The Lantern - September 14 2017

Thursday, September 14, 2017

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2017

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Year 137, Issue No. 34

INSIDE TE

14

AM

S PROFIL

JT BARRETT ED

BUCKEYE QUARTERBACK FACES BIG TEN REQUIEM

PAGE 12

RIVALRY REDEFINED What’s next for Ohio State-Michigan game after 2016 overtime thriller EDWARD SUTELAN Assistant Sports Editor sutelan.1@osu.edu The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry added perhaps its most thrilling chapter yet last season as it took double-overtime, a close fourth-down review and a walkoff touchdown scored by H-back Curtis Samuel to seal the Buckeyes’ 30-27 victory and send thousands of Ohio State fans onto the field to celebrate the win.

Much ado was made after the game as coach Jim Harbaugh created a spectacle, displaying with his hands the distance by which he thought quarterback J.T. Barrett had fallen short of a first down on his fourth-down carry that saved Ohio State’s season and set up Samuel’s run.

This season, however, “The Game” will not be held in Ohio Stadium. Instead, the Buckeyes will travel up to The Big House to play their arch-rivals in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a fiveyear win streak on the line, and possibly College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

So following the heartbreaking loss for Harbaugh and the Wolverines, will the third-year head coach lead the Wolverines to their second win against the Buckeyes this decade? Or will Ohio State hold off Michigan for the sixth straight season and pull out another win?

One of the major narratives

ALEXA MAVROGIANIS | FORMER PHOTO EDITOR

OSU then-redshirt junior quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) pushes past Michigan defenders during the second half of the Buckeyes’ 30-27 win on Nov. 26. from last season was that the youth of Ohio State, which had returned only six starters from the previous year, was going to be forced to deal with one of the more veteran teams in the country as Michigan returned 14 starters.

There also were playoff implications on the line as both teams had already suffered a loss.

Everything about last season’s matchup seems to have flipped for this year.

Ohio State has already lost a

game and likely needs to win out to have any hopes of a national championship. This means the Buckeyes will play teams like Penn State, Iowa and Nebraska knowing that a single loss essentially ends its season.

The experience scale also has swapped for both teams. Ohio State has 15 returning starters and Michigan has just five, the fewest among FBS teams.

Despite the inexperience, Michigan is off to a hot start to

its new season. The Wolverines got off to slow starts against both then-No. 17 Florida and Cincinnati the following week, but each time dominated the second halves en route to 33-17 and 36-14 victories, respectively.

The defense of Michigan, which has one returning starter, has been by far the most dominant unit for the team. It ranks 34th among FBS teams with an average of just 156.5 passing yards per game and has limited

opponents to only 39.5 rushing yards per game, third-lowest in the nation.

Ohio State, with all its returning starters, has not looked nearly as hot. The team ranks last in passing yards allowed (403) and has looked just as sluggish on the other side of the football, averaging just 243.5 passing yards per game. And while both the rushing defense and rushing offense have looked strong to kick off the season, a slow start against Indiana and a 31-16 loss to Oklahoma have the team looking less like the preseason No. 2 team and more like a team with a real shot to finish third in its own division.

If early trends play out, the Wolverines would appear to have the edge on paper. They have statistically been the better team, host the matchup and have looked more impressive in the early going this season.

But anything can happen in rivalry games. Players always talk about the history ingrained in “The Game” and about how that matchup just means more.

So will this finally be Michigan’s year, or will Ohio State come out on top and keep its winning streak alive?

Only time will tell.

@EdwardSutelan

Freshman J.K. Dobbins prepares for first run through Big Ten EDWARD SUTELAN Assistant Sports Editor sutelan.1@osu.edu

JACK WESTERHEIDE | PHOTO EDITOR

Freshman running back J.K. Dobbins (2) on Sep. 9.

Out with the old and in with the new.

As redshirt senior quarterback J.T. Barrett prepares for his final trip through the Big Ten, freshman running back J.K. Dobbins is set to establish his presence in the conference as the catalyst of Ohio State’s offense for years to come.

And the Ohio State coaching staff couldn’t be more excited

about the future of the first-year running back.

“I kind of tempered my emotions with you guys early on because we’ve seen that since spring practice. He’s had a hell of a camp,” Meyer said after the Indiana game. “Not surprised at all [with his performance].”

Dobbins’ career began in an almost storybook fashion. With Ohio State traveling to Bloomington, Indiana, to open up its season against Indiana, Dobbins was assigned the start at the last

minute with redshirt sophomore Mike Weber dealing with a lingering hamstring injury that kept him out of the starting lineup.

The game could not have gone much better for the freshman. He set an Ohio State record for most rushing yards by a true freshman in his debut with 181 rushing yards on 29 carries, adding 24 receiving yards on two catches.

“I felt like I was going to do things that I did because I practiced against the best defense in college football every day and

then I got a great offensive line,” Dobbins said after the game.

Now just two weeks away from kicking off the remainder of the Big Ten season, Dobbins is one of the only offensive weapons the team can count on in conference play. He has undoubtedly been the most consistent performer for Ohio State’s offense this season as Barrett, the wide receivers, the tight ends and the backup running backs have been shaky in their first two games.

DOBBINS CONTINUES ON 2

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OPINION

Roundtable: 4 writers weigh in on Big Ten Who will be the Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year?

Jill Beckman: covers Penn State for the Philadelphia Enquirer There’s no doubt Penn State’s Saquon Barkley will be the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

A Heisman candidate, Barkley has recorded four touchdowns in two games so far in his junior year.

On the defensive side of the ball, Iowa’s Josey Jewell has a shot at the title. In his first two games this season, the senior linebacker recorded two sacks and 21 tackles against Wyoming and Iowa State.

Cameron Drummond: covers Indiana for Indiana Daily Student It’s not unprecedented for the same player to earn consecutive Offensive Player of the Year honors, as Braxton Miller did in 2012 and 2013, and there’s a chance of it happening again with Penn State junior running back Saquon Barkley.

The Heisman hopeful has benefited from lesser opponents, but he’s still averaging almost 10 yards per carry and is worth the price of admission to any Penn State game.

Defensively, Indiana senior linebacker Tegray Scales is a se-

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rious player of the year contender. A season after earning second-team All-American honors, Scales already has 13 solo tackles and 20 tackles overall.

Who will be the breakout player of the 2017 Big Ten season?

Max Bultman: covers Michigan for The Athletic Detroit Michigan linebacker Devin Bush. He got off to a huge start against Florida, and I think it’s going to continue. Bush is fast, hits hard and plays in a defense that’s going to let him be as aggressive as possible.

