Spring in the Shoe

A sun drenched Ohio State Horseshoe took on a record crowd of 95,722 fans to show-off the Ohio State Buckeyes to the nation. The score might have reflected an unbalanced contest in the Gray’s favor, but I don’t think that bothered any of the fans there. Dawning the shorts, tank-tops and sandals (Tressel even chose clothes for the weather putting on the Hawaiian Ohio State shirt) you came with sun tanning lotion and a curiosity that you didn’t have the past three seasons. It is not a scary feeling, but a charged feeling of nervous energy walking into a party and saying, “I wonder who we are now?”

The entire country is asking the same question. After watching two national championship trips end in disappointments and watching last year’s Buckeyes loose to 3 different national championship contenders (USC, Penn State, and Texas) the view beyond Ohio is not suppose to a favorable one, but if anyone part of that view watched ESPNS’s top plays on Saturday they saw the pretty 44 yard rainbow pass thrown from Terrelle Pryor to an open Lamar Thomas in the corner of the end zone maybe they will become as curious as the rest of us. Below are some other observations and highlights that showed up like blooms in spring.

Quarterbacks. We might have not gotten to see Pryor for as long as promised, but we saw what we wanted to see, an athlete that has improved from just being a running quarterback to a complete player. Terrelle Pryor showed a live-arm with better accuracy, that when given time he will hit seams and plays that will make highlight reels. His instincts might always slow down his release, but he showed more confidence in looking over a defense and letting it fly. Joe Bauserman was 10-21 and showed confidence throwing into several tight windows. Jason Siems finished 2-5 for 21 yards and had good poise for being the third string quarterback. Terrelle Pryor has made it hard to recruit some of the top Quarterbacks in the nation that want more playing time, but Pryor’s size and strength should protect him. When you are as big as some linebackers playing quarterback you are hard to bring down.

Running Backs. Brandon Saine is back looking faster and more determined displaying a majority after a season troubled by a hamstring injury that should make him a threat to defenses in the Big Ten. His 6’1” frame and 217 pounds should be more rugged this year. When we first met Saine we were introduced to a versatile back with a lot speed. This year I am hoping to see a complete versatile back that can be a threat to burst through the middle or catch the 5-yard dump off and turn it into 10 or more. Boom Herron was steady playing for the scarlet team that looked like it had the better O-line for the run. Both of these backs together in the backfield will create a diverse offense. The depth at running back for Ohio State is always deep. History draws running backs to the Buckeyes. I saw 5 backs play in the game the biggest highlight coming from Marcus Williams for the Gray who finished the game with 98 yards on only 7 carries the most which came on his first that was a burst out of the backfield. Probably the best run-blocking of the game was given to Williams on that play when he slid out from behind the line and into one of those holes that he dreams of in his sleep.

Wide Receivers. They are who we thought they are!! Too put a spin on the too-famous a quote from Dennis Green. We thought they were talented and they proved that they are and they should continue to prove it in the fall. Devier Posey enters his sophomore season as a 6’3” 205 pound imposing giant that should make corners start to shake when they see him line up across from them. The most impressive thing about him is his hands. He just snags the ball out of the air whenever he wants with perfect form (I think everyone wanted to see Pryor and him on the same team, we will have to wait). Lamar Thomas might have given a fist-pump when he got put on the same team as Terrelle, but he also knew he have to show up and he did, getting behind the defense to catch the opening TD of the game. I was worried about Ray Small and so was someone else, because after dropping a pass and looking a little shook up the Gray team ran an onside-kick play and recovered the ball. This let him have one more shot (some people just need a second chance) and he took advantage of it. Catching an underthrown ball from Pryor he showed who he was with an ankle-breaking fake and an appearance in the endzone at enof the first-half.

Defense. The Ohio State moniker might be a little concerned that Terrelle Pryor put up 191 passing yards, but then again he is on our team. The Ohio State University is Linebacker-U (I am not sure what the course numbers are though). The lineage is lengthy and drooled over by the NFL if you are patient you will be rewarded. Tyler Moeller should be rewarded for not just tackling Pryor on his first jaunt out over the line-of-scrimmage, but also for chasing down the longest run of the game from behind. The defensive backfield looked shaky, but in the spring Wide Receivers have the advantage early so I wouldn’t be concerned right now. The Gray did get an opportunistic interception late. Turnovers are often a specialty of the Buckeyes defense and the depth at linebacker should create lots of blitzing opportunities.

