Jim Naveau: It's time to talk OSU football

The unofficial kickoff of Ohio State’s football season for me begins Monday at the Big Ten’s annual preseason football media preview in Chicago.

The first day of the event brings all the Big Ten coaches to the microphone for some questions. Here are some topics a few of those coaches might be questioned about:

Ohio State’s Jim Tressel: Why can’t the Big Ten win the big games against national powers?

Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez: How long is Michigan going to remain patient while you try to turn it around?

Penn State’s Joe Paterno: What else? When do think you’re going to retire?

Illinois’ Ron Zook: Ever considered decaf?

Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio: How are you going to fill the huge holes left by the graduation of tailback Javon Ringer and quarterback Brian Hoyer?

Purdue’s Danny Hope and Indiana’s Bill Lynch: Who are you guys?

Turning to Ohio State again, here are a few questions the Buckeyes will face once the football is for real on Sept. 5 against Navy:

Question: How good will Terrelle Pryor be this season with a year of experience at quarterback?

Answer: He will be very good. He’ll be a better passer and make better decisions with a year of experience. Pryor will make some amazing plays. He will make some mistakes. But, overall, he should be much improved.

Just how much better he becomes could depend on how fast OSU’s young receivers and offensive linemen develop.

Question: What is the most dangerous game on Ohio State’s schedule?

Answer: How can you not pick a game at Penn State? That’s always scary. You can do it when Southern California is on the schedule.

If the Buckeyes — who have lost five straight games against Top Ten teams — get shredded again by USC in their Sept. 12 night game at Ohio Stadium, nothing they do the rest of the season will restore their reputation around the country. And it could put a little self doubt into their minds.

Question: Any truth to the rumor that Governor Ted Strickland wants to install slot machines at Ohio Stadium?

Answer: Gambling at Ohio Stadium? Obviously, you haven’t been paying attention to the Buckeyes’ offensive play calling.

Question: Which freshman could get the most playing time?

Answer: Freshmen usually get their chance when an established player gets hurt or doesn’t live up to expectations. Based on talent and apparent need, offensive lineman Jack Mewhort, running back Jaamal Berry and wide receiver Duron Carter, son of Cris Carter, are three who might get to play.

Question:  One of Jim Tressel’s favorite sayings is that the punt is the most important play in football.  How was this proved wrong last season?

Answer: It was nothing Ohio State did. It was something Michigan did. The Wolverines had their worst season in more than 40 years but had the first-team All-Big Ten punter, Zoltan Mesko.

Question: What’s the only thing you need to know about New Mexico State, a new opponent on this year’s OSU schedule?

Answer: The Aggies have had just two winning seasons the last 10 years.

Question: What are the biggest areas of concern for Ohio State this season?

Answer: Reading the preseason predictions, which almost all call for Ohio State to win the Big Ten, you might think there aren’t any questions.

But the running game is in the hands of Dan Herron (439 yards on 89 carries last season), the often-injured Brandon Saine and a freshman, Berry.

The receiving corps lost its two go-to guys, Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, and is counting heavily on young guys like DeVier Posey. The offensive line will have several new starters. And the defense has to replace All-Americans at cornerback and linebacker.

Question: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Worth it or not worth it when Ohio State plays next door to it in Cleveland Browns Stadium against Toledo on Sept. 19?

Answer: Worth it.

Question: What’s a good guess for Ohio State’s regular-season record? How high is the ceiling for this team?

Answer: To me, 10-2 sounds about right. I can’t buy into the idea that the USC game will be in the win column. But if I’m wrong, they could be in the national title race.