Derek Peterson: covers Nebraska for Hail Varsity I feel like this kind of honor comes down to opportunity. So, it’s got to be freshman running back J.K. Dobbins, I would think.

He was phenomenal in the Week 1 win over Indiana and just really didn’t get the same chances late against Oklahoma with the Buckeyes falling behind. Meyer likes to be balanced offensively and the first two weeks have sort of exposed J.T. Barrett’s ability as a passer, both things I think will lead to Dobbins getting every chance to pile up the carries.

Beckman: Expect Wisconsin’s Alex Hornibrook to have a breakout year. While we’ve already seen the kind of success the quarterback can have, this year will be the true test, as he’ll have to step up in a starting role with former [quarterback] Bart Houston gone.

Drummond: Purdue football has been bad

for a long time, but new head coach Jeff Brohm is changing things in West Lafayette, Indiana, and that change is evident in the play of junior quarterback David Blough.

What will be the most interesting game of the Big Ten schedule?

Peterson: It should probably be the Penn State-Ohio State game because I see that being for the division, but given how things ended last season, it will probably end up being Michigan-Ohio State. It’ll have all the hype because it’ll be the final game of the season, it’ll be between two teams that are ranked somewhere near the top 15 and it’s THE game.

Beckman: As it is many years, the most interesting game on the Big Ten schedule will be Ohio State vs.

Michigan in the Big House. The rivalry game is always entertaining, but the level of competitiveness this year will make it the game to watch.

Drummond: The answer to this question should be Ohio State vs. Penn State, a game that has a good chance of deciding who wins the East Division, but I’m going in a different direction.

I’m scared for Rutgers on Sept.

30. That’s the day the Scarlet Knights welcome Ohio State to Piscataway, New Jersey, and it could get ugly. I’m afraid how out-of-hand their meeting with Ohio State will get.

The Lantern is a student publication which is part of the School of Communication at The Ohio State University. It publishes issues Tuesday and Thursday, and online editions every day. The Lantern’s daily operations are funded through advertising and its academic pursuits are supported by the School of Communication. Some of the advertising is sold by students. The School of Communication is committed to the highest professional standards for the newspaper in order to guarantee the fullest educational benefits from The Lantern experience.

Who will be in the Big Ten Championship?

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin Winner: Ohio State

Max Bultman The Athletic Detroit

Penn State vs. Wisconsin Winner: Penn State

Jill Beckman The Philadelphia Enquirer

Ohio State vs. Iowa Winner: Ohio State

Cameron Drummond Indiana Daily Student

Penn State vs. Nebraska Winner: Penn State

Derek Peterson Hail Varsity

DOBBINS FROM 1

Despite being so young, Dobbins has been hyped up by members of the coaching staff since his arrival in Columbus and expectations have been placed quite high for him.

“This guy has picked it up faster than anybody I’ve ever been around in my 22 years as a true freshman,” running backs coach Tony Alford said on Aug. 18.

“He’s picked it up, he understands the offense — the nuances of it — very, very quickly and he plays hard. He goes so hard at everything he does which is part of the culture of this program.”

The coaches have praised all aspects of Dobbins’ game, citing his explosive speed, toughness barreling through the defensive line and ability to catch passes.

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But what has set Dobbins apart from other young running backs in the past is his ability to block.

“I would like to think that the hardest thing for incoming freshmen running backs is pass protection,” Alford said. “Not only to protect it but where to go and where they fit and all the different protection schemes and understanding fronts and different blitzes.”

So far this season, Dobbins has lived up to the hype. He is second on the team behind Barrett with his 276 all-purpose yards this year and has recorded more rushing yards (253) than the rest of the team combined. He has also accounted for 32 percent of the team’s chunk plays (15-plus yard pass or 10-plus yard rush) to this point, catching an 18-yard wheel

route on the second play of his career and rushing seven times for more than 10 yards and gaining 20-plus yards on three occasions.

With one loss already in the standings for Ohio State, the Buckeyes will need Dobbins to live up to the hype in his inaugural campaign if the offense is going to put up the points necessary to reach the College Football Playoff.

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Thursday, September 14, 2017 | The Lantern | 3

Iowa Hawkeyes Minnesota Golden Gophers

COURTESY OF BEN SMITH | THE DAILY IOWAN

Iowa’s Josey Jewell (43) tackles Wyoming’s Avante Cox during the 2017 season opener on Sep. 2. The Hawkeyes went on to defeat the Cowboys, 24-3.

The Hawkeyes Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All time record vs. OSU

Iowa City, Iowa 8-5 (6-3) Kirk Ferentz 2-0 14-46

What has happened thus far in 2017 The Hawkeyes outlasted in-state rival Iowa State, 44-41, in overtime in Week 2. In its season opener, Iowa’s defense stymied Wyoming’s offense, led by likely first-round pick Josh Allen, and the Hawkeyes won, 24-3.

Impact Player While senior linebacker Josey Jewell is a menace, the Hawkeyes’ inexperience on offense places greater importance on running back Akrum Wadley. The senior rushed for 1,081 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry, in 2016. Through two games, Wadley has 234 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Wadley can be dynamic in space, which he showcased late against Iowa State when he turned a short catch out of the backfield into a 46-yard, game-tying touchdown, made possible by three broken tackles and a slick stutter-step.

Strengths Because some things never change, Iowa’s running game will be sturdy behind an experienced offensive line and the legs of Wadley and James Butler, a graduate transfer from Nevada who owns back-toback 1,300-plus rushing yard seasons.

The O-line was dented in Week 2, with right tackle Ike Boettger lost for the year,

but because the Hawkeyes often substitute linemen to keep players fresh and develop young talent, they should have enough depth to overcome Boettger’s injury.

Jewell, a preseason All-American, leads a defense that returns six of last year’s front seven. The Hawkeyes should be stout against the run and put pressure on opposing offensive lines. The reason they limited Wyoming’s Allen to 174 passing yards was because Allen had little time to throw.

Weaknesses The Hawkeyes are inexperienced at quarterback, receiver and defensive back.

Whether Iowa is a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten West or is its usual eight-win self comes down to the performance of those units. Sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley showed promise against Iowa State, throwing for 333 yards and five scores, but it’s a small sample size.

Junior college transfer wideout Nick Easley has 11 catches so far, giving Iowa another target alongside senior receiver Matt Vandeberg, whose 2016 was cut short by a broken foot. Even so, the Hawkeyes lack a game-changing playmaker on the outside.

Safety Miles Taylor, a three-year starter, is the only returner in the secondary. Other players, like sophomore Manny Rugamba, have seen the field, but not consistently.

