Dave Thurman (8:39 pm)

There's not much worse than the common cold.  Body aches, a stuffy nose, and a stomach that feels like its turned upside down.  Making it more painful, the Buckeyes have a bye week (who created these anyway?), and the stinkin' Cardinals are looking like they might pull off the unthinkable and win the World Series. Not my best week of 2011.  Which kind of mirrors the entire year come to think of it.  And it all started with such promise as OSU finally exorcised the SEC demon by narrowly defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl. 

Not much has gone right since then. Luke "Skywalker" Fickell has not quite figured out how to harness The Force, as he has had to take on the big boys before his lessons were complete.  Darth Vader (aka Gene Smith) has tried to bring down the hometeam (but then again, didn't he play at Notre Dame). And Darth Sidious (Gordon Gee) has ducked and run hoping to save his job and avoid putting his foot in his mouth, again. As for Obi-Wan Kenobi, rumor has it that he is working for the Colts, who are having their own set of problems.  In the meantime my beloved Buckeyes have been mocked by ESPN and ridiculed by most of the nation, while struggling to post a 4-3 record.  

So is there any hope of the Scarlet and Gray clad Jedi Knights regaining their swagger in 2012?  Although a lot depends on what happens with the coaching staff, a look at the players on the roster does offer cause for optimism.   Nobody knows how many of the current Buckeyes will return if there is a coaching change, so it is all speculation at this point. but I'll offer my best guess at figuring out the next year's offense, and then take on the defense at a later date. One thing seems certain (and is the greatest reason for hope): No matter who roams the sidelines as head coach next year, Jim Bollman will no longer be calling the plays!

Quarterback:
 
Look for vast improvement here in 2012, as Braxton Miller will have a year under his belt, and hopefully a much better offensive mind running the show.  He has taken his lumps this season but shown plenty of promise, and should develop more of a pocket presence.  There are a host of candidates to back him up but I look for Cardale Jones to eventually win the job, which could be important since Braxton has been somewhat fragile throughout his high school and college career.  Jones ought to be able to run the same style offense, even though he is more of a passer than a runner.  Kenny Guiton, should he stick around, would be my pick for third team, and brings the same basic set of skills to the table.  That means the odd man out is Taylor Graham, who I expect to transfer.  Overall, it would be hard not to see improved numbers here in 2012.  But we'll all miss Joe Bauserman, who along with Bollman has become a favorite punching bag for frustrated fans. 

Running Back:

Losing Boom Herron is going to hurt, as last week's Illinois game showed that he is the pick of a talented litter of backs.  But the cupboard will still be full.  Look for Jordan Hall to begin as the starter, due to experience.  He is a nice back, but his greatest value, in my opinion, is as a returner and a receiver.  A new coaching staff may come to that conclusion as well, and use him mostly on third downs, or split him out if the team operates out of the spread.  Carlos Hyde is my pick to be the eventual starter, because he has that rare combination of size and speed, and has improved as the year has progressed.  He might be special if given the chance.  It is also impossible to discount Rod Smith, who many expected to have a breakout season this year.  He seems a bit tentative, but has the size and skills to be an excellent Big Ten runner.  It is possible, though, that he winds up at linebacker.  Still I have him penciled it for an increased role in the 2012 offense.  Two intriguing freshman will throw their hats into the ring, in Brionte Dunn and Warren Ball.  Some think Dunn is good enough to play from day one. 

Meanwhile fullback is in great shape led by the under-appreciated Zach Boren, who is amply backed by Adam Homan.  All in all, it isn't hard to conceive of an improved backfield next season. 

Wide Receiver:

It has been a long time since OSU has been as thin at receiver as they have been this season.  All that should improve in 2012.  The top three, in no particular order, should be Philly Brown, Verlon Reed and Devin Smith.  All have had their moments this year, but need to be coached up.  Playing in a better offensive scheme will also help.  Just a notch below are Chris Fields and Evan Spencer, who are still young enough to become good players in their own right.  There will also be some new blood, with Michael Thomas being the most intriguing.  Like quarterback, there is no place to go but up.

Tight End:

One of the strengths of the 2011 squad is tight end, led by Jake Stoneburner, who would be a household name in a better offense.  He has great hands and good speed, and is improved as a blocker.  Reid Fragel is a fine player, too, and with his size it is almost like having an extra tackle on the field.  Nick Vannett and Jeff Heuerman make this one of the deepest positions on the field.

Offensive Line:

This is the one spot on the offense that may move backward a notch, in my opinion.  Losing Mike Brewster and Mike Adams hurts, for sure.  The starters should be set if everyone takes care of academics and returns: Andrew Norwell (LT); Corey Linsley (LG); Brian Bobek (C); Jack Mewhort (RG); and Marcus Hall (RT). The only backup with any experience will be Antonio Underwood, and after that it will be a very young group.  Injuries could derail this line in a hurry. I think the starters will be pretty good, but unless there is a quick influx of talent, Buckeye fans need to hope that nobody gets hurt. 

Overall Assessment: An improved offense, that could be very good if the right coach is hired as offensive coordinator.