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OHIO STATE 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Buckeyes looking for explosive year

Tuesday, August 29, 2017 2 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW WCH Record-Herald A championship season or just close? label Ohio State has heard. If the Buck- mature physically and mentally. 3. Michigan is overdue against Ohio Ohio State has talent to win eyes front line earns it, they could find FIVE REASONS OHIO STATE MIGHT MIGHT State. a national title but there are themselves in Atlanta on Jan. 8. MISS THE PLAYOFFS The last time Ohio State went into the Michigan game as a clear favorite and no guarantees 3. No letdowns. No injuries. No 1. The offensive struggles could lost was 21 years ago when the Wolver- freak plays. continue. ines stunned the Buckeyes 13-9 in Ohio FIVE REASONS OHIO STATE COULD WIN IT Pay attention. Stay healthy. Maybe 2014 J.T. Barrett is gone Stadium in 1996. Don’t get field goals blocked. and he’s not coming back. Maybe ALL the receivers will never live up to 4. Youthful secondary. 4. Urban isn’t messing around. their recruiting hype. Maybe Mike 1. J.T. Barrett turns the quarterback Replacing three starting defensive After OSU was shut out 31-0 Weber still doesn’t have breakaway clock back to 2014. backs might not be as easy as OSU made by Clemson in a speed. Maybe the lack of offensive it look in 2016. Especially when the Remember the school-record 34 Playoff semifinal, it took less than line depth will catch up with the touchdown passes? Remember the two two weeks before it had a new Jim Buckeyes. three it has to replace this year all were overtime touchdowns at Penn State? offensive coordinator and a new Naveau first-round NFL draft choices. Remember him being fifth in the Heis- quarterbacks coach. Lima News 2. The kicking game Sports man Trophy voting? If Barrett plays like Sean Nuernberger, who was 5. Something no one is thinking he did in 2014, OSU could win it all. 5. Bigger, stronger, faster, injured last season, was the No. 1 about. older. kicker in 2014 but lost his job to a walk- No one saw a loss to a Penn State 2. The defensive line is as good as OSU got to the College Football Play- on in 2015. Punter Drue Chrisman was a team that started its season 2-2 coming expected. off with a very young team last season. highly rated recruit but has never been in when the Nittany Lions beat Ohio State Best defensive line in the country is a The ones who came back are a year more a college game. last season.

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41011239 WCH Record-Herald OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 3 OSU pitches success, future to recruits

By Jim Naveau Success on the field and in [email protected] getting players to the NFL obvi- ously has a lot to do with it. COLUMBUS – Ohio State’s Meyer is a magnetic, some 2018 recruiting class is ranked would say charismatic personal- No. 1 in the country and its ity. Recruiting coordinator Mark 2017 freshmen were ranked No. Pantoni directs a 10-person staff 2. which relentlessly identifies, Next year’s recruiting class evaluates and pursues the top has two 5-star recruits and gets the Ohio State recruits and 12 brand out there, including post- 4-stars so far and ing as many as 500 items a week this year’s class on social media. had two 5-stars And they all emphasize what and 17 4-stars. Ohio State can do for an athlete In Urban Mey- once his playing days are over. Martell er’s six years as Here’s what some of the top OSU’s , recruits in the 2017 recruiting he has had only class said convinced them Ohio one recruiting State was the place for them. class ranked lower Jeffrey Okudah, a 5-star cor- than No. 5 in the nerback from Texas, said, “What country. sold me was the plan they had So, how do set out for me after football. Not the Buckeyes do many schools go into that much it? What started detail. That really sold me and Okudah this tidal wave of my family. incoming talent, “They were pretty close to Don Speck/The Lima News beginning with my family. They did a really Ohio State freshman Brendon White (80) works against Shaun Wade (24) in Ohio State’s spring game. White has since the all-world class good job of recruiting everyone switched to safety from wide receiver and wears number 25. of 2013, which around me. And I knew in my included players head I wanted to compete with spot.’ They knew we knew we’d Martell said he felt a connec- parents love him. like , the best players in the country. have to come in and work for it tion with Meyer. “I think we “What sold me was he told me , From the start, that always from Day 1,” he said. both have a passion for football he would help me get a job after , Darron caught my eye. Tate Martell, a 4-star quar- that is second to none. It just felt football or if I get hurt he would Wade Lee, , “The one thing I liked about terback from Las Vegas, said, “I like a perfect fit for me,” he said. help me get a great job. If they Billy Price and Ohio State’s coaching staff was knew this was the place for me Shaun Wade, a 4-star corner- didn’t have anybody go to the ? And what has the honesty. They never said as soon as I got offered. This is back from Florida, said, “He NFL I would still be here,” Wade kept it going? anything like, ‘We’ll give you a where I wanted to be.” (Meyer) does a great job. My said.

