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Page 3
The only weak link on offense is Steve Bellisari, who takes over at quarterback for Joe Germaine. The real problems arise on defense. Linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer, corner Antoine Winfield, and safety Damon Moore have moved on to the NFL. The pressure will be on talented saftey Gary Berry and All-Big Ten linebacker Na'il Diggs to step it up. Bellisari and the defense had better be ready - the Buckeyes open the season with Miami and UCLA. Add to that a tough Big Ten schedule that includes Wisconsin, Purdue, Penn State, and Michigan. An 0-2 start and a .500 finish are real possibilities.
The skill positions are loaded with talent. Wideouts Brian Poli-Dixon and Danny Farmer shined last season, and running backs Jermaine Lewis and DeShaun Foster powered the Pac-10's second best rushing attack. But quarterback is a huge question mark - any of five candidates could take over for McNown. Junior Drew Bennett is the leading candidate, but red-shirt freshman Cory Paus and true freshmen J.P. Losman have been impressive. Lewis and Foster will be expected to carry the load while the new QB matures, but that might be a tough task with only two starters returning in the trenches. UCLA has yet another new defensive coordinator -- longtime Bruin assistant coach Bob Field resumes the role he held under Terry Donahue. Field as decided to switch UCLA to a 4-3 defensive front. Will the confusion hamper a defensive unit that returns seven starters? Will Bob Toledo's club once again be a national power? The Bruins will have an excellent chance to find out on Sept. 11, because after a warm-up against Boise State, UCLA will have to travel to Columbus. Coming next week... - The two-part series concludes with a look at Texas A&M, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin and Tulane. |
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