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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 The Times-Gazette 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 College Football 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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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. er’s six years as Here’s what some of the top Martell OSU’s head coach, 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 Joey Bosa, 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 Ezekiel Elliott, From the start, that always from Day 1,” he said. both have a passion for football he would help me get a job after Vonn Bell, 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, Eli Apple, “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 Tyquan Lewis? 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 And what has 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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Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 41015100 4 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette Offense still needs playmakers By Jim Naveau “We’ve had guys get open, we’ve had [email protected] guys not get open. The quarterback doesn’t make a great throw, the offensive COLUMBUS – The search for play- line doesn’t protect. Call it the perfect makers at wide receiver is now into its storm,” he said. second year at Ohio State. A perfect storm that produced far from Ohio State’s best receiver last season perfect results and might have played was running back Curtis Samuel and the a big role in a coaching shake-up that deep ball was absent from the Buckeyes’ saw Kevin Wilson replace Ed Warinner offense in most games. as offensive coordinator and Ryan Day There were only four receptions of get the quarterbacks coach job that Tim more than 40 yards by OSU players last Beck had last season. season – a 79-yard catch against Bowling Those changes came not long after Green and a 75-yarder against Nebraska Ohio State threw for 86 yards, 124 yards by Curtis Samuel, a 47-yard catch by and 127 yards and only one touchdown K.J. Hill against Bowling Green and a in its last three games a year ago against 43-yarder by Dontre Wilson against Wis- Michigan State, Michigan and Clemson. Photos by Don Speck/The Lima News consin. Here’s a look at the Buckeyes’ top In a scene seen often last year, Ohio State missed connections in the passing game. Here Terry McLaurin It’s not like Ohio State hasn’t tried to receivers, their credentials and their pro- just misses a throw from J.T. Barrett at Michigan State late last season. address the issue. All six of the players duction so far: expected to get most of the playing time Johnnie Dixon: He was a 4-star recruit Parris Campbell: The Akron St. at wide receiver this season were nation- and the No. 9-ranked wide receiver Vincent-St. Mary graduate was a 4-star ally ranked 4-star recruits and so were nationally when he signed with Ohio recruit who was ranked No. 23 nationally the top receivers in this year’s freshman State in 2014. Knee problems have lim- among wide receivers in 2014. All 13 of class. ited him to seven catches in his career, his career catches came last season. He So what are the problems? Why six of them last season. will be used mostly as an H-back this haven’t the Buckeyes been able to hit big Dixon, a fourth-year junior, considered season. plays in the passing game? quitting football after the Fiesta Bowl, K.J. Hill: He was a 4-star recruit who Some people blame quarterback J.T. but stayed and was a standout in the was the No. 17 wide receiver nationally Barrett. Others say it’s the receivers. spring game. in the 2015 recruiting class. He caught Receivers coach Zach Smith says it’s a Binjimen Victor: He was a 4-star 18 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown combination of a lot of things. recruit and the No. 13-ranked receiver last season. “It’s not looking for a deep ball guy, it’s nationally when he signed with OSU in Terry McLaurin: He was a 4-star Binjimen Victor, shown going up for a pass against looking for the offense to complete deep 2016. He had 4 catches for 64 yards and recruit and was ranked No. 35 nationally Clemson in a College Football Playoff semifinal last balls and execute them,” Smith said. a touchdown last season. as a receiver in 2014. All 11 of his career season, could be a receiver who provides much- needed big plays in the passing game for Ohio State this season.

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40471956 6 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette 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 Chris Worley 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 Darron Lee 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 insisted there was not much, if any differ- He described Booker as “one of the Ohio State’s Chris Worley (35) makes an interception in the end zone to stop Michigan State’s attempt 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 winsCommunity 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 Sanitation of Ohio Waste SolutionsCSO for Residential, Industrial and Commercial Customers in Fayette, Community Highland and Clinton Counties. 7953 US Hwy 62 SW 877-432-9666 Sanitation of Ohio Washington C.H., Ohio 43160 740-333-7730 www.communitysanitationohio.com CSO [email protected]@communitysanitationohio.com • [email protected] 41015783