Offensive Line. This might have been the biggest surprise in the entire game. I saw plenty of penetration by the defensive line like a lot of fans did, but there was a certain physicality out there by individuals that was not there last year. The leader has got to be Justin Boren the Michigan defect that will be interesting to watch when it is time to play Michigan and the crafty Rodriguez. He is like having an NFL veteran on the college level. He is exactly what Ohio State needed on the O-line this year a leader that has it out for that team up north should provide our line with nasty instincts it needs to compete this fall.

All in all it was a beautiful spring day for the Buckeye fans that could enjoy working on their tan while watching their beloved Buckeyes. The highlights should be good memories to keep all of us happy for the next couple of months before July (that is about the time I get really antsy for football). I’ll continue to give some highlights in these dry months ahead, trying to keep my excitement in check for the upcoming season. Though if you feel like I do right now you can say it with me…”Bring on the Trojans!!”

Thoughts on Pryor, 1st pick of the Spring Game Draft. Pryor Vs. Gibson

“You know what, the minute you don’t go full speed, I think your chances for injuries go higher,” Tressel said. “We need to be ready, and where there is risk there is reward, too. Maybe we’ll step a little closer to being better if we go a little harder.”

Risk verses reward those are probably the two perfect words you think of when having Terrelle Pryor as your quarterback. Going in to this year’s draft for the April 25^th Spring Game everyone had to be thinking who is the best player? Everyone says defense wins championships and Thaddeus Gibson was the first defensive player picked to counter the Terelle Pryor pick. When Tressel said that the quarterbacks were going to be live for even just part of the annual Ohio State Scarlet vs. Gray backyard brawl, you would be foolish not to pick who would become the most exciting player in that circumstance.

Everyone will be saying on the outside, “I like to see if he has improved in throwing the football.” While on the inside you are thinking of the line from the movie Forrest Gump, “Run Terrelle, Run!!” Run he will. Thaddeus is extremely athletic and hopes to be one of the best sacking prototypical combo linebackers in division 1a this year, and is begging to sack Terrelle Pryor. The chase will be fun to watch and I think all the fans will appreciate it when both are left still standing after their cat and mouse game in the Shoe.

There are other names too, the new Mr. Spring Brandon Saine which everyone is hoping can shed the title and be Mr. Autumn as well, the electrifying Devier Posey I am sure will make a play receiving and punt returning, Ray Small is looking to be the comeback player of the year and will also look for an opportunity on a punt return, and will we find the missing Cornerback opposite Chimdi Chekwa? We hope so.

No this is not your usual backyard football game of tag football with your friends. This is The Ohio State Buckeyes annual spring game and they have a lot to show their fans. I’ll be watching the game with the rest of the Buckeye nation in hopes that I can see answers before we meet the USC Trojans on September twelfth. You don’t have to pick sides, you don’t have to root against anybody. For one game you can just be a fan and be grateful your heart won’t be torn out  or your breath taken away screaming when the winning field goal is kicked, so after another game against the Fighting Irish sit back and have a party and wonder. “Do you think Tressel would ever leave behind the sweater-vest for the Ohio State Scarlet and Gray Hawaiian shirt he wore on Wednesday?”

Ohio State Wide Receiver Depth Decent Even With Loses

 

Ohio State Wide Receiver Depth Decent Even With Loses

Losing two veteran players like Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline would set many college football programs back, but Ohio State is loaded with young talent that will step up this spring and take the field this fall to create explosive offensive plays for the Buckeyes. Ray Small, Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey and Taurian Washington are some of the names competing for the starting sports this spring.

Continue reading at Brutus Report

Recruiting needs: Ohio State Buckeyes

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The youth movement is under way in Columbus, and Ohio State likely will need the services of several incoming freshmen for the 2009 season.

The Buckeyes lose 28 seniors and three juniors who will enter the NFL draft a year early, freeing up playing time for talented young players on both sides of the ball. No one will beat out Terrelle Pryor at quarterback, but this will be Pryor's team in the fall, and the coaches will look to build around the uniquely talented rising sophomore.

