(Video courtesty OhioStateBuckeyes.com)

Ohio State enters 2012 looking to rebound from a 6-7 season that saw the Buckeyes drop their final four games. Under first-year coach Urban Meyer the team reportedly is practicing at a faster, more aggressive tempo and will utilize the spread offense. Ohio State isn’t eligible for postseason play, but has the talent to win around nine games and build toward next season.

It all starts: Ohio State started preseason practice Aug 3. The Buckeyes open the season on Sept. 1 against Miami (Ohio).

Three questions to answer in camp:

  • Can QB Braxton Miller master the offense? The sophomore completed 54.1 percent of his passes for 1,159 yards with 13 touchdowns against four interceptions while running 159 times for 715 yards and seven scores last season. The speedster will be counted on this year to improve on his accuracy while using his 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame to make plays with his feet. Miller must digest his second playbook in as many seasons but should shine under Meyer, who is famous for grooming dual-threat quarterbacks.
  • Who will emerge at receiver? Tight end Jake Stoneburner has moved outside in an attempt to improve the team’s vertical game. Devin Smith, who had 14 catches for 294 yards, and Corey Brown, who had 14 catches for 205 yards with a touchdown, are battling in fall camp to learn the offense and develop a chemistry with Miller. But it won’t take much to be better than last season -- no player on the team had more than 14 catches and the Buckeyes finished ranked 115th nationally in passing, averaging 127 yards per game.
  •  Can the front seven improve? The Buckeyes are known for hard-nosed defense but failed to find an identity last year. The front seven especially struggled. Ohio State finished last season ranked 72nd in sacks, averaging just 1.77 per game, and was 50th in rushing defense, giving up nearly 142 yards per game on the ground. The unit should be bolstered by the return of defensive end Nathan Williams, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, and tackle John Simon has the potential to be the best at his position in the league.

Player who needs to step up: DB Bradley Roby might be the fastest player on the team and could even play some receiver this season. But it will be just as important for the sophomore, who had 47 tackles, three interceptions and six passes defensed last season, to emerge as a leader. Roby had a slow start to preseason practice but has steadily improved and could be a cornerstone for the defense.

Potential breakout player: DE Noah Spence was a five-star recruit who has stood out in his first fall practice. The freshman (6-3, 240) is moving up the depth chart and impressing with his relentless aggression and speed. His pass rushing could make him an instrumental player on long throwing downs and provide him with a chance to make an impact immediately.

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For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.