So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

honestly i dont see this team losing a game. dline we return no one which is always a tough thing to handle, but we reload that line with two five star ends and lineman thathave seen plenty of action. not worried to say the least.
offense will be better with another year to learn the system. dont think there is a team in the big ten that can stop us.

There is variability in a team's performance as well as individual performance.  If we have an off game against Buffalo or Illinois no big deal.  If we have an off game against Wisconsin or Michigan, the we will lose a game or two.

cincydawg4 wrote: So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

     If the Buckeyes lose 2 games next season, you can put me in the real disappointed category. Call me a negative Nancy, what ever. After the first three games last season, I predicted an undefeated season. In a weak Big Ten, in Meyers second season, I would think this young team, with a year under their belt, would take a step forward. D-line, and LBs should be the biggest concern. Lots of great young talent there, we'll just have to see if their able to step up. All indications from last season is they are. Competition for playing time should driving, and motivate these young men to become the best they can be, otherwise they can grab a seat, sit back and play cheerleader. Too many great athletes, with too few positions, should bring out the best in those that want to be on the field, and win a starting job at their position. I look up and down our roster, and have a hard time finding a player that doesn't have the ability to be a star. Meyer has brought competition to each position, and every player will have to work hard to get playing time, and even harder to start. Don't see a National Championship in 2013, but I do think we will play in, and win a BCS bowl game. Some of the greatest talent from top, to bottom, I've ever seen.  No steps backward. I'm a diehard Buckeye fan, and I believe in coach Meyer, and I believe in this team.

So, nothing could go wrong?  I agree a 10-2 season would seem to be the worst of the worst, but things can go wrong in a year.  You can play poorly against a couple of good teams and have a lot of turnovers unexpectedly.  Some opposing player can go all Johnny Football on you.  I just wondered if the team had any apparent possible weaknesses that could show up in 2013.  I fully expect they will be a Top 3 preseason team.

So who in the Big Ten slate does Ohio State lose to? If they are undefeated they go to the BCSCG so I am guessing you are picking them to make it to and lose the CCG? Or do they miss out on the trip to Indy by not winning their division but still get an invite to the Sugar, Orange or Fiesta? Just curious as to who on the schedule the loss will come to.

WJSilverBullet wrote:

cincydawg4 wrote: So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

     If the Buckeyes lose 2 games next season, you can put me in the real disappointed category. Call me a negative Nancy, what ever. After the first three games last season, I predicted an undefeated season. In a weak Big Ten, in Meyers second season, I would think this young team, with a year under their belt, would take a step forward. D-line, and LBs should be the biggest concern. Lots of great young talent there, we'll just have to see if their able to step up. All indications from last season is they are. Competition for playing time should driving, and motivate these young men to become the best they can be, otherwise they can grab a seat, sit back and play cheerleader. Too many great athletes, with too few positions, should bring out the best in those that want to be on the field, and win a starting job at their position. I look up and down our roster, and have a hard time finding a player that doesn't have the ability to be a star. Meyer has brought competition to each position, and every player will have to work hard to get playing time, and even harder to start. Don't see a National Championship in 2013, but I do think we will play in, and win a BCS bowl game. Some of the greatest talent from top, to bottom, I've ever seen.  No steps backward. I'm a diehard Buckeye fan, and I believe in coach Meyer, and I believe in this team.

should be a fun season but to answer your question

what could go wrong?  infinite number of possibilities

- injuries or suspensions to key players

- bad calls, untimely turnovers, ball bounces wrong way

- there could be three or more undefeated teams at the end of the season

- internal strife

- another scandal

..to name a few

TheOhioArsenal wrote: So who in the Big Ten slate does Ohio State lose to? If they are undefeated they go to the BCSCG so I am guessing you are picking them to make it to and lose the CCG? Or do they miss out on the trip to Indy by not winning their division but still get an invite to the Sugar, Orange or Fiesta? Just curious as to who on the schedule the loss will come to.