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• local photos & videos www.fayettecountyohio.com • community events 101 E. East Street 40545276 • local sports Go to Washington Court House, OH 43160 • local news recordherald.com/ (740) 335-8000 • local blogs Toll Free (800) 479-7797 community-page 41016100 [email protected] NaveauBy Jim playmakers needs still Offense 4 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 balls andexecute said. them,”Smith looking for the offense tocompletedeep combination ofalotthings. Receivers says Smith coachZach it’s a Barrett. Others sayit’s thereceivers. plays inthepassinggame? haven’t theBuckeyes beenabletohitbig class. the topreceivers inthisyear’s freshman ally ranked recruits 4-star andsowere at widereceiver thisseasonwere nation- expected toget mostoftheplaying time address theissue.Allsixofplayers consin. 43-yarder byDontre Wilson against Wis - K.J. Hillagainst Green Bowling anda by ,a47-yard catch by Green anda75-yarder against Nebraska season –a79-yard catch against Bowling more than40yards byOSUplayers last offense inmostgames. deep ballwas absentfrom theBuckeyes’ was runningbackCurtis Samuelandthe second year at OhioState. makers at widereceiver isnow intoits Serving Fayette CountySince 1997 “It’s notlookingfor adeepball guy, it’s peopleblamequarterbackSome J.T. whatSo are theproblems? Why It’s notlike OhioState hasn’t triedto There were onlyfour receptions of Ohio State’s bestreceiver lastseason COLUMBUS –Thesearch for play-

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a touchdown last season. 2016. Hehad4catches for 64yards and nationally whenhesignedwithOSUin recruit andtheNo.13-ranked receiver spring game. but stayed andwas inthe astandout quitting football aftertheFiesta Bowl, six ofthemlastseason. ited himtoseven catches inhiscareer, State in2014.Kneeproblems have lim- nationally whenhesignedwithOhio and theNo.9-ranked widereceiver duction sofar: receivers, theircredentials andtheirpro Michigan State, Michigan andClemson. in itslastthree games ayear ago against and 127yards andonly onetouchdown Ohio State threw for 86yards, 124yards hadlastseason. Beck get thequarterbacks coachjobthat Tim as offensive coordinator andRyan Day saw Kevin Wilson replace EdWarinner a bigrole inacoachingshake-upthat perfect results andmighthave played storm,” hesaid. line doesn’t protect. Callittheperfect doesn’t make agreat throw, theoffensive guys notget open.Thequarterback E Binjimen Victor: Hewas a4-star Dixon, afourth-year junior, considered Johnnie Dixon: Hewas recruit a4-star Here’s alookat theBuckeyes’ top Those changes camenotlongafter A perfectstormthat produced farfrom “We’ve hadguys get open,we’ve had 215 E.Court St.,WashingtonC.H., OH43160|740-636-1070 All foraslow as OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Gym, Swim,Tan &GreatClasses Too! $ www.chfitnessonline.com 5.99 - just misses athrow from J.T. Barrett atMichigan State late last season. In ascene seen often last year, OhioState missed connections inthepassing game. Here Terry McLaurin as areceiver in2014.All11ofhiscareer recruit andwas ranked No.35nationally last season. 18 passesfor 262yards andatouchdown in the2015recruiting class.Hecaught was theNo.17widereceiver nationally season. will beusedmostlyasanH-backthis his career catches camelastseason.He among widereceivers in2014.All13of recruit whowas ranked No.23nationally Vincent-St. Marygraduate was a4-star Terry McLaurin:Hewas a4-star K.J. Hill:Hewas recruit a4-star who : TheAkron St. a week! State thisseason. needed bigplays inthepassing game for Ohio season, could bea receiver who provides much- Clemson inaCollege Football Playoff semifinal last Binjimen Victor, shown going upfor apass against Photos by Don LimaNews Speck/The WCH Record-Herald

41016080 WCH Record-Herald OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 5

Parris Campbell (21) warms up before an Ohio State game last season. He is being counted on to be productive in the role Curtis Samuel had in OSU’s offense did at H-back last season.

