When the defending national champions are an inter-conference rival of yours, it may be hard to get overwhelming media respect in some regards. But Ohio State had a big one thrown in its lap on Thursday when it announced defensive end Joey Bosa, H-back Jalin Marshall, receiver Corey Smith and H-back Dontre Wilson would be suspended for the season-opening game at Virginia Tech for violating athletic department policy. ESPN’s Joe Schad reports that the suspensions were the result of marijuana use and academic issues. Virginia Tech was the only team to beat the Buckeyes on their path to the national title, claiming a 35-21 victory in Columbus, and five of the Hokies’ six losses last season were by seven points or less. Whether it’s a sprained ankle or stuff [like a suspension], you try to create a culture and move forward. “We just have to get on out grind like last year and keep pushing”. Will the absence of these four impact players prove to be too much of a hit for Urban Meyer to start the season off with a win? “I think we can have something very similar to what we had going last year and that will be huge for us”. Meyer vowed the Buckeyes will move forward. Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa breaks quarterbacks, and also apparently breaks rules. On offense, the Buckeyes have lost three of their best receiving options and will now look to inexperienced receivers like the newly transitioning Braxton Miller to pick up the slack. It’s all about not being complacent. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State football players to sit out Virginia Tech season opener