WJSilverBullet wrote:

cincydawg4 wrote: So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

     If the Buckeyes lose 2 games next season, you can put me in the real disappointed category. Call me a negative Nancy, what ever. After the first three games last season, I predicted an undefeated season. In a weak Big Ten, in Meyers second season, I would think this young team, with a year under their belt, would take a step forward. D-line, and LBs should be the biggest concern. Lots of great young talent there, we'll just have to see if their able to step up. All indications from last season is they are. Competition for playing time should driving, and motivate these young men to become the best they can be, otherwise they can grab a seat, sit back and play cheerleader. Too many great athletes, with too few positions, should bring out the best in those that want to be on the field, and win a starting job at their position. I look up and down our roster, and have a hard time finding a player that doesn't have the ability to be a star. Meyer has brought competition to each position, and every player will have to work hard to get playing time, and even harder to start. Don't see a National Championship in 2013, but I do think we will play in, and win a BCS bowl game. Some of the greatest talent from top, to bottom, I've ever seen.  No steps backward. I'm a diehard Buckeye fan, and I believe in coach Meyer, and I believe in this team.

Purdue and Indiana almost beat us last year.

To go undefeated no matter who you are, a team needs luck and needs to find a way to win when all odds are against you.

It's stupid to just assume an undefeated season. Look how many close games it took last year. Now we lose all of our leadership.

I said 12-0 in 2012, same for next year.

TheOhioArsenal wrote: So who in the Big Ten slate does Ohio State lose to? If they are undefeated they go to the BCSCG so I am guessing you are picking them to make it to and lose the CCG? Or do they miss out on the trip to Indy by not winning their division but still get an invite to the Sugar, Orange or Fiesta? Just curious as to who on the schedule the loss will come to.

WJSilverBullet wrote:

cincydawg4 wrote: So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

     If the Buckeyes lose 2 games next season, you can put me in the real disappointed category. Call me a negative Nancy, what ever. After the first three games last season, I predicted an undefeated season. In a weak Big Ten, in Meyers second season, I would think this young team, with a year under their belt, would take a step forward. D-line, and LBs should be the biggest concern. Lots of great young talent there, we'll just have to see if their able to step up. All indications from last season is they are. Competition for playing time should driving, and motivate these young men to become the best they can be, otherwise they can grab a seat, sit back and play cheerleader. Too many great athletes, with too few positions, should bring out the best in those that want to be on the field, and win a starting job at their position. I look up and down our roster, and have a hard time finding a player that doesn't have the ability to be a star. Meyer has brought competition to each position, and every player will have to work hard to get playing time, and even harder to start. Don't see a National Championship in 2013, but I do think we will play in, and win a BCS bowl game. Some of the greatest talent from top, to bottom, I've ever seen.  No steps backward. I'm a diehard Buckeye fan, and I believe in coach Meyer, and I believe in this team.

     I never said they would lose to anyone. I said I would be disappointed if they lost 2 games. If they have a loss, your guess is as good as mine. I don't think we are on the same level as bama at this time, but are on the right track. Don't think bama gets beat next season. Yes we could make the NCG, but I don't think we are as good as bama yet. I guess I should have said we would make a BCS bowl, and not said we should win. Maybe I got carried way there. Sorry, please forgive me. If we were eligible to go last season, do you believe an undefeated Buckeye team, and an undefeated ND team would have played in the NCG, with bama being left out? I don't, I think some how, some way bama would not be left out. Same goes for next season, they are top dogs, and someone has to knock them off the top of the hill first. Too much love, by the national media for the SEC, and especially bama.

Ohio State could VERY EASILY lose to Cal next year. It's away, and the B1G never plays well on the west coast! Secondly, Cal has all of their skill players back, and we will be breaking in a brand new defensive front 7. I don't think I need to remind everyone that it took all 4 quarters to put them away this past year, and they were considered a bad team then. People seem to overlook this.

At Northwestern will not be a gimme either. They are a solid opponent, and thankfully we missed them last year. Had we played them instead of  Indiana this past year I think they would have beaten us. Our defense was awful in that IU game. Again, this is a young defensive front 7 we are breaking in.

