As I sat back and watched THE Ohio State University struggle to put away the Troy Trojans, I began to realize the Buckeyes might be able to compete with top teams in the future. The Buckeye's problem this year is talent. If you look back at the recruiting classes of a few years ago, you will see that most of the Buckeye starters were far from 5-star prospects. The OSU team this year is just experienced. But, the talent issue is bound to change. With one of the best recruiting classes last year that included 3 great OL (1 of which started today), the best recruit in the nation in QB Terrelle Pryor (future Heisman consideration), a few good recievers (including 5-star WR Devier Posey), the best middle linebacker in the country out of high school, Etienne Sabino (who played already today), and many other top prospects, the Buckeyes are set for the future at many positions. They also happen to have the top recruiting class for 2009 that includes the following; 3 top 5 CB's, another 5-star linebacker, ESPN U's number 1 RB (Jaamal Berry), a power back in Carlos Hyde (6'1 230) out of Florida, one of the top safties in the nation who is bound to get playing time as a freshman (Jamie Wood), another top OL,  one of the top DE's in the country, more highly recruited WR's, and many other top recruits at many positions. The 2009 class already has 26 commits (many of which are 4 or 5-stars ranked in Rivals and ESPN's top 150) and that number will most likely increase as many top recruits (4 and 5-stars) are still considering Ohio State. Combine the 2009 class and the 2008 class with Terrelle Pryor, Beanie Wells, and the other skill returning to OSU, and the Buckeyes seem like a team to be reckoned with next year and in years to come. The past two Buckeye classes are stacked and are obviously the most talented classes OSU has ever brought in. It looks like OSU will do a lot better next year against USC in the Horseshoe. That's not to say that this year is over. Beanie Wells should return soon and Terrelle Pryor is now starting. The Buckeyes defense is ok (really good by Big-10 standards) and they look to have a good shot at a Big-10 title and the Rose Bowl. And, depending on who the Buckeyes draw, they could easily win the Rose Bowl. Not to put this year on the backburner, but IF I was an OSU fan i wouldn't get down, the future is extremely bright and this year can still easily be a success (a Big 10 title and Rose Bowl victory). But, they'll have to play better or they'll lose to anyone with talent. I mean, if Troy and Ohio give OSU a little trouble, imagine what a good team could do. Oh wait, I forgot, we saw what a good team could do on September 13 in Southern California.