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The Lima News OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020 1C
OHIO STATE
2020 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Section C | Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020
Fields’ team
QB leads Buckeyes
on and off gridiron
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2C Thursday, October 22, 2020 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 The Lima News
Fields takes on bigger leadership role
By Jim Naveau
jnaveau@limanews.com
COLUMBUS — Questions. Always
questions. Justin Fields answered them
all last season.
Now, he has a new one to answer. Can
he be even better this season than he
was last year?
Fields, heading into his second season
as Ohio State’s starting quarterback,
arrived at Ohio State in January of last
year as a transfer from the University of
Georgia.
He had thrown more passes in spring
games — one at Georgia and one at
Ohio State — than he had in real games
when he started in the Buckeyes’ opener
last fall.
So there were some questions about
Justin Fields throws a pass during the game last
exactly what Ohio State had with Fields. year at Michigan. Fields completed 67 percent
Was he as good as his reputation as of his passes for 3,273 yards and 41 TDs in 2019.
either the No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback,
along with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, as the quarterback, the new guy, and I
in his recruiting class coming out of high don’t think he tried to force being more
school? of a leader. Now that he has had a great
It didn’t take long to see that what year and has some great leadership skills
OSU had was an exceptional quarter- he is doing a little bit better job of doing
back who could get the ball into the end what you think a quarterback is going to
zone from anywhere on the field with Photos by Don Speck | The Lima News
be — a strong leader.”
his arm or with his legs. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields finds some running room in a game against Penn State
last season. Fields was a threat to run, with 484 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tight end Jake Hausmann recalled
Fields completed 67 percent of his
an example of Fields’ leadership on that
passes for 3,273 yards and 41 touch-
same call when he described the quarter-
downs with only three interceptions sprained knee held him back in the last last year. back running a pass pattern in practice
and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. He four games of the season. Coach Ryan Day says he challenged
to show the receivers how it should be
rushed for 484 yards and 10 touchdowns “Later in the season it had a big effect Fields to improve his leadership skills in
run.
when Ohio State won the Big Ten cham- on me. There were times off the football the offseason and gives him a grade of
“He’s really hands-on. In the past six
pionship and finished 13-1 after a con- field where it would hurt to walk,” he A+ in that area.
months he’s been a really vocal leader. I
troversial loss to Clemson in a College said. “He’s really tough. I think the way he
think anyone coming in fresh and new,
Football Playoff semifinal. Now, as a junior, Fields says he is was down the stretch last year showed
As he and Ohio State rolled on, some they don’t want to assume that role right
“fully healthy” and ready to lead another his physical toughness and his mental
people questioned whether he could stay away. He has always been a natural lead-
run at a national championship by Ohio toughness to come back and play after
healthy as a dual-threat quarterback. really taking some shots is when he er, but I think in the last six months or
State and to try to win the Heisman so he has been a lot more vocal and guys
The answer was yes and no. really won the team over. He had a really
Fields came back from big hits against Trophy. unbelievable offseason and showed up in have been following his lead,” Hausman
Penn State and Michigan and finished “I’m just excited to get out there and great shape. This is an opportunity for said.
those important wins after trips to the show the world what I can do and what him to be the leader of Ohio State and Running back Trey Sermon has been
medical tent on the sidelines. my teammates can do,” he said. have a great, memorable year,” Day said at Ohio State only a few months after
But he wasn’t quite the same quar- He is a different quarterback, a differ- earlier this year. transferring from Oklahoma, but he has
terback after those games. None of his ent leader than he was last year. In a recent Zoom conference, Ohio known Fields since high school.
rushing touchdowns came in OSU’s final Leadership is the biggest thing that State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson “He’s a phenomenal guy. Everybody
five games. stands out for his coaches and his team- said, “I think probably where he has respects him. He commands the offense,
He recently admitted last year’s mates when comparing this year and grown the most is a year ago he came in See FIELDS | 3C
The Lima News OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020 3C
Fields the pandemic.
Will one of the freshmen emerge as
the No. 2 quarterback before the opener
From page 2C despite their limited experience?
Day said no decision has been made
and everybody respects him,” Sermon on who will be the backup, but that call
said. needs to be made by the opener.