7953 US Hwy 62 SW 877-432-9666 Washington C.H., Ohio 43160 740-333-7730 www.communitysanitationohio.com [email protected] • [email protected] The Times-Gazette 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 Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley and safe- ty Malik Hooker 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 Wilton Speight last after Arnette’s interception against Northwestern last season in quarterback Chris Laviano during a game last season. season in Ohio Stadium. Ohio Stadium. HARRIS EXCAVATING JASON HARRIS • Preparation for Driveways • Gravel Delivery, Grading & Tailgating OWNER/OPERATOR • Drainage • Concrete & Asphalt Preparation/Removal • Downspout/Water Lines • Septic Installation & Repair Debris Removal & MUCH MORE! Fully Call for FREE Estimates! (937) 217-2272 • Insured 8 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette OSU defensive line wants to be best By Jim Naveau That decision gave Ohio State [email protected] four standout defensive ends – Sam Hubbard, Jalyn Holmes, COLUMBUS – It didn’t get Nick Bosa and Lewis. the attention of his spread Hubbard and Holmes were offense. It wasn’t attached to a honorable mention All-Big Ten memorable image, like saying last season and Bosa had five he wanted assistant coaches sacks as a freshman in a season who coached like their hair was in which he was brought along on fire. slowly after ACL surgery his But very soon after Urban senior year of high school. Meyer was hired as Ohio State’s “We’ll be as good as anybody football coach in 2011, he said in America at defensive end,” one of the most important ele- Meyer said during spring prac- ments in building a great foot- tice. ball team was having a strong The interior line is good and defensive line. deep, too, with players like Seven years later, Ohio State Dre’Mont Jones, Robert Land- has a defensive line so talented ers and Tracy Sprinkle, a starter and so deep that it has been until he suffered a season-end- called the best in college foot- ing torn patellar tendor injury ball. in the first quarter of last year’s It is a label both the players opener against Bowling Green. and Meyer have embraced. Michael Hill eventually could “We definitely care about that join them if he returns from a because who wouldn’t want to suspension. be known as the best defensive It wasn’t just players that line, not only this year but in Meyer recruited to build this history,” defensive end Tyquan impressive front line of the Lewis said. Buckeyes’ defense. Since 2014, Lewis, the 2016 Big Ten the line has been coached by Defensive Lineman of the Larry Johnson who, like his Year, surprised some people by current defensive line, has also returning for his senior year been called the best in the coun- instead of going into the NFL try at what he does. Don Speck/The Lima News draft. He has coached seven first- Ohio State defensive end Tyquan Lewis (59) prepares to hit Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano during a game last season at Ohio Stadium.

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round NFL draft picks better,” he said. at OSU and Penn State If Ohio State is and eight of his play- going to be the best ers have been named defensive line in the Big Ten Defensive country, sacking the Lineman of the Year. quarterback is prob- Ohio State defensive ably the area where coordinator Greg Schi- it needs to show the ano gives the defen- most improvement. sive line and Johnson OSU’s 28 sacks last high grades. season ranked seventh “The defensive in the Big Ten and line is really good. I 58th nationally. Lewis think we have the best led the Buckeyes with defensive line coach eight and Bosa’s five in America in Larry were second. Johnson. He knows Those 28 sacks were how to keep them all the lowest total during involved. We should Meyer’s five seasons never have a tired at OSU an 17 short defensive lineman of the highest total of out there if, God will- his tenure, 45 in 2014. ing, we stay healthy,” That was two short Schiano said. of the school record Despite all the talk of 47. about being the best, Schiano offered the Ohio State’s linemen theory during a Fox. Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa (97) puts his hands up to try to knock Tyquan Lewis, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, rushes say they won’t get com interview earlier down a pass by Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight during a game last Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson during a College Football caught up in it. this year that Ohio season at Ohio Stadium. Playoff semifinal game last season. “We talk about it in State emphasized dis- the meeting room and rupting the pass rather it’s more of a motiva- than hitting the quar- tion thing than hyping terback last season as up our heads. Coach J a possible explanation (Johnson) says if that’s for the low sack num- what they’re going bers. to say about us then Johnson said during we’ve got to work and spring practice that actually achieve it,” his defensive linemen Hubbard said. just needed to be Holmes said, “You quicker once the ball want praise. I’d be was snapped to pump lying to you if I said up the sacks numbers. I didn’t care. But at “What you saw is the end of the day you that we weren’t tak- have to know that’s ing that first step fast just preseason stuff. At enough across the line the end of the day you of scrimmage. At the want the postseason end of the day we have awards and you don’t to get the quarterback really care about the on his back. We have preseason stuff. to rev up our pass “I feel like we’ve rush,” Johnson said. been keeping a real Reach Jim Naveau at 567- Ohio State defensive linemen Jalyn Holmes (11) and Dre’Mont Jones (86) put pressure on Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield during a game in humble mind and 242-0414 or on Twitter at @ Norman, Okla. last season. working to push to be Lima_Naveau. 10 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette

