COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — No. 2 Ohio State expects to get back a couple of starters on a banged-up defense that has shown a weakness for giving up big plays all season. Despite their 30-14 victory over Minnesota on Saturday, the Buckeyes — who moved up a spot in the AP Top 25 — looked vulnerable, allowing the Golden Gophers to stack up 396 yards of offense. Walk-on freshman quarterback Zack Annexstad threw two touchdown passes, and freshman tailback Mohamed Ibrahim romped for a career-best 157 yards. The bend-but-don’t-break Buckeyes should get some help Saturday against Purdue with starting defensive end Jonathan Cooper and starting linebacker Malik Harrison returning, coach Urban Meyer said Monday. Both were in concussion protocol after the Indiana game. In addition, starting defensive tackle Robert Landers, who has been limited by an unspecified injury, is probable for the game, while starting cornerback Damon Arnette, who was…
Continue Reading: Some starters returning to banged-up Ohio State defense
