2008 Preview: THE <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">OHIO</st1lace></st1:State> STATE BUCKEYES<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
By: ValueChampSports<o></o>
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Team Strengths<o></o>
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2. WELLS: I would normally just list the running back position as a strength, but it goes without saying that BEANIE is a Heisman front-runner. In my opinion, he is the best back in the nation. He had to play most of last year with several bone chips in his ankles, and even that didn’t slow him down, as he rushed for 1609 yds and 15 TDs.
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3. LINEBACKERS: I came close to just putting James Laurinitas’s name right here, but Marcus Freeman is a great LB in his own right. This linebacking corps returns 5 strong linebackers and I look for them to anchor this very good defense.
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Honorable Mention: The D-line will be solid even without their star DE Vernon Gholston. WR Brian Robiskie returns after 11 TD catches in 07.
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Weaknesses<o></o>
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Its tough to pinpoint a single weakness in this Buckeye team, as the 19 returning starters make every facet of their team hard to beat. However, the only question mark I have is their September 13<SUP>th</SUP> match-up with powerhouse USC. If this game was in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Columbus</st1lace></st1:City>, my money would no doubt be on the Buckeyes. But it’s in <st1lace w:st="on">Southern Cali</st1lace>, making me lean toward the Trojans in that one. That being said, I think the Buckeyes have an excellent shot at making the national championship game yet again this year.
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2008 Prediction: 11-1 with possible BCS Championship<o></o>