After making back-to-back national championship appearances, the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again ranked in the top 10. OSU is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation and oddsmakers have established the Buckeyes’ odds to win the 2009 BCS National Championship at 4/1.
One of the biggest things Ohio State has going for itself in 2008/09 is that the Buckeyes return nine starts on offense. OSU will welcome back Heisman Trophy candidate Chris “Beanie” Wells and quarterback Todd Boeckman to its backfield and head coach Jim Tressel has to be elated to have so much offensive firepower at his disposal. The defense also gets back to key starters in linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerback Malcom Jenkins, two players that helped the Buckeyes led the nation last year in yards allowed.
Ohio State is one of the favorites to win a national title this season. Oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog, Sportsbook.com and SBG Global all estimate the Buckeyes’ chance to win the 2009 BCS National Championship at 4/1.
Besides overall talent on both sides of the ball, one of the biggest reasons the Buckeyes are one of the favorites to make yet another title run this season is their schedule. Outside of having to play USC early in the season, only Wisconsin poses a threat in the Big Ten now that Michigan is in a clear rebuilding season. Getting Laurinaitis and Jenkins back on defense was huge and Wells might run for 2,000 yards this year and subsequently the Heisman Trophy. Even though Georgia is the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, programs like Ohio State and USC arguably have a better chance of making a title appearance based on their schedules.
Ohio State Buckeyes 2009 BCS National Championship Odds to win
Bodog: 4/1
Sportsbook.com: 4/1
SBG Global: 4/1
Ohio State Buckeyes Big 10 Conference Odds to win
Bodog: 2/5
Sportsbook.com: 2/5
SBG Global: 2/5
Ohio State Buckeyes 2008 Season Win Over/Under Totals
USC Trojans Over 10 Wins (-120)
USC Trojans Under 10 Wins (-110)