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett avoids the tackle of Indiana’s Marcus Oliver during a game last season. Barrett hopes to go out with a big senior year after appearing to struggle at times last season.

catches were last season. Austin Mack: He was a 4-star recruit in 2016. He was the No. 11 receiver nation- ally in his class. He caught two passes last season and played on special teams. Jaylen Harris and Trevon Grimes: The two incoming freshmen were both 4-sar recruits. Grimes, who had ACL surgery as a senior in high school, was ranked Ohio State running back Mike Weber (25) fights for yardage in the Buckeyes’ game at Oklahoma. OSU is looking for more big plays from Weber, too. No. 6 nationally and Harris was No. 28.

Record-Herald Black &&Blue An inside look at this week’s games Every Thursday, August 24 - October 26 41016112 6 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW WCH Record-Herald Worley can play anywhere

By Jim Naveau “crazy confident” doesn’t expect any dif- [email protected] ficulties getting used to his new position “It might sound crazy but it’s not that COLUMBUS – Ohio State middle line- much of a transition,” he said. “I’m not backer has a new position where I need to be in my opinion, but I’m this season, which is not really a new not too far off.” story. Probably the next most-asked ques- Actually, it’s an old story that goes all tion after that is if he has the size to play the way back to when he first arrived at middle linebacker at around 230 pounds. OSU four years ago. Once again, he says that will be no prob- The fifth-year senior from Cleveland lem. Glenville started out practicing half the “I’m about the same size (as last year). time with the linebackers and half the There is not too much bulking up you time with the safeties in his first training can do. Fifteen pounds is not going to camp as part of OSU’s outstanding 2013 change much. It’s really not about size,” recruiting class. Since then, he’s played Worley said. all three linebacker positions in Ohio Jerome Baker and Worley are return- State’s defense. ing starters at linebacker. But in Worley’s Last year Worley had 70 tackles, 4.5 mind, OSU has three returnees at that tackles for losses and an interception in position because Baker’s chance to start his first year as a starter. came after starter Dante Booker suffered He nearly became a starter two years a strained medial collateral ligament in before that when he battled future first- last year’s opener and eventually was round draft choice for a spot redshirted. in the lineup right down to just before “We do have to replace Raekwon but the 2014 season opener. Lee kept the job technically we have three starting line- for two years, but Worley’s teammates backers back from last year,” Worley said. Don Speck/The Lima News Ohio State’s Chris Worley (35) makes an interception in the end zone to stop Michigan State’s attempt insisted there was not much, if any differ- He described Booker as “one of the for a two-point conversion last season in East Lansing, Mich. ence between the starter and the back-up. fiercest competitors I’ve ever been When Raekwon McMillan decided to around.” We were in the pool wrestling. We were Ohio State’s linebackers have a defen- leave OSU after his junior season to enter “Every year when Coach (Luke) Fickell playing half court basketball. We’re going sive line in front of them that is being the NFL draft, Worley was on the move was here we’d all go over to his house in to compete until one of us taps out or described as one of the best in the coun- again. the summer as a linebackers group. Me one of us wins or there is no more time try. Worley, who once described himself as and Book would be at his house all day. left.” If there is a question about OSU’s Court House Collision Center 2011 Columbus Ave. | Washington, CH, Ohio 43160 (Behind Streetside 62 Bistro) Top Quality Work 740-335-5500

Guaranteed! Family Owned and Operated Dan & Kim Oesterle 41016077 WCH Record-Herald OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 7 defense, it is if it will be able to replace starters at three of the four positions in the defensive backfield for a second season in a row. Cornerbacks and and safe- ty were all NFL first-round draft choices this year. Two players seem to have clinched starting spots – returning starter at safety Damon Webb and cornerback Denzel Ward. Transfer Kendall Sheffield, Damon Arnette and freshman Jeffrey Okudah are competing for the other cornerback spot. And Jor- dan Fuller and Erick Smith are in the running for the start at the other safety position. “We have a bunch of older guys returning and a lot of young guys who are coming in who look like they’re destined to be great,” Worley said. “So it’s like once we can figure out the middle part of our team and figure out what type of people they are, it’s just going to build up.”

Reach Jim Naveau at 567-242-0414 or on Twitter at @Lima_Naveau.

Ohio State’s defense celebrates after stopping Indiana on a fourth-and-goal situation last season in a game at Ohio Stadium.

Ohio State linebackers Chris Worley (35) left and Jerome Baker Ohio State’s Damon Arnette (3) and Denzel Ward (12) celebrate Defensive lineman Robert Landers (bottom) and Dre’Mont Jones sack Rutgers (17) combine to sack Michigan quarterback last after Arnette’s interception against Northwestern last season in quarterback Chris Laviano during a game last season. season in Ohio Stadium. Ohio Stadium.