Fields’ leadership was evident in his “We have to know what we have going
reaction when the COVID-19 pandemic into the first game if something would
caused the Big Ten to cancel its season ever happen,” he said.
in August before reinstating it in mid- “Jack and C.J. are both getting a bunch
September. of reps (repetitions) with the twos (sec-
On the surface, Fields seemed like a ond-team offense), and we try to mix
prime candidate to opt out and concen- Gunnar in as much as we can. He kind
trate on the NFL draft like some other of had last year so we’re trying to get the
probable first-round selections in college other guys up and running. They didn’t
football did. Instead, he made it clear as have the spring or the preseason to kind
long as he thought there was any hope of see where we’re at. As time goes on
of Ohio State playing this football sea- Gunnar will get more and more reps.
son, he was planted in Columbus. “It’s been good. I think all three of
He even created an online petition those guys — CJ, Jack and Gunnar —
asking for the return of Big Ten football have done a really good job of picking
that more than 300,000 people signed. up the offense since they’ve been here. Don Speck | The Lima News
Fields says he has taken a deeper dive They’re going to have to be ready to go Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields tries to avoid a tackle by Cincinnati linebacker Bryan Wright
into Ohio State’s playbook in the offsea- Jr. during a game last season in Ohio Stadium.
this season because you have to have
son.
depth at every position. That’s a very
“Last year I was new to the playbook.
important area,” Day said. OHIO STATE FOOTBALL 2020 SCHEDULE
I didn’t ask why we were calling a cer-
tain play here or what Coach Day’s goal But the most important area when it
was. So (now) I just try to pick Coach comes to Ohio State’s quarterback situ- Oct. 24 Nebraska-x Noon
Day’s brain about his reasoning why he’s ation is keeping Fields on his feet and
healthy.
Oct. 31 at Penn State-x TBA
calling a certain play at a certain time in
a game.” Fields’ leadership showed in that area, Nov. 7 Rutgers-x TBA
A year ago, Fields was backed up too, when he helped convince All-Ameri- Nov. 14 at Maryland-x TBA
by Chris Chugunov, a West Virginia can guard Wyatt Davis to return to Ohio
State after he had indicated he was leav- Nov. 21 Indiana-x TBA
transfer, and Gunnar Hoak, a Kentucky
transfer. ing to get ready for the NFL. Nov. 28 at Illinois-x TBA
This year, Hoak and two highly- “Of course I was calling Wyatt,” Fields
Dec. 5 at Michigan State-x TBA
regarded freshmen, Jack Miller and C.J. said. “I think I was annoying him a little
Stroud, are the backups. Hoak threw bit. But a quarterback is only as good as Dec. 12 Michigan-x TBA
six passes last season, and Miller and his offensive line. So I’m trying to have Dec. 19 Big Ten Championship TBA
Stroud, who enrolled early, got only the best O-line in the country. That’s
three days of spring practice because of only going to make my job easier.” x-Big Ten Games
121 W. Auglaize St.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
419-738-3232
1511 Allentown Rd.
Lima, OH 45805
567-940-9232
OH-70207705T
RESULTS THAT MOVE YOU
4C Thursday, October 22, 2020 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 The Lima News Young defensive backs in spotlight By Jim Naveau jnaveau@limanews.com COLUMBUS — Ohio State has become synonymous with having some of the best defensive backs in all of college football. Seven Buckeyes cornerbacks have been first-round picks in the NFL draft since 2014, including Jeffrey Okudah (Detroit) and Damon Arnette (Las Vegas) after last season. They were preceded as first- round selections by Denzel Ward (Cleveland) in 2018, Marshon Lattimore (New Orleans) and Gareon Conley (Houston) in 2017, Eli Apple (Carolina) in 2016 and Bradley Roby (Denver) in 2014. This level of success on the field and on draft day has led to the use of acronyms like DBU (Defensive Backs University) and BIA (Best in America) to describe Ohio State’s defensive backfield. Whether the 2020 version of OSU’s secondary lives up to those descriptions will play a major role in determining if this year’s Buckeyes perform at a national championship level or fall short of their lofty expectations. The operative acronym heading into the season opener against Nebraska on Saturday might be LFA, Looking for Answers. In addition to replacing Okudah and Arnette, Ohio State will have someone new at the safety position that belonged to Jordan Fuller, a Ohio State Department of Athletics fourth-round NFL draft pick, last Marcus Williamson, who is competing for a season. starting cornerback position, goes through a OSU also will be without drill during a preseason practice at Ohio State. Jeff Hafley, who in his one Don Speck | The Lima News Williamson is a former 4-star recruit. season as defensive backs coach Ohio State’s Shaun Wade (24) and Jordan Fuller (4) tackle Miami of Ohio’s Maurice Thomas during and co-defensive coordinator a game last season. could hear his name called early on orchestrated a dramatic turnaround draft day. in the defensive backfield before took a hit when Brendon White and with rape in January. Wade considered turning pro after leaving to become head coach at Isaiah Pryor transferred and Amir Cornerback Shaun Wade, the one the 2019 season but didn’t. Then Boston College. Riep and Jahsen Wint were removed returning starter, is viewed as the when it appeared the Big Ten was Depth at cornerback and safety from the team after being charged next Ohio State defensive back who See YOUNG | 5C
The Lima News OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020 5C
Young
you’re going to have to depend Coach Coombs, he always brings the mentally tough guy who’s going to
on young players, inexperienced energy. I really think he has brought line up day in, day out, play in, play
players to step in and fill roles. We’re a new life to the secondary. We out, and have the confidence that his
From page 4C working really hard on developing lost most of our starters from last guy is not going to get open.
