Ohio State Buckeyes
Big Ten
The Buckeyes took their perfect 12-0 season in 2012 and kept running with it in 2013. A potent ground game and a quarterback who can do everything have given the Buckeyes one of the best scoring offenses in the nation. The schedule has not been particularly tough, but Coach Urban Meyer has done a great job and he makes sure his team shows up for every game.
2013 Record: 12-1, 8-0
Coach: Urban Meyer
Coach Bowl Record: 7-1
Big Wins: 9/28 Wisconsin (31-24), 10/19 Iowa (34-24)
Bad Losses: 12/7 vs. Michigan State (24-34)
Strengths:
Despite missing a couple games with an injury, Braxton Miller threw for 22 touchdowns and rushed for 1,033 yards and ten more scores. When the elusive Miller was out, an equally elusive and productive Kenny Guiton filled the void nicely. He ended up throwing for 749 yards, 14 touchdowns and rushing for 330 yards with five trips to the end zone. Carlos Hyde spearheaded the ground game after missing the first three games of the season with a suspension. He rushed for 1,408 yards and 14 touchdowns. Jordan Hall, Ezekiel Elliott and even wide receiver Dontre Wilson are capable of gaining some yards on the ground behind a talented offensive line. Wilson is not the top receiver on this team though, not yet at least. Corey Brown and Devin Smith combined for 97 catches for 1,310 yards and 18 touchdowns. Tight end Jeff Heuerman can disappear for games at a time, but he is a nice, big target in the red zone.
Weaknesses:
Even though Ohio State averages over three sacks per game, the defense has seen better days. Ryan Shazier, Noah Spence, Joey Bosa and Michael Bennett are consistent fixtures in the opposition’s backfield, but the secondary still allows over 250 yards per game through the air, ranking tenth in the Big Ten. Of course the Buckeyes have talent in the secondary, led by C.J. Barnett, Bradley Roby and Dorian Grant, but the unit has been torched by some not so potent passing attacks in the Big Ten. On the flip side, the rushing defense has been superb in large part due to Shazier’s tackling ability. However, both the pass defense and the rush defense numbers are a bit skewed since the Buckeyes are usually ahead and the opposition often gives up on the ground game early and starts hitting the air.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Carlos Hyde, RB, 1,408 yards
Passing: Braxton Miller, QB, 1,860 yards
Receiving: Cory Brown, WR, 655 yards; Devin Smith, WR, 655 yards
Tackles: Ryan Shazier, LB, 134
Sacks: Noah Spence, DE, 8.0
Interceptions: C.J. Barnett, S, 3; Doran Grant, CB, 3; Bradley Roby, CB, 3
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 321.3 (2nd in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 209.3 (83, 7)
Total Offense: 530.5 (6, 1)
Scoring Offense: 48.2 (3, 1)
Rushing Defense: 100.0 (5, 2)
Pass Defense: 255.8 (98, 10)
Total Defense: 355.8 (30, 4)
Scoring Defense: 20.3 (18, 4)
Turnover Margin: 0.5 (28, 2)
Sacks: 3.25 (2, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.25 (21, 3)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2011 Gator Bowl Florida (17-24)
2010 Sugar Bowl Arkansas (31-26)
2009 Rose Bowl Oregon (26-17)
2008 Fiesta Bowl Texas (21-24)
2007 BCS Championship LSU (24-38)
*all team stats through 11/30
