Ohio State at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 8 vs. Akron Sept. 15 vs. San Diego State Sept. 22 at UCLA Sept. 29 at Indiana Oct. 6 vs. Northwestern Oct. 13 vs. Wisconsin Oct. 27 at Penn State Nov. 3 at Minnesota Nov. 10 vs. Purdue Nov. 17 vs. Illinois Nov. 24 at Michigan 2000 results (8-4, 5-3 in Big Ten) Fresno State W 43-10 Arizona W 27-17 Miami (Ohio) W 27-16 Penn State W 45-6 Wisconsin W 23-7 Minnesota L 29-17 Iowa W 38-10 Purdue L 31-27 Michigan State W 27-13 Illinois W 24-21 Michigan L 38-26 South Carolina L 24-7

OFFENSE
First of all, erratic signal caller Steve Bellisari will have to raise his performance level. While his athletic prowess and mobility allows for sizeable gains when things break down, he has to develop more consistency throwing the football. If he doesn't, it will be interesting to see how long it takes before third-year sophomore Scott McMullen ends up directing the Buckeyes offense. In the spring, McMullen pushed hard for the No. 1 job, impressing with his passing skills and ability to move the offense. Another unproven youngster, Craig Krenzel, also flashed ability.

A vital area that has to gain cohesion early on and perform at a solid level is the offensive line. Final positioning heading into the fall is still to be determined with several players. LeCharles Bentley missed a great deal of playing time in the spring with a knee injury. He could work at center or guard. Alex Stepanovich also has the versatility to operate at either spot. With Bentley sidelined, he shifted from guard to center. Tyson Walter figures to be a key performer at LT, with 6-5, 325-pounder Adrien Clarke on the right side. If Walter, who sat out all of last year, plays to the level expected, this group will have a much better opportunity to get the job done. At the other guard spot, Bryce Bishop could be a decent starter, but still is a work in progress. Also keep an eye on youngster Shane Olivea.

Even though Reggie Germany and Ken-Yon Rambo moved on to the NFL, neither performed to the level expected last season. So while this group lacks name recognition going in, there is more overall depth and the Buckeyes have to be excited about the potential displayed late in the spring by converted CB Bam Childress. While he figured to be a starting cover man and major hole-filler in the deep patrol with the loss of Nate Clements and David Mitchell to the NFL, Childress showed great promise at WR and could become a TD-maker. Now it looks like Tressel will have to decide whether to utilize Childress' skills on both sides of the ball or just allow him to master one spot. Heading into the fall, Drew Carter and Ricky Bryant are being penciled in as the starting wideouts, with juco transfer Chris Vance figuring to contribute heavily as well. Both Carter and Bryant enjoyed solid springs.

While Childress will be the most interesting story to follow as the season unfolds, the key option in the passing game should be gifted junior TE Darnell Sanders. A big-time talent, the 6-5, 263-pounder could be one of the best at his position in the country.

Looking at the running game, Jonathan Wells has shown the ability to pick up where former Buckeye and 2000 team MVP Derek Combs left off. Wells is projected to be the feature back, although sophomore Sam Maldonado will be tough to keep off the field with his natural ability. Working alongside Wells is the underrated Jamar Martin, a versatile performer who could see some action in the one-back set. He'll also factor in as a pass-receiving option.

DEFENSE
The Buckeyes' front seven on defense could be excellent, and the safety tandem of Mike Doss and Donnie Nickey has few peers in college football. The primary question mark is at CB, where Ohio State must replace both Clements and David Mitchell. Heading into the fall, the starting jobs are wide open. Converted WR Maurice Lee settled into his new position and showed promise. He could earn a starting job in August. Also in the mix will be youngsters Bobby Britton, Harlen Jacobs and Richard McNutt. Derek Ross, who has a ton of ability, was suspended in the spring. If he's back in the fall, the athletically gifted 6-1, 200-pounder would provide a big lift to the deep patrol.

Keying the defensive line is hard-working, determined senior DT Mike Collins. He's the inspirational leader, ranking as one of the elite players at his position in the Big Ten. Tim Anderson will line up next to Collins, with David Thompson figuring as the primary backup at that spot. Darrion Scott came on in the spring at DE, while on the other side, Will Smith has demonstrated a ton of potential. Kenny Peterson and Tim Cheatwood will be looking to battle for playing time as reserves at DE.

The linebacking corps is in excellent shape. Matt Wilhelm figures to be the tackle leader from his mike-man spot, with physically gifted Courtland Bullard and battle-tested senior Joe Cooper on the outside. Quality depth is provided by Cie Grant, Robert Reynolds and Marco Cooper, all youngsters with the ability to force their way into the starting lineup in the not-too-distant future.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Tressel, who strongly emphasizes the importance of big-time special teams play, enters his first season in Columbus without veteran combination PK/P Dan Stultz, who was lost to graduation. This means that either unproven Josh Huston or true freshman Mike Nugent will handle the PK duties. B.J. Sander takes over the full-time punting duties, but at least he already has prior experience as well as a strong leg.

Overview: After doing a tremendous job over the last 15 years as head coach at Youngstown State, Tressel will be looking to continue his winning ways in the Big Ten. Keep in mind, he was an assistant coach at Ohio State from 1983-85, working with the QBs, RBs and WRs. He'll be the Buckeyes' QB coach as well, hoping to work his magic and mold Steve Bellisari into a consistent field general.

Tressel's offense will be extremely diversified. You'll see a number of formations and sets, with the option also part of the package. Early on, he'll be attempting to find the right formula for success with the personnel on hand. If Bellisari struggles, McMullen and Krenzel are waiting in the wings. The running game shouldn't miss a beat with Wells, Maldonado and Martin getting the job done. While Carter and Bryant figure to be capable at WR, the versatile and talented Childress could be a key ingredient. At TE, Sanders has to be an integral part of the pass offense. He's a big-time prospect. The offensive line has to come together in order for the attack force to gel. Walter has the ability to become a quality bookend, with Bentley solidifying either the center or guard spot.