2009 College Football Preview

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

D I S P AT C H P H O T O B Y F R E D S Q U I L L A N T E

09-03-09

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

OHIO STATE ROSTER NO 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 24 25 26 29 30 32 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 41 41 42 43 44 46 46 48 48 49 50 51 52 53 53 55 56 56 57 57 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 72 72 73 74 74 76 77 81 81 82 83 83 84 84 86 87 87 89 90 91 91 92 94 95 96 96 97 98

PLAYER Daniel Herron Terrelle Pryor Brandon Saine Kurt Coleman Chimdi Chekwa Taurian Washington Etienne Sabino Grant Schwartz Jermale Hines Aaron Gant DeVier Posey Robert Rose Devon Torrence Jake Stoneburner Devin Barclay Dane Sanzenbacher Andre Amos C.J. Barnett Joe Bauserman Nate Oliver James Jackson Lamaar Thomas Zach Domicone Ross Oltorik Ryan Schuck Ben Buchanan J.J. Emmenecker Justin Siems Travis Howard Orhian Johnson Aaron Pettrey Anderson Russell Jamie Wood Nate Ebner Marcus Williams Rocco Pentello Tyler Moeller Chris Maxwell Donnie Evege Storm Klein Taylor Rice Joe Gantz Bo DeLande Brian Rolle James Georgiades Austin Spitler Derek Erwin Tony Jackson Jermil Martin Andrew Sweat Nathan Williams Zach Boren K.C. Christian Grant Dziak Spencer Smith Jon Thoma Adam Homan Michael Brewster Ross Homan Gar Chappelear Garrett Goebel Patrick Howe Andy Miller Dalton Britt Garrett Dornbrook Tom Ingham Chris Malone Matt Heater Jim Cordle Justin Boren Andrew Moses Kyle Mitchum Evan Blankenship Zach Slagle Bryant Browning Dexter Larimore Scott Sika Josh Kerr Mike Adams Jack Mewhort J.B. Shugarts Connor Smith Ricky Crawford Nic DiLillo Ray Small Joe Cech Dan Potokar Joshua Springer Doug Worthington Jake Ballard Chris Roark Lawrence Wilson Garrett Hummel Thaddeus Gibson Greg Eisenhardt Stewart Smith Todd Denlinger Keith Wells Don Matheney Jake McQuaide Willie Mobley Cameron Heyward Solomon Thomas

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POS RB QB RB CB DB WR LB WR LB S WR DL WR WR K WR CB DB QB S WR WR DB QB WR P DB QB DB DB K DB DB DB RB DB LB DB DB LB DB RB RB LB RB LB P LB RB LB DL LB RB LB FB P LB OL LB LS DL LS OL DL LS DE OL LS C OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OT OL OL OL OL WR TE WR WR WR WR DL TE WR DL WR LB P DL DL DL DL LS DE DT DL

Coaching staff HEAD COACH: JIM TRESSEL

HT 5-10 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-5 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-3 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-8 6-7 6-8 6-4 6-2 6-5 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-6 6-6 5-9 6-4 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-5

WT 193 235 217 188 188 179 232 194 210 194 205 285 193 230 195 175 183 185 220 215 180 186 215 210 204 200 191 215 180 178 199 205 187 197 202 194 216 212 189 225 171 199 184 221 240 234 191 227 227 220 245 255 209 257 225 201 235 296 229 250 280 204 279 265 205 243 268 197 297 315 280 291 290 297 312 300 280 286 322 290 298 321 215 237 180 181 180 189 276 256 171 274 183 240 182 231 292 210 307 219 265 287 240

YR So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So.

HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL) Warren, Ohio (Harding) Jeannette, Pa. (Jeannette) Piqua, Ohio (Piqua) Clayton, Ohio (Northmont) Clermont, Fla. (East Ridge) Orchard Lake, Mich. (St. Mary’s) North Miami Beach, Fla. (Krop) Dana Hills, Calif. (Dana Hills) Cleveland (Glenville) Orchard Lake, Mich. (St. Mary’s) Cincinnati (LaSalle) Cleveland (Glenville) Canton, Ohio (South) Dublin (Coffman) Annapolis, Md. (McDonogh) Toledo (Central Catholic) Middletown, Ohio (Middletown) Dayton (Northmont) Woodstock, Va. (Lincoln) Lakewood, Ohio (St. Edward) Grand Ledge, Mich. (Grand Ledge) Fort Washington, Md. (Friendly) Xenia, Ohio (Beavercreek) Cincinnati (Moeller) Selinsgrove, Pa. (Area) Westerville (Central) Toledo (Rogers) Charlotte, N.C. (Providence) Miami (Krop) St. Petersburg, Fla. (Boca Ciega) Raceland, Ky. (Raceland-Worthington) Atlanta (Marist) Pickerington (Central) Dublin (Hilliard Davidson) Ironton, Ohio (Ironton) Westerville (South) Cincinnati (Colerain) Maineville, Ohio (Kings) Huber Heights, Ohio (Wayne) Newark, Ohio (Licking Valley) Dublin (Scioto) Wooster, Ohio (Wooster) Hilliard (Davidson) Immokalee, Fla. (Immokalee) North Canton, Ohio (Hoover) Bellbrook, Ohio (Bellbrook) Tiro, Ohio (Buckeye Central) Columbus (Westland) Cleveland (Glenville) Washington, Pa. (Trinity) Washington C.H., Ohio (Miami Trace) Pickerington (Central) Kitts Hill, Ohio (Rock Hill) Port Clinton, Ohio (Port Clinton) Cincinnati (Colerain) Louisville, Ohio (St. Thomas Aquinas) Coldwater, Ohio (Coldwater) Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater) Coldwater, Ohio (Coldwater) Grove City (Grove City) Villa Park, Ill. (Montini) Cincinnati (St. Xavier) Washington, Pa. (Trinity) Belleville, Ohio (Clear Fork) Medina, Ohio (Medina) Centerville, Ohio (Centerville) Gahanna (Gahanna) Findlay, Ohio (Findlay) Lancaster, Ohio (Lancaster) Pickerington (North) Dublin (Watterson) Erie, Pa. (McDowell) Monaca, Pa. (Center Area) Canton, Ohio (McKinley) Cleveland (Glenville) Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville) Strongsville, Ohio (Strongsville) Strongsville, Ohio (Strongsville) Dublin (Coffman) Toledo (St. John’s) Klein, Texas (Klein) Cincinnati (Colerain) Lewis Center, Ohio (Olentangy) Madison, Ohio (Madison) Cleveland (Glenville) Aurora, Ohio (Aurora) Grove City (Grove City) Clayton, Ohio (Northmont) Athol Springs, N.Y. (St. Francis) Springboro, Ohio (Springboro) Kettering, Ohio (Alter) Akron (St. Vincent-St. Mary) Shelby, Ohio (Shelby) Euclid, Ohio (Euclid) Hudson, Ohio (Hudson) New Albany (Gahanna) Troy, Ohio (Troy) Gainesville, Ga. (Gainesville) Lancaster, Ohio (Lancaster) Cincinnati (Elder) Eden Prairie, Minn. (Eden Prairie) Suwanee, Ga. (Peachtree Ridge) West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West)

Overall: 83-19 (.814); ninth season Big Ten: 52-12 (.813); 2002, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08 titles Bowls: 4-4 (2002 national champions)

Offensive coordinator/offensive line: Jim Bollman Assistant head coach/receivers: Darrell Hazell Tight ends/recruiting coordinator: John Peterson Quarterbacks: Nick Siciliano

Running backs: Dick Tressel Defensive coordinator: Jim Heacock Co-defensive coordinator/linebackers: Luke Fickell Cornerbacks: Taver Johnson Safeties: Paul Haynes

College Football

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: DISPATCH.COM

OHIO STATE OFFENSE ISSUE: Choosing a left tackle

is why coach Jim Tressel has emphasized improved, tougher red-zone play. Yet in the jersey scrimmage two weeks ago, the offense scored just one TD. Will things be better against a real opponent?

It’s the most important unanswered question facing the 2009 Buckeyes. Former tight end Andrew Miller and blue-chip 2008 recruit Mike Adams were battling in the spring, though Adams reportedly now must sit out the first two games because of an undisclosed rules violation. J.B. Shugarts moved over from backup at right tackle, but an ankle sprain slowed him late in camp.

Otherwise, returning starters are at the other four offensive line positions, although center Michael Brewster is the only one back at his 2008 spot. Jim Cordle, last year’s left guard, is at right tackle; Bryant Browning moved from right tackle to right guard; and Justin Boren, who started his two years at Michigan, is at left guard after sitting out last season because of transfer rules.

ISSUE: Will Tressel call more pass plays?

Ohio State led the Big Ten in passing efficiency last season, primarily because Pryor and Todd Boeckman combined to throw 17 touchdown passes with just six interceptions.

But the Buckeyes attempted just 267 passes, fifth fewest in major college football, and the four who threw it fewer times — Navy, Army, Air Force and Georgia Tech — run the triple option.

With Pryor a year older and with potential playmakers in receivers DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher, Lamaar Thomas, Duron Carter and Ray Small, plus a sure-handed tight end in Jake Ballard and potential field-stretching tight end in Jake Stoneburner, the Buckeyes almost by default should wing it more often.

ISSUE: Is Terrelle Pryor ready to pass?

His teammates said that the 6-foot-6, 235-pound sophomore quarterback ran the fastest 40-yard dash — 4.33 seconds — in summer testing. But we already knew he could run fast. The question is whether he’s ready to take bold strides with his passing in his second year as the starter.

He was careful not to throw it to the other team last season; in the end, he even looked timid. He appeared to be bolder this preseason. That’s the progression most are expecting from Pryor, who was voted the Big Ten preseason offensive player of the year.

ISSUE: Running back by committee?

Daniel Herron is first in line to replace the departed Chris “Beanie” Wells as starting tailback. But Tressel sprinkled hints that there will be a committee approach this fall.

He likes the progress Brandon Saine made since last year’s injury-stunted season and thinks freshmen Jaamal Berry and Jordan Hall have shown enough potential to be considered for playing time. Or former fullback Jermil Martin might wind up as the power back.

Whatever happened to a pair and a spare?

— Tim May tmay@dispatch.com

ISSUE: Red zone to end zone The Buckeyes led the nation by converting 95 percent of the time (39 of 41) when they penetrated the opponents’ 20-yard line in 2008. But just 25 of those scores were touchdowns, which

KYLE ROBERTSON

DISPATCH

Coaches are hoping that defensive end Thaddeus G ibson can help the line tur n up the heat on opposing QBs.

OHIO STATE DEFENSE ISSUE: Going from good to great up front

But it’s enlightening to note that of Ohio State’s four toughest opponents (on paper) — Southern California, Illinois, Penn State and Iowa — three are run-based and the fourth (Illinois) tore up OSU on the ground in 2007.

The moral? Speed is always welcome, but stout tackles and rugged middle linebackers are as important as ever.

Ohio State seems to produce at least one dominant passrusher every year. Last year was a bit of a transition season after Vernon Gholston (14 sacks) departed — the Buckeyes’ sack total dropped from 43 in 2007 to 27.

Thaddeus Gibson looks terrific and could double his five-sack production from last year. But the issue isn’t with him, it’s with the others up front, particularly the tackles.