Most of the immediate needs are located on the defensive side, where Ohio State loses four starters and several other contributors. All-American Malcolm Jenkins and one-time starter Donald Washington both depart, leaving the team a bit thin at cornerback. And while both Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell return at safety, Ohio State will need replacements for them in 2010.

The Buckeyes lose two mainstays at linebacker in James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, who combined for 630 tackles the last three seasons. Though several players look ready to step in, Ohio State must build depth in the defensive midsection through its 2009 class.

Dan "Boom" Herron will enter spring practice as the favorite to take over at running back, but there could be some carries for incoming recruits like Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde. The offensive line gets a lot younger in 2009, and while J.B. Shugarts and Mike Adams could join classmate Mike Brewster in the starting five, Ohio State will try to add pieces up front.

Ohio State also loses its top two wide receivers in Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. While DeVier Posey, Ray Small, Dane Sanzenbacher and Lamaar Thomas look ready to step in, the Buckeyes would be well served to beef up their receiving corps.

Go to Source

Hartline Gone; Coleman, Small Staying

Brian Hartline has announced he’s going pro and Ray Small and Kurt Coleman are not.
My initial thoughts are that if the rumors of Hartline discontent with Pryor are true, then that’s the only choice he had. Being best friends with Todd Boeckman and seeing him lose his starting QB job to an upstart freshman certianly [...]
Story By Men of the Scarlet and Gray

Tressel, Buckeyes feeling loose before bowl

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The term “loose” doesn’t seem to fit a guy whose trademark outfit is a sweater vest, but Ohio State’s Jim Tressel might be the more relaxed head coach come Monday night.

His Texas counterpart, Mack Brown, thinks so.

	Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
	Jim Tressel says there is something special about this group of Ohio State seniors.

Brown admitted this morning that Texas has more pressure heading into Monday’s matchup in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Fox, 8 p.m.). The Longhorns are heavy favorites who can strengthen their argument for a national championship with a win against the Buckeyes, a team most are counting out.

“You’ll see a loose Jim Tressel who’s going to go for it,” Brown said.

Tressel sounded fine with that assessment.

“Oh, I’m loose,” Tressel said. “I think about the opportunity, especially for our 28 years, you do want to let it all hang out. You’re not going to hold anything in reserve.”

Compared to the charismatic Brown, Tressel was fairly reserved during his pre-bowl news conference. Here are some of the highlights:

• Buckeyes freshman defensive end Nathan Williams will face some playing-time penalties after being charged with shoplifting last month. Williams pleaded not guilty Dec. 16 and faces a pretrial hearing March 16. Tressel also responded to a question about whether starting wide receiver Brian Hartline would face any discipline for a possible team rules violation during the week in Arizona. “We may have some discussions as we go,” Tressel said, “but for the moment, Brian Hartline is going to have a great part of this football game.”
• Running back Chris “Beanie” Wells appeared to leave the door open for a return in 2009, but Tressel, who has said Wells is ready for the NFL, maintained that stance. “He is feeling as if he doesn’t want to do anything to distract from this moment, because it’s a special moment,” Tressel said. “I have felt all along that with his talent and the position he plays and those kinds of thing, that [going pro] may end up being the best thing, that he move along. But we haven’t had that discussion.” Translation: It would be shocking if Wells stayed in school.
• Third-string running back Brandon Saine hasn’t done much in pre-bowl practice because of an injury and likely won’t play against Texas. He will dress for the game. Freshman reserve tackle J.B. Shugarts has practiced and will be available Monday before likely undergoing postseason surgery.
• Like Brown, Tressel emphasized the importance of special teams in Monday’s matchup. Ohio State has been excellent on punt and kickoff coverage and ranks 14th nationally in punt returns (12.9 YPR), while Texas ranks third nationally in net punting and has blocked six kicks, four by freshman cornerback Aaron Williams. Return men Ray Small (Ohio State) and Jordan Shipley (Texas) are both capable of going to the house. “When you have depth like they have on defense, you’re going to have great speed in your special units,” Tressel said.
• Tressel doesn’t seem concerned that Ohio State’s recent big-game losses will place an added burden on his team, but he acknowledges he’s more excited about this bowl than he has been in a while. The team’s 28 seniors have something to do with it. “Why is this one? Why do I feel that way? There has been something awfully special about this group of kids,” Tressel said. “Maybe it is because it is today, I don’t know. They have been very unselfish. They have prepared extremely hard. They care about one another. They have fun with one another.”

