With as many as eight teams in the hunt for the Big Ten championship, the road to the league title figures to be a struggle for all challengers. While there may not be a clear-cut preseason favorite, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel appears poised to lead the Buckeyes to the top of the Big Ten soon -- and perhaps to the cusp of a national title in the not-too-distant future.

	When Jim Tressel donned an Ohio State hat, he knew he'd face pressure and he's embraced it.

Tressel has proven he can recruit with the best of them and brings a highly acclaimed group of athletes to Columbus this season. Tressel inked two players, RB Maurice Clarett and LB Mike D'Andrea, who were in recruiting guru Tom Lemming's top 10. Overall, Tressel signed nine players in Lemming's top 100, tying Texas for the most top-100 recruits on Lemming's list.

This season, the wide-open Big Ten presents an opportunity for Ohio State and a number of other worthy challengers. If Tressel's Buckeyes are to come out on top, a solid and consistent quarterback has to emerge. And on defense, they'll have to compensate for the early exit of junior CB Derek Ross to the NFL. Last year, Ross led the Big Ten with seven interceptions.

OFFENSE
In the spring, neither Craig Krenzel nor Scott McMullen were able to become the undisputed No. 1 signal caller. Krenzel has some starting experience from late last year as well as the 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and the necessary mobility. If neither Krenzel nor McMullen are the answer, Tressel might turn to highly regarded freshman Justin Zwick (6-4, 205). Zwick was rated by Lemming as the 67th-best recruit in the country in November 2001.

There are also questions about who will receive most of the carries. Will a true feature back emerge or will Tressel go with a running back by committee? In the mix are freshman Maurice Clarett, redshirt freshman JaJa Riley and sophomores Lydell Ross and Maurice Hall. Clarett, who participated in spring practice, garnered a great deal of positive commentary with his ability as a pass-receiving option out of the backfield.

A major graduation loss was blocking FB Jamar Martin. Sophomore Branden Joe and redshirt freshman Brandon Schnittker will seek to fill the void.

At wide receiver, Michael Jenkins brings big-play potential to the aerial attack, while Bam Childress could emerge as a key weapon on a situational basis. Junior Ben Hartsock (6-4, 263) will look to make up for the early exit to the NFL of TE Darnell Sanders. Redshirt freshman Ryan Hamby also impressed during spring practice.

On the offensive line, the key loss was super blue-chip center LeCharles Bentley to the NFL. But the Buckeyes appear to have developed a capable replacement in junior Alex Stepanovich.

DEFENSE
The Buckeyes could be outstanding on defense, but this will happen only if the new cornerbacks are up to the task. In the spring, sophomore Dustin Fox held up well after shifting from safety to corner. Opposite Fox will be junior Richard McNutt, with sophomore Harlen Jacobs and senior Chris Conwell also competing for playing time.

The strength of the Buckeye stop troop is without question the the defensive line and linebackers. Junior DE Will Smith appears to be a budding star with the potential to excel as an outside pass rusher, while DTs Kenny Peterson and Tim Anderson figure to be strong on the inside. Opposite Smith at DE will be junior Darion Scott. After a fine showing in 2001, Scott sat out spring practice while working his way back to full strength after shoulder surgery.

Cie Grant figures to be all over the field at outside linebacker. And Matt Wilhelm, also a battle-tested senior, provides solid play on a week-to-week basis from his middle linebacker position. Wilhelm sat out spring practice due to an ankle injury.

While the cornerbacks are inexperienced, the Buckeyes have a pair of seasoned, veteran safeties in Donnie Nickey and super blue-chipper Mike Doss, who is as good as it gets at strong safety.

OVERVIEW
There's no question that Tressel is acquiring the young talent necessary to compete for a national title down the road, but the first step this season will be to win the Big Ten. To do so, the QB position has to be solidified. On the defensive side, new cornerbacks Fox and McNutt have to hold up effectively. A big plus could be a fierce Buckeye pass rush from the outside, led by Smith and Scott. This would alleviate some of the pressure on the new cover men, allowing them to gain confidence early in the season.