Written by Rob Schaller

STRENGTHS: Year two of the Jim Tressel era begins with even more optimism than last season. There are plenty of things for buckeye fans to be optimistic about as well. First, the offensive line could be quite good if they stay healthy. Four of the projected starting five were either starters or played significantly last season. Alex Stepanovich has nailed down the center spot and reports are that the staff is thrilled with his command of the position. Clarke and Olivea are recovering from off season surgery but should be full go for the fall camp. The receiving corps returns all of its group lead by Chris Vance. The biggest surprise this spring has been the heated battle at tailback. Lydell Ross is having his hands full with Maurice Hall and Maurice Clarrett working into the picture. At this juncture Craig Krenzel seems to be the leader and has pretty much nailed down the starting spot. It's not all bad when your new starter can list a win over Michigan in Ann Arbor, a feat not accomplished since 1987.

CONCERNS: There are a few. Depth at offensive line is a big concern. While the starting five will be very good, if someone goes down there is a significant drop off in talent. While Krenzel has nailed down the starters role, Tressel was recently heard to say that the Buckeyes were "striving for mediocrity at that position" which may have been nothing more than a call to work harder or it may signal that Justin Zwick really is a viable option as the starter. Regardless of how much potential or how talented, a true freshman at quarterback is never a good thing.

Written by Rob Schaller

STRENGTHS: The real reason for all of the optimism in Columbus is the defense. The comparisons to the Katzemoyer era defense are many. The starting defensive line may be the best Ohio State has had in 30 years. Will Smith, Darrion Scott, Tim Anderson and Kenny Peterson all had exceptional seasons last year. All this group did was accumulate over 165 tackles, Scott and Peterson accounted for nearly 70 in relief of last years starters. Matt Wilhelm returns in the middle and is finally healthy. Despite playing with a serious high ankle sprain most of the season last year; he still managed to be named All Big Ten honorable mention. Cie Grant has been moved back to outside linebacker after starting last season at corner. You have to love a guy with the speed to play corner who is really a linebacker. This will give the coaches the flexibility that many other universities simply do not possess. Dustin Fox started the Outback Bowl as a corner and played reasonably well and has locked up one of the spots. It looks like either Will Allen or Richard McNutt (both were injured most of last season and never got into the picture) will play the on the other side. Two-time All America safety Michael Doss and honorable mention All-Conference safety Donnie Nickey will man the deep coverage.

CONCERNS: Corners. That's the first thing that jumps out at you when you look at the buckeye defense. It appears that the cornerback spot will be much improved but until you see how they react in a game situation it's clearly a concern. Depth in the secondary is an issue as well. If someone were to go down to injury, there really isn't much room left for breaking change.