By: Jack Jones (BleacherReport.com) -

The Ohio State Buckeyes are hoping that the 2010 season will land them in the BCS National Championship game for the fourth time in the past nine seasons, as they bring back 16 starters from the 2009 season where they went 11-2.

The Buckeyes won the Big 10 title by going 7-1 in conference play, giving them at least a share of the title for the past five years. Even though this is a very talented team, it won’t be an easy road to the National Championship game as they have to take on a tough Miami Hurricane team in non-conference play, and then they have road games against both Iowa and Wisconsin.

Here is a quick look at what the Buckeyes will be sending out on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they finish the 2010 season in the Big 10.

Offense: The 2010 season will lie heavily on the shoulders of junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who can’t afford another slow start to the season. Pryor played great in the Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl game against Oregon, but will see much tougher defenses in conference play this season.

The Buckeyes failed to have a 1,000 yard rusher for the first time in four seasons, but look for senior Brandon Saine to hit the mark this season. Also keep an eye out for red-shirt freshman Jaamal Berry.

The Buckeyes have one of the top receivers in the country in DeVier Posey and another quality threat in senior Dane Sanzenbacher. The Buckeyes figure to have one of the top offensive lines in the country this season, as they return four starters, but they should have no problems with Mike Adams taking over at left tackle.

Defense: The Buckeyes will once again have a top defense in 2010, even though they return just six starters on this side of the ball.

The only concern will come up front on the defensive line, where they must replace three starters to go along side senior defensive end Cameron Heyward, who led the Buckeyes in sacks with 6.5 in 2009.

Junior Nathan Williams figures to take over at the other end spot, while senior Dexter Larimore and sophomore John Simon are expected to start in the middle.

The Buckeyes are loaded with talent at linebacker, as they bring back two of the best in the country in Brian Rolle and Ros Homan. Also, look for junior Etienne Sabino to be a force as he steps in at the strong side spot.

The secondary will feature two very good corners in seniors Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence, while sophomore Orhian Johnson is expected to….

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