If the secondary is at least average, the Hawkeye front seven is good enough to handle the rest.

-Kevin Stankiewicz

COURTESY OF TNS

Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson (6) breaks through a tackle attempt by Oregon State safety Brandon Arnold (3) for a first-quarter touchdown on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore.

The Golden Gophers Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All time record vs. OSU

Minneapolis, Minnesota 9-4 (5-4) PJ Fleck 2-0 7-44

What has happened thus far in 2017 Minnesota began the season with a hardfought 17-7 win at home against Buffalo.

The Golden Gophers controlled the ball on the ground, tallying 169 yards on 51 rush attempts, and receiver Tyler Johnson added 141 yards on six catches with a touchdown.

The team then went on the road in Week 2, hammering the Oregon State Beavers 48-14 behind another dominant rushing performances from running backs Rodney Smith, who rushed for 92 yards, and Shannon Brooks, who added three touchdowns on the ground.

Impact Player The Minnesota offense is built around running the ball and then punishing defenses with Johnson in the passing game. A converted quarterback, the sophomore has shown a knack for the big plays, catching touchdowns of 61 and 67 yards so far this year. Last season, he caught 14 passes for 141 yards, a total he matched in the first half of Week 1. He is possibly on his way to becoming a big-time playmaker for this offense.

Strengths For the Golden Gopher offense to perform consistently, new coach PJ Fleck will likely lean on his pair of workhorse running backs to provide the bulk of the support. Smith is coming off a 2016 campaign in which he rushed for 1,158 yards and 16 touchdowns, and Brooks is hoping to continue his steady play coming off a 650yard season. The run defense was strong last season, allowing 117 yards per game, which ranked 14th in the country. It also returns linebacker Blake Cashman, who led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2016.

Weaknesses The quarterback position is a question mark for this team since senior Conor Rhoda entered the season with little experience and his backup, redshirt sophomore Demry Croft, has stepped away from the team indefinitely with personal issues. Rhoda has emerged as the starter but he lacks the mobility that had allowed Croft to continue to see snaps earlier in the year. Fleck might have some pains in his first few Big Ten games if he can’t solve the situation.

The pass defense is also going to be worth monitoring after the unit finished 73rd in the FBS in passing yards allowed and lost two starters in the secondary.

-DeVaughn Blair

Illinois Fighting Illini The Fighting Illini Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All time record vs. OSU

Champaign, Illinois 3-9 (2-7) Lovie Smith 2-0 30-67

What has happened thus far in 2017 Illinois opened its season with a narrow 24-21 win over Ball State, which was cause for concern. Junior quarterback Chayce Crouch was sacked four times, and the Illini’s offensive line could not make much room for Illinois’ stable of running backs. In Week 2, the Fighting Illini continued to struggle, but the defense improved dramatically, holding Western Kentucky to one touchdown in a 20-7 victory.

Impact player Redshirt junior wide receiver Mike Dudek has suited up for the first time in two seasons, after suffering two ACL

tears. In his true freshman season, he caught 76 passes for 1,038 yards, was voted second-team all-conference and led the Big Ten in receptions and receiving yards during conference play. His absence might take a toll on his production, but his impact has been visible. In Illinois’ close bout with Ball State, Dudek’s 52-yard punt return eventually secured the win, and he led the team in receiving yards against Western Kentucky, pulling in six catches for 46 yards.

Strengths Illinois resolved its glaring quarterback issue in the offseason. Last season there was a revolving door of quarterbacks, as a different starter took the field on four separate occasions due to both injury and poor performance. If all goes according to plan, Crouch will start and add stability to the offense. Additionally, there is potential in the young talent that Illinois will have to rely on this season, such as freshman running back Mike Epstein, who got his

first start against Western Kentucky and rushed for 111 yards.

Weaknesses Illinois’ depth on the offensive line raises some concerns. With only three starters returning, this team must rely heavily on inexperienced players. There have been glaring issues, like Ball State sacking Crouch four times. Star running back Kendrick Foster has sputtered to start the season, though part of that can be attributed to a struggling offensive line. He led Illinois in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and all-purpose yards last season, but could only scrounge eight carries for 15 yards against Ball State and three carries for 11 yards against Western Kentucky. The youth of this team is apparent on both sides of the ball and COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ATHLETICS will be difficult to overcome as the Illini Illinois junior wide reciever Mike head into Big Ten play.

Dudek (18) runs the ball during a game against Western Kentucky.

-Ashley Nelson

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Nebraska Cornhuskers The Cornhuskers Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All time record vs. OSU

Lincoln, Nebraska 9-4 (6-3) Mike Riley 1-1 1-4

What has happened thus far in 2017 There has been no shortage of scoring for Nebraska and coach Mike Riley in the first two weeks of their season. In Week 1, Nebraska fought off a second-half surge by Arkansas State to win 43-36 in the final seconds. The script was flipped in Week 2 when Nebraska traveled to Oregon and trailed the Ducks for most of the game, only to see its second-half comeback fall short, 42-35.

Impact player It’s difficult to find a more dangerous player on Nebraska’s roster than senior wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El. Pierson-El has recorded six catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns so far this year.

The former freshman All-American at punt returner ranks third among active players in the country in career punt-return yardage.

After an electrifying freshman campaign in 2014, Pierson-El sustained a knee injury that appeared to slow his production in his next two seasons. The versatile weapon is poised to return to form at full health and replace the production lost by graduated receiver Jordan Westerkamp, while con-

COURTESY OF HANNAH DEPRIEST | THE DAILY NEBRASKAN

Nebraska senior wide reciever De’Mornay Pierson-El (15) evades an Arkansas State defender.

tinuing to be a mainstay in the return game.

Strengths The Huskers’ backfield houses two very different playmakers in junior quarterback Tanner Lee and sophomore running back Tre Bryant. Lee has stepped in to replace longtime quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. and has shown flashes of why he was a highly touted transfer from Tulane. Lee has thrown for 490 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Bryant has 299 rushing

Northwestern Wildcats

COURTESY OF TNS

Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) evades Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Chris Worley (35) in the first quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium on Oct. 29, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio.

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COURTESY OF JULIAN TIRTADJAJA | THE DAILY NEBRASKAN

Nebraska senior wide reciever De’Mornay Pierson-El (15) runs the ball against Arkansas State.

yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries.

Weaknesses Nebraska’s defensive efforts have not exactly been encouraging this season for new defensive coordinator Bob Diaco.