41016096 8 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW WCH Record-Herald OSU defensive line wants to be best By Jim Naveau four standout defensive ends – [email protected] , , and Lewis. COLUMBUS – It didn’t get Hubbard and Holmes were the attention of his spread honorable mention All-Big Ten offense. It wasn’t attached to a last season and Bosa had five memorable image, like saying sacks as a freshman in a season he wanted assistant coaches in which he was brought along who coached like their hair was slowly after ACL surgery his on fire. senior year of high school. But very soon after Urban “We’ll be as good as anybody Meyer was hired as Ohio State’s in America at defensive end,” football coach in 2011, he said Meyer said during spring prac- one of the most important ele- tice. ments in building a great foot- The interior line is good and ball team was having a strong deep, too, with players like defensive line. Dre’Mont Jones, Robert Land- Seven years later, Ohio State ers and Tracy Sprinkle, a starter has a defensive line so talented until he suffered a season-end- and so deep that it has been ing torn patellar tendor injury called the best in college foot- in the first quarter of last year’s ball. opener against Bowling Green. It is a label both the players Michael Hill eventually could and Meyer have embraced. join them if he returns from a “We definitely care about that suspension. because who wouldn’t want to It wasn’t just players that be known as the best defensive Meyer recruited to build this line, not only this year but in impressive front line of the history,” defensive end Tyquan Buckeyes’ defense. Since 2014, Lewis said. the line has been coached by Lewis, the 2016 Big Ten Larry Johnson who, like his Defensive Lineman of the current defensive line, has also Year, surprised some people by been called the best in the coun- returning for his senior year try at what he does. instead of going into the NFL He has coached seven first- draft. round NFL draft picks at OSU Don Speck/The Lima News That decision gave Ohio State and Penn State and eight of his Ohio State defensive end Tyquan Lewis (59) prepares to hit Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano during a game last season at Ohio Stadium. Want To Reach Up To 50,000 Rural Households? Advertise In Next Month’s Issue Of Rural Life Today!

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41016103 WCH Record-Herald OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 9

players have been named Big If Ohio State is going to be Ten Defensive Lineman of the the best defensive line in the Year. country, sacking the quar- Ohio State defensive coordi- terback is probably the area nator gives the where it needs to show the defensive line and Johnson most improvement. high grades. OSU’s 28 sacks last season “The defensive line is really ranked seventh in the Big Ten good. I think we have the and 58th nationally. Lewis led best defensive line coach in the Buckeyes with eight and America in Larry Johnson. Bosa’s five were second. He knows how to keep them Those 28 sacks were the all involved. We should never lowest total during Meyer’s have a tired defensive lineman five seasons at OSU an 17 out there if, God willing, we short of the highest total of stay healthy,” Schiano said. his tenure, 45 in 2014. That Despite all the talk about was two short of the school being the best, Ohio State’s record of 47. Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa (97) puts his hands up Tyquan Lewis, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, rushes linemen say they won’t get Schiano offered the theory to try to knock down a pass by Michigan quarterback Wilton Clemson quarterback during a College Football caught up in it. during a Fox.com interview Speight during a game last season at Ohio Stadium. Playoff semifinal game last season. “We talk about it in the earlier this year that Ohio meeting room and it’s more State emphasized disrupting of a motivation thing than the pass rather than hitting hyping up our heads. Coach J the quarterback last season as (Johnson) says if that’s what a possible explanation for the they’re going to say about us low sack numbers. then we’ve got to work and Johnson said during spring actually achieve it,” Hubbard practice that his defensive said. linemen just needed to be Holmes said, “You want quicker once the ball was praise. I’d be lying to you if I snapped to pump up the sacks said I didn’t care. But at the numbers. end of the day you have to “What you saw is that we know that’s just preseason weren’t taking that first step stuff. At the end of the day fast enough across the line you want the postseason of scrimmage. At the end of awards and you don’t really the day we have to get the care about the preseason stuff. quarterback on his back. We “I feel like we’ve been keep- have to rev up our pass rush,” ing a real humble mind and Johnson said. working to push to be better,” Reach Jim Naveau at 567-242-0414 or on Ohio State defensive linemen Jalyn Holmes (11) and Dre’Mont Jones (86) put pressure on Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield he said. Twitter at @Lima_Naveau. during a game in Norman, Okla. last season.

