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OHIO STATE 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Buckeyes looking for explosive year

Thursday, August 31, 2017 2 Thursday, August 31, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Greene County Group 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. 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 , 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 ? 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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Quality radiator Repairs and Replacements 41009472 Greene County Group OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Thursday, August 31, 2017 3 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 passes? Remember the two two weeks before it had a new Jim Buckeyes. three it has to replace this year all were overtime 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 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. LET’S GO BUCKEYES!!! McILVAINE M REALTORS

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Ohio State defensive end attempts to sack Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow during a game last year at Ohio Stadium. 41016234 4 Thursday, August 31, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Greene County Group 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 to see the 2014 champion, Ohio State, there their offense and find replacements for three defensive backs who were first-round NFL AP Photo either. PENN STATE Alabama coach Nick draft choices, they could be contenders. The only surprise in the semifinals was 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 Go Bucks.... Celebrating 60 Years Serving Greene and Surrounding Counties Flatter Insurance Agency Joe Flatter Auction Company 407 N. Broad Street, Fairborn, Ohio • (937)878-3444 41015791 Greene County Group OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Thursday, August 31, 2017 5

2016 OHIO STATE LEADERS PASSING PRESEASON AP TOP 25 J.T. Barrett...... 2555 ...... 226 The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press RUSHING preseason college football poll, with first-place Mike Weber...... 1096 votes in parentheses, 2016 records, total J.T. Barrett...... 845 points based on 25 points for a first-place ...... 771 Demario McCall...... 270 vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, RECEIVING and 2016 final ranking: Curtis Samuel...... 865 Noah Brown...... 402 Record Pts Prv Dontre Wilson...... 352 Marcus Baugh...... 269 1. Alabama (52) 14-1 1513 2 K.J. Hill...... 262 2. Ohio St. (3) 11-2 1414 6 TACKLES Raekwon McMillan...... 102 3. Florida St. (4) 10-3 1396 8 Jerome Baker...... 83 4. Southern Cal (2) 10-3 1325 3 ...... 74 ...... 70 5. Clemson 14-1 1201 1 Damon Webb...... 57 6. Penn St. 11-3 1196 7 Dre’Mont Jones...... 42 Sam Hubbard...... 46 7. Oklahoma 11-2 1170 5 TACKLES FOR LOSSES 8. Washington 12-2 1150 4 Jerome Baker...... 9.5 ...... 8.5 9. Wisconsin 11-3 926 9 Sam Hubbard...... 8.0 10. Oklahoma St. 10-3 889 11 Raekwon McMillan...... 7.0 Nick Bosa...... 7.0 11. Michigan 10-3 881 10 12. Auburn 8-5 880 24 Malik Hooker...... 7 ...... 4 13. LSU 8-4 784 13 ...... 4 14. Stanford 10-3 695 12 Jerome Baker...... 2 Rodjay Burns...... 1 15. Georgia 8-5 690 - Chris Worley...... 1 16. Louisville 9-4 629 21 Damon Webb...... 1 Damon Arnette...... 1 17. Florida 9-4 624 14 SACKS Tyquan Lewis...... 8 18. Miami 9-4 492 20 Nick Bosa...... 5 19. South Florida 11-2 327 19 FIELD GOALS Tyler Durbin...... 17/22 20. Kansas St. 9-4 317 - PUNTING 21. Virginia Tech 10-4 240 16 Cameron Johnston...... 46.7 22. West Virginia 10-3 207 18 23. Texas 5-7 173 - OHIO STATE SCHEDULE 24. Washington St. 8-5 133 - Aug. 31 – at Indiana, 8 p.m. 25. Tennessee 9-4 114 22 Sept. 9 – Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 – Army, 4:30 p.m. Others receiving votes: TCU 98, Utah 85, Sept. 23 – UNLV, TBA Notre Dame 65, Boise St. 37, NC State 26, 2149-A North Fairfield Road Sept. 30 – at Rutgers, TBA Northwestern 25, Pittsburgh 23, Oregon 21, Oct. 7 – Maryland, 3:30 or 4 p.m. Beavercreek, OH 45431 Oct. 14 – at Nebraska, TBA Houston 19, Colorado 18, UCLA 9, San Diego Oct. 28—Penn State, 3:30 p.m. St. 9, BYU 5, BYU 4, Nebraska 4, Tulsa 4, Sales: (937) 427-3662 Nov. 4 – at Iowa, TBA Kentucky 3, Texas A&M 3, Michigan St. 1. Property Management: (937) 427-9222 Nov 11 – Michigan State, TBA Nov. 18 – Illinois, TBA Fax: (937) 427-8733 Nov. 25 – at Michigan, Noon Website: www.Wright-Patt.com 41016232 6 Thursday, August 31, 2017 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Greene County Group OSU defensive line wants to be best By Jim Naveau The interior line is good and [email protected] deep, too, with players like Dre’Mont Jones, Robert Land- COLUMBUS – It didn’t get ers and Tracy Sprinkle, a starter the attention of his spread until he suffered a season-end- offense. It wasn’t attached to a ing torn patellar tendor injury memorable image, like saying in the first quarter of last year’s he wanted assistant coaches opener against Bowling Green. who coached like their hair was Michael Hill eventually could on fire. join them if he returns from a But very soon after Urban suspension. Meyer was hired as Ohio State’s It wasn’t just players that football coach in 2011, he said Meyer recruited to build this one of the most important ele- impressive front line of the ments in building a great foot- Buckeyes’ defense. Since 2014, ball team was having a strong the line has been coached by defensive line. Larry Johnson who, like his Seven years later, Ohio State current defensive line, has also has a defensive line so talented been called the best in the coun- and so deep that it has been try at what he does. called the best in college foot- He has coached seven first- ball. round NFL draft picks at OSU It is a label both the players and Penn State and eight of his and Meyer have embraced. players have been named Big “We definitely care about that Ten Defensive Lineman of the because who wouldn’t want to Year. be known as the best defensive Ohio State defensive coordi- line, not only this year but in nator Greg Schiano gives the history,” defensive end Tyquan defensive line and Johnson high Lewis said. grades. Lewis, the 2016 Big Ten “The defensive line is really Defensive Lineman of the good. I think we have the best Year, surprised some people by defensive line coach in America returning for his senior year in Larry Johnson. He knows instead of going into the NFL how to keep them all involved. draft. We should never have a tired Don Speck/The Lima News Ohio State defensive end Tyquan Lewis (59) prepares to hit Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano during a game last season at That decision gave Ohio State defensive lineman out there if, Ohio Stadium. four standout defensive ends – God willing, we stay healthy,” Sam Hubbard, Jalyn Holmes, Schiano said. Holmes said, “You want the best defensive line in the the highest total of his tenure, Nick Bosa and Lewis. Despite all the talk about praise. I’d be lying to you if I country, sacking the quarter- 45 in 2014. That was two short Hubbard and Holmes were being the best, Ohio State’s line- said I didn’t care. But at the end back is probably the area where of the school record of 47. honorable mention All-Big Ten men say they won’t get caught of the day you have to know it needs to show the most Schiano offered the theory last season and Bosa had five up in it. that’s just preseason stuff. At improvement. during a Fox.com interview sacks as a freshman in a season “We talk about it in the meet- the end of the day you want OSU’s 28 sacks last season earlier this year that Ohio State in which he was brought along ing room and it’s more of a the postseason awards and you ranked seventh in the Big Ten emphasized disrupting the pass slowly after ACL surgery his motivation thing than hyping up don’t really care about the pre- and 58th nationally. Lewis led rather than hitting the quarter- senior year of high school. our heads. Coach J (Johnson) season stuff. the Buckeyes with eight and back last season as a possible “We’ll be as good as anybody says if that’s what they’re going “I feel like we’ve been keeping Bosa’s five were second. explanation for the low sack in America at defensive end,” to say about us then we’ve got a real humble mind and working Those 28 sacks were the low- numbers. Meyer said during spring prac- to work and actually achieve it,” to push to be better,” he said. est total during Meyer’s five Johnson said during spring tice. Hubbard said. If Ohio State is going to be seasons at OSU an 17 short of practice that his defensive line- men just needed to be quicker Greene County Group OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Thursday, August 31, 2017 7