Last year, coordinator Jim Heacock said he wanted more push up the middle. OSU’s tackles combined for 4.5 sacks, down from 5.0 in 2007.

The Buckeyes have depth and talent on the line, but will it become a truly special unit?

ISSUE: Can Laurinaitis & Co. be replaced?

The preseason projections always focus on who left and who returns, so most prognosticators mention the departure of James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman from the linebacker corps and wonder whether OSU will experience a drop-off.

The hunch here: not much, if at all.

The departures merely give veteran players such as Ross Homan, Austin Spitler and Brian Rolle chances to showcase their considerable abilities.

Homan in particular has looked good in preseason, and Rolle plays with an infectious energy and enthusiasm.

In addition, up-and-comers such as sophomore Etienne Sabino and Andrew Sweat, and even freshman Storm Klein, look as if they could contribute.

Even with the loss of projected starter Tyler Moeller to a head injury, this group looks loaded.

ISSUE: A step down on the corners?

OSU enjoyed an embarrassment of riches last year with Malcolm Jenkins, Chimdi Chekwa and Donald Washington — all accomplished cover corners. Jenkins and Washington are gone, which has two effects: One is that Chekwa needs to become the shutdown guy. He has not had to deal with the pressure that comes with that responsibility.

Second, OSU needs Andre Amos or Devon Torrence to step forward at the other corner.

Neither has much experience, Amos because of injuries and Torrence because he has played corner for one season after converting from receiver.

ISSUE: Big chance comes in fifth year Amos and Spitler came to OSU in 2005, yet fans have seen hardly a glimpse of either. Amos suffered two serious injuries that wiped out 2008 and much of his 2007 season; Spitler was stuck behind Laurinaitis, a three-time All-American.

OSU probably can field an effective defense even if neither player has a big year — if Torrence proves capable and young linebackers such as Sabino take a big step forward.

On the other hand, if Amos proves to be a hard-hitting, smart corner and Spitler channels four years of frustration into becoming a dominant, gap-filling force, it could make the difference between a solid defense and one that’s truly scary.

— Ken Gordon kgordon@dispatch.com

ISSUE: Stopping the run It’s interesting how quickly trends go one way, then back the other. As recently as two years ago, the spread offense was the rage and defenses were struggling to go lighter and quicker in order to pursue sideline to sideline.

OSU seems to have done well at that, in part by employing “tweeners” such as safety Jermale Hines.

F OR EC AS T I NG T H E B I G TE N KEN GORDON

TIM MAY

BOB B APTIST

I haven’t seen anyone pick a top two that doesn’t include Penn State and Ohio State.

Beyond that, I like Illinois in a mild bounceback, Iowa with a quarterback and a good defense, and Sparty finally playing smart football.

All indications point to a near re-run of 2008, at least at the top of the order, but there will be a lot of scrambling going on from positions 3 to 11. Not that mid-level parity will do the league’s bruised image much good.

Unlike 2008, when Ohio State and Penn State were loaded, no one has it all in the Big Ten this season. So no one is going to get to the finish line with fewer than two losses.

1. Penn State (7-1): They have a senior QB (Daryll Clark), a 1,200yard RB (Evan Royster) and some studs on defense.

1. Ohio State (7-1): Building toward potential greatness in 2010, but that Nov. 7 game in Happy Valley might be too much to handle.

1. Ohio State (8-0): Young but eager and talented, the Buckeyes ride the wave to a fifth straight title.

3. Iowa (5-3): QB Ricky Stanzi looks good and eight starters return from a stingy defense, but the schedule is absolutely brutal.

3. Michigan State (5-3): Coach Tressel, er, Dantonio (same guy?) is making a difference, but the offensive backfield is unsettled.

3. Illinois (5-3): Illinois’ fate hinges on Juice Williams. Will he be as good as the first half of 2008, or as poor as the second half?

3. Illinois (5-3): The offense has the Juice for a major rebound, but the defense? Not so much.

3. Michigan State (5-3): The defense will be better than a year ago, but the offense? Not so much.

6. Minnesota (4-4): OK, Tim Brewster isn’t that bad a coach. QB Adam Weber and a new-stadium boost deliver a solid season.

7. Northwestern (3-5): Not sold on new QB Mike Kafka, but Pat Fitzgerald always gets a lot out of his defense.

7. Michigan (3-5): Will a one-game improvement in the league satisfy the fans? Next year will be the big one for Rich Rodriguez.

7. Wisconsin (3-5): Coach Bret Bielema feeling some heat, and a tough first four Big Ten games won’t ease his discomfort.

10. Indiana (1-7): Hoosiers return nine starters from a defense that couldn’t stop anyone. This is not a good thing.

10. Purdue (1-7): Danny Hope takes over. Can we rename the Indiana-Purdue game trophy the Old Rotten Bucket? kgordon@dispatch.com

2. Penn State (7-1): The Lions beat the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium last year; turnabout is fair play.

5. Iowa (4-4): Sold on the Kirk Ferentz system, just not on the talent that’s running it.

5. Wisconsin (4-4): The running game aside, it will be tough for the Badgers to be spectacular.

7. Michigan (3-5): Despite Big House chaos, the team has to be better than last year, right?

7. Minnesota (3-5): Same coach, new stadium, new attitude, but nowhere to go.

1. Illinois (6-2): Illini play the other three co-champions the first three weeks of the season.

1. Michigan State (6-2): Final Saturday in East Lansing against Penn State might decide the tiebreaker.

1. Ohio State (6-2): Buckeyes have the schedule for 7-1 with trips to Indiana, Purdue and Michigan.

1. Penn State (6-2): Super backfield, super linebackers, question marks everywhere else.

5. Iowa (4-4): Hard-luck losers last year, Hawkeyes have a hard row to hoe this year.

5. Minnesota (4-4): Gophers avoided Michigan State and Penn State last season. This season it’s Indiana and Michigan.

5. Wisconsin (4-4): Badgers continue banging their backs against the wall, breaking some teams, breaking down against others.

8. Northwestern (3-5): I might be underestimating the Wildcats again, but who is going to score points for them?

9. Northwestern (2-6): It will be tough for the Wildcats to break out of this middlin’ logjam.

9. Purdue (2-6): New coach, new QB, new-ish offense — just too much new.

9. Indiana (2-6): I might be overestimating the Hoosiers, but how do you not beat Wisconsin and Purdue at home in November?

9. Michigan (2-6): All work and no play makes Rich Rod’s boys grumble away.

11. Indiana (1-7): In the parity of the bottom seven, someone has to finish on the bottom. tmay@dispatch.com

11. Purdue (1-7): The only Hope the Boilermakers have this season is their coach. bbaptist@dispatch.com

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Key offensive player

KEYS

Gordon: QB Terrelle Pryor, obviously. No longer a hesitant, run-first freshman, Pryor likely will have the reins loosened. How well has he developed as a passer? The answ er could be the difference between a good and great season.

May: Of course it’s Pryor, because his ability can get him out of tr ouble if the left tackle is slow to mature. Andrew Miller and J.B. Shugarts are vying for the star ting job there, and that key battle will carr y into the season.

College Football

TO THE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

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Gordon: Sticking with the coaching staff, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Jim Bollman. The line was disappointing last year, and Tressel has said it needs to play with more physicality.

SEASON

Dispatch reporters Ken Gordon and Tim May analyze key factors that could make or br eak OHIO ST AT E in 2009

Stat that must change

Gordon: 30.2. That’s the average points given up by OSU in its past fiv e games against top-10 teams, all losses. As good as this defense has been in r ecent years, it has been substandard in many of the biggest games.

May: Scoring from inside the red zone.

Even if OSU led the nation b y scoring 95 percent of the time it penetr ated the 20-yard line (39 of 41), just 25 of the scor es were TDs. By contrast, Oklahoma scored 71 TDs from inside the red zone.

Key defensive player

May: DE Thaddeus Gibson. The replacement for Vernon Gholston last year, he showed flashes of being a pass-r ushing force from the edge. He needs to deliver consistently this season, like he did against Texas.

Gordon: CB Chimdi Chekwa. With Malcolm Jenkins gone, Chekwa must step up and become a true shut-down corner, particularly with some relatively inexperienced players opposite him.

Buckeyes go to a BCS bowl if …

May: They win the Big Ten. An automatic berth goes to the champion, or to the winner of the tiebreaker scenario. Eleven wins likely guarantees an at-large berth.

Gordon: They avoid the big upset. They could lose their two biggest games (USC and Penn State) and still get in as an atlarge, like last season. So the key will be holding serve against teams such as I llinois and Iowa.

Key early game

Gordon: Southern California, Sept. 12. Not only is this huge for O hio State, it’s also the Big Ten’s only marquee nonconference game, so it’s the latest chance for conference redemption on a national stage.

May: Of course. So how about this early conference game: Illinois in Ohio Stadium on Sept. 26. The talented Illini, in the Rose Bowl two years ago but bowl-less last year, are on the upswing again.

who takes over at punter for four-year starter A.J. Trapasso. But I’ll go with left guard Justin Boren, who brings a sorely needed nastiness to the line.

New to view

Best offseason move

May: Sophomore receiver DeVier Posey.

He peeked from behind the curtain a couple of times last year, but now he must take on the leading role vacated by Brian Robiskie.

Gordon: I could get into coach J im Tressel’s good graces by naming Jon Thoma,

SHARI LEWIS DISPATCH

No secret here: How well sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor plays will go a long way toward determining the Buckeyes’ fate.

Gordon: Moving Jake Stoneburner from receiver to tight end. Rather than join a logjam of young receivers, Stoneburner now gives OSU a look it has lacked, ser ving as a flex tight end. The big question is can he stay healthy?

May: It came two offseasons ago, when

Bottom line

Gordon: It’s not rocket science — teams with superior quarterbacks are the big winners. That’s why I like OSU against USC, but not so much against Penn State. One or two losses and a fifth straight BCS bowl game is my pick.

May: The vibe coming out of camp was that this team seems more capable than last year’s of making the big play on both sides of the ball. There also will be some y outhful mistakes early, but if this team — especially the line — supports Pryor, it’s going places. kgordon@dispatch.com tmay@dispatch.com

Boren transferred from Michigan after two years as a starter. The block-finishing guard is the fulcrum on a revitalized line, even if a knee sprain slowed him in preseason practice.

Pressure is on …

May: First-year quarterbacks coach Nick Siciliano. Not only is he replacing a respected veteran in Joe Daniels, he also is working with what some think is the most talented quarterback in school history. Everyone is watching.

OHIO STATE SPECIAL TEAMS ISSUE: Pettrey’s big leg

ISSUE: Replacing A.J.

ISSUE: Improving kickoff returns

Fifth-year senior Aaron Pettrey finally has the place-kicking duties back after two years of splitting time with Ryan Pretorius. In spring and preseason camp, Pettrey might have been the most consistent player for OSU at any position, booming the ball through the uprights with confidence.

In his career, he has made 15 of 19 field-goal tries (78.9 percent), including 4 of 6 from 50 yards or longer. OSU’s confidence in Pettrey’s range adds a dimension to the offense: Once the Buckeyes cross midfield, they start thinking they have a shot at points.

He also managed to boot 13 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.

As in Trapasso, a four-year starter for OSU who ended his career third on the school’s all-time list for punts and yardage.

