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By now, everyone knows [b]Joe Burrow[/b]’s journey of how he became a National Champion at LSU. Before his dominant final season in Baton Rouge in 2019, Burrow was a four-star recruiting prospect that committed to Ohio State. But despite his high recruiting ranking, Burrow could never crack the depth chart at QB1.
After taking a redshirt year in 2015 and sitting behind [b]J.T. Barrett[/b] for the next two years, Burrow finally had his shot at the starting job for the Buckeyes. But it was instead [b]Dwayne Haskins[/b] who eventually would emerge as the likely starter, Burrow left for LSU ahead of the 2018 season.
Today, the two quarterbacks have a strong relationship. But it wasn’t always that way while they were battling each other for the starting job.

“I love Joe but during that battle, for almost two years, me and Joe couldn’t stand each other,” Haskins said on Monday’s Ring Chronicles series from FOX. “Every day, whether it was morning workouts or when we had to do mat drills and it’d be me and him on the mat drill, it was gritty. Or it was practice and me and him are trying to get in front of each other to get a rep to throw to one of the starting receivers. It was always this heated competition but we knew we got the best out of each other. He made it hard for me and I made it hard for him and I didn’t let him take it away.”
The decision by then-head coach [b]Urban Meyer[/b] to roll with Haskins turned out to be a good one. In 2018, Haskins completed 70 percent of his passes for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns. Haskins was a First Team All-Big Ten selection and won multiple awards, including the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year honor. The Buckeyes pieced together a 13-1 record and won the Rose Bowl over Washington.
But one cannot help but wonder if the Buckeyes might have made a run in the College Football Playoff if Burrow had won the starting job and stuck around. In the 2019 season, Burrow completed an insane 76.3 percent of his passes for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns and a mere six interceptions in 15 games played this year.
As if those numbers weren't enough, perhaps the records are. Burrow leaves college with the single-season FBS record for most touchdown passes (60), a tie for the third-most passing yards in a single season alongside former Houston quarterback [b]Case Keenum[/b].
Coaches Poll announces preseason Top 25 rankingsB




The first major poll of the preseason arrived Thursday with the release of the USA Today Coaches Poll's preseason Top 25 rankings. College coaches across the country rank the best in the country on a weekly basis, and with Week 0 still set for key games at the end of August, the coaches reveal their top teams for 2020.

Projections could change significantly over the next three weeks when it comes to opt outs and conference scheduling decisions. There is a clear pecking order from the summer, however, including traditional contenders up top.

The Big Ten revealed its conference-only schedule yesterday with Ohio State and Penn State both viewed as top 10 teams and title contenders from most outlets. The Pac-12 was the first power conference to announce its schedule while the ACC made waves with its decision to include Notre Dame in its 2020 plans and is released its own schedule plans just a few hours ago.


Which teams do the coaches view as the best on paper heading into the season?

Take a deeper look below.
1. CLEMSON
[Image: 9809618.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: USA TODAY Sports)
No. 1 to begin the 2020 season, according to the coaches. The Tigers are out for revenge following a loss to LSU in last season’s national title game. The roster is just as dangerous on paper in 2020, led by junior quarterback Trevor Lawrence and returning star running back Travis Etienne. Clemson is a heavy favorite in the ACC, but the road to a conference title could look different now that Notre Dame is in the picture. Clemson has five total losses over the last five seasons, and the expectations have not changed in 2020 under Dabo Swinney.

2. OHIO STATE
[Image: 9777603.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Andy Lyons, USA TODAY Sports)
Fresh off yesterday’s Big Ten schedule reveal, Ohio State expects to contend for a national title this season. The Buckeyes have one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Justin Fields, who has already confirmed he will play 2020 and is the only returning Heisman Trophy finalist from last season. Fields lost some pieces, but gets one of the most talented receiver groups in the country around him, and the Buckeyes add Trey Sermon at tailback. Defensively, the pressure will be on to replace stars like Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, but Ryan Day has plenty of strong pieces hungry to step up.

3. ALABAMA
[Image: 9470751.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Stuart McNair, 247Sports)
The era of Tua Tagovailoa came to an end in Tuscaloosa. Is it time for the Bryce Young era to begin? Nick Saban has options offensively with Mac Jones Back after some strong performances last year. While Alabama is without another slew of top draft picks like Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and Jedrick Wills, the Crimson Tide have plenty of star power back, too. Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith both opted against turning pro, and star linebacker Dylan Moses will be back in a big way after last year’s season-ending injury. After LSU ran the table in 2019, the coaches poll favors Alabama to return to the top of the division this season.