depth,” Coombs said. year, and we’ve got a lot of young “I like to recruit guys who their
not going to play football this fall, Sevyn Banks, Cameron Brown, guys who haven’t been through the guy doesn’t catch balls,” he said.
he announced Sept. 14 he was going Marcus Williamson and Tyreke program. Coombs says another reason he
to leave the Buckeyes and focus on Johnson appear to be the leading “Now that Coach Coombs is back, believes in his young players is that
the NFL draft. candidates to replace Okudah it has really rejuvenated me and they’ve already faced a high level of
Two days later when the Big and Arnette if OSU uses three kind of reminded me of why you competition.
Ten said it would play this fall, he cornerbacks and one safety, as it did come here. You come here to win “We have to compete against the
decided to return to Ohio State. much of last season. championships and get to the next best wide receivers in the country
The other reason for optimism is Banks, Brown and Williamson level,” he said. day in and day out (in practice),”
that former OSU defensive backs were 4-star recruits and Johnson Coombs said, “It’s very early Coombs said. “And because of
coach Kerry Coombs has returned as was a 5-star, but at Ohio State they to say I’m confident, but I really that, you survive or you get eaten
defensive coordinator and defensive have combined for one start and one like these kids. I like Shaun Wade. alive. And the kids that survive
backs coach. interception, both by Banks. I think we have a lot of talent in here in practice are going to be
Coombs coached defensive backs “We’ve done a lot of waiting, I’ve the back end, but it’s young and OK on Saturdays. If they’re OK on
at Ohio State from 2012-2017 before done a lot of waiting,” Williamson inexperienced. We lost a bunch of Saturdays at a place like this, they’re
spending two years as an assistant said during a recent Zoom video really good talent, but we recruited probably going to have a chance to
with the Tennessee Titans. conference. “Trying to reach that a lot of good players, guys who be OK on Sunday somewhere else.”
The new coach is known for his standard that Jeff set last year and have worked hard to have that Banks said, “We’re taking it day by
energy and exuberance, but even guys set previously is something opportunity. day right now. I’m taking it day by
he admits there are some unique we all strive for and I strive for “Physically, I love long, fast day right now. I just can’t wait to get
challenges this year. personally. corners, and we all know that. on the field and I can’t wait to show
“This season more than any other “If you know anything about But more than anything, I want a it.”
AP Photo
Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade celebrates after an interception against Rutgers last season. Don Speck | The Lima News
After opting out of the season to focus on the NFL, Wade changed his mind and returned to Ohio State cornerback Sevyn Banks returns a blocked punt for a touchdown during the 2018 Ohio
the Buckeyes. State-Michigan game.
6C Thursday, October 22, 2020 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 The Lima News
Ohio State led fight for Big Ten to play this season
It has already been quite a one of the four teams in the and it “will not be revisited.” Kristina Johnson worked tirelessly to
memorable football season in College Football playoff. At that point, Warren’s approval have a football season.
the Big Ten before any games That looked like a long shot ratings among Big Ten football fans Missing out on a chance to possi-
have been played. until around a month ago. were running at a level below Her- bly play for a national championship
Since early July, the football First, the Big Ten bert Hoover’s at the height of the and a projected $130 million hole
schedules of Ohio State and the announced July 9 that it would Great Depression. in the athletic budget were factors
rest of the Big Ten have been play only conference games When the Pac-12 was the only in OSU urging the Big Ten to take
revised, then removed, then Jim this season, which carved a other Power Five conference to opt another look at playing in 2020. So
revisited after it was said they Naveau giant hole in the budgets of out of playing football this fall, the was watching the SEC, the Big 12,
wouldn’t be, then revised again The Lima several Mid-American Confer- Big Ten got some push back from
and finally restored. ence schools. the ACC and Notre Dame begin to
News Ohio State, Nebraska and Iowa and play games while Ohio State was sit-
Getting to OSU’s opener Then, on Aug. 11, came the the fan bases of those football pro-
against Nebraska on Saturday awkwardly handled announce- ting at home.
grams.