Fifth-year senior Jon Thoma looks to have first crack at the job, as he beat out redshirt freshman Ben Buchanan in the offseason. But Thoma has looked a bit uneven in scrimmages.

The Buckeyes don’t need someone to average 45 yards.

They have a traditionally stellar coverage team, so what they’re looking for is someone with good hang time to average 40 yards or so and give them a chance to get downfield and make the tackles.

At least at this point, it is not a given that OSU has that.

This remains a pressing issue after two straight substandard seasons. The 2007 kickoff-return unit was dreadful — averaging 17.7 yards a try, 117th nationally out of 119 teams.

Last season, the Buckeyes merely inched up, to 108th (19.2 average), thanks in part to the emergence of freshman Lamaar Thomas about midway through the season. Thomas averaged 21.6 yards on 16 returns and likely will be the main guy this season.

The punt returns once again are in the enigmatic but capable hands of senior Ray Small, who led the Big Ten last year with a 15.2-yard average. The only question with Small is whether he can avoid another suspension.

— Ken Gordon kgordon@dispatch.com

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: DISPATCH.COM

BRE A K I NG D OWN OH I O S TAT E’ S SCHE D U L E SEPT 5 NAVY NOON, ESPN Series: Ohio State leads 3-0. Last meeting: Ohio State won 31-28 in the 1981 Liberty Bowl.

The skinny: The OSU defense must limit Navy’s time of possession and give the Buckeyes’ young offense some experience.

OCT. 3 AT INDIANA 7 P.M., BIG TEN NETWORK Series: Ohio State leads 65-12-5. Last meeting: Ohio State won 44-6 in 2006 in Ohio Stadium The skinny: OSU should treat Big Ten Network viewers to a primetime rollover.

SEPT. 12 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 8 P.M., ESPN Series: USC leads 12-9-1. Last meeting: USC won 35-3 last season in Los Angeles The skinny: Revenge will be a motivation, but the key will be how often OSU rings the bell of freshman QB Matt Barkley.

OCT. 10 WISCONSIN TBA Series: Ohio State leads 52-17-5. Last meeting: Ohio State won 20-17 last season in Madison, Wis. The skinny: These Badgers aren’t so scary anymore. The Buckeyes love to buckle up and play hard-nosed power football, too.

SEPT. 19 TOLEDO (CLEVELAND BROWNS STADIUM) NOON, CH. 6 Series: Ohio State leads 1-0. Last meeting: Ohio State won 49-0 in 1998 in Ohio Stadium The skinny: The Rockets are led by former OSU assistant Tim Beckman, but Cleveland is a home away from home for the Buckeyes.

OCT. 17 AT PURDUE TBA Series: Ohio State leads 37-12-2. Last meeting: Ohio State won 16-3 last season in Ohio Stadium The skinny: New coach Danny Hope is aptly named, because hope is about all these Boilermakers have going for them this year.

SEPT.26 ILLINOIS TBA Series: Ohio State leads 61-30-4. Last meeting: Ohio State won 30-20 last season in Champaign, Ill. The skinny: Rest assured, coach Jim Tressel will harp on the Illini upset in 2007. Juice Williams is good enough to do it again, too.

OCT. 24 MINNESOTA NOON, TV TBA Series: Ohio State leads 41-7-0. Last meeting: Ohio State won 34-21 last season in Ohio Stadium The skinny: If the Gophers haven’t gone into their usual second-half swoon, this could be a good one. QB Adam Weber can sling it.

Returning stars

Quarterback Ricky Dobbs (495 yards, 4.7 per carry) is the team’s only returning top-five rusher. Safety Emmett Merchant had two interceptions, recovered two fumbles and averaged 21.8 yards per kickoff return. Junior safety Wyatt Middleton has started 24 consecutive games.

Defensive end Jabaree Tuani had a team-high nine tackles for loss and was named a second-team freshman All-American.

Newcomers to watch

Navy is looking for slotbacks to replace its top two rushers from last season and could turn to speedy junior Andre Byrd, sophomores Marcus Curry and Mike Stukel, and freshman Gee Gee Greene. Byrd had one carry last season, the rest none.

Keys to the offense

Navy has led NCAA Division I-A in rushing five of the past six seasons,

OCT. 31 NEW MEXICO STATE TBA Series: First meeting The skinny: A public-service announcement: Bring a canned-good donation for the Aggies’ postgame feed.

NOV. 7 AT PENN STATE TBA Series: Tied 12-12-0. Last meeting: Penn State won 13-6 last season in Ohio Stadium The skinny: OSU is 2-2 in its last four trips to Happy Valley. The first team to 17 could very well win.

NOV. 14 IOWA TBA Series: Ohio State leads 44-14-3. Last meeting: Ohio State won 38-17 in 2006 in Iowa City, Iowa The skinny: Iowa is on the upswing with a solid QB and defense, and the week before Michigan is always a potential trap for OSU. NOV. 21 AT MICHIGAN TBA Series: Michigan leads 57-42-6. Last meeting: Ohio State won 42-7 last season in Ohio Stadium The skinny: So much depends on how Michigan’s season has gone.

Have the Wolverines improved enough to pull the upset?

— Ken Gordon kgordon@dispatch.com

GAME 1: NAVY MIDSHIPMEN

GIMME 5

Coach: Ken Niumatalolo, second season (8-6 at school and overall) Last year: 8-5

Get through Week One healthy

NOON, SEPT. 5 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: ESPN

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

averaging 292.4 yards per game last season. Dobbs is the triggerman in the triple option but will be surrounded by a new cast of characters, none of whom has experience at the college level. Four starters return on the line.

Academy in August for an honor-code violation. Frazier routinely occupied two blockers, freeing his teammates to make tackles. Pass defense needs to tighten; Navy allowed more than 8 yards per attempt in 2008.

Keys to the defense

John Angelo averaged 22.2 yards per kickoff return. Kyle Delahooke averaged 41.6 yards per punt.

Navy improved its scoring by 14.4 points per game last season, the best improvement in NCAA Division I. The Midshipmen allowed 22 points per game compared with 36.4 in 2007.

The defense was dealt a big blow, however, when nose guard Nate Frazier was dismissed from the Naval

FB Alexander Teich

accounted for 56 percent of Navy’s offense.

How will the defensive line adapt to the loss of Frazier? Junior Chase Burge of Fairfield Union was his backup. An untested kicker will replace Matt Harmon, who made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts, including four in a win at Air Force.

Outlook

The loss of their two best backs and their biggest defensive presence will make it difficult for the Midshipmen to duplicate last season, when they beat a top-25 team (Wake Forest on the road) for the first time in 23 years and upset another BCS team in Rutgers. But Navy is 51-25 the past six seasons and has played in bowl games each year. A seventh is within reach.

Special-teams standouts

Question marks

There are plenty of candidates — none proven — to replace slotbacks Shun White, Eric Kettani and Jarod Bryant, whose 2,555 yards rushing

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

Returning stars

Tailbacks Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight and C.J. Gable combined for 1,981 rushing yards and 2,838 all-purpose yards last season. Wide receiver Damian Williams had 58 catches for 869 yards and nine touchdowns. Center Kristofer O’Dowd was first-team All-Pac 10 as a sophomore and expects to be back from a preseason knee injury in time to face Ohio State. Free safety Taylor Mays is a two-time first-team All-American.

GAME 2: SOUTHERN C ALIFORNIA TROJANS

GIMME 5

Coach: Pete Carroll, ninth season (88-15 at school and overall) Last year: 12-1 overall, 8-1 and first in the Pacific 10

Hunting a BCS title, naturally

8 P.M., SEPT. 12 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: ESPN

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

NFL draft choices.

QB Matt Barkley

Keys to the offense

Every play will start with Barkley, but he has eight starters returning around him, including everyone on arguably the best offensive line in college football and last season’s top four rushers. And if Barkley falters, Carroll can tap Corp, who had the starting job entering camp. The Trojans were 20th nationally in rushing offense (194.9 yards per game), 11th in total offense (454.7) and 14th in scoring (37.5 points).

Newcomers to watch

Matt Barkley will be the first true freshman quarterback to start a USC opener. He was Carroll’s choice over last year’s backup, Aaron Corp, who missed two weeks of preseason camp because of a knee injury. Linebackers Chris Galippo, Malcolm Smith and Michael Morgan are faster as a group than those they replaced, all of whom were

Keys to the defense

Quarterback Aaron Opelt, a senior, threw for 2,176 yards and 12 touchdowns. Receiver Stephen Williams has caught 143 passes the past two seasons. Running back DaJuane Collins gained 700 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry despite missing four games and parts of two others. Running back Morgan Williams ran for 1,010 yards. Safety Barry Church is one of Toledo’s alltime great defensive players. He was named first-team All-Mid-American Conference the previous three years.

Special-teams standout

The Trojans suffered a blow when starting wide receiver Ronald Johnson suffered a broken collarbone last

JAE C. HONG ASSOCIATED PRESS

Returning stars

Eight NFL draftees departed a defense that gave up an NCAA-low eight points per game in 2008 and ranked No.2 in yards allowed. But USC, as other elite programs do, reloads rather than rebuilds. How else to explain seven consecutive Pacific 10 Conference championships and an equal streak of top-four finishes in the Associated Press poll? Taylor Mays, arguably the nation’s best safety, backs up a front seven that Carroll hopes will make up in speed what it lacks in experience.

GAME 3: VS. TOLEDO ROCKETS

GIMME 5

NOON, SEPT. 19 CLEVELAND BROWNS STADIUM (73,200) TV: CHANNEL 6

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

Coach: Tim Beckman, first season Last year: 3-9

Winning could be Rocket science

Collins being proven playmakers, success or failure falls in Opelt’s lap.

He has run hot and cold throughout his career. Coaches want to see more of the player that completed 33 of 50 passes in a 13-10 win over Michigan.

QB Aaron Opelt

Newcomer to watch

Keys to the defense

Freshman Jermaine Robinson, a safety from Pittsburgh, is expected to be in the rotation after catching the attention of coaches during spring practice.

The Rockets look superb on paper, but this is the same group that gave up 31.4 points per game in 2008. The biggest problem was red-zone defense. Opponents scored 44 of 51 times inside the 20-yard line and converted 45.4 percent on third down.

Can these guys reach their potential?

Keys to the offense

With all five linemen returning and Stephen and Morgan Williams and

weekend. In addition to catching 33 passes for 570 yards and eight touchdowns last season, Johnson averaged 27.1 yards per kickoff return. Johnson can be replaced; his numbers, not so easily.

Question marks

Barkley was relied on in high school to make plays, which helped him throw 35 touchdown passes as a junior but 18 interceptions as a senior. Will he heed his coaches’ advice to be a patient piece of a powerful offense instead of trying to be the show? Is there really cause for concern with eight new starters on defense? Or will fans notice a difference except for the jersey numbers?

Outlook

As we said, USC reloads. How lethal its new ammunition is should become evident Sept.12 in Columbus.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

Special-teams standout

Alex Steigerwald has made 36 of 42 field-goal attempts in his career, including 23 consecutive the past two seasons.

Question marks

Beckman is concerned about kickoff and punt coverage that has put the defense in some difficult holes. Also, there is no proven No. 2 receiver to take the heat off Stephen Williams. One candidate is Robin Bailey, a senior from Westerville South.