Giving up 78 points in two games might be somewhat of an outlier due to playing two nonconference opponents with up-tempo offenses, but Nebraska has still allowed six touchdowns and 780 yards this season through the air. The secondary has been

scrambling since senior cornerback Chris Jones tore his meniscus in July. Jones was honorable mention All-Big Ten last season.

The Wildcats

to repeat the success they had in 2015.

Strengths Jackson is a clear strength on offense, as not only has he performed well every season since his freshman year, he has played in every game for the past three seasons.

Thorson has shown glimmers of greatness, like when he completed 28-of-38 passes for 352 yards against Nevada in Week 1, and the Wildcats will need more games like that if they are to succeed in the Big Ten. Northwestern had a strong defense last year that ranked 12th in the nation in scoring, and was led by now-Indianapolis Colts linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. The Wildcats have the potential to continue that success this season with senior safety Godwin Igwebuike showing the most promise to lead the defense, as he racked up 108 tackles last season.

Weaknesses Consistency is a big weakness as the first two games of the 2017 season have shown how different this Northwestern team can look on any given night. Four starters are back for Northwestern’s offensive line, but they gave up 39 sacks and 95 tackles for loss last year, so they will need to be much improved to help Thorson find more of a rhythm this season.

Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All time record vs. OSU

Chicago, Illinois 7-6 (5-4) Pat Fitzgerald 1-1 14-61

What has happened thus far in 2017 Northwestern started off the season strong with a 31-20 victory against Nevada.

The Wildcats were tested more than expected, but junior quarterback Clayton Thorson added two late rushing touchdowns in the final 5:29 of the game to seal the comeback victory. The following week, the Wildcats were defeated by Duke in dominating fashion, losing 41-17. The Blue Devils scored 20 unanswered points to put Northwestern away in the second half.

Impact Player The offense relies on star senior running back Justin Jackson. Jackson ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, and earned a first team All-Big Ten spot last season by the media. Jackson reached personal highs in yards per carry, total yards and touchdowns last year. He also is just 229 yards away from breaking Northwestern’s all-time rushing yard record (4,485). Jackson has had a slower start this year, with only 127 rushing yards on 37 carries and one touchdown through two games, but he will still be expected to carry the offense if the Wildcats are going

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Purdue Boilermakers The Boilermakers Location West Lafayette, Indiana 2016 Record 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten) Head Coach Jeff Brohm 2017 Record 1-1 All time record 14-39 vs. OSU

What has happened thus far in 2017 Purdue was defeated 35-28 in its season opener by No. 16 Louisville and 2016 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Boilermakers were led by their defense, which forced three turnovers in this game, but were ultimately overmatched by the Cardinals’ high-powered offense. They went on to face the Ohio Bobcats Friday, winning 44-21. Running back Tario Fuller led the team to victory with 142 rushing yards on 16 carries and a touchdown. This marked the first win of the Jeff Brohm era in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Impact Player Redshirt senior linebacker T.J. McCollum could have a major impact on the Boilermaker defense this season. He had 120 solo tackles — including 16 for a loss — in his three seasons prior to joining Purdue. The linebacker’s 18 tackles in his first two games lead the team. McCollum transferred from Western Kentucky with Brohm.

Strengths Purdue’s strength will be the linebackers. The Boilermakers added McCollum to a linebacker core of sophomore Markus Bailey and senior Ja’Whaun Bentley. Bailey led the team in tackles last season with 97 while Bentley had 50 tackles last sea-

COURTESY OF PURDUE ATHLETICS

Purdue senior linebacker T.J. McCollum (6) attempts a to sack Ohio University running back A.J. Ouellette (45). son, including seven for loss. Tight end is also emerging as a position of strength for Purdue. Junior Cole Herdman leads the team in receiving yards this season with 146 yards on six receptions and a touchdown, while backup tight end Brycen Hopkins has seven receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

Weaknesses Purdue’s pass defense must improve if

the team is going to contend against some of the better teams in the Big Ten like Michigan and Wisconsin, which it will face on Sept. 23 and Oct. 14, respectively. The pass defense has given up 602 yards and three touchdowns so far this season. The secondary added transfer safety T.J. Jallow, yet the starters in the secondary only had one interception last season. Overall, the defense looks improved from last sea-

son, but its ability to slow down the passing game could determine how far the team will go.

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Buckeye Football 2017 Schedule Date

Opponent

Location

Time

Sep. 30

at Rutgers

Piscataway, N.J.

TBA

Oct. 7

vs. Maryland

Columbus, OH

3:30 OR 4:00 p.m. ET

Oct. 14

at Nebraska

Lincoln, NE

TBA

Oct. 28

vs. Penn State

Columbus, OH

3:30 p.m. ET

Nov. 4

at Iowa

Iowa City, IA

TBA

Nov. 11

vs. Michigan State

Columbus, OH

TBA

Nov. 18

vs. Illinois

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Indiana Hoosiers @TheLantern

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Thursday, September 14, 2017 | The Lantern | 7

The Hoosiers Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All-time record vs. OSU

What has happened thus far in 2017 After former Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson left Bloomington, Indiana, for Columbus to join the Buckeyes as their offensive coordinator, former Hoosier defensive coordinator Tom Allen took the reins at Indiana for the 2017 season. Through two games, the Hoosiers played an excellent first half against Ohio State in their home opener, but Indiana couldn’t hold on in the second half, falling to the Buckeyes 49-21.

Allen and the Hoosiers recovered from the Week 1 loss and took down Virginia, 3417, on the road.

Impact Player The key to success for Indiana in 2017 is its offense, and the largest threat on that side of the ball for Indiana is redshirt junior wide receiver Simmie Cobbs. After putting up over 1,000 receiving yards in 2015, the Oak Park, Illinois, native suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the first game of the 2016 season and was given a medical redshirt. A year later, Cobbs exploded out of the gate, racking up 149 receiving yards

JACK WESTERHEIDE | PHOTO EDITOR

Indiana redshirt junior Simmie Cobbs Jr. (1) lines up prior to a play in the Ohio State- Indiana season opener.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All-time record vs. OSU

Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook (12), under pressure, puts the ball in the air against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. The host Wolverines won, 14-7.

Who do you think will be the offensive player of the year?

Madison, Wisconsin 11–3 (7–2) Paul Chryst 2-0 18-58

What has happened thus far in 2017 Wisconsin made quick work of Utah State and Florida Atlantic, outscoring both by a combined score of 90-24. Its offense rode the legs of two running backs, freshman phenom Jonathan Taylor and redshirt sophomore Bradrick Shaw. Taylor ran all over Florida Atlantic, racking up 223 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Badgers have been lights out against their opponents, limiting them to an average of only 276 yards per game and just 24 total points. Wisconsin travels to Provo, Utah, to take on BYU in its next test Saturday.

