When a score is as lopsided as the one Ohio State fans had the pleasure or witnessing on Saturday, Buckeye fans have little to be displeased with during the sixty minutes of smash mouth scarlet and gray football. The Buckeyes amassed an impressive 495 yards through the air and on the ground while the defense continuously stymied the Penguins, limiting them to a combined 74 yards. An impressive start to a season with great expectations. Minus the potentially significant injury to RB Chris Wells, which could be disastrous if it keeps him out for an extended period of time, Jim Tressel and the entire coaching staff seemed extremely pleased with how the game turned out. While the team should get a giant Buckeye sticker to symbolize their unified play, DTI has decided to make it little more specific and hand out six to the most impressive position units on the field.

Offense-

Quarterback- JT stuck to his word and played all three quarterback in the first half of play including heralded freshman Terrelle Pryor, whom did not disappoint. Todd Boeckman (14-19 187 yards 2TD) looked a bit rusty in his first game under center since losing to LSU in last year’s BCS National Championship. However, he did not make many mistakes and connected with wide receivers Brian Robiskie and DeVier Posey for two scores. He seemed much more comfortable in his second season as the Buckeyes’ top signal caller, looking for check-down receivers when the deep routes were not an option and running forward when he had open real estate, a great sign for those in Columbus. Midway through the first quarter, Pryor (4-6 35 yards) made his OSU debut to an stadium full of electricity. The 6′6 freshman looked calm, cool and collected in his game action, rarely making a mistake and sending the crowd into a frenzy when he tucked the football and showed off some great mobility on his nine rushes for 66 yards and a big 21-yard TD run. A true once-in-a-decade type talent, with the ability to run and pass at a high level, USC should take note early as he could prove to be a critical part of their attack on September 13th. Joe Bauserman (3-6 22 yards) might not have the luster of the previous two but he also possesses tremendous overall skill and maybe the best arm of the three. A former minor prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the red shirt freshman has finally found home at Ohio State. While he did not see the field a great deal, he is a natural and made some nice throws in his first live-action football game since high school.

Wide Receivers- A position of strength for the Buckeyes, several players made their presence felt in the win against Young State. Brian and Brian, ball catchers at law, combined for 100 yards and a TD, while running crisp routes and making some nice snags in their three quarters of play. The third wide out spot is still somewhat up in “the air” and both Dane Sanzenbacher (1-4) and Ray Small (3-35 yards) did their part to try and sway Jim Bollman to pencil them in more frequently in the coming games. One player who did his part to make sure coaches and fans would not forget his number was freshman DeVier Posey. The freshman from La Salle High School in Cincinnati, grabbed four catches for 47 yards and a TD. With excellent size and above average speed, his knack for making plays will make him a big time contributor this season. Lamaar “Flash” Thomas also made his way onto the fieldf, running a short fly route for his first catch, a seven yard reception. On day one, to see so many guys contribute and make good plays leaves many to believe the sky is the limit for the cores’ future and the entire OSU offense.

Offensive Line- (Left specifically) Returning four of five starts from a year ago, the mammoth line had a strong start to the season allowing only one sack in four quarters. The left side of Alex Boone and Steve Rehring kept the blind side protected and did a nice job opening up holes for running backs Chris Wells, Brandon Saine and Daniel Herron. Jimmy Cordle was a rock at center, working well with a multitude of quarterbacks, three to be exact and with the ability to snap with both hands, he brings an added dimension to the forefront. For right tackle Bryant Browning, his first start taking over four veteran Kirk Barton was a good one. He had one false start penalty but overall did a nice job in single and double teams throughout the afternoon. The secondary unit was also very good in their first game. Mike Adams, Mike Brewster and J.B. Shugarts, all part of the “Block O” recruiting class, did well when they entered the game and should improve immensely as the season progresses. Connor Smith, Andrew Moses, Josh Kerr and Andrew Miller also saw time on the playing field. The chart is stocked with good talent, they coaches just need to continue to nurture it.

Defense-

Defensive End- After the huge loss of All-Big Ten selection one year ago in Vernon Gholston, the Buckeyes were looking to a few old faces for the pick-me-up. Lawrence Wilson and Thaddeus Gibson answered the call with one sack each to open the season. OSU’s best pass rushers, the pair caused constant havoc throughout the day and fit nicely into Jim Heacock’s plan for pressure on second and third down this year. Wilson, a year removed from a broken leg, was explosive and showed great bursts off the line. He will continue to gain strength each week and should pick up double digit sacks if he stays healthy. Gibson, a converted linebacker, was duly impressive in his first action at a new position. A freak of nature, he brings a rare combination of speed and strength which can be used effectively against any offensive line. The Euclid native still has a long way to go in terms of understanding the position but his raw talent should help him move quickly through the process. Cameron Heyward was quiet in the season opener but was involved in many of the team’s tackles and looked comfortable as the team’s starter to open the year. Robert Rose and Solomon Thomas also got time to show what they could do and were more than effective in their time played.

Outside Linebacker- There was not a ton of action for any of the middle men but Marcus Freeman seemed to be everywhere on Saturday as he patrolled the strong side. He led the squad in tackles with six and seems to be fully healed from his knee injury. It seems as though he will never get the recognition he deserves but is truly special and possible the most important player on the field this year. On the opposite side Ross Homan showed nice lateral mobility and knowledge moving back into coverage on passing downs. He is now the starter on the weakside and will be expected to make a huge contribution in the coming weeks, especially against USC upcoming. Tyler Moeller excelled in his duel role, most notable in the “star” formation and as a blitzing backer. Brian Rolle picked up where he left off, smashing all those in his path when he got the opportunity. While his status on the team is specifically as a backup at this point, he seems poised to push for time as he picks up the nuances of the position. Etienne Sabino made his Buckeye debut but will have to wait a year or two for quality time. Mark Johnson switched between LB and DE in a late-game role and showed skill.

Safety- The duo of Anderson Russell and Jermale Hines, who made his first career start, were a big part of YSU’s ineptitude at passing the football throughout the game. With Kurt Coleman out due to a rolled angle, Hines showcased his natural ability and fit well in his newly made position. He had a tackle for a loss and fumble recovery, not bad for a former linebacker. With Coleman coming back, his playing time might be limited but he should be the third man in when needed. A credit to his hard work and willingness to follow the advice of coach Paul Haynes. Russell did not have to do much as he did what he always seem to. Jam the Penguins wide receivers and make it very difficult for the opposing quarterbacks to try and fit the football into tight spaces. Last season he was a wrap up machine and showed no signs of digressing in week one. Aaron Gant and Nick Patterson saw the field late and recorded a few tackles, showing good ability to get to the football.