Go to Source

Your ESPN.com Big Ten all-conference team

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Despite being largely absent from the national spotlight, the Big Ten had no shortage of standout performances this season. Here’s a look at the 2008 Big Ten all-conference team, which differs from the primer I posted several weeks ago.

OFFENSE

QB: Daryll Clark, Penn State
RB: Shonn Greene, Iowa
RB: Javon Ringer, Michigan State
WR: Arrelious Benn, Illinois
WR: Eric Decker, Minnesota
C: A.Q. Shipley, Penn State
G: Seth Olsen, Iowa
G: Rich Ohrnberger, Penn State
T: Gerald Cadogan, Penn State
T: Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
TE: Garrett Graham, Wisconsin

DEFENSE

DL: Aaron Maybin, Penn State
DL: Mitch King, Iowa
DL: Willie VanDeSteeg, Minnesota
DL: Corey Wootton, Northwestern
LB: Brit Miller, Illinois
LB: James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
LB: Navorro Bowman, Penn State
DB: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
DB: Vontae Davis, Illinois
DB: Otis Wiley, Michigan State
DB: Allen Langford, Wisconsin

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Brett Swenson, Michigan State
P: Zoltan Mesko, Michigan
KR: Derrick Williams, Penn State
PR: Ray Small, Ohio State

Go to Source

Dave’s IMO: Sneak Peek at 2009 for Ohio State Football

David Thurman (4:46 pm)

Is it too early begin thinking about the 2009 Buckeye football team, just a week removed from “The Game”? Of course not!

At least if you are an obsessed Ohio State fan like me, and you are probably are if you’re reading this column! So let’s take a look at a projected roster and a way-too-early prediction on next season’s record:

QB: Terrelle Pryor starts and with a month of bowl game practices and a full spring to work on mechanics, he might become a true superstar. Behind him is a talented but unproven commodity in Joe Bauserman.

HB: Dan Herron looks ready to be a big-time player, and with Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde on the way, this may be tailback by committee. There’s no Beanie (who will definitely go pro) but this group might cause big problems for defensive coordinators.

FB: Lots of youngsters like Martin, Boren, and Homan will throw their names into the hat, and Brandon Saine may play some at fullback as well, providing a pass threat out of the backfield. Truth is, though, I see a lot of ace formation in 2008.

WR: Brian Hartline (complaining aside) is an excellent big-play receiver who can catch the tough passes, too, and hopefully he will return for his senior year. Dan Sazenbacher is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his hands of glue and his willingness to take the big hit.

Beyond those two, Ray Small might finally shine if he can get his act together off the field, and DeVier Posey got some helpful experience this year and has the tools to be special. Plus, don’t discount Lamaar “Flash” Thomas, Jake Stoneburner, or the four incoming freshmen. Once again, this is a good if not great group.  

TE: I love Jake Ballard, and like most Buckeye fans think he has been underutilized. However, behind him there is no experience and either Nic DiLillo, who redshirted this season, or incoming freshman Reid Fragel, will have to step up quickly, at least to block!

OL: Possibly the biggest question for 2009 is can a line that loses three senior starters get better? I think the answer may be yes.

Obviously, Alex Boone will be missed, though he never maximized his immense talent. I’m not sure that Steve Rehring or Ben Person will be, since they often whiffed on blocks and had trouble remembering the snap count.

Here’s who I am betting on when we open up next year against Navy: J.B. Shugarts (LT); Jim Cordle (LG); Mike Brewster (C); Justin Boren (RG); Bryant Browning (RT). Personally, I would prefer Browning at guard, and if Mike Adams comes on, that might happen.

Beyond those six, only Conner Smith has much experience, and if Marcus Hall commits, he might see some immediate playing time.

In my opinion, the line will be about equal to this year, unless a new coach is hired to teach better fundamentals and put a fire under the big guys.

Overall, I think the offense scores more points due to the progression of Pryor, and the fact that the play calling almost has to get more creative without Beanie.

DL: The weakest link in 2008, the line did get better as the year went on, and I look for more improvement in 2009. At end, Gibson is ready to become dominant, and Nathan Williams might be special, too, if he can gain a little bit more strength to go along with his quickness and tenacity.

