COLUMBUS – The power structure in the Big Ten could be in for a shakeup this season as Ohio State welcomes a new head coach and starting quarterback and East Division rival Michigan tries to take advantage of the Buckeyes’ rebuilding year to break a long losing streak.
Ryan Day replaces the retired Urban Meyer at Ohio State and Georgia transfer Justin Fields takes over from Dwayne Haskins Jr., who broke all sorts of the records and became a first-round NFL draft pick.
The preseason has been all about football, much to the relief of Day. August of last year was consumed by questions about Meyer’s mismanagement of domestic violence allegations against a former assistant coach.
Ohio State has a bunch of huge, talented offensive linemen waiting their turn but has just one returning starter from last season.
The defense was a consistent problem for the Buckeyes last season, and Day hopes four new coaches and a new scheme can revitalize an experienced group.
The Buckeyes open the season at home Aug. 31 against Florida Atlantic University.
Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth year as head coach at Michigan overdue for a breakthrough seemingly set up for success.
The Wolverines have not beaten the Buckeyes during Harbaugh’s tenure and have lost 14 of the last 15 games to OSU but Michigan is a popular choice to win the Big Ten.
The optimism is tied to quarterback Shea Patterson returning as one of eight starters on offense. The Wolverines return a handful of starters on defense and have a potentially favorable schedule.
Rivalry games against Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State will all be at the Big House.
The season opener is Aug. 31 against Middle Tennessee State.
In the West Division, the momentum Nebraska built during the second half of last season could carry over heading into Scott Frost’s second year. A favorable schedule makes the Cornhuskers a trendy pick for the title game Dec. 7 in Indianapolis.