill set allows him to cover slot receivers, as well as fill in safety roles.
Safety: Both starting safeties from last season have moved on, so Vonn Bell and Tyvius Powell, the current projected starters, will probably have some early growing pains. However, both are former high-level recruits, and have the talent to make effective plays in the passing game.
Special Teams: Cameron Johnston returns as the team's punter, meanwhile, freshman Sean Nuemberger is widely expected to replace Drew Basil as the team's place kicker.
Biggest Strength
Ohio State’s biggest strength in 2014 is their defensive line. Every player on the line will find their way to the NFL, and all have potential to be future first round picks. They all are effective in the pass rush, and in stopping the run. They will be the focal point of opposing offensive game plans.
Biggest Weakness
The Buckeyes lost 135 career starts from offensive linemen to the NFL, so a unit with four new starters will be the biggest weakness as the season begins. With Miller entering his fourth season as the starter at quarterback, his experience will be huge for helping the linemen develop, but there will be plenty of mistakes made early.