Could we see back-to-back National Champions in the first two years of the College Football Championship? With 15 returning starters from last year’s title team, there’s not much need for change in Columbus. The offense and defense both return key performers, which should certainly make The Ohio State Buckeyes’ fans, excited for the 2015 season.
Coach Urban Meyer is in the envious position of having depth at the QB position. While most college teams are looking for one signal caller, Meyer has the luxury of two after two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Braxton Miller announced he was moving from QB to WR a few weeks ago. The sophomore J.T. Barrett finished top 5 in Heisman voting while Cardale Jones stepped in admirably to win the games that mattered most and power OSU to the national title. J.T. Barrett set the Ohio State single-season record for total offense in the Big Ten and total touchdowns in a season, which is why it is likely that he will be given the starting position. He is able to run the offense more efficiently compared to Cardale. The running game is important to the Buckeyes, which is why Barrett and Ezekiel Elliot will make a dynamic duo. The main focal point for the Buckeyes will be their running game and Elliot can put up those numbers. Elliot had an exceptional season last year and ran for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns; that is promising for the upcoming season. The Buckeyes might have had trouble with their wide receivers, but they have a new face that joined the team and is gifted with his skills and abilities. Torrance Gibson, a 6’4, 205 pounds receiver with a 40-yard dash of 4.4 is hard to come by. Their offensive line is tough as well with Taylor Decker who decided to return for his senior year. The lineman decided not to enter into the NFL draft this year. With 8 offensive starters returning, it is safe to say that the offense will be dominating.
The Buckeyes return a stellar defense to match their deadly offense as well. Known to be swift by their nickname, the “Silver Bullets”, expectations are high for another nationally ranked defense. Run-stopper Darron Lee is predicted by analysts to be a first round pick for the 2016 NFL draft but some question his motor to give it all on every play. This will be advantageous when playing against teams such as Virginia Tech and Maryland that employ mobile quarterbacks and powerful ground games. Joshua Perry emerged as the leading tackler last season adding fuel to the already well- driven defense. Football analyst Phil Steele rates the Buckeyes’ linebackers as second-best in the nation.
With a well-rounded offense and a stingy defense, the Buckeyes might just have what it takes to come out on top once again.
