Two sides of the ball will each tell a different story, namely due to the extent of losses on defense and the major returns on O. We rated Ohio State’s 2005 LBs as second in the nation, but with all starters leaving, those tapped as successors needed to see more reps. Mike D’Andrea (shoulder) and Marcus Freeman (knee), along with A.J. Hawk backup Curtis Terry, are all super quick, talented guys who saw action way too limited for us to think that transitions here will be seamless. They won’t be, and Tressel will miss his defensive glue once he sees his run stopping unsynchronized with the passing D. The DLmen and DBs appear less susceptible to dropoff, but the overall defensive product coming out of Columbus won’t be nearly what it has been since his LB-trio arrived in 2002. Folks along the 670 might not recognize their high-flying Buckeyes if the offense has to continually rescue the D via shootouts, yet this is a realistic scenario that those eleven will handle well. Ginn and (hopefully) Holmes both return to their multiple roles, and, along with Troy Smith’s dual-threat, opposing defenders will again be flatfooted as the Buckeyes develop their “semi-spread option” scheme. The emergence of Antonio Pittman gives fans the promise of ground yards not seen from a RB since those ominous Clarett days. Most-felt will be Mangold’s departure in the middle, though Tressel has recruited speed up front so replacement(s) on the inside (at LG too) are least-of-all athletic, moreover promising. Also notable is PK John Huston leaving. Ginn and Homes again as a kick/punt return tandem will keep OSU from losing most field position battles. Going into Austin early could again derail any title talk in the capital. Penn State and Iowa within September mean the new LBs have their work cut out. Lots more nail-biters galore, so these Buckeyes could either surprise or struggle.