At Michigan is not a slam dunk either. If I need to explain this then no one here understands the rivalry or history. This ain't Rich Rod's team anymore.

Wisconisn will return and reload their O-line as always, and although Ball is gone, they still return James White, a good QB in Stave who got injured and 2 solid receivers in Aberderis and Fredric. Their D returns in tact as well.

Folks this is not a walk in the park. The ESPN's and the media whores of the world will rip the schedule to pieces, but honestly I think it's tougher this year. We are bound to lose a game. Maybe it will be this year or maybe it won't, but it's going to happen. People need to stop acting like the sky is falling if we drop a game or two, because there are several teams on that schedule that can beat us if we play like we did at times this past year, and I'm sure we will play some bad games. Last year we were just lucky enough to escape with wins in those poorly played games.

I've always said 2014 will be our year. We return a veteran QB leader in Miller, and we will still have depth at RB and developed receivers. Most importantly our defense will be much more experienced, and that should be the X factor.

keenan allen isn't going to the draft?

BuckeyeCMO wrote: Ohio State could VERY EASILY lose to Cal next year. It's away, and the B1G never plays well on the west coast! Secondly, Cal has all of their skill players back, and we will be breaking in a brand new defensive front 7. I don't think I need to remind everyone that it took all 4 quarters to put them away this past year, and they were considered a bad team then. People seem to overlook this.

At Northwestern will not be a gimme either. They are a solid opponent, and thankfully we missed them last year. Had we played them instead of  Indiana this past year I think they would have beaten us. Our defense was awful in that IU game. Again, this is a young defensive front 7 we are breaking in.

At Michigan is not a slam dunk either. If I need to explain this then no one here understands the rivalry or history. This ain't Rich Rod's team anymore.

Wisconisn will return and reload their O-line as always, and although Ball is gone, they still return James White, a good QB in Stave who got injured and 2 solid receivers in Aberderis and Fredric. Their D returns in tact as well.

Folks this is not a walk in the park. The ESPN's and the media whores of the world will rip the schedule to pieces, but honestly I think it's tougher this year. We are bound to lose a game. Maybe it will be this year or maybe it won't, but it's going to happen. People need to stop acting like the sky is falling if we drop a game or two, because there are several teams on that schedule that can beat us if we play like we did at times this past year, and I'm sure we will play some bad games. Last year we were just lucky enough to escape with wins in those poorly played games.

I've always said 2014 will be our year. We return a veteran QB leader in Miller, and we will still have depth at RB and developed receivers. Most importantly our defense will be much more experienced, and that should be the X factor.

SurfOhio wrote: keenan allen isn't going to the draft?

BuckeyeCMO wrote: Ohio State could VERY EASILY lose to Cal next year. It's away, and the B1G never plays well on the west coast! Secondly, Cal has all of their skill players back, and we will be breaking in a brand new defensive front 7. I don't think I need to remind everyone that it took all 4 quarters to put them away this past year, and they were considered a bad team then. People seem to overlook this.

At Northwestern will not be a gimme either. They are a solid opponent, and thankfully we missed them last year. Had we played them instead of  Indiana this past year I think they would have beaten us. Our defense was awful in that IU game. Again, this is a young defensive front 7 we are breaking in.

At Michigan is not a slam dunk either. If I need to explain this then no one here understands the rivalry or history. This ain't Rich Rod's team anymore.

Wisconisn will return and reload their O-line as always, and although Ball is gone, they still return James White, a good QB in Stave who got injured and 2 solid receivers in Aberderis and Fredric. Their D returns in tact as well.

Folks this is not a walk in the park. The ESPN's and the media whores of the world will rip the schedule to pieces, but honestly I think it's tougher this year. We are bound to lose a game. Maybe it will be this year or maybe it won't, but it's going to happen. People need to stop acting like the sky is falling if we drop a game or two, because there are several teams on that schedule that can beat us if we play like we did at times this past year, and I'm sure we will play some bad games. Last year we were just lucky enough to escape with wins in those poorly played games.

