First of all, I hope everyone has had a great summer and that we are now one week away from the start of the 2008 OSU season. Eighteen starters return for a shot at raising the championship trophy in South Beach on 1/8/09. To get there, the Bucks will have to triumph over USC on 9/13 in what should be the biggest game of the season. As a fan, it will be great to see these two proud football programs square off against one another. Not every team can boast about playing an opponent such as USC. Although we do have some cupcakes on the schedule, it's nice to have an intersectional game. It's also a great recruiting tool as well as to give fans who live outside of Ohio a chance to watch the game in person and cheer on the Bucks to victory.

All of the stories that I've been reading on the Internet about the strengths and weaknesses about OSU have been interesting to say the very least. When it comes time to name our weak points for this season, the "so called experts" can't find ANY weaknesses other than the national perception that we don't deserve to go back to the title game. It's funny though, that in 2003 and 2004, Oklahoma lost two straight title games and weren't abused this badly as OSU is being abused. That's the price you pay for being a first class university that nobody outside of the state of Ohio likes. All I have to say is this: DEAL WITH IT!! We should be sitting pretty in terms of talent for the next few years if not longer.

As for predictions, I have a few that might be a reach but I'm going to try my best here and see if they come true.

Beanie Wells will rush for 2000 yds.

Todd Boeckman will NOT throw 3 picks in a single game this season.

The USC outcome will be more than 10 points.

TSUN will finish 6-6 and will be home for the holidays.

For those of you not going to Columbus to see the YSU-OSU game, I hope to see you at the Double Deuce on 8/30 @ 11:00am as we look to thaw out the Penguins once again. Have a great week.

GO BUCKS!!!

Luckybuck