Ohio State defensive linemen Jalyn Holmes (11) and Dre’Mont Jones (86) put pressure on Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield during a game in Norman, Okla. last season. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ GO BUCKS!!!!! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Selling Our Beautiful ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Greene County ★ ★ ★ ★ One House at a Time ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa (97) puts his Tyquan Lewis, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the ★ ★ hands up to try to knock down a pass by Michigan Year, rushes Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson Heidi Menke GRI ★ quarterback Wilton Speight during a game last during a College Football Playoff semifinal game ★ ★ season at Ohio Stadium. last season. ★ 937-266-3550 ★ ★ once the ball was snapped to pump up we have to get the quarterback on his ★ Ann Halder ABR ★ the sacks numbers. back. We have to rev up our pass rush,” ★ ★ “What you saw is that we weren’t tak- Johnson said. 937- 231-3600 ★ ing that first step fast enough across the ★ Reach Jim Naveau at 567-242-0414 or on Twitter at @ ★ line of scrimmage. At the end of the day ★ 41016225 www.TeamMenke.com Lima_Naveau. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ [email protected] NaveauBy Jim playmakers needs still Offense 8 Thursday, August 31, 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 Curtis Samuel,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 “It’s notlookingfor adeepball guy, it’s peopleblamequarterbackSome J.T. whatSo are theproblems? Why It’s notlike OhioState hasn’t triedto There were only four receptions of Ohio State’s bestreceiver lastseason COLUMBUS –Thesearch for play- 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 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 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW - 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. 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 up for apass against Photos by Don LimaNews Speck/The Greene County Group

41009476 Greene County Group OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Thursday, August 31, 2017 9

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.