I've always said 2014 will be our year. We return a veteran QB leader in Miller, and we will still have depth at RB and developed receivers. Most importantly our defense will be much more experienced, and that should be the X factor.

I forgot about him. I don't know. Even still, they would have most of these guys back. A win out west would be a quality OOC win regardless of their record.

Cal should not be that tough as they have new coaching staff and new scheme......and they don't have urban to make it work. Sonny dykes will have his work cut out. They lost kenan Allen iso most of their offensive line. No way they keep pace with ohio state offense

---------------------------------------------
--- SurfOhio wrote:

keenan allen isn't going to the draft?

BuckeyeCMO wrote: Ohio State could VERY EASILY lose to Cal next year. It's away, and the B1G never plays well on the west coast! Secondly, Cal has all of their skill players back, and we will be breaking in a brand new defensive front 7. I don't think I need to remind everyone that it took all 4 quarters to put them away this past year, and they were considered a bad team then. People seem to overlook this.

At Northwestern will not be a gimme either. They are a solid opponent, and thankfully we missed them last year. Had we played them instead of  Indiana this past year I think they would have beaten us. Our defense was awful in that IU game. Again, this is a young defensive front 7 we are breaking in.

At Michigan is not a slam dunk either. If I need to explain this then no one here understands the rivalry or history. This ain't Rich Rod's team anymore.

Wisconisn will return and reload their O-line as always, and although Ball is gone, they still return James White, a good QB in Stave who got injured and 2 solid receivers in Aberderis and Fredric. Their D returns in tact as well.

Folks this is not a walk in the park. The ESPN's and the media whores of the world will rip the schedule to pieces, but honestly I think it's tougher this year. We are bound to lose a game. Maybe it will be this year or maybe it won't, but it's going to happen. People need to stop acting like the sky is falling if we drop a game or two, because there are several teams on that schedule that can beat us if we play like we did at times this past year, and I'm sure we will play some bad games. Last year we were just lucky enough to escape with wins in those poorly played games.

I've always said 2014 will be our year. We return a veteran QB leader in Miller, and we will still have depth at RB and developed receivers. Most importantly our defense will be much more experienced, and that should be the X factor.

---------------------------------------------

cincydawg4 wrote: So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

Kenny Guiton is back as the back up senior QB.

Things could go wrong for sure, injuries being the obvious factor. Also the offense bogged down at times late in the season as Miller seemed to think too much and hesitate on his reads. tOSU also struggled to find a playmaker that could break open the short passing game ( especially the crossing routes that Harvin did so well for Meyer's Florida teams). If that continues, that lowers the potential of the offense. Obviously the hope is that the return of Hall and the recruitment of some young studs adds that dimension. The defense will be younger but more athletic, but the front seven will be inexperienced. The plus is that the entire coaching staff is back for a second year and hopefully the schemes on both O and D will gel.

As far as opponents go...... Going out west to play Cal is never a sure thing. Funny things happen to eastern schools who play on the west coast. @NW, presumably at night, could be a landmind. Whisky and @tTUN are always dangerous games, and there is the chance we may have to beat tTUN two weeks in a row if we both make the B1G championship game. Undefeated is by no means a lock.

OSU's 2013 schedule is easier in 2012. I say we roll into the NC game and play whoever wins the SEC by default. OSU's schedule may not be the best but I predict they might be the only regular season undefeated team again.

RipAndRattle wrote: OSU's 2013 schedule is easier in 2012. I say we roll into the NC game and play whoever wins the SEC by default. OSU's schedule may not be the best but I predict they might be the only regular season undefeated team again.

Kind of scary going to the NC game based off an easy schedule versus having a great team, but I guess it is what it is.

Guiton, yeah, thanks.  One could imagine Miller could get dinged up, but Guiton looked really good when I have seen him play, so one wonders if that would be much of a hit to the offense if he was needed.  I hope Guiton gets a chance to play some more, the NFL might take a shot on him if he is tall and has a good arm.

Even with an easy schedule, it is tough to win every game.  Some days things just don't go right and a  team can fumble too much and have penalties.  The Indiana and Purdue games of 2012 can go the wrong way for you.