in a mostly empty Ohio Stadium in ment the Big Ten would not play On Sept. 16, the Big Ten
Nebraska might have been the
a COVID-19 world has been a long, football in 2020 because of the announced its presidents and chan-
most vocal in its opposition. But
strange trip into the unknown. An uncertainty of protecting the health cellors had voted unanimously to
nowhere was the resistance as strong
unknown we still have gotten only and welfare of its athletes during the or as organized as at Ohio State, bring football back, starting with
part of the way through. COVID-19 pandemic. where parents of the players demon- seven conference games the weekend
With improved testing for the coro- Eight days later, Big Ten commis- strated against the decision not to of Oct. 23-24.
navirus, there is hope that the nine- sioner and criticism magnet Kevin “I think it’s definitely going to
play outside Big Ten headquarters in
game schedule Big Ten teams have Warren said the decision to shut down in the history books for the
suburban Chicago and in Columbus.
been given can be completed. And down the season had been over- way we fought back. We’re just hop-
Ohio State quarterback Justin
there is hope that at the end of those whelmingly approved by the confer- ing to have a great season on the
Fields even started an online peti-
nine games, a Big Ten team will be ence’s presidents and chancellors, field,” Fields said.
tion, which more than 300,000
people signed. The season that looked like it
Maybe more importantly, OSU might not happen is finally starting.
athletic director Gene Smith, foot- Now the goal is to finish it. And to
ball coach Ryan Day and president do that safely.
2019 OHIO STATE
STATISTICS
PASS RECEPTIONS SACKS
K.J. Hill 57 Chase Young 16.5
Chris Olave 49 Davon Hamilton 6
Binjimen Victor 35 Baron Browning 5
PASSING YARDS Garrett Wilson 30 Malik Harrison 4.5
Justin Fields 3,273 Austin Mack 27 Jashon Cornell 4
Chris Chugunov 286
Gunnar Hoak 104 TACKLES INTERCEPTIONS
Malik Harrison 75 Jeffrey Okudah 3
RUSHING YARDS Pete Werner 64 Amir Riep 2
J.K. Dobbins 2,003 Jordan Fuller 62 K’Vaughn Pope 2
Master Teague 789 Tuf Borland 55 Jordan Fuller 2
Justin Fields 484 Chase Young 46
Marcus Crowley 237 FIELD GOALS
TACKLES FOR LOSS Blake Haubeil 13/15
RECEIVING YARDS Chase Young 21
Chris Olave 849 PUNTS
Malik Harrison 16.5 Drue Chrisman 44.3
K.J. Hill 636 Davon Hamilton 10.5
Binjimen Victor 573 Baron Browning 10
Don Speck | The Lima News Garrett Wilson 432 Jashon Cornell 6.5
It was an Ohio State touchdown that brought this smile to Ryan Day’s face, but he was also smiling Austin Mack 361
when the Big Ten reversed its decision to cancel its football season.
The Lima News OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020 7C
Five Buckeyes to watch this season
By Jim Naveau
jnaveau@limanews.com
COLUMBUS — There are many
standouts on Ohio State’s talented ros-
ter, but here are five players to watch
because they are new, are playing new
positions or look capable of reaching new
heights this season:
1. Zach Harrison
The sophomore defensive end had
a short internship before becoming a
regular contributor and then a starter as
a freshman.
He was good as a freshman. He could
become great this season.
He’s good enough that it’s a fair ques-
tion to ask if he is the next Joey Bosa,
Nick Bosa or Chase Young. Don Speck | The Lima News Don Speck | The Lima News
When legendary Ohio State defensive Ohio State Department of Athletics Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson had an Master Teague ran for 789 yards as J.K. Dobbins’
line coach Larry Johnson was asked that Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon, shown during impressive freshman season with 30 catches. back-up last season. He says he has recovered
a recent practice, is expected to be a big part of He and Chris Olave give OSU one of the best from an Achilles tendon injury on the first day
question, he said, “He sure has the poten- Ohio State’s running game this season. receiver combinations in the Big Ten. of spring practice.
tial to be that.
“Zach has done a great job maturing
Bosa had 29 tackles and 5 sacks. running routes. He’s a more-than-willing him a chance to rebuild himself and
as a young player. He listens well and is
and able blocker. He’s a tough guy.” become a better running back than he
very coachable. He has all of the attri-
2. Trey Sermon Sermon says he is fully recovered from was before.
butes we look for in a young player, and,
The senior running back left Oklaho- his knee injury. “This is the best I ever “Last year, I wasn’t my full self as a
if we tell him to do something, he does it.
