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).

Penn State (November 13) - Never a game to be taken lightly, the away team has won three in a row.  The ageless Joe Paterno begins this season with 394 wins to his credit. 

Players to watch: RB Evan Royster (has rushed for nearly 3000 yards in his career); WR Derek Moye (48 catches in '09); and, DE Jack Crawford (14.5 tackles for loss last year).

At Iowa (November 20) - Another tough road game against a determined opponent.  The Hawkeyes pushed OSU to overtime last season with a backup quarterback at the controls. 

Players to watch: QB Ricky Stanzi (Ohioan can make great plays and lousy ones in succesion but he is a winner); WR/KR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (another Ohio boy, caught 45 passes in '09, and also took a kickoff to the house against OSU); DE Adrian Clayborn (a beast who registered 11.5 sacks in '09); and, Tyler Sash (6 interceptions last year).

Michigan (November 27) - Sure JT is 8-1 verses the Wolverines, and this contest is at home, but it is still a rivalry game.  And, if Michigan enters with seven or eight wins and some confidence it might be a tough one like the old days. 

Players to watch: QB Tate Forcier (has potential if he can eliminate mistakes); WR Roy Roundtree (came into his own late last season and had 9 catches vs. OSU); and, LB Criag Roh (impressive as a true frosh).

Those are the games to highlight on your 2010 schedule.  If Ohio State can win those five, look for them to make another trip to the desert in January.