Publishes Wednesday, August 30 and Every Friday September 8 -November 24 41016116 10 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW WCH Record-Herald BIG TEN EAST DIVISION Indiana upgrade for a team which had a glaring Last year: 6-7, 4-5 Big Ten, fourth in lack of depth in 2016? Who did Mary- East land make mad at them that its three Returning starters: 15 (5 offense, 9 cross division match-ups are against Wis- defense, kicker, punter) consin, Minnesota and Northwestern? Players to watch: QB Richard Lagow, Coach’s quote: “I think we’re recruiting WR Simmie Cobbs, WR Nick West- at a level that will put us in the position brook, OT Coy Cronk, TE Danny Friend, we want to be in, which is we’re here to LB Tegray Scales, CB Rashard Fant win championships. We’re here to com- The big questions: Will IU find a run- pete, to win it.” — D.J. Durkin ning back to replace Devine Redding, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing Michigan seasons in 2015 and 2016? Can quar- Last year: 10-3, 7-2 Big Ten, third in terback Richard Lagow (19 touchdown East passes, 17 turnovers) cut down on bad Returning starters: 5 (4 offense, 1 decisions? With nine returning starters, defense) will the defense be able to build on the Players to watch: QB Wilton Speight, dramatic improvement it made last sea- RB Chris Evans, WR Tarik Black, C son? Mason Cole, DE Rashan Gary, DT Mau- Coach’s quote: “We made great rice Hurst, LB Mike McCray, LB Devin improvement last year defensively, from Bush 2015 to 2016. We were not satisfied with The big questions: Can Michigan that. We want to be a top 25 defense. “ add a third season of 10 wins or more — Tom Allen in Jim Harbaugh’s third season as its coach despite losing 11 players to the AP Photos Linebacker Tegray Scales is expected to be one of the leaders of Indiana’s defense again this season. Maryland NFL draft and having only one returning Last year: 6-7, 3-6 Big Ten, fifth in starter on defense? Is Harbaugh serious Players to watch: QB Brian Lewerke, Coach’s quote: “We established our- East that QB Wilton Speight (2,538 yards, RB L.J. Scott, C Brian Allen, WR Hunter selves as a championship program inch Returning starters: 14 (6 offense, 6 18 touchdowns) will have to compete Rison, DE Raequan Williams, CB Josiah by inch. There was nothing ever given to defense, punter, kicker) for the starting job? Can the Wolverines Scott us. We have to go back to that mindset Players to watch: QB Caleb Hender- produce a 1,000-yard rusher for the first The big questions: Is Michigan State and understand that things don’t come son, OT Damian Prince, WR D.J. Moore, time since 2011? still among the Big Ten’s elite program easy.” — Mark Dantonio RB Anthony McFarland, DE Jesse Anie- Coach’s quote: “Young and untalented or have last season’s struggles, combined bonam, LB Jermaine Carter Jr. is bad. Young and talented, that’s good. with off the field legal issues, knocked Ohio State The big questions: Can the Terrapins It’s a good thing.” — Jim Harbaugh the Spartans from the ranks of the top Last year: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten, tie for stop being pushed around by oppos- teams after 36 wins in three seasons? first in East ing defensive lines and offensive lines Michigan State Is Brian Lewerke the answer at quarter- Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 after giving up 49 sacks last season and Last year: 3-9, 1-8 Big Ten, sixth in back? Will the Spartans get better line defense) being outscored 121-6 by Ohio State and East play on both sides of the ball, particu- Players to watch: QB J.T. Barrett, RB Michigan? Will a recruiting class ranked Returning starters: 7 (3 offense, 3 larly on defense where they had only 11 Mike Weber, C Billy Price, DE Tyquan No. 18 nationally provide an immediate defense, punter) sacks. Lewis, DE Sam Hubbard, DE Nick Bosa,

Record-HeraldChris Hoppes Email: [email protected] Phone: (740)313-0349 Sports Fax: (740)335-5728 www.recordherald.com 41016105 WCH Record-Herald OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 11