Outlook

Toledo is picked to finish fourth in a stacked Mid-American Conference West Division. That’s hard to argue with, given that the Rockets have had three straight losing seasons. A nonconference schedule that includes Purdue, Colorado and Ohio State could beat them down before league play.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

Returning stars

Juice Williams led the Big Ten in passing yards (264.4 per game) and total offense (324.3, seventh nationally) and ranked third in the conference in pass efficiency. Arrelious Benn was second in the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,055), third in catches (67) and fourth in all-purpose yards (139 per game). Daniel Dufrene had 934 yards rushing and receiving.

Newcomers to watch

Receiver/punt returner Jarred Fayson transferred after two seasons at Florida. His explosiveness could help divert defenses’ attention from Benn.

New offensive coordinator Mike Schultz comes from Texas Christian, where his units averaged 30 points per game the past eight seasons.

Keys to the offense

As the Juice flows, so flows the offense. Williams has a full arsenal of

GAME 4: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

GIMME 5

TBA, SEPT. 26 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: TBA

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

Coach: Ron Zook, fifth season (18-30 at school, 41-44 overall in seven seasons) Last year: 5-7 overall, 3-5 and tied for sixth in Big Ten

weapons around him with Benn, Fayson, Dufrene and big receiver Jeff Cumberland of Brookhaven. Defenses will force Williams to beat them with his arm after a junior season in which he threw a conference-high 16 interceptions and his completion percentage ranked eighth.

Keys to the defense

WR Arrelious Benn

Enough Juice to outrun everyone?

seasons after converting from the outside. The unit returns only four starters, but maybe that’s a good thing after the Illini ranked ninth in scoring defense, ninth against the run and had a league-low 20 takeaways.

The loss of cornerback Miami Thomas (torn knee ligament) won’t help.

Special-teams standouts

The most-watched move is one-time blue-chip recruit Martez Wilson shifting to middle linebacker, where Brit Miller and J Leman (twice) led the Big Ten in tackles the past three

Benn and Fayson figure to provide plenty of speed bringing back kickoffs and punts, respectively, but they need room to run. Matt Eller made 15 of 20 field-goal attempts as a freshman and was 8 of 10 from MARK COWAN

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

40 yards or more.

Question marks

Williams’ accuracy and the offense’s ability to convert touchdowns in the red zone are pivotal. So is field position, which will be dependent on improvement from punter Anthony Santella. But no bigger question exists than whether the defense can keep opponents from scoring fewer points than the offense.

Outlook

Accountability was a big issue in the offseason after the Illini dropped their last three games to Western Michigan, Ohio State and Northwestern.

The team has eight captains, one per position group. Its resolve will be tested early. After a bye in Week Three, the Illini open the Big Ten season at Ohio State, then play host to Penn State and Michigan State.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

PubDate: 09-03-09

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Returning stars

Defensive end Jammie Kirlew had 101⁄2 sacks among 191⁄2 tackles for loss, which ranked second and third, respectively, in the Big Ten. Linebacker Matt Mayberry ranked 10th in tackles with 89. Chris Hagerup averaged 42.5 yards per punt as a freshman. Pete Saxon of Jonathan Alder and fellow Ohioan Rodger Saffold anchor an experienced offensive line.

Newcomers to watch

Running back Darius Willis, who redshirted as a freshman last season, was runner-up for the Indiana Mr. Football award as a high-school senior.

Keys to the offense

Indiana installed the “pistol” formation in the spring to try to balance its offense with a run threat. It should help, especially with an experienced line leading the way. The ball is in quarterback Ben Chappell’s hands

Returning stars

Running back John Clay was the Big Ten’s seventh-best rusher (884 yards) despite backing up P.J. Hill last year. Hill left early for the NFL but Clay might still be No. 2 after Zach Brown’s strong preseason camp. Tight end Garrett Graham was voted first-team All-Big Ten by media and second-team by the coaches.

Safety Jay Valai forced three fumbles with his thunderous hits.

Newcomers to watch

Untested Scott Tolzien will start and redshirt freshman Curt Phillips also will play in the opener, meaning coaches still have not decided who’s the No.1 quarterback. Regardless, freshman Kraig Appleton could be on the receiving end of some of the passes. J.J. Watt, a 6-foot-6, 285pound transfer from Central Michigan, could help what was an anemic pass rush last season. Freshmen Mike Taylor and Chris Borland should factor into the rotation at linebacker.

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College Football

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

GAME 5: AT INDIANA HOOSIERS

GIMME 5

Coach: Bill Lynch, third season (10-15 at school, 91-82-3 overall in 16 seasons) Last year: 3-9 overall, 1-7 and tied for last in Big Ten

Many return from bad team.

7 P.M., OCT. 3 MEMORIAL STADIUM, BLOOMINGTON, IND. (49,225, FIELDTURF) TV: BIG TEN NETWORK

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

full time after Kellen Lewis was moved to receiver in the spring and then left the team.

(35.2 per game) and yards (432.2) in the Big Ten by wide margins in 2008.

Keys to the defense

Special-teams standout

The Hoosiers need Kirlew to play like he did last season and the other end, Greg Middleton, to play like he did two years ago, when he had a school-record and NCAAbest 16 sacks. A return to health for fifth-year safeties Nick Polk and Austin Thomas — both had knee injuries last season — also would help the cause. The Hoosiers gave up the most points

Demetrius McCray averaged 22.8 yards per kickoff return, but he didn’t break one longer than 36.

Question marks

Coach: Bret Bielema, fourth season (28-11 at school and overall) Last year: 7-6 overall, 3-5 and tied for sixth in Big Ten

Badgering of Bielema to persist

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

nent’s pocket. Linebacker Jaevery McFadden, limited by playing with a broken hand last season, is moving from the middle to the weak side, where he theoretically can be more disruptive in the opponent’s backfield. Bielema hopes experienced returnees in the secondary mean better play, but he has suspended two of those players, safeties Shane Carter and Aubrey Pleasant, for all of preseason camp.

TE Garrett Graham

Special-teams standouts

Keys to the defense

Philip Welch made 17 of 20 fieldgoal attempts in 10 games; his .850 percentage was second-best in the Big Ten. David Gilreath averaged 8.8

Only two teams gave up more points in Big Ten games than Wisconsin, which failed to pressure the oppo-

yards per punt return, sixth-best in the Big Ten. Brad Nortman averaged 41.8 yards per punt as a freshman, also sixth-best in the league, and kicked a 64-yard field goal.

As usual with Wisconsin, it’s questionable whether the quarterback will be able to complete a pass to anyone other than his tight end. It’s also up in the air whether the defense has the talent to hang with the speed and athleticism of the Big Ten’s best offenses.

Outlook

After winning 12 games his first season, nine his second and seven last year, Bielema is said by some to be on the hot seat. The talent level is not perceived to be as good as it was under predecessor and now athletic director Barry Alvarez.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

DAVID STLUKA UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

GAME 7: AT PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

GIMME 5

Coach: Danny Hope, first season (35-22 overall in five seasons) Last year: 4-8 overall, 2-6 and tied for ninth in Big Ten

Locomotive is out of steam

Returning stars

so redshirt freshman Caleb TerBush could get a look. So will running backs Ralph Bolden and Al-Terek McBurse. Junior-college transfers Keith Carlos and Cortez Smith and freshmen Gary Bush and Antavian Edison could all play in rotation.

Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan had 111⁄2 tackles for loss, safety Torri Williams made 83 tackles and cornerback David Pender broke up 12 passes to rank among the Big Ten leaders last season. Running back Jaycen Taylor had more than 1,500 yards rushing and receiving his first two years but missed last season after knee surgery.

Coach Danny Hope PURDUE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Keys to the defense

More players return on this side of the ball, but it needs to man up.

The Boilermakers gave up more rushing yards than any other Big Ten team in 2008, meaning teams didn’t have to throw much against a pass defense that didn’t give up many yards but also couldn’t force many turnovers. New coordinator Donn Landholm will expect more from the front seven.

If he has the horses, new offensive coordinator Gary Nord would like to emphasize the tight end more in the passing game and run more two-back sets. Regardless of what he does, new players will have to make plays. Elliott threw 49 passes the past three seasons

There will be a lot, especially on offense, where the only three returning starters are in the line. Quarterback Joey Elliott is a fifth-year senior who has played in 10 games,

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

as Curtis Painter’s backup. Keith Smith (49) and Aaron Valentin (11) are the only players on the roster who caught more than three passes last year.

Keys to the offense

Newcomers to watch

Eric Decker broke his own receptions record with a Big Ten-high 84 last season and was the third in school history to gain 1,000 yards receiving (1,074). Quarterback Adam Weber ranked fourth in conference total offense and led the Big Ten in completion percentage (.622) on a league-leading 410 passes. Cornerback Traye Simmons had a leagueleading 18 passes defended, including four interceptions.

The Hoosiers’ experience is an asset, but last year was a bad experience and the talent level remains a question, especially at the skill positions and secondary, where big plays are made. Indiana rode the emotion of former coach Terry Hoeppner’s death to a bowl appearance in 2007 but reverted last year to 3-9 in Lynch’s second season. Another season like that might have new athletic director Fred Glass starting from scratch again.

Question marks

TBA, OCT. 17 ROSS-ADE STADIUM, WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. (62,500, GRASS) TV: TBA

Returning stars

Outlook

MIKE DICKBERND INDIANA ATHLETICS

GIMME 5

With an inexperienced hand likely at quarterback, two capable running backs and its typically mammoth line, Wisconsin looks again to be run-reliant. The Badgers led the Big Ten in rushing last season, averaging 211.2 yards per game. They must secure the football (19 fumbles, a Big Ten-high 30 turnovers last season) and keep the quarterback upright (29 sacks).

school records. Who will take up the slack? And can the defense stop anyone?

QB Ben Chappell

GAME 6: WISCONSIN B ADGERS

Keys to the offense

GAME 8: MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

GIMME 5

Coach: Tim Brewster, third season (8-17 at school and overall) Last year: 7-6 overall, 3-5 and tied for sixth in Big Ten

Halfway out of their hole

NOON, OCT. 24 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: TBA

WR Eric Decker

Newcomers to watch

Fast junior-college transfer Hayo Carpenter could start opposite Decker at receiver.

Freshman Ra’Shede Hageman could help on both sides of the ball, at tight end and defensive end.

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

switched systems in the off-season, replacing offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar with former Denver Broncos wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch, who has installed a pro set better-suited to Weber’s strengths. If Duane Bennett recovers from major knee surgery, he and DeLeon Eskridge will give the Gophers interchangeable running backs. Troy Stoudermire bears watching as a developing receiver.

Nebraska. Cosgrove coached effective defense under Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin and has eight returning starters to work with.

Keys to the defense

What happened at the end of last season, and have the Gophers flushed it from their system? They were 7-1, ranked No. 20 in their

The defense also has a new coordinator, Kevin Cosgrove, a longtime Wisconsin assistant most recently at

Keys to the offense

After two seasons of the spread option, Brewster

Special-teams standouts

Stoudermire ranked second in the Big Ten in kickoff returning (25.8 yards on a league-high 42 returns), and Marcus Sherels was second in punt returning (11.9 yards).