Lawrence Wilson will probably return, and he is solid, and Solomon Thomas is making strides. The player that really causes me consternation is Rob Rose, who I thought would be a superstar.

He’s not, and probably never will be, but the light may go on for him in his senior season. This could be a really good group.

At tackle, we still need some big, mean run-stoppers but have a good group returning in Cameron Heyward (could 2009 be his year?), Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger. I am also excited to see Garrett Goebel get his first snaps next year.

Of course, I am not discounting the possibility of Melvin Fellows or Johnny Simon making a big splash. Regardless, the line will be improved from this year’s version and that is a good thing.

LB: Saying goodbye to James Laurinaitis and buddy Marcus Freeman is tough, because they made a lot of tackles in their career, and provided plenty of highlights. But the cupboard is not bare. Ross Homan was finally healthy in ‘08, played well, and could move to the middle.

Austin Spitler has waited his chance, and is a good run stuffer, but may lack the speed to play every down. Of course some Florida seed is waiting in the wings, in the person of Etienne Sabino and Brian Rolle.

Both are hard hitters, and I project Sabino as a sure starter and future star. Beyond those four, are two guys who can play outside linebacker or nickel back in Tyler Moeller and Jermale Hines.

I love Hines, who is listed as a safety, and was also impressed in Moeller in the last two games of the season. Of course, all of these guys know there will be a fight with potential superstars Dorian Bell and Storm Klein among four incoming linebackers in the class of ‘09.

Plus, don’t forget Andrew Sweat, who was too good to redshirt this season, as the real Linebacker U keeps churning them out! Personally, I think this group will give up a few more big plays than the past couple of years due to inexperience, but may be better in coverage and against the spread, due to increased speed.

I hope Heacock doesn’t put Homan and Spitler on the field together, however, or the speed factor goes out the window. My early prediction is Sabino, Homan, and Moeller in the opener.

DB: There is a lot to like about this group, but the loss of Malcolm Jenkins is a tough pill to swallow. He ranks up there with Shawn Springs and Antwon Winfield in my book, and will be missed.

The starters seems obvious; rapidly improving Chimdi Chekwa and Donald Washington at cornerback, and ready-for-prime-timer Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell at safety.

Washington worries me a little, since he seemed to digress after his off-the-field problems which sent him to the doghouse, but he has plenty of talent and experience (supposedly he he is contemplating going pro which would be a big mistake).

Losing 2007 recruits Eugene Clifford and James Scott thins the ranks at corner, where healthy Andre Amos would help, but some believe he may leave school.

At nickel, the aforementioned Hines us a hitting machine, and I love his nasty attitude. Further depth will come from Aaron Gant, and there is plenty of room for redshirts like Travis Howard and Orhian Johnson to get into the rotation, but they may be quickly passed by the boatload of talent Tressel has recruited this year.

A guy like C.J. Barnett may see the field immediately due to lack of numbers here. On paper this is the strength of the ‘09 defense if everyone returns, and should make passing a dangerous proposition for the opposition.

So, the defense should be about equal to this year’s squad if some leaders emerge from the senior class to fill the shoes of Jenkins and Laurinaitis.

What about special teams? A Tressel led team never considers this an afterthought, and with departure of Trapasso and Pretorius some might be concerned, but not me.

I think Pettrey is a superior kick to Pretorius right now, and feel confident that either Jon Thoma or Ben Buchanan can be a solid punter. Long-snapper Jake McQuaide did a nice job this year and he has two years of eligibilty left.

As for returns, I think we may have two special players in Ray Small and Lamaar Thomas, and once again, if Small doesn’t get in his own way, he might put some real fear into opposing punters in ‘09.

Well, that’s a look position by position but what about the final record? My way-to-early prediction is 11-1 in the regular season with a loss coming to USC (home) or Penn State (away).

We could easily lose another one, as upsets happen with young teams, but I am optimistic, at least for now, with months to go before I start worrying!

What do you think? Let us know, as we all gaze into the looking glass wearing our Scarlet and Gray-colored glasses!

