(Video courtesy Bengalsfan41)
Ohio State won’t be eligible to play in a bowl game this season, but that doesn’t mean first-year coach Urban Meyer can’t lay the foundation for a national title contender. Meyer already has shifted the culture by moving to a spread offense, changing to a faster tempo at practice and focusing on the front seven of his defense being more physical. It remains to be seen how those changes will shake out this fall.
Best-case scenario: Quarterback Braxton Miller becomes as dangerous with his arm as he is with his feet. The dynamic sophomore is ideal for Meyer’s offense and is a candidate for multiple postseason awards as Ohio State becomes one of the most enjoyable teams to watch on television. Easy wins over Miami (Ohio), Central Florida, Cal and UAB give the team momentum heading into league play. Tough matchups at Michigan State and Wisconsin loom, but the Buckeyes should have more talent than every other team they face beside Michigan. In a perfect world, Miller, tight end Jake Stoneburner and running back Jordan Hall will lead the team to victory in a shootout against the Wolverines as the squad goes 10-2.
Worst-case scenario: A lack of proven receivers hurts the development of Miller as a passer. Hall never regains his form from a preseason foot injury. The defense, led by end Nathan Williams and tackle John Simon, should keep the team in most games but still will be adapting to a new style. This leads to several breakdowns and big opponent plays. A surprise loss to Central Florida stuns the Buckeyes. Consecutive defeats to Michigan State and Nebraska spiral the team to 3-3. Ohio State stumbles down the stretch and picks up losses at Penn State, Wisconsin and against Michigan to finish 6-6.
Most likely scenario: Miller will be greatly improved but not an elite passer. Still, it should be enough as the team has a relatively weak schedule. Combined with a great defense and fresh approach under Meyer, a 9-3 record is realistic and should propel the Buckeyes into national title contention next season.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.