DaytonDailyNews.com

Here's a quick preview of the Ohio State Buckeyes:

2007: 11-2, 7-1 Big Ten

Last 5 years: 52-11, 32-8

Last bowl: 2007 BCS championship game, lost to LSU 38-24

Coach: Jim Tressel (208-73-2 overall, eighth year at OSU, 73-16)

Starters returning: 9 offense, 9 defense

Positive vibes: The Buckeyes appear poised for another run at a BCS championship appearance with loaded offense and defense. Chris "Beanie" Wells rushed for 1,609 yards last year, an OSU sophomore record, and is a Heisman front-runner. James Laurinaitis, who won the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker, could become the Buckeyes' first three-time All-American since safety Mike Doss (2000-02) and eighth overall.

Negative vibes: Quarterback Todd Boeckman led the Big Ten in passing efficiency, but he threw for just two TDs with six interceptions in the final three games. Special teams are a concern after finishing 117th (out of 119 teams) in kickoff returns and having four field goals blocked in '07. Starting cornerback Donald Washington and back-up safety Jamario O'Neal will begin season with two-game suspensions.

By the numbers

14: QB sacks by departed defensive end Vernon Gholston last year, breaking Mike Vrabel's school record.

2.5: Sacks for sophomore defensive end Cameron Heyward, the top total among returning defensive linemen.

107: Combined receptions last year for senior Brian Robiskie (55) and junior Brian Hartline (52), the team leaders.

Schedule

Aug. 30 YOUNGSTOWN STATE BTN noon

Sept. 6 OHIO U. ESPN or ESPN2 noon

Sept. 13 at Southern Cal ABC 8 p.m.

Sept. 20 TROY BTN noon

Sept. 27 MINNESOTA TBA

Oct. 4 at Wisconsin TBA noon

Oct. 11 PURDUE TBA

Oct. 18 at Michigan State TBA

Oct. 25 PENN STATE TBA 8 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Northwestern TBA

Nov. 15 at Illinois TBA

Nov. 22 MICHIGAN TBA

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

The Big Ten's 11

Here's how the DDN sees the Big Ten shaking out this year:

1. Ohio State

2. Wisconsin

3. Illinois

4. Penn State

5. Michigan State

6. Michigan

7. Purdue

8. Northwestern

9. Iowa

10. Indiana

11. Minnesota