Kurt Coleman will be at media day. // Photo via thelantern.com

Drew Thurman (12:15 am)

1) The lineup for the Big Ten media has been announced. The Buckeyes will be represented by seniors Jake Ballard, Kurt Coleman, and Doug Worthington. It seems most likely that all three will be captains for the Buckeyes in 2009. These three are a safe bet, but the decision to not have Pryor at the media is already taking flack. Adam Rittenberg wants to know when Tressel will quit protecting Pryor and admit that he is a leader.

2) Ohio State has officially announced some staff changes for the upcoming season. The most notable for fans is that Nick Siciliano has been promoted to quarterbacks coach. There are mix reviews on how well he can replace Joe Daniels, and Pryor's development could make or break the critics.

3) Two ESPN 150 players from Florida are showing interest in the Buckeyes. The first is linebacker Jeff Luc, who would be a incredible steal if the Buckeyes could reel him in. The other is offensive lineman Brandon Linder from St. Thomas Aquinas. Keep an eye out for both names.

4) How big would a win over the Trojans be for the Buckeyes? Well, some believe it will not be big enough to shut up the critics. Rittenberg of ESPN quotes Feldman as saying this on his blog:

"I'm not sure this game is as much a proving-ground battle as last year's at USC was for Ohio State. My sense is that if the Buckeyes handle the Trojans here, it'll still be a big win, but not monumental in the pollsters' eyes. It'll be too easy for critics to write it off, saying that this was the first road game the Trojans' new QB ever played."

Dave Thurman (11:50 pm)

As the '09 season draws closer I want to take a moment to share a few of my "gut feelings."  If I were more confident I might title them "Things I know I know," but since the world of college sports is so unpredictable I'll leave it as is.  Here goes:

1.  Florida is going to be awfully tough to beat - With Tim Tebow back for one more go around, and all 11 starters (you read that right) back on defense, the only thing the Gators have to fear is overconfidence.  They don't have to play Alabama or Mississippi, which is a big break, but do face LSU on the road.  I am not a fan of Urban "legend in my own mind" Meyer, but he has this team poised to play for all the marbles again.

 2.  Lane Kiffin better buy an asbestos suit - This guy has done everything possible to antagonize the rest of the SEC, as the only thing bigger than his ego is his mouth.  He has brought in a great staff, and a fine recruiting class headed by Bryce Brown, the #1 running back in the country last year.  He also inherits some major defensive talent (including Ben Martin, Rico McCoy and Eric Berry who OSU coveted).  However, he also takes over a team that went 5-7 last year, and has to play at Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, besides hosting Auburn and Georgia.   It might get hot in Knoxville real quick for Mr. Kiffin!

3.  You'll hear more than once that this is the year of the quarterback - With good reason, I might add.  Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, and Colt McCoy (the top three for the Heisman in '08) headline a class that also includes Jevan Snead, Zac Robinson, Jimmy Clausen, Juice Williams, Daryll Clark, and Terelle Pryor.  And in smaller markets there are some terrific QB's like Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), Max Hall (BYU) and unheralded Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) who threw for nearly 3000 yards and rushed for over 1000 last year!

4.  Notre Dame will sneak back into the Top 20 - It pains me to write this but even Charlie Chuckwagon can't screw up Jimmy Clausen throwing to Golden Tate and Michael Floyd.  They will be explosive and if the defense continues to improve, Notre Dame will be looking at a double figure win total, fueled by a light schedule. 

5.  Mississippi will find success hard to handle - Everyone is jumping on the Rebel bandwagon following a surprising nine win season highlighted by a victory over Florida.  With 16 starters returning they should be good again, but may find it tough to get through the SEC with a bullseye painted on their chest. 

6.  Minnesota will put up big-time passing yardage - Adam Weber returns at the helm and has the most underrated receiver in the country in Eric Decker.  But the big news is that the Gophers signed the most sought after JC receiver in the country in speedy wideout Hayo Carpenter, who caught 111 passes as a senior in high school, and then caught 173 passes for over 3000 yards in two years of junior college.  Minnesota will unseat Purdue as the new Big Ten version of "basketball on grass."

7.  Joe Paterno will run off the field more than once during a game as his aged bladder and bowels find TV timeout inspired games too much to handle.  I kid! PSU fans don't hate on me, I love Joe and I am only teasing.  However, one wonders if either Joe or Bobby Bowden will collapse on the sideline some year in the near future if they keep coaching. Nah - it will probably happen to Charlie Weis instead, as his heart will give out from overwork!

