By: Tim Cary (BleacherReport.com) -

COLUMBUS—Ohio State forced a turnover on the opening kickoff and scored their first touchdown of the season a whopping 78 seconds into the opener here Thursday night against Marshall.

And just like that, this game was basically over.

As the Buckeyes began their national title pursuit by disposing of the Herd 45-7, here are five things we learned about Jim Tressel’s 2010 ballclub.

1. Terrelle Pryor Has Made Progress, but He’s Not a Finished Product

Pryor put up big numbers, especially in the first half, and finished 17-of-25 for 247 yards and three scores. However, he missed at least one wide-open touchdown (an overthrown pump-and-go to DeVier Posey where the defender did everything but spin around and fall down). Deciding when to tuck and run instead of standing in the pocket and letting receivers break open is also an area where Pryor could grow even further.

Ohio State’s star junior has plenty of natural ability (which we knew) and a nice complement of weapons to throw to (look for tight end Jake Stoneburner to become one of Pryor’s go-to guys as the season progresses), but let’s not give him the Heisman just yet.

2. Ohio State Defense Is As Stingy As Ever

Big hits. Swarming to the ball. Well-timed breaks. Constant pressure.

Ho-hum: Just another year of Buckeye defensive dominance.

Led by veteran stars like Brian Rolle (who took an interception back to the house), Cameron Heyward, and Chimdi Chekwa, this unit will give opposing offenses fits all year long. In the debut, they held the Herd under 200 yards of total offense.

3. Brandon Saine Could Step Out of Boom Herron’s Shadow To Have a Big Year

Saine topped the 100-yard mark before the halftime whistle sounded, and the senior speedster seems to have a better understanding than ever how and where to attack opposing defenses. Herron came on nicely after the break, as Jim Tressel seemed intent…..

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Related posts:

1. Marshall Thundering Herd: Previewing Ohio State’s First Opponent In 2010
2. Herd nearly shocked OSU in Columbus in ‘04
3. Year of the Buckeye? Things lined up in OSU’s favor for 2010 season
4. Terrelle Pryor’s Saga: The Backstory of Ohio State’s Junior Quarterback
5. Chekwa, Torrence give OSU plenty of experience at cornerback