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh talks with quarterback Wilton Speight during last year’s Michigan State game. LB Jerome Baker, LB Chris Worley, CB Denzel Coach’s quote: “We think we have a lot of Ward pieces of the puzzle in place. We only had The big questions: Will OSU challenge for a one senior on offense last year and only two spot in the College Football Playoff again? Will seniors on defense, so we were one of the J.T. Barrett be the Heisman Trophy contender youngest teams in college football.” — James he was in 2014 or the inconsistent passer he Franklin has been at times the last two years? Can Ohio Heisman Trophy candidate Sequon Barkley looks for running room in Penn State’s game State find some productive wide receivers? Rutgers against USC in the Rose Bowl. Coach’s quote: “I feel extremely strong about Last year: 2-10, 0-9 Big Ten, seventh in the top tier leadership of our team and his- East tory shows that usually indicates a good, solid Returning starters: 15 (5 offense, 8 team.”— defense, kicker, punter) Players to watch: QB Kyle Bolin, RB Robert Penn State Martin, WR Janarion Grant, OT Tariq Cole, Last year: 11-3, 8-1 Big Ten, champion Big DT Sebastian Joseph, FS Saquan Hampton Ten The big questions: Is there any way but up Returning starters: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, to go for an offense which scored one touch- kicker, punter) down or fewer in eight games last season? Players to watch: QB Trace McSorley, RB Will receiver/kick returner Janarion Grant, Saquon Barkley, TE Chris Gesicki, WR Dae- who missed most of last season with a bro- Sean Hamilton, LB Jason Cabinda, FS Mar- ken ankle, give Rutgers a big play threat? cus Allen Can the defense, which allowed 37.5 points a The big questions: Can the Nittany Lions game last season, improve? challenge for a spot in the College Football Coach’s quote: “We’ve pressed the reset Playoff? How will they handle being the hunt- button and it’s a new team, new focus, new ed instead of the hunter? Who will fill the commitment, new energy and we’re excited Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio will be trying to turn the Spartans around after a spot of cornerback John Reid (torn ACL)? to get going.” — 3-9 season last year. Whether it be a horse, lamb, cat or dog.... FAYETTE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Gary D. Junk, D.V.M. 335-6161 MEMBER HOSPITAL Daryl L. Waits, D.V.M. 1974 Columbus Ave. AAHA AMERICAN Washington C.H. ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

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Illinois breaking his foot last season and again Last year: 3-9, 2-7 Big Ten, sixth in during spring practice? Can linebacker West Josey Jewell have a game day highlight Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 5 that tops proposing to his girlfriend at defense, kicker) Kinnick Stadium this spring? Players to watch: QB Chayce Crouch, Coach’s quote: “I think all of us as RB Kendrick Foster, WR Malik Turner, coaches and players feel good about both WR Mikey Dudek, OT Christian DiLau- guys (quarterbacks Nate Stanley and ro, DE James Crawford, LB Tre Watson Tyler Wiegers) and feel like they both The big questions: Will Newark Catho- can lead us to good results.” — Kirk lic grad Chayce Crouch stay healthy Ferentz and have a big season. Crouch played in only four games last season because Minnesota of a shoulder injury. Can wide receiver Last year: 9-4, 5-4, tied for fourth in Mikey Dudek (76 catches in 2014) come West back after tearing the same ACL twice Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5 and missing the last two seasons? Can a defense, kicker, punter) team with eight scholarship seniors and Players to watch: RB Rodney Smith, no recruits rated higher than three stars RB Shannon Brooks, WR Rashad Still, the last two years improve on last year’s DT Steven Richardson, LB Cody Poock three wins? The big questions: Who will replace Coach’s quote: “The things you should four-year starter Mitch Leidner at do, that you need to do that are neces- quarterback? Can coach P.J. Fleck turn sary behind the scenes, we are getting Minnesota into an elite program or will done right now.” — Lovie Smith his act wear thin if he doesn’t? Are Rod- ney Smith (1,158 yards) and Shannon Iowa Brooks (650 yards) the best running AP Photos Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee (13) throws during a preseason practice in Lincoln, Neb. Lee will start Last year: 8-5, 6-3 Big Ten, tie second back combination in the Big Ten? this season after sitting out last year following his transfer from Tulane. in West Coach’s quote: “My job is to bring Returning starters: 13 (5 offense, 7 national attention and national exposure dun, S Kieron Williams, CB Chris Jones Coach’s quote: “Guys are doing what defense, kicker) to the University of Minnesota.” — P.J. The big questions: Can the Cornhusk- they’re supposed to be doing.” — Mike Players to watch: RB Akrum Wadley, Fleck ers finish what they started, unlike last Riley OG Sean Walsh, WR Matt VandeBerg, season when a 7-0 start was followed by DE Parker Hesse, LB Josey Jewell, LB Nebraska four losses in their last six games? Will Northwestern Ben Niemann Last year: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten, tied second Tulane transfer pro-style quarterback Last year: 7-6, 5-4 Big Ten, tied for The big questions: Who will be the in West Tanner Lee be a better fit for coach Mike fourth in West starting quarterback and can he improve Returning starters: 14 (5 offense, 7 Riley’s system than Tommy Armstrong? Returning starters: 16 (8 offense, 7 a passing game that ranked No. 118 defense, kicker, punter) Who will replace three-year starting defense, punter) nationally last season? Will No. 1 wide Players to watch: QB Tanner Lee, WR cornerback Chris Jones, who suffered a Players to watch: QB Clayton Thorson, receiver Matt VandeBerg be limited after Stanley Morgan, DE Freedom Akinmola- season-ending knee injury this summer? RB Justin Jackson, WR Flynn Nagel, OT