Question marks

Special-teams standout

Valentin averaged 25.7 yards per punt return.

Question marks

Can the offense gain yards and score points? Can the defense prevent opponents from doing the same? That about covers it for what is probably the Big Ten’s most mysterious team this season.

Outlook

Most don’t hold much hope for Hope in his first season after succeeding Joe Tiller, whose last year was his worst. Tiller also left the cupboard relatively bare. It will be awhile before the Boilermakers return to the upper half of the standings.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

homecoming game and led Northwestern with less than a minute to play when the Wildcats returned an interception for the game-winning touchdown. The Gophers lost at home to Michigan the next week, at Wisconsin, and then their home finale to Iowa 55-0. Then they were outscored 42-21 by Kansas in the Insight Bowl. Now they start 2009 adjusting to new systems on both sides of the ball.

Outlook

The long-awaited opening of TCF Bank Stadium, on campus, has helped Brewster recruit better players. So has his intention to play a tougher nonconference schedule than did his predecessor, Glen Mason. The program is on the move, but it will be tough moving this season without Indiana and Michigan on the schedule.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Returning stars

Wide receiver Marcus Anderson caught 50 passes for 617 yards and nine touchdowns in what was the WAC’s most prolific pass offense under former coach Hal Mumme.

Linebacker Nick Paden was the third-leading tackler in the conference with an average of 8.9 per game.

Newcomers to watch

Junior-college transfer Jeff Fleming won the starting quarterback job in camp over redshirt freshman Trevor Walls of Waverly. Look for the competition to continue, though.

Keys to the offense

Marquell Colston and Tony Glynn were the top two rushers last season but combined for only 598 yards in a pass-heavy offense that ranked next-to-last nationally (of 119 teams) in rushing. That will change under Walker, a former UCLA defensive coordinator who wants a balanced attack and a tougher approach. The

GAME 9: NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

GIMME 5

Coach: DeWayne Walker, first season as a head coach Last year: 3-9 overall, 1-7 and tied for last in the Western Athletic Conference

A program in the desert

TBA, OCT. 31 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: TBA

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

RB Marquell Colston

Keys to the defense

Walker has installed a 4-3 to help the Aggies improve a rush defense that ranked 115th nationally, allowing an average of 220.17 yards per game. He said during preseason camp that he’s confident he has linebackers and ends to make plays but must beef up the tackle position to solidify the front. Safety Stephon Hatchett, a converted wide receiver, showed promise as a cover man on special teams last season and, Walker said, was the outstanding defensive player in spring practice.

Anderson averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return and ranked sixth in WAC all-purpose yardage but will return punts this season. Colston and Glynn will return kickoffs.

Can a team so attuned to passing the ball run it successfully in a new scheme? Will the defense have the girth it needs to stop the run? Can Walker turn around a program that has had four winning seasons in the past 40 years?

Outlook

Walker wants to change the culture of the program to one that wins the old-fashioned way: a strong running game, strong defense and toughminded individuals. It won’t happen overnight, and the results won’t be there this season.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY

09-03-09

Special-teams standouts

Question marks

line is experienced and, according to camp reports, relishing the opportunity to run-block.

TIM BARNETT-QUEEN

E5

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

Three receivers moved to the secondary to bolster the defense, including Ray Fisher, who will start at cornerback. The remaining receivers are unproven. Lewis was a headache for coaches, but he also was a producer, setting 16

TBA, OCT. 10 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: TBA

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Returning stars

Quarterback Daryll Clark was firstteam All-Big Ten last season after leading the Nittany Lions to a share of the title. He ranked second in Big Ten pass efficiency, passed for 19 touchdowns and rushed for 10. Evan Royster is the top returning rusher in the conference after gaining 1,236 yards. Linebacker Navorro Bowman had 106 tackles, 161⁄2 for losses and 30 more than anyone else on the team, and was first-team All-Big Ten. Linebacker Sean Lee, second in Big Ten tackles in 2007, returns after missing 2008 with a knee injury.

QB Daryll Clark

Keys to the offense

Stanzi will be relied upon to make more plays than he had to last season, when Iowa jumped on running back Shonn Greene and rode him to the Doak Walker Award. Jewel Hampton, who rushed for 463 yards in

Lions go as line goes

backup Stephfon Green, are the start of something good, but the key to every Penn State offense is how it performs up front. Reports out of camp have Paterno riding herd on the line, which is replacing three starters. Newcomers also must pick up the slack for the “Three Amigos” receiving corps that produced so much for the Nittany Lions the past four years. Talent, while unseasoned, is said to be in abundance, though.

the secondary could make Penn State an inviting target for pass offenses. Tackle Jared Odrick is an All-American candidate. Bowman and Lee should stand out as linebackers, but rising star Mike Mauti (torn knee ligament) will be missed. Penn State was one of only four teams that finished in the top 10 nationally in rushing defense, total defense and scoring defense in 2008.

Keys to the defense

Special-teams standout

Losing ends Maurice Evans, Aaron Maybin and Josh Gaines (311⁄2 tackles for loss) and all four starters in

Clark and Royster, and Royster’s

Sophomore Marvin McNutt, a converted quarterback, is 6 feet 4 and could give Stanzi a big, fast receiving target.

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season (383-127-3 at school and overall) Last year: 11-2 overall, 7-1 and tied for first in Big Ten

Keys to the offense

Newcomer to watch

GIMME 5

TBA, NOV. 7 BEAVER STADIUM, STATE COLLEGE, PA. (107,282, GRASS) TV: TBA

Sophomore Chaz Powell bided his time behind Derrick Williams last season but is ready to break out of his shadow as a receiver and returner. He averaged 28.8 yards on nine kickoff returns as a freshman.

Quarterback Ricky Stanzi of Mentor was 8-3 as a starter last season and ranked fourth in Big Ten passing efficiency. Linebacker Pat Angerer was sixth in the Big Ten in tackles with 107 and had five interceptions.

A.J. Edds is a two-year starter at the versatile outside linebacker position in the Iowa defense. Amari Spievey is one of the top lockdown cornerbacks in the Big Ten.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

GAME 10: AT PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

Newcomer to watch

Returning stars

College Football

Jeremy Boone’s 43-yard average led Big Ten punters. The Nittany Lions ranked first in the confer-

BREAKING NEWS: DISPATCH.COM

ence in net punting and kickoff coverage.

Question marks

With more questions than there were going into last season, the suspicion is that Penn State has answers at receiver and at defensive end. The secondary might take time to settle in, especially with cornerback A.J. Wallace facing early suspension for cutting classes. The place-kicking job is also up for grabs.

Outlook

Impact players are on both sides of the ball, and there is plenty of time for the rest to find their identity with six of the first seven games at home against paper-thin opposition. The Nittany Lions also play Ohio State at home. The Big Ten title could be on the line at Michigan State on Nov. 21.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

CAROLYN KASTER ASSOCIATED PRESS

GAME 11: IOWA HAWKEYES

GIMME 5

Coach: Kirk Ferentz, 11th season (70-53 at school, 82-74 overall in 13 seasons) Last year: 9-4 overall, 5-3 and tied for fourth in Big Ten

Caution: Rough road ahead

TBA, NOV. 14 OHIO STADIUM (102,329, FIELDTURF) TV: TBA

relief of Greene, injured a knee in preseason camp and will miss the season. Fortunately for Stanzi, he has three starting blockers returning, as well as a group of dependable receivers. Tight end Tony Moeaki, injured most of the past two years, has All-Big Ten potential if he’s healthy.

Keys to the defense

Eight starters return to a unit that allowed a Big Ten-low 13 points per game in 2008 and allowed the second-fewest yards in the conference. Two tremendous tackles, Mitch King and Matt Kroul, must be replaced, but the defense looks solid

otherwise. The Hawkeyes had 23 interceptions last season, seven more than any other Big Ten team.

Starting cornerback Jordan Bernstine will miss the season after a knee injury during camp, but the secondary seems to have the depth to survive his loss. An area that could stand improvement is the pass rush; the Hawkeyes had only 19 sacks.

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

Question marks

Without Hampton, who will provide the ground threat to balance the offense? Stanzi might not be as effective if he doesn’t have a ground game to keep defenses honest.

Better punt- and kick-return games would also help.

Outlook

QB Ricky Stanzi

Iowa went 9-4 last season, snapping a three-year funk in which it was one game over .500. Its four losses in 2008 — to Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Michigan State and Illinois — were by a total of 12 points. This year will be more difficult. Ohio State is back on the schedule, and the Buckeyes are only one of four Big Ten heavyweights the Hawkeyes must face on the road.

The others are Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Special-teams standout

Punter Ryan Donahue averaged 41.6 yards with good hang time and was a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award as the top punter in college football.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA SPORTS INFORMATION

Returning stars

Martavious Odoms had 49 catches and averaged 23 yards per kickoff return and 12.6 yards per punt return as a freshman. End Brandon Graham had a Big Tenhigh 20 tackles for loss, half of them sacks. Running back Brandon Minor averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Linebacker Obi Ezeh ranked seventh in the Big Ten in tackles.

GAME 12: AT MICHIGAN WOL VERINES

GIMME 5

Coach: Rich Rodriguez, second season (3-9 at school, 108-71-2 overall in 16 seasons) Last year: 3-9 overall, 2-6 and tied for ninth in Big Ten

Where are the Rolaids, honey?

TBA, NOV. 21 MICHIGAN STADIUM, ANN ARBOR, MICH. (106,201, FIELDTURF) TV: TBA

WR Martavious Odoms

Newcomers to watch

Freshman Tate Forcier has the lead in the quarterback derby, but fellow freshman QB Denard Robinson is said to be the fastest player. Coach Rich Rodriguez has said he won’t name a starter until just before the opener. Receivers Je’Ron Stokes, Vincent Smith and Jeremy Gallon could be among nearly a dozen true freshmen who will see a lot of playing time.

Linebacker Greg Jones was voted the Big Ten’s preseason defensive player of the year. He had 127 tackles as a sophomore, third-best in the conference. Defensive end Trevor Anderson, who moved from Cincinnati with Dantonio, had eight sacks in his first season with the Spartans. Receivers Blair White, Mark Dell and Westerville South graduate B.J. Cunningham combined for 120 catches and 1,866 yards.

Newcomers to watch

Sophomore quarterback Kirk Cousins earned the starting job for the opener over Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol, but the competition will continue. Redshirt freshman Caulton Ray and true freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker are candidates to share the ball-carrying load.

Keys to the offense

A more dynamic passing attack is

The quarterback position is the key to Rodriguez’s spread offense.

He didn’t have one suited to it last season and the Wolverines were woeful, averaging fewer points (20.2) and yards (290.8) than any other Big Ten team. The line is also in transition to one with quicker feet to do the blocking required by the offense.

Keys to the defense

Veteran players will be learning their third system in as many seasons. Rodriguez hired Greg Robinson as defensive coordinator after Robinson was fired as Syracuse head coach.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ATHLETICS

Returning stars

Keys to the offense

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

Robinson coordinated the defenses of three NFL teams and won back-to-back Super Bowl titles with the Denver Broncos. He’ll tutor a young group that includes only one returning starter on the line and one in the secondary.