His ceiling is very high, and I’m pleased ma to play his final season at Ohio State. felt in my entire career,” he said. running back, I don’t think, even though
with where he’s at right now,” Johnson His 2019 season trended downhill as I did decent,” Teague said. “I didn’t get
said. he watched other running backs get most 3. Master Teague the agility that I would like to have got
Johnson says he tells his young star to of the carries for the Sooners and then a The junior running back gained and have gotten in offseason because I
just be the best Zach Harrison he can be. knee injury ended his season. 789 yards last season as J.K. Dobbins’ dealt with some things during that time
It appears that message is being well Presumably Sermon did not leave backup. That total ranked seventh in the too, as far as my body.”
received on Harrison’s end. Oklahoma to be someone’s backup. So Big Ten. Alford said, “When everybody else
“Those guys that came before me are the competition between him and Mas- He is a powerful straight-ahead runner went home (when Ohio State went to
great,” Harrison said on the same Zoom ter Teague for carries should be interest- who got much of his yardage in the sec- all online classes), he stayed here in
call on which Johnson spoke. “There ing. ond half of blowouts last season. If he is Columbus. He stayed in his one-bedroom
might be a lot of expectations to post Sermon gained 744 yards in 2017 and healthy as he says he is, he and Sermon apartment and went to work. He never
whatever numbers or get certain acco- had 947 yards and 13 rushing touch- could be a challenging combination for complained, whatever he could do and
lades, but I just go out every day trying downs in 2018. He had five 100-yard opposing defenses. plus some is what he did.”
to get better and work on my technique.” rushing games with a high of 206 yards OSU offensive coordinator Kevin Wil-
Harrison, who is 6-6 and weighs 265 while at Oklahoma. son has suggested that there could be 4. Garrett Wilson
pounds, has run the 40-yard dash in 4.47 OSU running backs coach Tony Alford a 50-50 split in carries between Teague The 5-star wide receiver will be moved
seconds. says Sermon has deceptive speed. and Sermon. inside to the slot receiver position K.J.
Statistically, his freshman season was “It doesn’t look like he’s really going, Health is a question mark because he Hill played last season.
most similar to Young’s. Harrison had and all of a sudden you look up and he’s suffered an Achilles tendon injury on the Considering his speed and ability to
24 tackles and 3.5 quarterback sacks last covering a lot of ground and space,” he first day of spring practice. go up and get the ball, it might be a little
year. Young had 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks said. “I’ve been feeling good. No worries,” surprising to see Wilson moved.
as a freshman. Joey Bosa had 42 tackles “He presents a lot of issues. He’s very Teague said on a recent Zoom call. He is among the people who were
and 7.5 sacks his first year, and Nick good at coming out of the backfield and Teague says his rehab process gave See FIVE | 11C
8C Thursday, October 22, 2020 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 The Lima News
Big Ten East Division preview
Indiana
Last year: 8-5, 5-4 Big Ten, fourth in
the East
Returning starters: 16 (7 offense, 8
defense, punter)
Players to watch: QB Michael Penix,
RB Stevie Scott, WR Whop Philyor,
WR Ty Fryfogle, TE Peyton Hender-
shot, DB Marcelino Ball, DB Tiawan
Mullen.
The big questions: Indiana’s eight
wins last season were the most by the
Hoosiers since 1993. With 16 returning
starters, could they be even better than
last year? Can quarterback Michael
Penix, who played only six games
because of an injury, stay healthy? If
he can, he will be a huge problem for
opposing defenses. He had a torn ACL
as a freshman and a shoulder injury
last year. Will the offensive line miss
the three starters from last season who
are gone, including Coy Cronk, who
transferred to Iowa?
Maryland
Last year: 3-9, 1-8 Big Ten, sixth in
the East
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5,
kicker, punter) AP Photo
Michigan’s offensive line, shown here against Ohio State last season, will be a big question mark for the Wolverines this season when they have to
Players to watch: QB Taulia Tago- replace four of last year’s starters.
vailoa, WR Dontay Demus, WR D.J.
