Coach: Urban Meyer, 38-3 entering fourth season at Ohio State, 142-26 entering 14th season overall 2014 record: 14-1, 8-0 Big Ten (first in the East), defeated Wisconsin 59-0 in Big Ten Championship, defeated Alabama 42-35 in College Football Playoff semifinals, defeated Oregon 42-20 in College Football Playoff finals Offensive starters returning (8): QB J.T. Barrett, C Jacoby Boren, OT Taylor Decker, OG Pat Elflein, RB Ezekiel Elliott, QB Cardale Jones, OG Billy Price, WR Michael Thomas Defensive starters returning (7): CB Eli Apple, S Vonn Bell, DE Joey Bosa, LB Darren Lee, LB Joshua Perry, S Tyvis Powell, DT Adolphus Washington Specialists returning (2): P Cameron Johnston, K Sean Nuernberger Returning statistical leaders: Rushing, Ezekiel Elliott 273-1,878; Passing, J.T. Barrett 203-314-10-2,834-34; Receiving, Michael Thomas 54-799; Tackles, Joshua Perry 124; Interceptions, Vonn Bell 6 Starring roles Joey Bosa: The junior defensive end finished fourth in the country with 13.5 sacks last season. One of five returning first-team all-Big Ten defenders, the reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year recorded 21 of is 55 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He’s suspended for the season opener, but will lead a veteran defense. Ezekiel Elliott: While quarterbacks J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones and recently-transformed receiver Braxton Miller have competed for time behind center, the Buckeyes have no questions at running back. The St. Louis native ran his way into this year’s Heisman talk with dominating late-season performances for the defending national champions. He ran for 1,878 yards last season and will work behind a line that returns four starters. On the rise Michael Thomas: Becomes the centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ receiving corps this season. The junior missed spring ball while recuperating from a sports hernia, but he brings 6-foot-3 size and displayed elusive ability after the catch. …
Continue Reading: Big Ten breakdown: Ohio State