Impact player While eyes might gravitate to 6-foot-6, 249-pound senior tight end Troy Fumagalli, the Badgers’ season hinges on the play of redshirt sophomore quarterback Alex Hornibrook. He’s been steady through the team’s first two games, throwing for 445 total yards and four touchdowns with one interception. Hornibrook grew into the starting role last season, and though his numbers from a season ago indicate he might not put up eye-popping stats, he

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Bloomington, Indiana 6-7 (4-5) Tom Allen 1-1 (0-1 Big Ten) 12-73

on 11 catches with a touchdown against Ohio State and adding another score in Week 2 at Virginia. As one of the more experienced members of this Hoosiers receiving corps, Cobbs will be an offensive factor and defensive headache all season.

Strengths One of the Hoosiers’ biggest strengths in 2017 is their aerial attack, propelled by their two-quarterback rotation. Through two games, Indiana ranks 24th in the NCAA for passing offense with nearly 309 yards per game and is averaging more than six yards per attempt. Allen’s squad boasts a solid group of receivers, including Cobbs, Donavan Hale and Luke Timian, who will be threats downfield all season.

Weaknesses A huge point of concern for Indiana this season is the lack of experience on its offensive line. Only sophomore left tackle Coy Cronk and redshirt junior left guard Wes Martin entered the season with a full season of starting experience, and the youth on the right side is a concern. The Hoosiers have allowed nine sacks through two games in 2017, and if they hope to give the program its first winning season in 10 years, protection for quarterbacks Richard Lagow and Peyton Ramsey must improve.

-Nick Clarkson

should be able to, at least, remain a steady presence for the team under center.

Strengths Wisconsin fields another all-around solid team in 2017. There’s plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but the Badgers’ offensive line has the potential to be the best unit on the team. If redshirt sophomore left guard Jon Dietzen can stay healthy, the line could provide Hornibrook with some of the best protection in the conference. With Taylor and Shaw also lining up in the backfield, Wisconsin boasts its latest grouping of talented running backs.

Weaknesses You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone willing to pencil a different Big Ten West team ahead of Wisconsin. Why? The Badgers are extremely talented and have one of the easiest schedules in the country, with neither Ohio State nor Penn State on the docket. The problem with the Badgers last year, though, was their inability to close out games, losing by seven points to Michigan, to Ohio State in overtime and then to the Nittany Lions in the conference-title bout. Wisconsin must come out on top in those kind of matchups if it is to take the next step this season.

-Kyle McKinnon

Saquon Barkley

Trace McSorley

Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley

J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins

Edward Sutelan Assistant Sports Editor @EdwardSutelan

Colin Hass-Hill Sports Editor @chasshill

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Jarrod Barnes gives back The Ohio State University College of Social Work congratulates Jarrod Barnes as its 9th annual winner of the Preston V. McMurry Jr. Scholar Athlete Citizenship Award. There are 1,067 student athletes representing 36 varsity sports at Ohio State, and all are eligible for nomination. Jarrod–the first and only doctoral student athlete to play Ohio State football–is a social champion, committed to serving others as well as being dedicated to athletics and academics. As a sport management major with a 3.77 GPA, Jarrod best represents the purpose of this great university—scholarship, citizenship, and paying forward. Congratulations, Jarrod Barnes!

“Jarrod Barnes is truly an outstanding young man with a bright future ahead of him,” says Urban Meyer, Ohio State Head Football Coach.

“He has the honor of being the first Ohio State Buckeye to pursue a PhD while still playing football. He has an incredible work ethic, was a great leader for our football team and was a great role model for a lot of our players–and not just our players, for all of college football. When Jarrod speaks, people listen.”

csw.osu.edu For more information about this award, contact jones-harris.1@osu.edu or 614/292-3540.

@TheLantern

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Thursday, September 14, 2017 | The Lantern | 9

The Scarlet Knights Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All time record vs. OSU

New Brunswick, New Jersey 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten) Chris Ash 0-2 0-3

What has happened thus far in 2017 Rutgers opened the year with a 30-14 defeat at the hands of Washington, last year’s Pac-12 champion. The Scarlet Knight defense held the Huskies to just 10 points in the first half, but Huskies’ junior quarterback Jake Browning threw for two second-half touchdown passes to put the game out of reach. The next week, Rutgers clashed with Eastern Michigan hoping to steer the season in the right direction, but fell to the Eagles 16-13. Rutgers’ offense struggled, especially on third down, converting on only 4-of-16 attempts.

Impact Player If a play is needed on offense, look no further than fifth-year senior wide receiver Janarion Grant. In his junior season, Grant had three kickoff returns for touchdowns — Grant’s five-career kickoff returns are tied for ninth in NCAA history — while adding another through a punt return. Last season, through the first four games, Grant averaged 164 all-purpose yards per game until sustaining a season-ending injury against Iowa on Sept. 24. He was granted eligibility for a fifth year, due to the injury. Grant had a solid game against Eastern Michigan,

COURTESY OF JEFFREY GOMEZ | THE DAILY TARGUM

COURTESY OF JEFFREY GOMEZ | THE DAILY TARGUM

Rutgers redshirt senior wide reciever Janarion Grant (1) runs the ball during a game against Eastern Michigan.

Rutgers redshirt senior wide reciever Janarion Grant (1) takes the field during a game against Eastern Michigan.

catching eight passes for 91 yards. Grant is a dynamic talent, and if he can stay healthy, it should help the Rutgers offense as well as its special teams.

Strengths Rutgers’ strengths on offense rely on a few key players in addition to Grant: running backs Gus Edwards and Robert Martin. These two seniors seem to be a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent offense.

Both have combined to rush for more than 100 yards in each of the first two games

and dropped just 13 points against Eastern Michigan. The defense wasn’t much better than the offense last season as it allowed 37.5 points per game, 116th-most in the FBS. in defense. However, the Scarlet Knights held Washington to 30 points and Eastern Michigan to 16 points.

this season.

Weaknesses Inconsistencies on offense and defense were a big part of why the Scarlet Knights found themselves at the bottom in almost every statistical category last season. They only averaged 15.7 points per game, which was good for 127th out of 128 teams.

Coach Chris Ash started his second season by bringing in former Minnesota coach Jerry Kill as offensive coordinator. Rutgers scored 14 points versus Washington

-Cameron Thompson

Maryland Terrapins The Terrapins Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All-time Record vs. OSU

College Park, Maryland 6-7 (3-6 in Big Ten) D.J. Durkin 2-0 0-3

What Has Happened Thus Far In 2017?