Turner, OT Marcus Minor, CB Deonte
Michigan against Minnesota, a team that won LB Antjuan Simmons, DB Xavier Hen-
Banks
Last year: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten, tie for 11 games last season. Will an offensive derson
The big questions: Josh Jackson, a
Virginia Tech transfer who threw for first in the East line with four first-year starters be a The big questions: Will new coach
12 touchdowns last season, opted out Returning starters: 12 (3 offense, 7 question mark? Will a running back by Mel Tucker shake up a program that
of the season because of COVID-19. defense, kicker, punter) committee work or will Zach Charbon- might have gotten a little stale in Mark
Will Taulia Tagovailoa, a transfer from Players to watch: QB Joe Milton, RB net, Hassan Jenkins or Chris Evans Dantonio’s final seasons? Who will be
Alabama, or walk-on Lance Legendre Zach Charbonnet, RB Hassan Haskins, emerge as a clear No. 1? the starting quarterback? Can Michi-
win the starting job? Can the Terra- WR Nico Collins, DE Aidan Hutchin- gan State begin to address the offen-
pins develop a running game after last son, DE Kwity Paye Michigan State sive line problems which have been
year’s two top running backs, Anthony The big questions: Is Jim Harbaugh Last year: 7-6, 4-5 Big Ten, fifth in persistent the last few seasons? Can
McFarland and Javon Leake, went to ever going to beat Ohio State (0-5 so the East wide receiver Jayden Reed, who trans-
the NFL? Can Maryland’s offensive far)? Will inexperienced quarterback Returning starters: 9 (5 offense, 3 ferred from Western Michigan and
line play at a Big Ten level, something Joe Milton (11 career passes) be game defense, kicker) sat out last season, be a deep threat in
it has struggled with since entering ready early, or will Wolverines fans be Players to watch: QB Rocky Lombar- the passing game? Is the schedule in
the league? Starting offensive lineman doing something they didn’t imagine di, QB Theo Day, QB Payton Thomas, Tucker’s first season somewhat favor-
Austin Fontaine also has chosen not to doing — missing Shea Patterson? RB Elijah Collins, WR Jayden Reed,
play this season. Milton’s first start will be on the road DE Jacub Panasiuk, DT Naquan Jones, See EAST | 9C
The Lima News OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020 9C
East lege Football Playoff semifinal, which
included several controversial calls,
something only fans talk about, or do
From page 8C the players think about it too?
able with Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State
Minnesota all having to come to Spar- Last year: 11-2, 7-2 Big Ten, third in
tan Stadium? the East
Returning starters: 14 (8 offense, 5
Ohio State defense, kicker)
Last year: 13-1, 9-0 Big Ten cham- Players to watch: QB Sean Clifford,
pion RB Journey Brown, TE Pat Freier-
Returning starters: 11 (6 offense, 3 muth, DE Shaka Toney, DB Lamont
defense, kicker, punter) Wade
Players to watch: QB Justin Fields, The big questions: After a good but
RB Trey Sermon, RB Master Teague, not quite great first season as the Nit-
WR Chris Olave, WR Garrett Wilson, tany Lions’ starting quarterback, is
OG Wyatt Davis, C Josh Myers, OT Cincinnati St. Xavier graduate Sean
Thayer Munford, DE Zach Harrison, Clifford ready to become an elite QB?
DT Taron Vincent, LB Tuf Borland, LB Will new offensive coordinator Kirk
Pete Werner, DB Shaun Wade Ciarroca, who was at Minnesota last AP Photos
The big questions: Are expectations season, help him get there? How much Penn State running back Journey Brown celebrates scoring a touchdown against Rutgers last
of another national championship out will the Nittany Lions miss linebacker season. Brown rushed for 890 yards and 12 touchdown in 2019 for the Nittany Lions.
of control, or is the talent there despite Micah Parsons, who chose not to
having returning starters at less than play this season to get ready for the in the East though. They have lost 21 straight
half of the every-down positions? Can NFL draft? Is this Penn State’s best Returning starters: 13 (5 offense, 6 games in the Big Ten. Can Schiano
quarterback Justin Fields stay healthy offensive line in many years? Who will defense, kicker, punter) and transfers from winning programs
all season? Will Oklahoma transfer provide the big plays offensively now Players to watch: QB Noah Vadrel, like former Wisconsin receiver Aron
Trey Sermon, last year’s back-up Mas- that K.J. Hamler has gone to the NFL? RB Isaih Pacheco, WR Bo Melton, WR Cruickshank and former Ohio State
ter Teague and the rest of OSU’s ball With Ohio State scheduled to play at Aron Cruickshank, CB Damon Hayes, defensive back Brendon White bring
carriers fill the big hole left by J.K. Penn State, do the Nittany Lions have DB Brendon White an immediate attitude change to Rut-
Dobbins going to the NFL? Will the a better chance than most years to win The big questions: Can Greg Schiano gers? How many wins would it take to
three new starters in the defensive the Big Ten East? recreate the winning program he show Rutgers is on its way back? Will
backfield play at a high level right built when he was Rutgers’ coach in Schiano be able to recruit the level of
away, or will there be some struggles? Rutgers the early 2000s? The Scarlet Knights talent it takes to compete in the Big
Is avenging a loss to Clemson in a Col- Last year: 2-10, 0-9 Big Ten, seventh weren’t playing in the Big Ten then, Ten’s East Division?
