Maryland-Ohio St. Preview

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Billy Price knows all about the angst over Ohio State’s recent performances, and the left guard for the top-ranked Buckeyes has a message for those worried fans. ”To address the criticism, I think everybody just needs to relax,” he said Monday. ”We will take care of our business.” It worked out for Ohio State last Saturday, when it won 34-27 at previously unbeaten Indiana after entering as a three-touchdown favorite. The outcome was in doubt until cornerback Eli Apple broke up a pass in the end zone by Hoosiers backup Zander Diamont on the final play. It was an ugly win. The Buckeyes (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) turned the ball over three times, got two field goals from four trips to the red zone and committed eight penalties for 109 yards. ”Two areas of strength in the past are not strengths right now,” coach Urban Meyer said. ”We’re hitting that really, really hard, and that’s turnovers and that’s red-zone production.” Ohio State has fumbled 14 times, losing six, and thrown seven interceptions. Its minus-four turnover margin is tied for 101st out of 128 teams. Also, the Buckeyes are 108th in red-zone conversion with 12 scores in 16 attempts (75 percent), including just six TDs (37.5 percent). Meyer is not ruling out bringing in backup quarterback J.T. Barrett for Cardale Jones during red-zone situations when the Buckeyes host Maryland on Saturday. …

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