4. GEORGIA
[Image: 9511406.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320]Kirby Smart (Photo: Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)
Jake Fromm is gone, but two other highly-talented quarterbacks are now in the room for the Bulldogs. Georgia landed coveted grad transfer Jamie Newman from Wake Forest, and then also picked up USC transfer JT Daniels. Daniels, the former Trojans starter, received a waiver for immediate eligibility after he missed most of last season with an injury. Whatever happens at quarterback under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, sophomore receiver George Pickens will be a very dangerous weapon. Will the Bulldogs hold off Florida in the East?

5. LSU
[Image: 9610411.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Stephen Lew, USA TODAY Sports)
Coach Ed Orgeron lost 14 starters and two elite assistants after last year’s perfect season. Because of that attrition, LSU does not retain its No. 1 status in the polls. From Joe Burrow to Clyde Edwards-Helaire to Joe Brady and beyond, LSU will look different in 2020 but still be a very dangerous team. Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr. are arguably the best players at their respective positions in the country, and quarterback Myles Brennan has a vote of confidence from Coach O when it comes to leading the offense. Orgeron landed former Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini to replace Dave Aranda defensively. Scott Linehan replaces Brady as passing game coordinator.

6. OKLAHOMA
[Image: 9722288.jpeg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,off...height=320](Photo: Collin Kennedy, 247Sports)
Oklahoma gets the nod as the top Big 12 team in the eyes of the coaches. The Sooners have College Football Playoff appearances under their last three elite quarterbacks. Prized recruit Spencer Rattler hopes to make it four for four after he spent last year learning behind Jalen Hurts in the Lincoln Riley offense. What can Oklahoma expect out of its defense in 2020? The last time the Sooners took the field, LSU scored 63 in the semifinals. Oklahoma returns nine defenders with starting experience, but lost star linebacker Kenneth Murray to the NFL Draft. Offensively, the Sooners hope to see Charleston Rambo step up where CeeDee Lamb left off at wide receiver.

7. PENN STATE
[Image: 9811614.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Harvey Levine-FOS/247)
Sean Clifford, a first-year starter in 2019, completed 59 percent of pass attempts for 2,654 yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 games as a redshirt sophomore while adding 402 yards and five scores as a runner en route to All-Big Ten honorable mention. He's back, along with Journey Brown in the backfield. The story this week, however, was Micah Parsons. The All-American linebacker opted out of the season. Parsons is a likely top 10 pick next season, and the Nittany Lions will certainly miss him after a stellar bowl showing against Memphis. It is not know how many ballots were submitted before this news went public.

8. FLORIDA
[Image: 9521238.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)
There are opinions on both sides when it comes to the Gators or Bulldogs atop the SEC East this season. For Florida, Dan Mullen is 21-5 in his first two seasons with a pair of bowl wins and top 10 finishes. Georgia, however, won both head-to-head matchups. Quarterback Kyle Trask quickly reached star status last season, and should be even better with a full offseason as QB-1 under his belt. Trask went for 2,941 yards, 25 touchdowns and seven books after he stepped in full time to replace Feleipe Franks. Kyle Pitts will be among the top tight ends in the country and an important target for Trask.

9. OREGON
[Image: 9790093.png?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Troy Wayrynen , USA TODAY Sports)
How the Ducks look at quarterback after the end of the Justin Herbert era is the biggest question for coach Mario Cristobal. Oregon put up an impressive 2019, but fell short of playoff goals. The Ducks defense will be essential to another run to a Pac-12 Championship Game after ranking ninth nationally last year in terms of points allowed. Troy Dye will be a key loss to the defense, however, Jevon Holland, Mykael Wright and Kayvon Thibodeaux will be impact players on a unit that returns seven starters and potentially adds five-star Justin Flowe to the mix at linebacker.

10. NOTRE DAME
[Image: 9837428.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Matt Cashore, 247Sports)
Fewer programs have had a more interesting offseason than Notre Dame when it comes to reshaping the football schedule. Notre Dame will be a full-time ACC competitor this season, including a shot at the title game if the Fighting Irish put together a strong enough season. On the field, Notre Dame is 14-1 against ACC teams in the regular season since 2017. The lone loss was a 41-8 blowout at a 10-3 Miami team. With the offensive line back and quarterback Ian Book ready for another season, Notre Dame has high expectations from opposing coaches in the polls.
“We'll break through at Notre Dame,” Kelly told 247Sports Social Distance. “We've got a great foundation, great coaches, great support, a university that has given us the support necessary. We got to continue to recruit at the highest level and win some of those battles that are out there and you know where they are, but we're knocking at the door. We've got to win a couple of those those big ones at the end."