Special-teams standouts

Zoltan Mesko had a Big Ten-high 80 punts and a league-leading 43-yard average. Boubacar Cissoco averaged 23.4 yards per kickoff return and provides a threatening complement to Odoms.

Question marks

GIMME 5

SPARTANS DO NOT PLAY OHIO STATE

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

Coach: Mark Dantonio, third season (16-10 at school, 34-27 overall in five seasons) Last year: 9-4 overall, 6-2 and tied for third in Big Ten

LB Greg Jones

Knocking at the door.

Breakthrough?

with starting experience but, overall, this group needs to tighten up. The Spartans gave up 37 touchdowns in 2008 while the two teams that finished ahead of them, Ohio State and Penn State, surrendered 21 and 22, respectively. Only one Big Ten team gave up more yards per carry and only one yielded more third-down conversions.

Special-teams standouts

Keys to the defense

Brett Swenson made a Big Tenhigh 22 field goals, ranking fourth nationally. Aaron Bates’ 42-yard punting average as a freshman

The linebacking looks solid and the secondary has eight returnees

Outlook

A more benevolent nonconference schedule that includes home dates with Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Delaware State, and home games against Indiana and Purdue, could put Michigan on the brink of bowl eligibility in November. Whether the Wolverines finish 6-6 or 5-7 might hinge on whether they can upset Ohio State in the traditional finale in the Big House.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

Does Rodriguez have a triggerman for his offense, and can the unit

OTHER BIG TEN: MICHIGAN STATE SP ARTANS

forecast from whoever wins the quarterback derby, but with a wealth of ball-carriers vying to replace Javon Ringer, Dantonio is expected to stick with a groundoriented attack and throw off it.

The Spartans need to get more from their personnel than they did a year ago despite the presence of Ringer. They ranked next-to-last in the Big Ten in yards per rush (3.3) and yards per play (5.9).

generate more yards, points and possession time than it did a year ago? Can the defense hold up its end while learning another new system and working in new starters? How quiet will Wolverines fans be as they sit through a second straight season without any hope of contending for a Big Ten championship?

ranked fourth in the Big Ten.

Question marks

Do the Spartans have playmakers on offense and defense to make up for the departed Ringer and safety Otis Wiley? Can the winner of the QB competition take advantage of the playmakers the offense does have at receiver? Will the defense be up to the task when it faces high-level competition?

Outlook

Dantonio’s disciplined approach has moved a talent-rich but underachieving program to contender status in two years. For the next two years, however, its path to the title won’t run through Ohio State. Perhaps it’s too soon to expect a Big Ten championship this season, but the Spartans could reach that level in 2010.

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

MICHIGAN STATE ATHLETICS

Returning stars

Defensive end Corey Wootton was first-team All-Big Ten, making 16 tackles for loss, including 10 sacks, but he had surgery on a torn knee ligament after the Alamo Bowl. Safety Brad Phillips was fifth in the Big Ten in tackles with 109.

Newcomer to watch

Arby Fields has Tyrell Sutton’s former No.19 jersey and might succeed the four-year starter as the lone back in the spread offense.

Keys to the offense

The Wildcats lost their quarterback, running back and top three receivers, prompting Fitzgerald to say on media day, “None of you know any of our guys’ names . . . but you will.” With an experienced line returning, quarterback Mike Kafka will need to keep the unit moving. Kafka is a proven runner (217 rushing yards at Minnesota, a Big Ten record for a quarter-

OTHER BIG TEN: NORTHWESTERN WILDC ATS

GIMME 5

Coach: Pat Fitzgerald, fourth season (19-18 at school and overall) Last year: 9-4 overall, 5-3 and tied for fourth in Big Ten

Wildcats will hit like Fitz

WILDCATS DO NOT PLAY OHIO STATE

THE SEASON IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS

back) whose passing has been suspect.

Keys to the defense

Eight starters and key reserves return to a unit that ranked in the upper half of the league statistically. Only Iowa, Ohio State and Penn State allowed fewer points, and only three teams had more takeaways. Wootton will be an even bigger load to handle if his repaired knee holds up, and seniors Phillips and Brendan Smith are one of the best safety tandems in the conference. Phillips had three interceptions in 2008, and Smith returned both of his for touchdowns.

DE Corey Wootton

Question marks

The offense is a giant question with so many of the proven yards-producers having departed. Is Kafka’s passing up to snuff? Will the Wildcats uncover a runner to fill Sutton’s void?

Who will step up as a go-to receiver?

Outlook

Early, at least, the Wildcats will look to their defense to pull them through while the offense jells. Also helping bring them — and their bowl chances — along is a cupcake nonconference schedule and a conference slate that lacks Ohio State and brings Penn State to Evanston. Road games against Michigan State, Iowa and Illinois will hurt, though.

Special-teams standouts

— Bob Baptist bbaptist@dispatch.com

Smith averaged 7.9 yards per punt return STEPHEN J. CARRERA NORTHWESTERN MEDIA SERVICES

09-03-09

and running back Stephen Simmons 22.1 yards per kickoff return last season.

PAGE E6

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

College Football

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

E7

M I D - A M ER I C A N C O N F ERE NC E

OU says it’s hungry for wins OHIO BOBCATS

Ball protection is a top priority for Bobcats

Coach: Frank Solich, fifth season (23-26 record at school) Last season: 4-8, 3-5 (tied for fourth in MAC East)

By Mark Znidar THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

ATHENS, Ohio — There’s a time-consuming, embarrassing and sometimes bruising way for Ohio University players to pay for dropping the football, fumbling it or having it intercepted.

Quarterback Boo Jackson cringed when describing what offenders have to do after practice. “(Coaches) make you fall to the ground face first with the ball tucked in your arm,” Jackson said. “Now that’s tough, especially after a hard practice. You land on the ball and have to make sure to hang on to it.”

Told that the drill seemed harsh, Jackson was quick to respond.

“Turnovers are bad stuff, too,” he said. “That’s why we’re doing it. Turnovers lose games. Turnovers kill drives.

Turnovers really cost us last year.”

Players also run 100 yards with a ball underneath each arm.

A lot of things went wrong for the Bobcats during a 4-8 season, and giving up the football was atop the list.

Ohio finished last in the Mid-American Conference in turnover ratio (minus-13), led the league in lost fumbles (18) and tied Akron for most interceptions (14).

The Bobcats lost close games to Central Michigan 31-28, Northwestern 16-8 and Temple 14-10, and turnovers

QB Boo Jackson JAY LAPRETE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Talent pool WR Taylor Price of Hilliard Darby, RBs Chris Garrett and Donte Harden, QBs Boo Jackson and Theo Scott and what coaches think is an up-and-coming offensive line should score a lot in a conference that has precious few capable defenses. LB Noah Keller had 104 tackles as a sophomore and is the type of leader that reminds people of former Central Michigan great Red Keith.

Exclamation points Price could be the best receiver in the MAC. Last year, he caught 51 passes for 694 yards and five touchdowns. He has size (6 feet 1, 212 pounds) and has been clocked in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash. Keller reached doubt digits in tackles five times. What separates him from most linebackers is his ability to make plays downfield.

Question marks The Bobcats lost three of four starting defensive backs, including Mike Mitchell, a second-round NFL draft pick by the Oakland Raiders. Mark Parson was more than a cover corner. He was a hitter. Also gone is DE Jameson Hartke, who was a relentless pass rusher. Ohio led the MAC in interceptions against (14) and fumbles (18) and had the worst turnover ratio (minus-13) in the conference.

Outlook There is a confidence in Athens that hasn’t been seen since the 2006 team got hot in the middle of the season and won the division championship. Ohio has been picked to finish fourth, but that will change if Jackson or Scott meets his potential and raises the level of the offense, and the defense ripens quickly.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

played a role in each. They lost two fumbles and were intercepted twice against

AKRON ZIPS

Central Michigan and lost two fumbles against the other two.

BOWLING GREEN FALCONS

Coach: J.D. Brookhart, sixth season (27-33 record at school) Last season: 5-7, 3-5 (tied for fourth in MAC East Division)

“Look at Buffalo, the team that won the league,” coach Frank Solich said. “That team had a plus-20 tur nover ratio. Should anyone wonder why Buffalo won the league?

Buffalo took care of the football. They gave themselves the best chance to win.

“The stat that keeps getting thrown out is that 50 percent of MAC games were won by seven points or less last year. That means keeping turnovers down is critical.”

In addition to working on stripping the ball, defensive players have been hearing about the importance of ball security when they do get a turnover.

Receiver Taylor Price, a senior from Hilliard Darby, said players have no room to complain about the drills and punishment.

“It’s about having discipline and it’s about working at your craft,” he said.

“The key for a receiver is securing the ball and putting it away. You make sure there is no air between the ball and your body. You keep the elbow up close to your chest.

You have to know when to put two hands on the ball.

You have to know when to stiff-arm and when not to.

The last thing you want to do is change arms with the ball when you’re about to get hit.”

Ohio has more playmakers on offense since Solich became coach in 2005.

“We’re excited,” Albin said.

“More important, we’re hungry. Last year we had high expectations on offense, but we didn’t finish. This year, we want to finish things.” mznidar@dispatch.com

OTHER MAC EAST DIVISION Buffalo Bulls Coach: Turner Gill Last season: 8-6, 5-3 (conference champion, lost to Connecticut in International Bowl) Notable: There’s plenty of gasoline left in the tank with RB James Starts (1,333 yards, 16 touchdowns) and WR Naaman Roosevelt (104 catches, 1,402 yards, 13 touchdowns) if a quarterback can be found.

Temple Owls Coach: Al Golden Last season: 5-7, 4-4 (tied for second in East) Notable: Loss of three-year starting quarterback Adam DiMichele isn’t as worrisome as it might seem because Vaughn Chandler played extensively in 2007 and Chester Stewart did the same last season when DiMichele was injured.

WEST DIVISION Ball State Cardinals Coach: Stan Parrish Last season: 12-2, 8-0 (first place in West; lost to Tulsa in GMAC Bowl) Notable: There’s a lot of uncertainty with record-setting quarterback Nate Davis (3,903 yards) gone and Brady Hoke leaving to become coach at San Diego State.

Central Michigan Chippewas Coach: Butch Jones Last season: 8-6, 6-2 (second in West; lost to Florida Atlantic in Motor City Bowl) Notable: QB Dan LeFevour, who has thrown for 9,467 yards, run for 2,235 yards and accounted for 106 touchdowns, is going for a third MAC championship.

Eastern Michigan Eagles Coach: Ron English Last season: 3-9, 2-6 (tied for fifth in West) Notable: How big of a building job is this for English, a former Michigan assistant? The Eagles haven’t had a winning season since they were nicknamed the Hurons in 1989.

Northern Illinois Huskies Coach: Jerry Kill Last season: 6-7, 5-3 (fourth in West) Notable: The Huskies could be back on the fast track under Kill. Last season was only the third time in Kill’s 24-year career as a coach that he had a losing record.