Maryland played spoiler to Texas’ home opener with an impressive 51-41 win. The Terrapins entered as 18.5 point underdogs and left with a signature win for a football program that has been constantly overlooked. Unfortunately, the Terrapins lost their starting quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome to a season-ending ACL injury late in the third quarter of the Texas game, which means the Terrapins must now rely on true freshman Kasim Hill to lead the offense for the rest of their season. In Week 2, Maryland defeated Towson, 63-17.

Impact Player Junior running back Ty Johnson has the potential to be one of the best runners in the Big Ten. As a sophomore, Johnson led the Terrapins in rushing with 1,004 total yards, six touchdowns while averaging 9.1 yards per carry. In the offseason, Johnson was named to the 2017 Doak Walker

Award Watch List . Against Texas, Johnson ran for 132 yards on just 12 carries including one touchdown. Johnson needs to continue his strong performances if Maryland wants to be relevant in the Big Ten. Strengths The backbone of the Terrapins’ offense is its ground game. Last year, its running game was ranked in the top 50 in the country. Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison are the scoring catalysts for Maryland this season and pose as legitimate threats to any opponent they play. Johnson is coming off a strong sophomore season, and Harrison was a highly touted recruit with the potential to be the future star of Maryland football.

Weaknesses The loss of Pigrome means the Terrapins have a question mark at the quarterback position. Coach D.J. Durkin and his coaching staff face a unique challenge, as they now have to prepare for Hill to start the rest of their games. Moreover, the former four-star recruit will have only one more game to adjust to the college level before Maryland opens Big Ten play with back-to-back away games against Minnesota and Ohio State. Hill’s performance will be something to keep an eye on as the

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Who do you think will be the defensive player of the year?

COURTESY OF MARYLAND ATHLETICS

Maryland junior running back Ty Johnson (6) runs the ball during a game agaisnt Howard University.

Terrapins progress through their season.

-Mitch Renner

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Rashan Gary Edward Sutelan Assistant Sports Editor @EdwardSutelan

Sam Hubbard Colin Hass-Hill Sports Editor @chasshill

Sam Hubbard Summer Cartwright Campus Editor @sumsumc13

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Jourdan Lewis Rachel Bules Copy Chief @rachelbules

10 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 14, 2017

Penn State Nittany Lions

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The Nittany Lions Location College Park, Pennsylvania 2016 Record 11-3 (8-1) Head Coach James Franklin 2017 Record 2-0 All-Time Record 14-17 vs. OSU

COURTESY OF TNS

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs down the field with the ball as quarterback Trace McSorley (9) blocks Michigan State linebacker Chris Frey (23) at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016. Penn State won, 45-12.

What has happened thus far in 2017 Penn State has flexed its muscles early this season with commanding wins against Akron (52-0) and instate Pittsburgh (33-14). The team has averaged 440.5 yards per game and allowed just a single touchdown.

Both the passing attack, led by redshirt junior quarterback Trace McSorley, and the rushing attack, led

by Heisman-hopeful junior running back Saquon Barkley, have been extremely effective thus far as the Nittany Lions have accumulated at least 390 yards in each game.

Impact Player Barkley makes for the obvious choice of impact player. A season ago, Barkley finished 14th among FBS players with 1,496 rushing yards and tied for seventh with 18 rushing touchdowns. Barkley is making his presence felt once again this fall, rushing for 260 yards on 28 carries (9.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. He has also provided McSorley with another reliable receiver, with 99 receiving yards on seven catches, including a touchdown. If

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Penn State’s offense is going to be one of the best in the nation, Barkley will be counted on to be its catalyst.

Strengths Plain and simple, everything about the Penn State offense is the team’s strength. In addition to Barkley’s excellence, the passing game has returned practically all of its weapons from a season ago. Though its leading receiver Chris Godwin departed for the NFL, the next four of its top receivers from 2016 — Mike Gesicki, DaeSean Hamilton, DeAndre Thompkins and Barkley — all returned to the team. The Nittany Lions averaged 37.6 points per game last season (21st in the nation) and returned an offensive line that allowed just one sack last season.

Weaknesses Penn State is one of the most well-rounded teams in college football, but it would probably come from its secondary. Opponents threw for 3,033 yards and 18 touchdowns while Penn State only picked off 10 passes in 2016. The team seems to have improved in the area to begin the season as it has allowed only 136.5 passing yards per game, no passing touchdowns and has intercepted three passes already. However, neither Pittsburgh nor Akron were known for their passing offenses, so it’s possible the defense has yet to receive its first real test.

-Edward Sutelan

Michigan State Spartans

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Former Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock throws the ball away under pressure from Michigan State’s Chris Frey (23).

The Spartans Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record Al-Time Record vs. OSU

East Lansing, Michigan 3-9 (1-8) Mark Dantonio 2-0 15-30

What has happened thus far in 2017 This is a do-or-die season for Michigan State and coach Mark Dantonio, who might be on the hot seat following his worst season since he became head coach in 2007 and the preseason dismissal of four of the program’s

highest-rated recruits in its 2016 class due to a sexual assault investigation. To have the type of season the Spartans need to have in the Big Ten East Division — with Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State and a rising Maryland program — is a difficult task.

But so far, the Spartans have done something they couldn’t do last season — defeat the teams they’re supposed to. Michigan State has wins against Bowling Green and Western Michigan under its belt with Notre Dame, Iowa and a road game at Michigan on deck after a bye week in Week 3.

Impact player Senior linebacker Chris Frey from Upper Arlington is the latest edition in a line of All-Big Ten linebackers at Michigan State.

After leading the team in tackles (96) in 2016, Frey returns as one of two captains for the Spartans, leading a defense that would be the reason Michigan State makes any noise in the conference this season. The central Ohio native leads the nation’s 11th-best defense with 1.5 sacks, ranks second with 12 total tackles and tied for second with 1.5 tackles for loss.

Strengths Michigan State is a young team at every position, but its front seven is the centerpiece of what can keep the Spartans relevant in the Big Ten. From 2015 to 2016, Michigan State’s sack total decreased from 37 to 11. So far this season, the Spartans have tallied five sacks this season, albeit against two Mid-American Conference teams.

A formidable secondary and a menacing front seven made Michigan State Big Ten champions in 2013 and 2015. With just one returning starter in the secondary, ability to pressure the quarterback is paramount to the defense’s success.

