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Updated: August 18, 5:43 PM ET Buckeyes loaded for another title chase By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Ohio State Buckeyes
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Coach: Jim Tressel (21-5, 3rd season) 2002 overall record: 14-0 Conference record: 8-0 Returning starters Offense: 11, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Maurice Clarett* (1,237 yds) Passing: Craig Krenzel* (2,110 yds) Receiving: Michael Jenkins* (1,076 yds) Tackles: Matt Wilhelm (121) Sacks: Darrion Scott* (8.5) Interceptions: Chris Gamble* (4) Outlook: As they head into the season, the Buckeyes' biggest concern should be themselves -- specifically, their talented, but controversial sophomore running back, Maurice Clarett. But while Clarett says he expects to be back on the field shortly, Ohio State has a pair of junior running backs in Lydell Ross and Maurice Hall who are more than capable, as they proved last year when Clarett was injured. The Buckeyes also are loaded just about everywhere else, even though they suffered some important losses on defense. The key to running the table again will be to stay focused on football. Although they proved their mettle in winning their first national championship since 1968, the Buckeyes hardly breezed. Seven of their victories came by seven points or less, and they needed clutch plays to pull out several of those games.The talent is there. Whether the breaks also will be there again remains to be seen. Keep an eye on: Craig Krenzel. The senior quarterback, who probably didn't get enough credit until late last season, will face more of a burden to keep the Buckeyes clicking this year, especially if the Clarett problems linger. Key game: At Wisconsin on Oct. 11. If the Buckeyes stumble against an improved Wisconsin team that nearly beat them last year, their season-ender against Michigan won't mean as much. It's a good year if. . .: Ohio State makes a strong run at defending its national championship. Facing difficult trips to Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan, Ohio State figures to have a tough road to repeating last year's unbeaten campaign. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.
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