Go to Source

Ohio State-Michigan: Boom & Buckeyes Break Away from Wolverines

Drew Thurman (9:19 pm)

Going into halftime the Buckeyes had a slim 14-7 lead, but the second half brought a much different outcome. After a huge defensive stop and two big runs by Beanie and Boom, the Buckeyes took at 21-7 lead and never looked back. The victory was the fifth straight for the Buckeyes against the Wolverines, something they had never before.

There are a lot of things I noticed in the game, but here are a few.

Wolverine Killer

Playing great against Michigan ensures that you will go down in Buckeye history forever, and Beanie played great against “the school up north” for a third straight season. His 59-yard touchdown run not only got the Buckeyes going, but also showed yet again that Beanie is a “Wolverine killer.” He seems to have a big run against them every year, and that has to put a smile on your face.

Pryor’s Performance

Pryor came out and threw one of the worst interceptions you will ever see. I give him credit though because he never gave up on the play, and without his tackle this game could have had a much different feel.

Outside of that play Pryor’s game was very hit or miss. He had some ugly throws and took some bad sacks, but overall made some crucial plays. For his game to go to the next level he needs to develop an intermediate passing game, and not just throwing it long. With that said, Pryor came away with his first win against Michigan.

Coaches vs. Players

What in the world was going on between the Michigan players and coaches on the sideline? In the first quarter during a Wolverine timeout, ABC caught the players screaming and getting in their coaches’ faces.

This to me showed a real issue with Rich Rodriguez’s leadership and why they went 3-8. I know there was a new system in Ann Arbor, but the Wolverines didn’t look like they respected the leadership!

Here comes “The Boom”

After a big touchdown run last week against the Illini, Boom Herron came up huge again this week. He had eight carries for 80 yards with two touchdowns and had his coming-out party in the biggest game of his young career. Everyone is talking about Jamaal Berry and Carlos Hyde coming in next year, but as Lee Corso would say, “not so fast my friend!”

Herron is a serious talent who hits the hole as fast as anyone I have seen. The one criticism of him is that he could not break the long run, but that does not seem to be an issue any longer!

Hartline and Small

I along with many Buckeye fans have been very hard on these two young men this season. Hartline had been rumored to be a cancer in the locker room, and of course we all know the many troubles surrounding Ray Small. Both had great games on Saturday, and I was glad to see both guys were a big part of the team again, especially for Ray Small, who I still feel can get his act together.

It was great to see Cris Carter coaching and encouraging Small on the sideline, and I think that had a big part to play in Small’s 110 punt return yards!

Boeckman and the seniors

Tressel and the coaches could not have scripted this game any better for the seniors. A ton of them got game action, but the story of the day had to be Todd Boeckman. He had 64 yards on three throws, the best being his pass to Brian Hartline for a touchdown.

Boeckman has been a class act all the way this season, and I was glad to see he got his moment on senior day. He embodies what you want from a Buckeye player, and we all know he bleeds scarlet and gray!

Go to Source

My Big Ten Player of the Week picks

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The league office will have its choices out in a few minutes, but here are my picks for the final round of Big Ten Players of the Week. There were a lot of strong candidates on the offensive side this week, making for a very tough decision.

OFFENSE

Penn State QB Daryll Clark – After admittedly losing his confidence in recent weeks, Clark had his best game of the season against Michigan State. The junior passed for a career-high 341 yards and four touchdowns — Penn State’s first 300-yard passing performance since 2003 — and added as rushing touchdowns as the Nittany Lions routed the Spartans to reach the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1994 season. Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter (448 pass yards, 5 TDs) also deserves some recognition here.

DEFENSE

Northwestern DE Kevin Mims — It took a team effort to squash Illinois, but Mims led the way with his best career performance on Senior Day. Mims racked up a career-best 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble that set up a fourth-quarter field goal. Special mention also goes to Iowa cornerback Amari Spievey and Hawkeyes safety Tyler Sash, both of whom had interception returns for more than 50 yards against Minnesota. Spievey had a 57-yard return for a touchdown with 27 seconds left in the first half, sparking Iowa to a 27-0 lead.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ohio State WR Ray Small – After a two-game suspension for violating team rules, Small made an impression in his first game back. With Ohio State leading Michigan 21-7 in the third quarter, the junior had an 80-yard punt return that set up another touchdown. Small ended the game with 110 yards on five punt returns.

Go to Source

Next Page »