Weaknesses The Spartans’ offensive line struggled in Week 2 against Western Michigan, despite paving the way for 296 rushing yards from

Michigan State’s three tailbacks and redshirt sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke. The O-line has yet to face a strong defensive front and already has allowed 14 tackles for loss, 97th in the country. Michigan State is searching for a permanent answer at running back and a go-to receiver, so the offensive line will be a major storyline moving forward.

-Jacob Myers

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Michigan State’s Chris Frey tackles BYU’s Jamaal Williams on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich.

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Thursday, September 14, 2017 | The Lantern | 11

Michigan Wolverines The Wolverines Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record All-Time Record vs. OSU

COURTESY OF AMELIA CACCHIONE | THE MICHIGAN DAILY

Michigan senior running back Ty Isaac (32) runs the ball in a game against Cincinnati at Michigan Stadium.

What has happened thus far in 2017 The Michigan Wolverines began the season against Florida, and a sluggish first half nearly derailed them. But in the second half, the defense stifled the Gators, and the Michigan offense took advantage, leading to a 33-17 Wolverines victory. The Cincinnati Bearcats visited Ann Arbor in Week 2 and again, the Wolverines offense and

defense both started slow. The game was tied until a second-half, 19-point swing led Michigan to win 36-14.

Impact Player Senior running back Ty Isaac appears to be emerging as a solid rusher for coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Isaac rushed for a career-high 133 yards on 20 carries against Cincinnati, and took 11 carries for 114

yards against Florida in the season opener.

Though Isaac has yet to score any touchdowns this season, the increased number of touches create a great potential for success, which the Wolverines will need to take weight off of quarterback Wilton Speight.

Strengths Michigan’s defense is its biggest strength.

In his second year, defensive coordinator

Ann Arbor, Michigan 10-3 (7-2) Jim Harbaugh 2-0 58-48

Don Brown has produced an aggressive attack that ranks third in the nation for rushing yards allowed so far this season, with 39.5 yards up per game. This defense dominated the Gators, giving up no points in the second half and holding Florida to only 192 total yards and nine first downs.

Weaknesses Though Speight has been the conductor of the Michigan offense, the passing game has looked sluggish so far this season.

Two first-half interceptions against Florida, along with multiple overthrown passes versus Cincinnati, showed inconsistency with Speight’s play. That could be a result of lingering discomfort from his collarbone break last season against Iowa on Nov. 12.

Speight has completed just 51.9 percent of his passes through the first two weeks of the season, and the inconsistency has frequently sent him to the bench in favor of redshirt senior John O’Korn. Michigan also lost three of its top pass-catchers from last season, so it needs consistent perimeter playmakers to emerge.

-Aaron Tomich

Ohio State seeks redemption against Penn State

ALEXA MAVROGIANIS | FORMER PHOTO EDITOR

OSU then-redshirt freshman running back Mike Weber (25) carries the ball during the first half against Penn State on Oct. 22. The Buckeyes lost 24-21.

COLIN HASS-HILL Sports Editor hass-hill.1@osu.edu Ohio State’s 31-16 Week 2 loss to Oklahoma Saturday night places immense pressure on the Buckeyes. To have a chance of reaching the College Football Playoff for the third time since it was created four years ago, Ohio State will likely have to go undefeated for the remainder of the season.

In order to do that, the No. 8 Buckeyes (1-1) will have to upset No. 5 Penn State (2-0), the team that took down then-No. 2,

undefeated Ohio State 24-21 last October.

Prior to defeating the Buckeyes last season, the Nittany Lions had not defeated a ranked team since coach James Franklin took over the program in 2014.

Since that game, the Nittany Lions have only lost one game, a thrilling 51-48 defeat at the hands of USC in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State, on the other hand, has never looked the same, especially on offense.

Calls for Dwayne Haskins or Joe Burrow to replace J.T. Barrett at quarterback have increased.

The offense, which many presumed would change under new co-offensive coordinators Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day, looks similar to last year’s.

Fortunately for Ohio State, it has time on its side. The Buckeyes don’t play the Nittany Lions until Oct. 28, after a bye week and face off against lesser-talented squads that game. Games against Army (Sunday), UNLV (Sept.

23), Rutgers (Sept. 30) and Maryland (Oct. 7) will test Ohio State’s in-season improvements. It is unlikely that any of those teams will upset the Buckeyes, but they offer opportunities for the Scarlet and Gray to improve.

In the meantime, the Nittany Lions are hitting their stride, having decimated Akron 52-0 and dominated in-state rival Pittsburgh 33-14.

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley and Heisman Trophy-candidate running back Saquon Barkley returned to power an electric offense that returned nine starters, including four offensive linemen.

Tight end Mike Gesicki, a preseason first-team All-American who was named to the Mackey Award preseason watch list, has caught a team-high 10 passes and four touchdowns in the first two games of the year.

Given Ohio State’s unstable, inexperienced pass defense, which has surrendered 806 passing yards in the first two games of the season, a McSorley-led offense might have a field day against the Buckeyes. Ohio State stuffed Indiana and Oklahoma’s

run games in the first two weeks.

However, Barkley has dominated the Buckeyes, averaging 7.7 yards per carry, in the past. As a freshman against Ohio State, he took 26 carries for 194 yards. Last season, he ran 12 times for 99 yards.

On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s offense will have a second chance to win the battle up front. After last season’s game, coach Urban Meyer pinpointed the offensive line not being able to hold off Penn State’s ravenous front seven as the reason for the loss. This means junior right tackle Isaiah Prince will have a shot at redemption after the Nittany Lions turned him into a turnstile a year ago.

Beyond just the players currently on the field, Penn State will have a chance to make history.

The Nittany Lions might be favored to win its second game in a row against Ohio State for the first time since 1980, when the Nittany Lions took down the Buckeyes 31-19 in the Fiesta Bowl.

But Ohio State also has history on its side. A Meyer-coached team has lost to an in-conference opponent in back-to-back seasons only twice in 17 years, and that hasn’t happened since he was named Ohio State head coach.

Whichever team wins the battle between classic Big Ten powers on Oct. 28 will gain an edge in the battle to win the East Division.

And if Penn State wins, Ohio State will likely be kept from a conference championship for the third year in a row.

@chasshill

Puzzles Answer Key for Sept. 12:

2017

PREVIEW

12 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 14, 2017

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JT Barrett passes through Big Ten for final time

JACK WESTERHEIDE | PHOTO EDITOR

Redshirt senior quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) catches a snap during the Ohio State- Oklahoma game on Sep. 9.

COLIN HASS-HILL Sports Editor hass-hill.1@osu.edu J.T. Barrett’s final run through the Big Ten wasn’t supposed to go like this.

