College Football Preview: Buckeyes 2014 season in question

A year after going undefeated, the Buckeyes (12-2, 8-0 Big Ten) currently have a two-game losing streak. Initially the discussion revolved around Urban Meyer not dwelling on the negative with his Heisman-contending quarterback Braxton Miller returning for his senior year.

However, that all changed earlier this week when it was announced Miller would miss the entire year. So much for the optimism this season for the Buckeyes, which now only have 11 starters returning.

Said Meyer (prior to Miller’s injury), “We have to go win a Big Ten championship. I’m just so possessed right now about maximizing each unit. I have to make sure the quarterbacks are maximized, the running backs, the wide receivers, the tight ends, the defensive line, the linebackers. I’m so focused on that right now.”

Offensively, the question is whether red-shirt freshman J.T. Barrett can lead a squad that averaged more than 500 yard per game last season. While Carlos Hyde is in the NFL, the team has a plethora of recruits ready to take his spot.

More so, it’s the Buckeyes defensive – specifically its line – that could be the star of this year’s team with Joey Bosa and Noah Spence ready for a big year. The questions are whether the team has someone to replace linebacker Ryan Shazier, and also if the secondary – only Doran Grant returns – is solid.

Last year the Buckeyes were one win away from playing for a BCS Championship with what amounted to an over-achieving team. Unless Barrett is lightning in a bottle, don’t look for the Buckeyes to be contending for the first ever College Football Playoff.

ODDS to win the National Championship: 40/1