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 AP Photos coach despite losing 11 players to the 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,

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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 Heisman Trophy candidate Sequon Barkley looks for running room in Penn State’s game against USC in the Rose Bowl. has been at times the last two years? Can Ohio State find some productive wide receivers? Rutgers 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.”— Urban Meyer 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.” — Chris Ash 3-9 season last year. 12 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette BIG TEN WEST DIVISION

Illinois Last year: 3-9, 2-7 Big Ten, sixth in West Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 5 defense, kicker) Players to watch: QB Chayce Crouch, RB Kendrick Foster, WR Malik Turner, WR Mikey Dudek, OT Christian DiLau- ro, DE James Crawford, LB Tre Watson The big questions: Will Newark Catho- lic grad Chayce Crouch stay healthy and have a big season. Crouch played in only four games last season because of a shoulder injury. Can wide receiver Mikey Dudek (76 catches in 2014) come back after tearing the same ACL twice and missing the last two seasons? Can a team with eight scholarship seniors and no recruits rated higher than three stars the last two years improve on last year’s three wins? Coach’s quote: “The things you should do, that you need to do that are neces- sary behind the scenes, we are getting done right now.” — Lovie Smith

Iowa Last year: 8-5, 6-3 Big Ten, tie second in West Returning starters: 13 (5 offense, 7 defense, kicker) Players to watch: RB Akrum Wadley, OG Sean Walsh, WR Matt VandeBerg, DE Parker Hesse, LB Josey Jewell, LB Ben Niemann AP Photos The big questions: Who will be the Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee (13) throws during a preseason practice in Lincoln, Neb. Lee will start this season after sitting out last year following his starting quarterback and can he improve transfer from Tulane. a passing game that ranked No. 118 nationally last season? Will No. 1 wide Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5 Nebraska season-ending knee injury this summer? receiver Matt VandeBerg be limited after defense, kicker, punter) Last year: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten, tied second Coach’s quote: “Guys are doing what breaking his foot last season and again Players to watch: RB Rodney Smith, in West they’re supposed to be doing.” — Mike during spring practice? Can linebacker RB Shannon Brooks, WR Rashad Still, Returning starters: 14 (5 offense, 7 Riley Josey Jewell have a game day highlight DT Steven Richardson, LB Cody Poock defense, kicker, punter) that tops proposing to his girlfriend at The big questions: Who will replace Players to watch: QB Tanner Lee, WR Northwestern Kinnick Stadium this spring? four-year starter Mitch Leidner at Stanley Morgan, DE Freedom Akinmola- Last year: 7-6, 5-4 Big Ten, tied for Coach’s quote: “I think all of us as quarterback? Can coach P.J. Fleck turn dun, S Kieron Williams, CB Chris Jones fourth in West coaches and players feel good about both Minnesota into an elite program or will The big questions: Can the Cornhusk- Returning starters: 16 (8 offense, 7 guys (quarterbacks Nate Stanley and his act wear thin if he doesn’t? Are Rod- ers finish what they started, unlike last defense, punter) Tyler Wiegers) and feel like they both ney Smith (1,158 yards) and Shannon season when a 7-0 start was followed by Players to watch: QB Clayton Thorson, can lead us to good results.” — Kirk Brooks (650 yards) the best running four losses in their last six games? Will RB Justin Jackson, WR Flynn Nagel, OT Ferentz back combination in the Big Ten? Tulane transfer pro-style quarterback Tommy Doles, DT Tyler Lancaster, S Coach’s quote: “My job is to bring Tanner Lee be a better fit for coach Mike Godwin Igwebuike Minnesota national attention and national exposure Riley’s system than Tommy Armstrong? The big questions: Will the Wildcats’ Last year: 9-4, 5-4, tied for fourth in to the University of Minnesota.” — P.J. Who will replace three-year starting first two Big Ten games against Wis- West Fleck cornerback Chris Jones, who suffered a consin and Penn State be make or break The Times-Gazette OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 13