The redshirt senior Ohio State quarterback holds multiple conference and school records and is three touchdowns shy of matching former Purdue signal-caller Drew Brees’ Big Ten record for most total touchdowns. In his final season as a Buckeye, Barrett and a veteran-laden team, which began

the season as the second-ranked team in the Associated Press preseason poll, were expected to be one of the nation’s top teams.

But it won’t be easy for the first three-time team captain in program history.

The quarterback’s team already has lost 31-16 to Oklahoma in the second week of the season. Penn State’s powerful offense stands in Ohio State’s way. Michigan’s stout defense has stymied Florida and Cincinnati in the first two weeks of the season. The Buckeyes must head to Iowa and

Nebraska to take on tough opponents in hostile environments.

But perhaps most importantly, Barrett must not allow the critics who think redshirt freshman Dwayne Haskins or redshirt sophomore Joe Burrow should replace him to enter his frame of mind.

Luckily for Barrett, this scrutiny isn’t new.

“Back in 2014, lost to Virginia Tech and I was 9-of-28 [passing].

So, I’ve been here before,” Barrett said after Saturday’s loss. “I didn’t play that bad, but I definitely didn’t play as far as putting us in the best situation to win. With that being said, I’m going to go to work and get better and I think just try to rally guys and make sure that when it comes next week that we’re at our best.”

The difference between the 2014 home-opener loss to the Hokies and the recent loss to the Sooners is that Barrett no longer has youth as a reason for his struggles. When Barrett was thrust into the starting role as a redshirt freshman after quarterback Braxton Miller reinjured his right shoulder which required season-ending surgery, expectations were low. Early career struggles were easy to explain, and chalked up to inexperience.

But now, in 2017, Barrett has no such excuse. He holds 22 Ohio State records including most touchdowns in both a season and career, single-season passing efficiency, and total yards in a season.

If someone with Barrett’s ex-

perience struggles, like he did against Oklahoma when he completed 19-of-35 passes for 183 yards, including an interception, he earns criticism.

Barrett isn’t the only player who deserves criticism. The six-player group of starting H-backs and wideouts — Parris Campbell, K.J. Hill, Johnnie Dixon, Binjimen Victor, Austin Mack and Terry McLaurin— has done little to help its quarterback. But as Barrett and coach Urban Meyer say, this comes with the position.

“When you’re winning, I get too much credit. [That is] when I try to give that credit to the guys around me because that’s who I need — 10 other guys to play well. When we lose, I mean, I’m the one to blame too,” Barrett said. “It’s the life of a quarterback.”

Regardless of how much blame Barrett deserves, he must overcome any inner doubt. Just two games — one against Army Saturday afternoon and another on Sept. 23 versus UNLV — stand between Ohio State and the remainder of its conference schedule.

In Barrett’s time as a starter, Ohio State has lost just two games in the Big Ten. Michigan State defeated the Buckeyes 17-14 in 2015 to hand Barrett his first loss in more than a year. Last season, Penn State upset Ohio State, 2421. In 2014, Barrett didn’t lose a game to a Big Ten opponent the entire season and was primarily responsible for Ohio State claim-

ing the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.

Negative comments and judgements won’t matter if Ohio State wins, even if it isn’t always pretty.

Meyer still believes in Barrett despite the offense’s inability to find an optimal flow and pace.

“Any decisions about any personnel is strictly who gives us the best opportunity to win, whether it be right guard, quarterback.

And it’s always been the case,” Meyer said Monday. “Right now it’s not even a question.”

Neither Army, UNLV nor Rutgers — Ohio State’s next three opponents — has especially potent defenses. But Barrett must retake control of an offense that has looked like anything but the potent offense Meyer’s teams normally possess.

Barrett played unexpectedly in 2014 because he was one of the few healthy options at quarterback. That isn’t the case in Barrett’s final run. Haskins and Burrow present themselves as intriguing options who have been in the program for years.

The mystery and unknown invoke imagination. “Just how good is Haskins’ deep ball?” some wonder. “Maybe a quarterback change is just what a sputtering Ohio State offense needs,” critics say.

If Barrett has his way, no one will ever know.

@chasshill

The Ohio State Buckeyes The Buckeyes

Location 2016 Record Head Coach 2017 Record

Coumbus, Ohio 11-2 (8-1) Urban Meyer 1-1

What has happened thus far in 2017 Though Ohio State could not find an offensive flow in the first half of its game against Indiana and went into halftime down 14-13, the Buckeyes pulled ahead of Indiana in the third quarter and ran away in the fourth quarter to beat the Hoosiers 4921. The next week, the then-No. 2 Buckeyes played host to then-No. 5 Oklahoma under the lights in Ohio Stadium. Though the game was tied at three points at halftime, the Sooners, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield who completed 27-of-35 passes for 386 yards, scored four second half touchdowns and stymied Ohio State’s offense en route to a 31-16 upset victory.

Impact Player Filling in for redshirt sophomore running back Mike Weber who suffered an injured hamstring early in fall camp, freshman J.K. Dobbins took 29 carries for 182 yards, the highest total by any Ohio State running back in his opening game in program history. The shifty back with a dynamic jumpcut that leaves defenders’ bodies and feet moving opposite directions once again

JACK WESTERHEIDE | PHOTO EDITOR

Senior quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) hands the ball off to freshman running back J.K. Dobbins (2) during the Ohio State- Oklahoma game on Sep. 9. rushed for a team-high 72 yards in Week 2. After Saturday’s loss, Weber said he will likely be dealing with hamstring tweaks throughout the season, which increases the importance of Dobbins for an offense that relies on its run game.

Strengths With four defensive ends — Nick Bosa,

Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes — who could start for most teams in the country and defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones, who will likely be a high-round NFL draft pick if he leaves school early in the spring, not many teams possess a more threatening defensive line than Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ talented

front held Indiana to 36 rushing yards on 27 carries and allowed Oklahoma to rush 37 times for just 104 yards. On offense, the Buckeyes’ Dobbins-Weber tandem, as well as quarterback J.T. Barrett’s ability to run, give Ohio State multiple options to help move the ball swiftly on the ground.

Weaknesses Ohio State has struggled throwing the ball and defending the pass in its first two games. Indiana and Oklahoma combined to average 403 passing yards — the highest yardage total any team in the FBS — against a young Buckeye secondary. On offense, Barrett has not found a rhythm through the air. He was named Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Year for his Week 1 performance, but went 19-for-35 for 183 yards with an interception against Oklahoma. Johnnie Dixon and Parris Campbell broke big plays against Indiana, but they and their fellow receivers haven’t produced consistently.

-Colin Hass-Hill

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