Western Michigan Broncos Coach: Bill Cubit Last season: 9-4, 6-2 (tied for second in West; lost to Rice in Texas Bowl) Notable: The administration made its best move by extending Cubit’s contract through 2013. He has three straight wins over teams from Bowl Championship Series conferences, including Iowa in 2007 and Illinois last season.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES

Coach: Dave Clawson, first season Last season: 6-6, 4-4 (tied for second in Mid-American Conference East Division)

MIAMI REDHAWKS

Coach: Doug Martin, sixth season (19-39 record at school) Last season: 4-8, 3-5 (tied for fourth in MAC East)

Coach: Mike Haywood, first season Last season: 2-10, 1-7 (seventh in MAC East Division)

Talent pool

Talent pool

Talent pool

Talent pool

The Zips have the potential to be one of the better passing teams in the conference with QB Chris Jacquemain (2,748 yards, 20 touchdowns) and receivers Deryn Bowser (64 catches, 785 yards) and Andre Jones (47, 678). Four offensive linemen return, including LT Corey Woods with 24 career starts. Overall, nine starters return on offense. The second- and third-leading tacklers return: LB Mike Thomas (81) and CB Miguel Graham (70).

Junior DT Almondo Sewell is one of the best runstoppers in the MAC.

QB Tyler Sheehan threw for 2,610 yards and 20 touchdowns and completed 66.8 percent of his passes as a junior. He also ran for 237 yards and seven touchdowns.

WR Freddie Barnes caught 40 passes for 355 yards despite being banged up all season. DBs P.J. Mahone and Jahmal Brown finished first and third in tackles with 95 and 83, respectively. LB Jerett Sanderson had 68 tackles.

RB Eugene Jarvis stands 5 feet 5 and weighs 170 pounds, but he is one of the most productive players in the conference with 3,268 yards rushing and 705 receiving in the past three years. C Chris Anzevino, LG Michael Fay and RT Pat Reedy started all 12 games in 2008.

LB Cobrani Mixon was credited with 73 tackles in only 10 games. Punter Matt Rinehart averaged 40.0 yards and landed 18 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

QB Daniel Raudabaugh threw for 1,960 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games. RB Thomas Merriweather ran for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Change-of-pace RB Andre Bratton ran for 366 yards and caught 33 passes. LB Caleb Bostic is the leading returning tackler with 40. Safety Jordan Gafford of Worthington Kilbourne returns after sitting out last season because of injuries.

Exclamation points

Exclamation points

Exclamation points

Exclamation points

Sheehan is the most versatile and electric quarterback the Falcons have had since Josh Harris of Westerville North brought the team back to prominence earlier this decade. Sheehan’s numbers should be even better if Barnes can stay healthy. Barnes caught 82 passes in 2007. Three offensive linemen return: Brady Minturn, Shane Steffy and Ben Bojicic.

The Golden Flashes have the potential to generate one of the better running games in the MAC with Jarvis, Andre Flowers and Jacquise “Speedy” Terry. Four of the five starters return on the offensive line. Defensive linemen Sam Frist, Aaron Hull and Quinton Rainey have started a combined 60 games.

Bostic, a 6-foot-3, 232-pound senior and a Westland grad, is the type of player to build a defense around.

He’s fast and athletic and should be among the best defenders in the MAC. Gafford, a coach’s son, also is a coach’s dream for his smarts and nose for the ball. Five players return that caught 33 or more passes, leading with WR Jamal Rogers (41 catches for 353 yards).

Jacquemain is no Charlie Frye and maybe not even Butchie Washington, but he is one of the best half-dozen quarterbacks in the MAC. Last year, he threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in a loss at Wisconsin. Bowser ranked eighth in the conference in receptions per game at 5.3. He caught 10 passes against Big East champion Cincinnati. The Zips took care of the ball in 2008 with a plus-six turnover ratio.

Question marks Who is going to run the ball with Dennis Kennedy, a one-time Ohio State recruit, having used his eligibility?

Kennedy kept defenses off the field by running for 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns. The top returning ball carrier is Alex Allen with 152 yards in 2008. Ouch!

Outlook Akron is picked to finish third behind Buffalo and Temple in what could be a wide-open division once again. The key is winning the close ones. The Zips lost to Bowling Green 37-33, Buffalo 43-40 in four overtimes and Ohio University 49-42.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

OTHERS

Question marks The defense was rotten to the core in 2008. How bad was it? Defensive backs ranked first and third on the team in tackles. That’s why it might be a good thing that only four starters return. Chris Bullock is the most experienced running back, and he ran for only 384 yards last year. True freshman Erique Geiger twice ran for more than 100 yards in scrimmages.

Outlook The Falcons are picked to finish fifth, but this isn’t a rebuilding job for Clawson. Former coach Gregg Brandon was fired because of discipline problems with players and a poor Academic Progress Rate that cost the program scholarships. It wouldn’t be out of the realm for BG to win the division.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

Question marks The quarterback spot was a given with playmaker supreme Julian Edelman the previous three seasons. He was taken in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Anthony Magazu and Giorgio Morgan get the first shots at replacing him. Poor special-teams play went a long way in preventing Kent State from winning the division. A fumbled punt and missed chip-shot field-goal attempt were pivotal in a loss to Akron in double-overtime. Two extra points were missed in a 26-19 loss to Ohio University.

Outlook The Flashes are picked to finish sixth in the division, and it’s difficult to argue with that, especially with only two home games among the final six and a nonconference schedule that includes Boston College and Iowa State.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

CINCINNATI

Bearcats on the hunt to repeat eight starters on offense, but only one from a defense that was among the nation’s best and made its first BCS bowl appearance possible.

Only starting strong safety Aaron

By Joe Kay Webster returns from a defense that ASSOCIATED PRESS carried the team through its run of injuries at quarterback.

CINCINNATI — The hardware is There’s a lot to replace and a lot of still there.

Tony Pike has a 6-inch plate and six new things to absorb, although coach Brian Kelly doesn’t seem too conscrews in his left forearm, a permanent reminder of Cincinnati’s greatest cerned about the turnover.

“You’re concerned with continuity football season. and all those things, but I’ve been The right-handed quarterback played through a lot of pain last year, doing it long enough and I’ve had to helping the Bearcats win their first Big replace a lot of starters in my career,” said Kelly, entering his third year at East title with all that metal in his Cincinnati. arm.

“Not that I’m crazy about it — After he threw four interceptions I’d like to have them all back — but during a 20-7 loss to Virginia Tech in I think there’s a sense of understandthe Orange Bowl, he set a couple of ing that it’s a process, and we don’t weeks aside to get over the disappointment and get that left arm back need to panic.

“I’m calm about it. Therefore, to full strength.

I think our players are locked in.”

“It’s perfect,” Pike said this sumIt’s reassuring to know that Pike mer. “No problems.”

That’s perfect for the Bearcats, who and the offense are capable of making are going to need a big year out of the up for any early defensive struggles.

When the Bearcats held their first senior quarterback while they defend summer practice this week, Pike was their league title with an almost entirely new defense. Cincinnati returns directing the wide-open show.

Despite holes in defense, team is ready for action

“I think leadership is something you work on every day, and Tony is getting better at standing in front of a group and taking control if it,” Kelly said. “He really knows the offense well, so he gets a lot of respect just by his knowledge base.

“It’s his time. He’s a senior. You see a change, whether it’s in high school or college, when you hit that last year of eligibility. He seems to have a sense of urgency in everything he does, even more than last year.”

Pike had a hand in Cincinnati’s two-year ascendance under Kelly. He played a little in Kelly’s inaugural season, which ended with 10 wins that matched the school record.

Last year, he got the job after Dustin Grutza was injured and threw for 2,407 yards with 19 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, a big factor in an 11-3 season.

With the defense a work in progress, Pike is trying to be a steady leader.

“The biggest thing is just keeping the mind-set that we can do it,” he said. “People talk about us losing some guys, but I think we’ve got a real confident group.”

09-03-09

PAGE E7

Question marks Raudabaugh teased the previous coaching staff with his big arm and big body, yet disappointed to the point where he lost his job for three games last season. This is his last chance. Only two offensive linemen return. Is there a place-kicker in the house? There is inexperience at linebacker with stars Clayton Mullins and Joey Hudson gone.

Outlook There’s no love for Miami, which has been picked to finish last in the division. Keep in mind that the RedHawks are only two years removed from winning the East championship and that Haywood has big-time college football experience as an assistant at Louisiana State, Texas and Notre Dame.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

OTHERS: OHIO DOMINIC AN PANTHERS Coach: Dale Carlson, sixth season (29-25 record at school) Last season: 7-3, 4-2 (second place in Mid-States Football Association Mid-East Division)

Talent pool Carlson says the Panthers already are benefiting from the move from NAIA to NCAA Division II by the number of transfers from Division I. Two are of local interest: DB Eisen Hardy of Pickerington Central started out at Toledo, and RB Christian (formerly Christen) Haywood of Hilliard Davidson started out at Kent State. Standouts on defense could be LB Rashawn Newell, DB Brian Babcock and lineman Manju Jabbie of Westerville South. Billy Griffin, a senior from Watterson, is the new starting quarterback.

Exclamation points Ohio Dominican has enough running backs to supply two teams. Austin Wallace of Reynoldsburg ran for 61 yards in a 14-13 loss to Bentley (Mass.) last week. Others in the mix are Mike Noffsinger, Tyler Purcell, Mark Nichols of Newark Catholic and Haywood. Noffsinger started the last four games last season and had back-to-back 100-yard games.

RB Austin Wallace

Question marks There is no replacing QB Cris Reisert.He threw for a national-record 5,464 yards and 57 touchdowns in 2007 and 13,338 yards in his career. Reisert was the heart of the 2007 team that went 12-1 and reached the second round of the playoffs. The Panthers also have replacements for key losses at receiver (Jared Stayce) and middle guard (Nick Yanko). Carlson said there will be growing pains along the offensive line.

Outlook Ohio Dominican is in its sixth season of football, but in many ways it is starting from scratch in having lost so many outstanding players and starting a transition year in Division II before full-fledged membership in the 2010-11 school year. Nine of the 10 games are against Division II teams.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

College Football

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: DISPATCH.COM

OTHER OAC

Area teams blazing new trails are playing primarily Division II teams. They Otterbein, Ohio Dominican, have gained membership into the G reat Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Capital strive for legitimacy Capital, which finished 5-5 last season after three straight years in the Division III playoffs,

By Mark Znidar is counting on a r ebound with key players THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH such as quarterback Marty Assmann and This is such a br ave new world for the O tter- 27 seniors on the r oster.

“Any time you make the playoffs and are bein and Ohio Dominican football teams that it wouldn’t be a stretch to call them explorers. nationally ranked, that’s going to build expectations,” Otterbein coach Joe Loth said. “It Each program is amid an expedition that also serves as motivation. I do think the playnot even the most loyal of fans could hav e ers realize they have to go get what they want. imagined possible just a few y ears ago.

This isn’t NASCAR where you win the pole Otterbein reached the Division III playoffs position and start from there. We’re starting for the first time last season and set a team 0-0, and what happened last y ear doesn’t record with nine victories. count.”

A repeat of either feat would go a long way The Cardinals have one of the best quar terin helping the Cardinals stake a claim to legitibacks in Division III in senior Jack Rafferty. macy.

The Dublin Coffman grad amassed 2,249 yards Ohio Dominican, which has fielded a team and 29 touchdowns last year. Running backs only six years, is working on a str ing of three Eric Yates of Dublin Scioto and Colton Coy of straight winning seasons.