games for their being young and hopes of challeng- inexperienced on ing for the West the offensive line Division title? spell trouble? Can running back Coach’s quote: Justin Jackson “Offensive line is rush for more than very important for 1,000 yards for us. We have a ways the fourth year in to go there. I do a row? How much think that we have will the passing made improve- game miss wide ments.” — Jeff receiver Austin Brohm Carr? Coach’s quote: “I Wisconsin like our competi- Last year: 11-3, tive depth. I like 7-2 Big Ten, first the athleticism of in West the group.” – Pat Returning start- Fitzgerald ers: 19 (9 offense, 8 defense, kicker, Purdue punter) Last year: 3-9, Players to 1-8 Big Ten, sev- watch: QB Alex enth West Hornibrook, RB Returning start- Bradrick Shaw, RB ers: 16 (5 offense, Chris James, WR 9 defense, kicker, Jazz Peavy, TE punter) Troy Fumagalli, S Players to watch: D’Cota Dixon QB David Blough, The big ques- Northwestern running back Justin Jackson (21) runs for a touchdown against Pittsburgh during the Pinstripe Bowl. Jackson had 1,524 yards rushing last season. RB Markell Jones, tions: With eight RB D.J. Knox, DT starters back from Gelen Robinson, a defense ranked LB Markus Bai- in the top 10 ley, LB Ja’Whaun nationally, could Bentley, LB T.J. the Badgers have McCollum, CB the best defense Da’Wan Hunte in the Big Ten? The big ques- Can quarterback tions: Will a new Alex Hornibrook coach, Jeff Brohm, increase his pro- and a heavy infu- duction (9 TD sion of transfers passes, 7 intercep- and junior college tions last year)? players start a Is Bradrick Shaw turnaround for the the next in a long Boilermakers, who line of outstanding haven’t had a win- Wisconsin running ning record since backs? 2011? Will quarter- Coach’s quote: back David Blough ““We have a really (25 TD passes, good senior class, 21 interceptions a lot of guys that last year) be able have played in a Iowa linebacker Josey Jewell looks to make a tackle during the Hawkeyes’ to cut down on lot of big games.” spring game. Jewell has started 30 straight games and had 124 tackles last Purdue quarterback Jeff Blough passed for 3,352 yards and 25 touchdowns turnovers? Will — Paul Chryst season. last season for the Boilermakers. 14 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette

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: Joe Burrow...... 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 GO OSU BUCKEYES! The Times-Gazette OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tuesday, August 29, 2017 15 Playoff forecasts start with ‘Bama

Cam Akers and others will put points on the replace Deshaun Watson at quarterback. But, football. By Jim Naveau scoreboard. as Ohio State learned, the Tigers can play a [email protected] little defense, too. CLEMSON OKLAHOMA Chances are good that a lot of people The big question, obviously, is who will PENN STATE Quarterback Baker Mayfield is back, but predicted three of the four teams who Quarterback Trace McSorley, coach Bob Stoops, running backs Joe Mixon eventualy got into the College Football running back Saquon Barkley and and Samaje Perine and wide receiver Dede Playoff last season. a good receivers group make the Westbrook are all gone. It wasn’t going out on a limb to predict that Nittany Lions one the two teams in the 2015 championship of the most game, Alabama and Clemson, would return explosive WASHINGTON for another round. And it wasn’t a surprise offensive The Huskies have quite a bit of talent back to see the 2014 champion, Ohio State, there teams in from last year’s playoff semifinalist team either. college and a schedule that might not be overly The only surprise in the semifinals was challenging until November. Washington. So, will this year bring any unanticipated playoff teams? Or will it belong to the tried and true powers of the college game again? It would not be a shock to see the four College Football Playoff semifinalists come from this list of eight teams: Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Florida AP Photo State, Clemson, Penn State, Alabama coach Nick Saban Oklahoma and Washington, who works with his players during have all been near the top of the NCAA college football preseason national rankings. practice earlier this month in Tuscaloosa, ALABAMA Ala. Quarterback Jalen Hurt is a year older and a season more experienced. The defense has two returning starters at every level — line, linebackers and defensive backfield. The Tide came within seconds of winning Nick Saban’s fifth national championship last season.

OHIO STATE If the Buckeyes restore the deep pass to their offense and find replacements for three defensive backs who were first-round NFL draft choices, they could be contenders.

USC The Trojans finished last season on a nine-game winning streak behind redshirt freshman Sam Darnold.

FLORIDA STATE If Florida State’s offensive line, which allowed 36 sacks last season, plays a little better, quarterback Deondre Francois, running back S16

16 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Times-Gazette

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