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Big Ten Football Spring Preview: 10 biggest questions and storylines

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Ohio State rebuilding or reloading?

The Ohio State Buckeyes return only six starters as Urban Meyer is tasked with having to reload on the fly while remaining one of the favorites to win the national title. The Buckeyes lost nine juniors to the NFL Draft, including Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott who could both be top-10 picks with Michael Thomas, Taylor Decker, Darron Lee, Vonn Bell and Eli Apple giving Ohio State seven players who could be first round picks.

With all those guys gone, there are several positions up for grabs, but quarterback is in the good hands of J.T. Barrett who won’t have to worry about Cardale Jones stealing playing time away from him. Barrett was a Heisman candidate two years ago as a redshirt freshman but was on the sidelines for much of last season until passing Jones on the depth chart late in the year.

The offense is clearly better with Barrett running it, and I expect him to be in the Heisman mix all year, but the Buckeyes need to replace Elliott at running back to compete for a Playoff spot. Bri’onte Dunn and redshirt freshman Mike Weber will get the bulk of work in the spring to see if one can handle the load themselves or if a platoon situation is in store.

On the defensive side, replacing Bosa won’t be as vital as replacing Apple, Bell and Tyvis Powell in the secondary where only breakout star Gareon Conley returns with starting experience. At linebacker, the loss of Lee will be tough to overcome but middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan could be in line for an All-American campaign.

Next: Is John O'Korn the answer for Michigan at QB?

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