Most 12-0 teams have 2-3-4 games which could have gone badly for them, see Notre Dame.  

Speaking of ND, they are an extant example of a team that perhaps played something of a light schedule, though they had Stanford and Oklahoma, and then got mauled by a very physical team in the bowl game.

Undefeated OSU would not be left out in either year. I am most concerned with our away games, no surprise. Northwestern, Cal, Purdue and Michigan could all be very tight games. I think too many people are buying into the Big Ten is weak mantra that has already started with the season still 8 months away. Winning all of our games again next year would be an amazing accomplishment and something I am not assuming. As for Alabama I do believe they have been beaten once each of the last two years yet have been fortunate to wind up in the BCSMNCG both times. They did however take full advantage of their good fortune.

---------------------------------------------
--- WJSilverBullet wrote:

TheOhioArsenal wrote: So who in the Big Ten slate does Ohio State lose to? If they are undefeated they go to the BCSCG so I am guessing you are picking them to make it to and lose the CCG? Or do they miss out on the trip to Indy by not winning their division but still get an invite to the Sugar, Orange or Fiesta? Just curious as to who on the schedule the loss will come to.

WJSilverBullet wrote:

cincydawg4 wrote: So, Buckeye fans are eagerly awaiting next season for any number of reasons.  I was wondering what COULD happen to preclude the Buckeyes from having that "special season" that many folks, fans and non-fans, anticipate.

The obvious would be major injuries.  The backup QB looked good against Purdue when needed, is he back?

What other things could trip up the Buckeyes?  I can't see them being worse than 10-2 barring some real catastrophe, but I know most fans would consider 10-2 a real disappointment.

           - Negative Nancy

     If the Buckeyes lose 2 games next season, you can put me in the real disappointed category. Call me a negative Nancy, what ever. After the first three games last season, I predicted an undefeated season. In a weak Big Ten, in Meyers second season, I would think this young team, with a year under their belt, would take a step forward. D-line, and LBs should be the biggest concern. Lots of great young talent there, we'll just have to see if their able to step up. All indications from last season is they are. Competition for playing time should driving, and motivate these young men to become the best they can be, otherwise they can grab a seat, sit back and play cheerleader. Too many great athletes, with too few positions, should bring out the best in those that want to be on the field, and win a starting job at their position. I look up and down our roster, and have a hard time finding a player that doesn't have the ability to be a star. Meyer has brought competition to each position, and every player will have to work hard to get playing time, and even harder to start. Don't see a National Championship in 2013, but I do think we will play in, and win a BCS bowl game. Some of the greatest talent from top, to bottom, I've ever seen.  No steps backward. I'm a diehard Buckeye fan, and I believe in coach Meyer, and I believe in this team.

     I never said they would lose to anyone. I said I would be disappointed if they lost 2 games. If they have a loss, your guess is as good as mine. I don't think we are on the same level as bama at this time, but are on the right track. Don't think bama gets beat next season. Yes we could make the NCG, but I don't think we are as good as bama yet. I guess I should have said we would make a BCS bowl, and not said we should win. Maybe I got carried way there. Sorry, please forgive me. If we were eligible to go last season, do you believe an undefeated Buckeye team, and an undefeated ND team would have played in the NCG, with bama being left out? I don't, I think some how, some way bama would not be left out. Same goes for next season, they are top dogs, and someone has to knock them off the top of the hill first. Too much love, by the national media for the SEC, and especially bama.

---------------------------------------------

Yeah, Alabama today certainly has "cache'", but then they also have a large target on their backs.  Teams will be going for them as a win over Bama makes many seasons (not that teams don't aim to win every game of course).

LSU could well be "down" next season, as in 8-4 kind of down.  A&M will be interesting of course and the game is in CS.  It is hard to think VaTech can play with Alabama, and one doesn't expect Arky or Auburn to be back, and Ole Miss and MSU would appear to be outmanned by an Alabama playing the worst game possible.  Then they would have the CG.