Are The Buckeyes Going To Win The Big Ten?

How far can Fickell take this team?

Phil Steele in his latest predictions, has Ohio State winning the Big Ten Leader's division despite the losses of Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressel. This isn't too surprising, and he obviously has a lot of faith in what Luke Fickell can do. I do as well, but I can't tell if they can win a B1G championship just yet. I have to be able to see Nebraska, Wisconsin, etc. The B10 is very deep this year, with Wisconsin (along with getting Russell Wilson), Michigan State, an interesting Illinois team, Nebraska, and some early underdogs that could step up with some pretty big upsets.

While I think it is possible, I think the first 5 games are going to be the real test for Braxton Miller (who's been rumored to be the starter, based off subtle notes in the Big Ten media day) and how he plays, along with our stable of running backs, will decide how the rest of the season plays out. Michigan State, Miami, and Nebraska are going to be some real tough tests, not just for Miller, but the defense as well. After the jump, look what Phil Steele has to say about his latest predictions on the Buckeyes.

Future Leaders Are Stepping Up Now

Grant has already taken the reins

The Ohio State recruiting class has already taken some tolls thanks the to the NCAA situation, and the Jim Tressel resigning. So far, we've lost Ejuan Price, lost a couple of (most likely) verbals from some of the best athletes in all the country, and more. With all this coming down on Ohio State's head very quickly, most would think this would affect more people in the 2011 class, leaving Ohio State almost no recruiting class.

Curtis Grant, Doran Grant (no relation), and Braxton Miller have seriously stepped up their leadership skills in this situation.

"I talk to Doran all the time, and to Braxton, and our attitude is, 'Let's go in and do it, man. Let's be a big three and go in there and help make it happen,'" Curtis Grant (no relation to Doran) said before arriving on campus this weekend. "I told Braxton he's got to lead that offense, and that I am going to do my best to come in and try to get a starting spot, and try to lead the defense the best way I can"

The Silence Is Deafening

Time for Fickell to grab the big picture

The past 2 weeks in Buckeye Nation have turn fans upside down, shook them, and then flipped them back over so they vomit all over the floor.

First, coach Jim Tressel and now, quarterback Terrelle Pryor are gone, both victims of NCAA violations and allegations that are spreading rapidly, and seem to have no end to them at all.

Luke Fickell has been the head coach since the announcement that Tressel resigned, but other than a terse statement about Pryor's departure, he has not spoken publicly.

I'm not sure whether or not he decided not to speak, but this is already a mistake for the new head coach. He needed to hold a press conference as soon as he could to show he had a firm grasp on the situation, and putting his stamp on this football team. Who else is going to do it? Gordon Gee? Gene Smith? Both are under fire not only by Buckeye fans but the national media itself.

Nothing says it better than this from the Dispatch:

"Fickell talking doesn't make the allegations magically go away. But it can reassure people that someone competent is in charge and that there will be better times ahead. And right now, the program needs that."

Now, Ohio State has announced that Fickell will meet the media on Monday at 4 p.m. What will come of this, I'm not sure. Buckeye fans need a new leader, because we have zero as it stands. We need someone to lead us into victory, and assure us that we're going to pull through this together. Buckeye Nation is calling, but who will step up and answer? The silence is killing us.