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Football
30 (Not So Bold) Predictions for Ohio State’s 2011 Season
By Brandon Castel

COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s game week.

Let me say that again, IT’S GAME WEEK.

After an off-season that must have felt like waterboarding for Ohio State fans, the most anticipated season-opener in years is nearly upon us.

If that isn’t enough to get you pumped for next Saturday, check this out.

The Buckeyes aren’t being picked to do nearly as much winning as they have in past years, but new Head Coach Luke Fickell has never been one for talk. His men will be “men of action.”

With that in mind, here are my 30 not so bold predictions for Ohio State’s 2011 football season:

Joe Bauserman
Photo by Jim Davidson

1. Senior quarterback Joe Bauserman will take the first snap against Akron.

2. Freshman Braxton Miller will take the first snap against Nebraska.

3. The Buckeyes will struggle offensively until DeVier Posey and Boom Herron return.

4. Dane Sanzenbacher will be the most missed player from Ohio State’s 2010 roster.

5. Junior tailback Jordan Hall will take the first handoff of the 2011 season.

6. Jaamal Berry will lead the team in rushing the first half of the season.

7. Carlos Hyde will lead the team in rushing touchdowns the first half of the season.

8. Senior tailback Boom Herron will lead the team in rushing the second half of the season.

Jordan Hall
Photo by Jim Davidson

9. Jordan Hall will score a receiving, rushing and special teams touchdown during the first half of the season.

10. Jordan Hall will also lead the Buckeyes in all-purpose yards in 2011.

11. Junior tight end Jake Stoneburner will lead the team in catches during the first half of the season.

12. Sophomore receiver Corey “Philly” Brown will lead the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

13. Tight end Jeff Heuerman will have the most catches amongst the freshmen, but Devin Smith will have the most receiving yards and touchdowns.

14. Tight end Reid Fragel’s name will be thrown around as a possible offensive tackle if Ohio State suffers an injury on the offensive line.

15. The Buckeyes will finish with more sacks as a team in 2011 than they had in 2010.

16. Senior Nathan Williams will lead the team in sacks, followed by Tyler Moeller.

17. The Buckeyes will finish with fewer interceptions as a team in 2011 than they had in 2010.

Bradley Roby
Photo by Dan Harker

18. Redshirt freshman Bradley Roby will lead the team in interceptions.

19. Senior linebacker Andrew Sweat will lead the team in tackles in 2011, followed by Tyler Moeller.

20. Freshman Ryan Shazier will start at least one game at linebacker in 2011.

21. Cornerback Travis Howard will make OSU fans forget about Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence.

22. Freshman cornerback Doran Grant will force his way onto the field in some capacity this fall.

23. Safety Orhian Johnson will be the most improved player in the back seven of Ohio State’s defense.

Jonathan Hankins
Photo by Jin Davidson

24. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will be the most improved player in the front seven of Ohio State’s defense.

25. Drew Basil and Ben Buchanan will represent the best kicker-punter duo in the Big Ten.

26. The Buckeyes will allow a kick or punt return for a touchdown against Miami.

27. The Buckeyes will be 4-2 after the first six games of the 2011 season.

28. Center Michael Brewster will repeat as a 1st team All-American.

29. The Buckeyes will finish the 2011 regular season with a record of 9-3, losing only one of their last six games.

30. Braxton Miller will cement himself as the quarterback of the future.

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