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, shown here Optimism and Indiana football don’t often
during a game against Army last season, is go together. But after winning eight games
0-5 against Ohio State. He is the first Michigan last season under coach Tom Allen, shown
coach to lose five in a row to OSU. He also was here during a game against Penn State last
the first Michigan coach to lose four in a row to season, the Hoosiers are feeling good about the Michigan State’s Julian Barnett, shown here making a diving catch against Michigan last season,
the Buckeyes. 2020 season. had 13 catches for the Spartans in 2019. He has been moved to cornerback this season.
10C Thursday, October 22, 2020 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 The Lima News
Big Ten West Division preview
Illinois be a surprise in a more positive way
Last year: 6-7, 4-5 Big Ten, fourth in this season? The Cornhuskers were
the West the preseason favorite to win the Big
Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 5 Ten West, or at least be contenders, in
defense, kicker, punter) the eyes of many people. Instead they
Players to watch: QB Brandon finished tied for fifth in their division
Peters, WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, RB and won only three Big Ten games.
Mike Epstein, WR Donny Novaro, TE Can Nebraska hope for a much better
Daniel Barker, OT Alex Palczewski, record this year with games against
OG Kendrick Green, LB Milo Eifler, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, Wiscon-
LB Jake Hansen, DB Sydney Brown, sin and Minnesota on the schedule?
DB Tony Adams, K James McCourt Can quarterback Adrian Martinez
The big questions: Can the Illini bounce back from a season where he
come close to last season’s six wins missed two games because of injuries
and go to a bowl game in back-to-back and had only 10 touchdown passes?
seasons for the first time since 2010 Who will replace J.D. Spielman as the
and 2011? Who will emerge as the No. deep threat receiver after he trans-
1 running back after last year’s top two ferred to TCU?
rushers used up their eligibility and
Ra’Von Bonner opted out of the season Northwestern
AP Photo
because of the coronavirus? Will coach Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman, shown here against Auburn in the Outback Bowl, is Last year: 3-9, 1-8 Big Ten, seventh
Lovie Smith, who shaved off his beard expected to be a first-round NFL draft choice. in the West
in the spring, return to the bearded Returning starters: 17 (7 offense, 9,
look? name sound familiar? It should. The again and keep Fleck smiling? Bate- kicker)
graduate transfer started for four years man (60 catches, 1,219 yards and 11 Players to watch: QB Peyton Ramsey,
Iowa at Indiana. He still had eligibility left TDs last season) decided in Septem- RB Isaiah Bowser, WR Riley Lees, DE
Last year: 10-3, 6-3 Big Ten, third in because he had a season-ending injury ber to return for this season after say- Samdup Miller, LB Blake Gallagher, LB
the West in the Hoosiers’ fourth game last ing in August he would sit the season Paddy Fisher, DB Jr. Pace
Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 4 season and was able to take a redshirt out because of the coronavirus. Can The big questions: After going from
defense, kicker) year. quarterback Tanner Morgan match or the Big Ten championship game in
Players to watch: QB Spencer 2018 to last place in the Big Ten West
improve on his 2019 season when he
Petras, WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR Minnesota last year, is Northwestern ready to
threw for 3,253 yards and 30 touch-
Brandon Smith, WR Nico Ragaini, WR
Last year: 11-2, 7-2 Big Ten, second downs? Who will replace wide receiver rebound from a disastrous season?
Tyrone Tracy, RB Tyler Goodson, OT
in the West Tyler Johnson, who had 86 catches Can Indiana transfer Peyton Ramsey
Alaric Johnson, DE Chauncey Golston,
Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 4 last season? Defensively, how do the turn around a passing game that was
LB Dijmon Colbert, DB Matt Hankins
defense, kicker) Gophers replace All-American safety undeniably atrocious in 2019 when
The big questions: Controversy
Players to watch: QB Tanner Mor- Antoine Winfield Jr.? the Wildcats’ quarterbacks combined
erupted this summer in Iowa’s
gan, WR Rashod Bateman, WR Chris for only six touchdown passes in 12
program when several current and
former players spoke out against what Autman-Bell, RB Mo Ibrahim, OG Nebraska games? Will Isaiah Bowser have the
they described as a culture in Iowa Curtis Dunlap Jr., DT Micah Dew- Last year: 5-7, 3-6 Big Ten, tied for 1,000-yard rushing season he was
football that makes Black athletes Treadway, CB Coney Durr, CB Benja- fifth in the West expected to have last season before
uncomfortable. Maybe the biggest min St.-Juste Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5 injuries kept him out of seven games?