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757 W. Elm Street |Washington C.H., Ohio Phone - 740-335-3611 41016123 had 124 tackles last season. Hawkeyes’ spring game. Jewell hasstarted 30straight games and Iowa linebacker Josey Jewell looks to make atackle duringthe yards rushinglast season. Northwestern runningback Justin Jackson (21) runsfor atouchdown against Pittsburgh duringthePinstripe Bowl. Jackson had1,524 WCH Record-Herald touchdowns last season for theBoilermakers. Purdue quarterback Jeff Bloughpassed for 3,352 yards and25 Record Herald subscription. Salt Magazineispublished Salt OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW edition includedwiththe Look for theSeptember 6 in five Ohio.regions of home delivery ofyourhome delivery Purdue Pat Fitzgerald athleticism ofthegroup.” – competitive depth.Ilike the receiver Austin Carr? passing game misswide a row? How muchwillthe yards for thefourth year in rush for more than1,000 running backJustin Jackson West Divisiontitle?Can hopes ofchallengingfor the or break games for their sin andPenn State bemake Ten games against Wiscon- the Wildcats’ first two Big buike Lancaster, SGodwin Igwe Tommy Doles,DT Tyler 2011? Will quarterback had awinningrecord since Boilermakers, whohaven’t aturnaroundstart for the and juniorcollege players a heavy infusionoftransfers new coach,Jeff Brohm, and Da’Wan Hunte ley, LBT.J. McCollum,CB Bailey, LBJa’Whaun Bent Gelen Robinson, LBMarkus Jones, RBD.J. Knox, DT David Blough,RBMarkell punter) offense, 9defense,kicker, Ten, seventh West Coach’s quote:“Ilike our The bigquestions:Will The bigquestions:Will a Players towatch: QB Returning starters: 16 (5 Last year: 3-9,1-8Big - - Wisconsin Paul Chryst in alotofbiggames.” — lot ofguys that have played a really good seniorclass, a ning backs? Wisconsinoutstanding run- the next inalonglineof last year)? IsBradrick Shaw TD passes,7interceptions increase hisproduction (9 terback Alex Hornibrook in theBigTen? Canquar gers have the bestdefense 10 nationally,- couldtheBad defense ranked inthetop eight starters backfrom a galli, SD’Cota Dixon Jazz Peavy, TETroy Fuma- Shaw, RBChris James, WR Hornibrook, RBBradrick punter) offense, 8defense,kicker, Ten, first in West Jeff Brohm made improvements.” — I dothinkthat we have We have aways togo there. line isveryfor important us. offensive linespell trouble? and inexperienced onthe turnovers? Will beingyoung year) beabletocutdown on passes, 21interceptions last David Blough(25TD Tuesday, August 29, 2017 13 Coach’s quote: ““We have The bigquestions:With Players towatch: QBAlex Returning starters: 19(9 Last year: 11-3,7-2Big Coach’s quote:“Offensive -

41016121 14 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW WCH Record-Herald

