Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes

In their 116-year-history, the Ohio State Buckeyes have been consensus Division IA National Champions four times-- in 1942, 1954, 1968, and recently, 2002. The NCAA officially recognizes titles in three other years also-- 1957, 1961, and 1970. The Ohio State program is seen as one of the top five programs year in and year out. Many feel that the Buckeyes are one of the all-time great programs.

Ohio State's most famous player is Archie Griffin. Griffin is the only player in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. Recently, Ohio State alum Eddie George and Troy Smith have won the illustrious award. Ohio State also produced the only two- time Lombardi award winner for the nation's top offensive linemen. Orland Pace won the award in 1995 and 1996.

The Ohio State football team plays at Ohio Stadium, nicknamed "the Horseshoe" or simply "the Shoe." The Buckeyes wear Scarlet and Gray and their mascot is Brutus Buckeye. Their fight songs are "Across the Field, and "Buckeye Battle Cry." The Buckeye's biggest rivals are the Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines lead the all time series 57-40-6. However, Ohio State has won the last four meetings under coach Tressel. This rivalry is the best game in college football each year. Look for a great game again this year when the Buckeyes come to Ann Arbor. Ohio State also has fierce rivalries with Indiana, Illinois and Penn State. Ohio State battles Illinois for the "Illibuck Trophy."

Ohio State Buckeyes 2007 Outlook

Ohio State looked horrible in the BCS title game against Florida and has lost tons of talent to the NFL this off-season but Ohio State still has an explosive defense that can bring another Big 10 title back to Columbus.

Ohio State did loose Heisman winning quarterback Troy Smith, speedy wide receivers Tedd Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez as well as running back Antonio Pittman. These are big holes to fill but this is Ohio State and superstars will take over for superstars. Ohio State has found a nice replacement for Pittman-- look for Chris Wells to have an excellent year and to quickly become a household name.

James Laurinaitis is back and will again be all over the field for Tressel on defense. Laurinaitis in the front- runner to win the Dick Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker. The defensive line only returns one starter, Vernon Gholston so it may take a few weeks for the front four to begin playing like Ohio State defensive lines of old.

Look for the Buckeyes to have a good year and for them to use their flat, slow, unfocused effort in last year's big game as motivation for this year. But, don't expect another shot at a BCS Title in 2007.

2007 Ohio State Schedule

Date OPPONENT TIME (ET) Location Result
Sat, Sep 1st, 2007 Youngstown_St 12:00 PM Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Sep 8th, 2007 Akron 12:00 PM Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Sep 15th, 2007 at Washington 03:30 PM Husky Stadium  
Sat, Sep 22nd, 2007 Northwestern TBA Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Sep 29th, 2007 at Minnesota 08:00 PM Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome  
Sat, Oct 6th, 2007 at Purdue 08:00 PM Ross-Ade Stadium  
Sat, Oct 13th, 2007 Kent_State TBA Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Oct 20th, 2007 Michigan_State 03:30 PM Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Oct 27th, 2007 at Penn_State 08:00 PM Beaver Stadium  
Sat, Nov 3rd, 2007 Wisconsin TBA Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Nov 10th, 2007 Illinois TBA Ohio Stadium  
Sat, Nov 17th, 2007 at Michigan TBA Michigan Stadium  

Head Coach Profile 

Jim Tressel took over for legendary coach John Cooper in 2001 and instantly transformed the Ohio State program. Since becoming Ohio State's 22nd head football coach, Tressel's teams has won a National Championship, achieved the first 14-0 season record in major college football since Penn 15-0 in 1897. Tressel also has an impressive 4-2 bowl record and a 5-1 record against archrival Michigan. Tressel's five wins against Michigan are second only in school history to Woody Hayes' 16 wins against the Wolverines.

Tressel started his head- coaching career at Division II Youngstown State. At Youngstown, Tressel won an impressive four National Championships before winning his fifth at Ohio State in 2002. Tressel is the only coach with Division I and II National Titles. Tressel is known for his conservative offensive style, hard- nosed defense and for playing field possession-- Tressel feels the punt is the most important play in football.

Ohio State Buckeyes- Key Departures/Players to Watch

The Buckeyes are a depleted squad on defense as well as offense. With the NFL snagging Smith, Ginn, Gonzalez and Pittman, the Buckeyes are without a big name player and play makers on offense. Chris Wells should fill the shoes of Pittman and make some big plays this year as a running back/flanker but he will need help from the quarterback position to be a consistent threat.

James Laurinaitis is going to have another outstanding season on defense but the front four linemen are young and not battle tested yet. Vernon Gholston is the sole returning linemen on defense; look for Vernon to start strong while the line looks to build rapport. This unit will come together though and become a force, like old Ohio State defensive lines.