question for the Hawkeyes is how this The big questions: Minnesota coach defense, kicker, punter) Can linebacker Paddy Fisher earn some
might affect the season. Among the P.J. Fleck is often mocked for his Players to watch: QB Adrian Marti- sort of All-Big Ten honors for a fourth
usual type of questions, the biggest optimism, but the Gophers’ 11 wins nez, RB Dedrick Mills, WR Wan’dale year in a row?
might be can sophomore Spencer last season proved he was right to be Robinson, TE Jack Stoll, OT Brendon
Petras be productive in his first year as optimistic. Will the return of wide Jaimes, LB Colin Miller, CB Cam Purdue
the starting quarterback, as he replaces receiver Rashod Bateman, a possible Taylor-Britt Last year: 4-8, 3-6 Big Ten, tied for
three-year starter Nate Stanley? NFL first-round draft choice, put Min- The big questions: Nebraska was a fifth in the West
Does offensive lineman Coy Cronk’s nesota among the Big Ten’s top teams surprise in a bad way last year. Can it See WEST | 11CThe Lima News OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020 11C
West last season because of knee surgery?
Wisconsin
From page 10C Last year: 10-4, 7-2 Big Ten, first in
the West
Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5 Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 8
defense, kicker, punter) defense, kicker)
Players to watch: WR Rondale Players to watch: QB Jack Coan, WR
Moore, WR David Bell, OT Grant Kendric Pryor, RB Nakia Watson, TE
Hermanns, DE George Karlafitis, LB Jake Ferguson, DE Isaiahh Loudermilk,
Derrick Barnes LB Jack Sanborn, DB Falon Hicks
The big questions: Rondale Moore The big questions: How long might
and David Bell are two of the best quarterback Jack Coan be out because
of a preseason foot injury? Who will
receivers in the Big Ten, but how will
take his place? Can Wisconsin return
they fare with a first-year quarterback?
to the Big Ten championship game for
Moore had 114 catches in 2018 as the fourth time in Paul Chryst’s six
a freshman but missed most of last years as the Badgers coach and finally
season with a hamstring injury. Bell knock off the East Division champion?
caught 86 passes last season when The Badgers have lost twice to Ohio
he was a freshman. Who will be the State and once to Penn State in
starting quarterback? Jack Plummer Chryst’s previous title games. Can they
started nine games last season and do that without running back Jonathan
Aidan O’Connell started three. Is Taylor and wide receiver Quintez AP Photo
standout defensive tackle Lorenzo Cephus, who both left for the NFL Northwestern’s football team celebrates with the Land of Lincoln trophy after beating in-state rival
Neal close to 100 percent after missing after their junior seasons? Illinois last season.
Five
From page 7C
surprised.
“It wasn’t something I was looking
forward to. It was just whatever coach
wanted me to do, whatever is best for
the team and I was able to do that,” Wil-
son said. “I’m definitely excited to be in
the slot and get a little bit more balls.”
Ohio State receivers coach Brian Har-
tline said, “I view Garrett as a dynamic
player who can do dynamic things. I
think that position, more than anything,
is developing more and more into a wide Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison
receiver position. (bottom) and linebacker Pete Werner (20) wrap
“It’s really that you need to be a great Photos by Don Speck | The Lima News up Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence during
wide receiver first, and I think that Gar- Pete Werner (20) and Jordan Fuller (4) combine to bring down Cincinnati’s Josiah Deguara during a College Football Playoff semifinal last season.
a game last season.
rett, being a smart, savvy guy who has
a good wiggle to him when it comes to His fellow linebacker Tuf Borland says
releases and operating space, I think he’s 5. Pete Werner certainly one of the most versatile play- it’s a good fit.
a great fit for that space.” If there were a prize for the most ers on the 2019 defense. “He’s 245 pounds and can bring it,”
It will be interesting to watch if Wilson underestimated player on OSU’s defense That led Ohio State’s defensive coach- Borland said.
and his new position are a good fit for last season, Werner would have been a es to move him to a new position this “It is a good feeling, a good transition,”
each other. He caught 30 passes for 432 leading contender. year, the “will” linebacker instead of the Werner said about the move. “I feel like
yards and five touchdowns last season. He played the run well, he could “sam” linebacker. To oversimplify it, he I have the opportunity to make maybe a
It’s possible he could double those num- defend against the pass and knew the will probably be doing more tackling and little bit more plays. It’s just an opportu-
bers this season. playbook backward and forward. He was less pass coverage. nity to show more of my versatility.”12C Thursday, October 22, 2020 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 The Lima News
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