Chillicothe, who combined for mor e than What’s different is the Panthers are taking a 1,300 yards rushing, are back, too. great leap forward. They are eligible for the Ohio Dominican, which missed a second NAIA playoffs but are one year from becoming full-fledged members of NCAA D ivision II and straight playoff spot by one vote from the

Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets

CAPITAL CRUSADERS

OTTERBEIN CARDINALS

Coach: Jim Bickel, second season (5-5 record at school) Last season: 5-5, 4-5 (tied for fifth in Ohio Athletic Conference)

Coach: Joe Loth, seventh season (32-29 record at school) Last season: 9-2, 8-1 (second place in Ohio Athletic Conference; lost to Franklin in first round of NCAA Division III playoffs)

Talent pool Hartley grad Marty Assmann threw for 1,332 yards and 12 touchdowns in just six games, his season shortened by a neck injury. He’ll have a good target in WR Dominic D’Andrea, also from Hartley. D’Andrea caught 39 passes for 546 yards. The offensive line has two second-team allconference players in center Cory Dutcher of Teays Valley and guard Kyle Koblinski of Pickerington. The defense returns second-leading tackler Sam Jacobs, a linebacker from Watterson and third-leading tackler Drew Stimmel, also a linebacker.

Heidelberg Student Princes Coach: Mike Hallett Last season: 4-6, 3-6 (eighth in conference) Notable: Heidelberg’s game is to score like a basketball team, and QB Andrew Miller (1,948 yards passing, 20 touchdowns) and RB Jemar Lewis (704 yards rushing, six touchdowns) keep the ball moving.

John Carroll Blue Streaks Coach: Regis Scafe Last season: 5-5, 4-5 (tied for fifth in conference) Notable: The Blue Streaks haven’t been a factor in the conference race since 2002 and have won more than six games only once in the past six years.

Marietta Pioneers Coach: Jeff Filkovsky Last season: 2-8, 1-8 (10th in conference) Notable: The Pioneers return 55 players and 17 starters, the most important being RB Lamar Hunter. Hunter will look to double his total of 557 yards from a year ago.

Mount Union Purple Raiders Coach: Larry Kehres Last season: 15-0, 9-0 (first place in conference, national champions) Notable: The defense has strong central Ohio flavor with defensive linemen Matt Williamson of DeSales and Zac Saum of Amanda-Clearcreek, safeties Roger Stewart of Fairfield Union and Drew McClain of Licking Valley, and linebacker Sam Kershaw of West Jefferson.

Talent pool The offense is loaded, starting with Dublin Coffman grad Jack Rafferty at quarterback. He accounted for more than 2,200 yards and 29 touchdowns. The running game features Colton Coy of Chillicothe (846 yards rushing) and Eric Yates of Dublin Scioto (659), who combined for 22 touchdowns. WR Ryan Rowley of Grove City led the OAC in receptions with 56.

The defense returns 10 players that started at least one game. The most decorated is first-team all-conference DB Chadric Woodfork of South. The secondary is stacked.

Capital QB Marty Assmann

Exclamation points

Muskingum Fighting Muskies Coach: Al Logan Last season: 3-7, 2-7 (ninth in conference) Notable: The Muskies have four starters from Florida, but the most important player will be QB Jake Burns of Marion Pleasant. He threw for 1,860 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Exclamation points

Most teams have a go-to receiver, but the Crusaders have three in D’Andrea, Matt White and Evan Blake. When healthy, Assmann has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the OAC. The defense can be downright scary. Last year, it gave up 3.3 yards per carry and forced 18 turnovers.

There are a pair of star defensive backs in Ronnie Smith of DeSales and Brad Pickens.

Rafferty provides the kind of leadership that Matt D’Orazio did in winning the Gregory Award in 1999 as the top back in the OAC as a senior. Rafferty changes the play at the line with regularity and can turn broken plays into big plays with his improvisation. B.J. Wanninger led the conference in punting at 40.3 yards and made 9 of 12 field-goal attempts.

Question marks

Question marks

The season hinges on Assmann staying healthy. He has had a checkered career because of injuries. In 2007, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the fourth game. Last season, he made it to game six. Although the defense is stocked with talent, the Crusaders must learn how to play without AllAmerican linebackers Pete Ankrom and Eric Andriacco.

The Cardinals must replace LB Eric Burnsides of Worthington Kilbourne. He was first-team all-conference and a tackling machine. DT Mike King also left a hole. Loth thinks there is so much depth among the front seven that the team can play a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Interior linemen Mark Vuich, Nick Stelzer and Josh Boling are expected to be factors.

Outlook

Ohio Northern Polar Bears Coach: Dean Paul Last season: 5-5, 5-4 (tied for third) Notable: Big things are expected of Ohio Northern after three so-so seasons. At the root of all the optimism was winning five of the last six games in 2008.

Wilmington Quakers Coach: Barry Wulf Last season: 4-6, 4-5 (tied for fourth) Notable: Last season, Wilmington had its highest victory total since going 5-5 in 2001, and playmaking safety T.J. Burbridge of Centennial was a factor with 84 tackles and two interceptions.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

Outlook

Capital has been picked to finish fifth in the conference, but with 25 seniors and so many injured players back up to speed, it wouldn’t be out of the realm for the Crusaders to challenge for a Division III playoff spot.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

Otterbein QB Jack Rafferty

DENISON BIG RED

OTHER NCAC

Coach: Nick Fletcher, 10th season (33-57 record at school) Last season: 6-4, 4-3 (tied for third in North Coast Athletic Conference)

Allegheny Gators

Talent pool The running game should be productive behind Nick Krempasky (628 yards, three touchdowns) and if junior Dan Crawford of Upper Arlington returns to form after injuries last season. Crawford ran for 551 yards two years ago. Fletcher talks about having a smaller but more athletic offensive line with building blocks such as guards Derek Ulsh and Bobby Fresch.

Otterbein is primed to make the playoffs a second straight season. There is a scary stretch of the schedule when the Cardinals play four road games in five weeks, with a home game tossed inagainst rival Capital.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

Coach: Mark Matlak Last season: 5-5, 4-3 (tied for third) Notable: Five all-conference players return on defense for a team than ended 2008 on the rise with overtime victories over Wittenberg and Ohio Wesleyan.

Earlham Quakers

Exclamation points Denison should have one of the best defensive backfields in the NCAC with cornerbacks Nick Weiss (45 tackles) and Tyler Lambert (27) and safeties Drew Homyk (61) and Caleb McFerren (45).

Homyk and Weiss had five interceptions RB Dan Crawford apiece. The defense came of age the final six games last season, allowing an average of 12.8 points.

Coach: Gerry Keesling Last season: 4-6, 4-3 (tied for third) Notable: Five offensive linemen return to a unit that ranked second in passing in the conference. The line gave up only nine sacks.

Hiram Terriers

Former RB Jon Berg was a major factor in the Big Red winning five of its last six games in 2008. He banged out 826 yards rushing to help keep the defense off the field. Quarterback also will be an uncertainty until junior Colin McKelvey or sophomore Braden Layer of Upper Arlington takes hold.

Coach: Bob Wolfe Last season: 3-7, 2-5 (tied for seventh) Notable: Twenty-one starters return, but the one that isn’t coming back was the best of the lot.

QB Trevor Henderson holds or shares eight team-passing records.

Outlook

Kenyon Lords

With 55 lettermen and 12 starters back, Denison has a shot at its third winning season since 2004. The Big Red has been picked to finish fifth in the NCAC, but there’s a chance to jump over Allegheny for fourth. Anything higher than that is probably out of the question because Wabash, Wooster and Wittenberg are very good.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

Coach: Ted Stanley Last season: 1-9, 0-7 (last) Notable: The Lords need more athletes such as sophomore WR Charles Small of Independence.

He caught 42 passes for two touchdowns last year.

Question marks

OHIO WESLEYAN BATTLING BISHOPS Coach: Mike Hollway, 23rd season (130-89-1 record at school) Last season: 2-8, 2-5 (tied for seventh in North Coast Athletic Conference)

Talent pool The strength of the team is defense and, in particular, a secondary that led the NCAC in pass defense. The safeties are Rylan Mitter-Burke (70 tackles, four interceptions) and Daniel DeLay (49 tackles), with Eli Cowan of DeSales (55 tackles, three interceptions) at one cornerback spot. The offensive line returns almost intact, featuring tackles David Ward and Matt Staveskie and three-year starter Jimmy Willison of Reynoldsburg at center.

Exclamation points The defense returns seven starters. There is the potential for a good pass rush with end Britan Toller of Northridge (seven sacks) and middle guard Taylor Smith (43 tackles). Hollway says RBs Steve Brown and Raymon Beach give the Bishops the outside speed they haven’t had in recent years. Brown was versatile last year with 363 yards rushing and 21 catches.

Oberlin Yeomen Coach: Jeff Ramsey Last season: 2-8, 2-5 (tied for seventh) Notable: A sign of Oberlin’s mediocrity is Ramsey ranking fifth in team history for victories with 26.

Wabash Little Giants Coach: Erik Raeburn Last season: 10-2, 7-0 (first) Notable: The Little Giants need four victories to become the sixth program in NCAA Division III history to reach 600 wins. They have won outright or shared the past four NCAC championships.

Wittenberg Tigers Coach: Joe Fincham Last season: 6-4, 4-3 (tied for third) Notable: QB Aaron Huffman of Newark and LB Brad McKinley of Hilliard Davidson rank among the top 10 best players in the NCAC.

Question marks Ohio Wesleyan was awful on offense last season, and a lot of it had to do with 31 turnovers. The quarterback spot was unsettled, to the point where freshman Keegan Varner of Westerville Central played a lot. Varner will be the full-time starter. He threw for 341 yards and two touchdowns.

Coach: John Snell Last season: 5-5, 5-4 (tied for third in conference) Notable: Former Division I QB Anthony Gardner makes B-W go, but RB Kyrell Crook of DeSales must take the heat off him. Crook, a senior, ran for 711 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

selection committee, no longer has All-American quarterback Cris Reisert.

Although the Panthers play one NAIA team (Walsh), they can make the play offs with enough victories and a high national r anking.

They lost their opener to B entley (Mass.) 1413.

“We’re playing decent people that hav e more money to give athletes than NAIA,” coach Dale Carlson said. “Our schedule is strong, but it’s up to the committee to v ote us in.”

Capital thought it was a play off team a year ago, but injuries derailed that goal.

Second-year coach Jim Bickel has experience and depth at almost ev ery position.

“I like our team,” Bickel said. “We had a lot of injuries last year, but the byproduct is we developed depth. We’re capable of doing some great things, but we play in a gr eat conference (Ohio Athletic) and we’ll see how it plays out.

How fast do you mature? How fast do you come together fundamentally? Can you take games one at a time? Those ar e the questions we have to answer.” mznidar@dispatch.com

Wooster Fighting Scots CB Eli Cowan

Outlook The Bishops haven’t had a winning season since 2005, and it doesn’t seem that the streak will end in a top-heavy conference that includes playoffcaliber teams such as Wabash, Wooster and Wittenberg.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

Coach: Mike Schmitz Last season: 8-2, 6-1 (second) Notable: QB Austin Holter, a senior from Johnstown, set a team singleseason record with 2,712 yards passing last season. He accounted for 22 touchdowns.

— Mark Znidar mznidar@dispatch.com

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