Big Ten Power Rankings: Spring Practice Edition

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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes players pose for a photo after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

I am not sure if there is any publication in the country that isn’t going to have Ohio State ranked as the preseason No. 1 in the country, let alone in the conference, and for good reason after winning the national title last season.

Let’s start with the “problem” Coach Meyer has to deal with at the quarterback position. Coming back are, a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Winner (Braxton Miller), a record-breaking quarterback that looked like Heisman candidate before injury (J.T. Barrett), and a quarterback that ran off three of the most impressive victories in college football history to win the National Title (Cardale Jones).

The Buckeyes also have super running back Ezekiel Elliot (minus his crop top jersey) coming back with an offensive line that was playing its best football at the end of the season. The Buckeyes do have to replace key contributors at receiver and Michael Bennett in the middle of the defensive line, but have recruited so well under Meyer, they should plug in the next future All-Big Ten selection.

Don’t discount losing offensive coordinator Tom Herman who took the head coaching job at Houston either.

A championship hangover is a possibility, but anyone who doubts the abilities of coach Meyer to have his guys ready did not notice he just won the national championship with his third-string quarterback.

Next: Top 10 Programs Poised to Breakout in 2015

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