8.  A non BCS conference team will make some noise again - Last year it was Utah who had a chip on their shoulder as their 12-0 regular season was disregarded by voters, and promptly dismantled 9-point favorite Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.  This year watch out for Boise State, BYU and TCU.

9.  Texas Tech will start a no-name quarterback and watch him throw for over 4000 yards.  Yawn!  Haven't we seen this story before.  This year's candidate is Taylor Potts as Mike Leach proves he can make a star out of almost anyone with a decent arm. 

And, finally, drum roll please...

10. There will be great controversy over who should play in the BCS Championship Game!  How's that for a bold final prediction!

Could Carter be a freshmen standout? // Photo via ESPN.com

Drew Thurman (8:37 pm)

It is no mystery that the Buckeyes have an incredibly young team with quite a few question marks. This of course opens the door for some of the newcomers to have crack at making an impact right away. In fact, some of the Buckeyes success may depend on how quickly the 2009 class steps up. So let's take a look the top five players that I think have a chance to become season changers:

5. Jack Mewhort - Offensive Line 

Some of you may be surprised that I pick Mewhort over Marcus Hall, but Mewhort has been taking reps with the team since spring. I think that extra experience will make a huge difference this first year, not to mention that Hall needs some serious improvement with his footwork. Mewhort should be looking at the two deep, and could provide some much needed help on the outside of the line. Tackle is a scary position for the Buckeyes this season, and Mewhort could be a season changer if he adapts well.

4. Carlos Hyde - Running Back / Fullback

If have been a big fan of Carlos Hyde for awhile now. I love his size and attitude, and I think he fits the mold of a Buckeye running back. Of course Jaamal Berry has sucked up most of the headlines because of his "Reggie Bush like" play making ability, but don't overlook Hyde. Because he played multiple positions in the backfield, Hyde has some versatility that could land him on the field quickly. He blocks really well for a youngster, has solid hands out of the backfield, and at 230 pounds can truck over people. Hyde could be a season changer, so keep an eye out.

3. Corey Brown - Cornerback

We found out this last week that Corey Brown will indeed be getting a chance in the secondary over playing wideout for the Buckeyes. I thought he looked like a stud in the U.S. Army All-American Game at wide receiver, but all of us know the questions at cornerback. So with Brown's athleticism and a very thin depth chart at corner, watch for him to become a playmaker right off the bat. I think he passes some more experienced veterans and has a major impact for the Buckeyes in the secondary.

2. Jaamal Berry - Running Back

Berry has unfortunately made the headlines for his stupid off field incidents, but that does not take away from the superstar potential he has. He brings one major trait to the table that not any other back can offer on the Buckeye roster, he can take one to the house at any moment. This alone should give him ample opportunities to make an impact for the Buckeyes. The nice thing for Berry is that Herron is going to be the go to back this year, we know that, but he could see serious reps if he makes the plays we know he can make.

1. Duron Carter - Wide Receiver

Carter has probably the best chance to be a season changer this year for the Buckeyes. First of all, the wide receiver position was very weak last year, and the Buckeyes lost Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie from that squad. With guys like Ray Small, DeVier Posey, and Dane Sanzenbacher, it looks like the play should improve the season though. That being said, there is plenty of opportunity for Carter to step in. With his size, speed, and hands, he could be an absolute animal for the Buckeyes right away. Not to mention that he has seems to have his father's ability to make spectacular grabs. So watch out Duron in 2009!

Drew Thurman (11:07 pm)

Well, Roderick Smith (Ft. Wayne, IN) told everyone that he would commit in July, and he wasted no time committing to the Buckeyes on July 1st. This is a huge get for the Buckeyes because Smith is not only talented, but he fits the mold of a Ohio State runner. At 6'3'' 220 pounds he possesses the size of a physical runner, and also has a great burst (4.5 forty) to get to outside an outrun guys in the secondary. Berry and Hyde are obviously both studs just a class ahead, but folks watch out for Roderick!

Smith is the second commit for the Buckeyes in the last week, and things are starting to heat up for the 2010 class. Tressel and the staff now have seven commitments in the class, and should have some much needed momentum going into the month of July. Things have been slow at best for this class, but I have a feeling the summer still has some surprises.