2016 OHIO STATE PRESEASON AP TOP 25 The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press preseason college football poll, LEADERS with first-place votes in parentheses, 2016 records, total points based on PASSING 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and J.T. Barrett...... 2555 2016 final ranking: ...... 226 RUSHING Record Pts Prv Mike Weber...... 1096 1. Alabama (52) 14-1 1513 2 J.T. Barrett...... 845 2. Ohio St. (3) 11-2 1414 6 Curtis Samuel...... 771 3. Florida St. (4) 10-3 1396 8 Demario McCall...... 270 4. Southern Cal (2) 10-3 1325 3 RECEIVING 5. Clemson 14-1 1201 1 Curtis Samuel...... 865 6. Penn St. 11-3 1196 7 Noah Brown...... 402 7. Oklahoma 11-2 1170 5 Dontre Wilson...... 352 8. Washington 12-2 1150 4 Marcus Baugh...... 269 9. Wisconsin 11-3 926 9 K.J. Hill...... 262 10. Oklahoma St. 10-3 889 11 TACKLES 11. Michigan 10-3 881 10 Raekwon McMillan...... 102 12. Auburn 8-5 880 24 Jerome Baker...... 83 13. LSU 8-4 784 13 Malik Hooker...... 74 14. Stanford 10-3 695 12 Chris Worley...... 70 15. Georgia 8-5 690 - Damon Webb...... 57 16. Louisville 9-4 629 21 Dre’Mont Jones...... 42 17. Florida 9-4 624 14 Sam Hubbard...... 46 18. Miami 9-4 492 20 TACKLES FOR LOSSES 19. South Florida 11-2 327 19 Jerome Baker...... 9.5 20. Kansas St. 9-4 317 - Jalyn Holmes...... 8.5 21. Virginia Tech 10-4 240 16 Sam Hubbard...... 8.0 22. West Virginia 10-3 207 18 Raekwon McMillan...... 7.0 23. Texas 5-7 173 - Nick Bosa...... 7.0 24. Washington St. 8-5 133 - INTERCEPTIONS 25. Tennessee 9-4 114 22 Malik Hooker...... 7 Marshon Lattimore...... 4 Others receiving votes: TCU 98, Utah 85, Notre Dame 65, Boise St. 37, NC Gareon Conley...... 4 State 26, Northwestern 25, Pittsburgh 23, Oregon 21, Houston 19, Colorado Jerome Baker...... 2 18, UCLA 9, San Diego St. 9, BYU 5, BYU 4, Nebraska 4, Tulsa 4, Kentucky 3, Rodjay Burns...... 1 Texas A&M 3, Michigan St. 1. Chris Worley...... 1 Damon Webb...... 1 Damon Arnette...... 1 OHIO STATE Sept. 30 – at Rutgers, TBA SACKS Oct. 7 – Maryland, 3:30 or 4 p.m. Tyquan Lewis...... 8 SCHEDULE Oct. 14 – at Nebraska, TBA Nick Bosa...... 5 Oct. 28—Penn State, 3:30 p.m. Aug. 31 – at Indiana, 8 p.m. Nov. 4 – at Iowa, TBA FIELD GOALS Sept. 9 – Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. Tyler Durbin...... 17/22 Nov 11 – Michigan State, TBA Sept. 16 – Army, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 – Illinois, TBA PUNTING Sept. 23 – UNLV, TBA Cameron Johnston...... 46.7 Nov. 25 – at Michigan, Noon

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41016119 WCH Record-Herald OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 15 Playoff forecasts start with ‘Bama quarterback Deondre Francois, running back is back, but coach Bob Stoops, running By Jim Naveau ALABAMA Cam Akers and others will put points on the backs and and wide [email protected] Quarterback Jalen Hurt is a year older and a scoreboard. receiver Dede Westbrook are all gone. season more experienced. The defense has Chances are good that a lot of people two returning starters at every level — line, linebackers and defensive backfield. The Tide predicted three of the four teams who CLEMSON WASHINGTON eventualy got into the College Football came within seconds of winning Nick Saban’s fifth national championship last season. The big question, obviously, is who The Huskies have quite a bit of talent back Playoff last season. will replace Deshaun Watson at from last year’s playoff semifinalist It wasn’t going out on a limb to predict that quarterback. But, as Ohio State team and a schedule that might the two teams in the 2015 championship learned, the Tigers can play a not be overly challenging until game, Alabama and Clemson, would return OHIO STATE little defense, too. November. for another round. And it wasn’t a surprise If the Buckeyes restore the deep pass to their offense and find replacements for three to see the 2014 champion, Ohio State, there AP Photo defensive backs who were first-round NFL either. PENN STATE Alabama coach Nick The only surprise in the semifinals was draft choices, they could be contenders. Quarterback Trace Saban works with Washington. So, will this year bring any McSorley, running back his players during unanticipated playoff teams? Or will it belong Saquon Barkley and NCAA college to the tried and true powers of the college USC football The Trojans finished last season on a a good receivers group game again? make the Nittany Lions practice It would not be a shock to see the four nine-game winning streak behind redshirt earlier this freshman Sam Darnold. one of the most explosive College Football Playoff semifinalists come offensive teams in college month in from this list of eight teams: Alabama, Ohio football. Tuscaloosa, Ala. State, USC, Florida State, Clemson, Penn FLORIDA STATE State, Oklahoma and Washington, who If Florida State’s offensive line, which allowed OKLAHOMA have all been near the top of the preseason 36 sacks last season, plays a little better, national rankings. Quarterback Baker Mayfield

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