Dave Thurman (11:03 am)

Expectations are higher than usual in Columbus this year, and that is truly saying something.  In other words, most fans anticipate a 12-0 season that leads to another appearance in the National Championship Game.  Of course going undefeated is extremely difficult, especially when you have a gigantic bull's eye on your back.  Realistically, though, there are only a handful of games that present a significant challenge to the 2010 edition of the Buckeyes.  Upsets are always possible (see Purdue '09), but realistically, here are the games to circle on this year's schedule, as well as a few of the opposing players to keep an eye on:

University of Miami (September 11) - The Hurricanes aren't quite as feared as they were back in 2002, but they are bringing a top ten rated team to Columbus this season in an early non-conference game that could end the title hopes for the loser.  This contest will feature lots of speed on both sides of the ball, and should be a hard hitting game. 

Players to watch: QB Jacory Harris (threw for 3352 yards in '09); WR Leonard Hankerson (was recruited by the Bucks); DE Allen Bailey (7 sacks last year); and, CB Brandon Harris (17 passes defended in '09).

At Wisconsin (October 16) - It is never fun to travel to Madison, where the meanest fans in the Midwest reside, and coach Bret Bielema has made his disdain for Ohio State quite clear. 

Players to watch: RB John Clay (Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in '09 with 1517 yards rushing and 18 td's); a huge, experienced OL led by LT Gabe Carimi; LB Chris Borland (1st Team Freshman All-American); and DE JJ Watt (15.5 tackles for loss in '09).