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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 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 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 ence between the starter and the back-up. fiercest competitors I’ve ever been for a two-point conversion last season in East Lansing, Mich. When Raekwon McMillan decided to around.” leave OSU after his junior season to enter “Every year when Coach (Luke) Fickell We were in the pool wrestling. We were left.” the NFL draft, Worley was on the move was here we’d all go over to his house in playing half court basketball. We’re going Ohio State’s linebackers have a defen- again. the summer as a linebackers group. Me to compete until one of us taps out or sive line in front of them that is being Worley, who once described himself as and Book would be at his house all day. one of us wins or there is no more time described as one of the best in the coun-

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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.

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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 Maryland NFL draft and having only one returning Linebacker Tegray Scales is expected to be one of the leaders of Indiana’s defense again this season. Last year: 6-7, 3-6 Big Ten, fifth in starter on defense? Is Harbaugh serious East that QB Wilton Speight (2,538 yards, Players to watch: QB Brian Lewerke, sacks. Returning starters: 14 (6 offense, 6 18 touchdowns) will have to compete RB L.J. Scott, C Brian Allen, WR Hunter Coach’s quote: “We established our- defense, punter, kicker) for the starting job? Can the Wolverines Rison, DE Raequan Williams, CB Josiah selves as a championship program inch Players to watch: QB Caleb Hender- produce a 1,000-yard rusher for the first Scott by inch. There was nothing ever given to son, OT Damian Prince, WR D.J. Moore, time since 2011? The big questions: Is Michigan State us. We have to go back to that mindset RB Anthony McFarland, DE Jesse Anie- Coach’s quote: “Young and untalented still among the Big Ten’s elite program and understand that things don’t come bonam, LB Jermaine Carter Jr. is bad. Young and talented, that’s good. or have last season’s struggles, combined easy.” — Mark Dantonio The big questions: Can the Terrapins It’s a good thing.” — Jim Harbaugh with off the field legal issues, knocked stop being pushed around by oppos- the Spartans from the ranks of the top Ohio State ing defensive lines and offensive lines Michigan State teams after 36 wins in three seasons? Last year: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten, tie for after giving up 49 sacks last season and Last year: 3-9, 1-8 Big Ten, sixth in Is Brian Lewerke the answer at quarter- first in East being outscored 121-6 by Ohio State and East back? Will the Spartans get better line Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 Michigan? Will a recruiting class ranked Returning starters: 7 (3 offense, 3 play on both sides of the ball, particu- defense) No. 18 nationally provide an immediate defense, punter) larly on defense where they had only 11 Players to watch: QB J.T. Barrett, RB

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

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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 West to the University of Minnesota.” — P.J. Tanner Lee be a better fit for coach Mike receiver Matt VandeBerg be limited after Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5 Fleck Riley’s system than Tommy Armstrong? breaking his foot last season and again defense, kicker, punter) Who will replace three-year starting during spring practice? Can linebacker Players to watch: RB Rodney Smith, Nebraska cornerback Chris Jones, who suffered a Josey Jewell have a game day highlight RB Shannon Brooks, WR Rashad Still, Last year: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten, tied second season-ending knee injury this summer? that tops proposing to his girlfriend at DT Steven Richardson, LB Cody Poock in West Coach’s quote: “Guys are doing what Kinnick Stadium this spring? The big questions: Who will replace Returning starters: 14 (5 offense, 7 they’re supposed to be doing.” — Mike Coach’s quote: “I think all of us as four-year starter Mitch Leidner at defense, kicker, punter) Riley coaches and players feel good about both quarterback? Can coach P.J. Fleck turn Players to watch: QB Tanner Lee, WR guys (quarterbacks Nate Stanley and Minnesota into an elite program or will Stanley Morgan, DE Freedom Akinmola- Northwestern Tyler Wiegers) and feel like they both his act wear thin if he doesn’t? Are Rod- dun, S Kieron Williams, CB Chris Jones Last year: 7-6, 5-4 Big Ten, tied for can lead us to good results.” — Kirk ney Smith (1,158 yards) and Shannon The big questions: Can the Cornhusk- fourth in West Ferentz Brooks (650 yards) the best running ers finish what they started, unlike last Returning starters: 16 (8 offense, 7 back combination in the Big Ten? season when a 7-0 start was followed by defense, punter) Minnesota Coach’s quote: “My job is to bring four losses in their last six games? Will Players to watch: QB Clayton Thorson, Last year: 9-4, 5-4, tied for fourth in national attention and national exposure Tulane transfer pro-style quarterback RB Justin Jackson, WR Flynn Nagel, OT 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 Greene County Group touchdowns last season for theBoilermakers. Purdue quarterback Jeff Bloughpassed for 3,352 yards and25 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 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 - - Thursday, August 31, 2017 15 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 best defense 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 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 -

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