11. AUBURN
[Image: 9548057.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Jason Caldwell/Inside The Auburn, 247Sports)
Bo Nix has a year of experience at quarterback, and full offseason to meet with Gus Malzahn and new offensive coordinator Chad Morris. Morris, last year’s head coach at Arkansas, joins Malzahn to push the offense to the next level. 
"You don't hire a guy like Chad Morris unless you're going to (let him run the entire offense)," Malzahn said. "Chad Morris, in my opinion, is one of the best offensive minds in all of college football. We're going to turn him loose, and I'm very excited that he's a part. I trust him 110 percent. He's going to take our offense, and he's going to run with it."

12. WISCONSIN
[Image: 9594125.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320]Paul Chryst (Photo: Brad Fedie, 247Sports)
The Badgers have a history of reloading after significant departures. But can Jonathan Taylor and his presence as a workhorse running back be replaced? We will find out soon. Wisconsin lost other impact players, too, including impact receiver Quintez Cephus and linebacker Zack Baun. Jack Coan held strong at quarterback with Graham Mertz also on the roster, and will be looked to for an impact 2020 season after he had 2,727 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

13. TEXAS A&M
[Image: 9428512.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: John Glaser, USA TODAY Sports)
Combine the return of Kellen Mond at quarterback with back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes and the expectations will be high again for Jimbo Fisher in College Station. Last year’s Aggies went 8-5 including 20 touchdowns and 2,897 yards from Mond as a passer. College football guru Phil Steele spoke with 247Sports’ Brandon Marcello as part of the “Social Distance” interview series and said he’s very high on the Aggies. So high, in fact, that they’re his top surprise team in all of college football.
“It was a young team, and it was playing a brutal schedule,” Steele said. “Well this year, they have 17 returning starters. Almost everybody is back, including Kellen Mond. Top-15 offensive line, top-15 defensive line, loaded at linebacker and DB, and they may only face one top-10 team this year.”

14. TEXAS
[Image: 9592574.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Tim Warner, Getty)
Tom Herman made big staff changes after some mixed 2019 results, including the additions of Mike Yurcich and Chris Ash to run the offense and defense, respectively. Opposing coaches clearly still see a dangerous team in the Longhorns, and that starts at quarterback with veteran gunslinger Sam Ehlinger. Texas has a lot more experience defensively this time around as it moves to a new look under Ash, the former Rutgers head coach. The Texas offense ranked 14th nationally last season, and aims for even bigger numbers with Yurcich in place after what the Buckeyes offends did in 2019.

15. MICHIGAN

[Image: 9521883.jpg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offs...height=320](Photo: Rob Carr, USA TODAY Sports)
The Wolverines sit at a clear No. 3 in most analysts’ eyes when it comes to the Big Ten East. The offense changes hands after Shea Patterson’s departure at quarterback. How will things look under Josh Gattis in his second season? Michigan’s defense is always among the top. Pressure remains on Jim Harbaugh to break through, and his chance this year is Oct. 24 against the Buckeyes thanks to the new conference schedules.


[b]16. Oklahoma State [/b]— The Cowboys have the offensive firepower to scare anybody, including the returns of Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace as elite skill players. Hubbard became a household name with his breakout 2019 season, and his 180 all-purpose yards per game led the nation. Defensively, OK State returns 10 projected starters from last year’s team that ranked seventh in the Big 12.
[b]17. USC[/b] -- Once USC made the decision to retain coach Clay Helton after 2019, things got interesting. JT Daniels is gone but Kedon Slovis is back after an excellent season at quarterback for the Trojans. USC won some recruiting battles, including offensive coordinator where Graham Harrell chose to return to the Trojans with plenty of interest from other places. USC returns its top two rushers and three of its top four pass catchers from last season to go along with an experienced secondary. The defense. However, will need to improve from its No. 78 national ranking.
[b]18. Minnesota [/b]— PJ Fleck reacted with full support when superstar receiver Rashod Bateman opted out of the 2020 season. The departure, however, is still a blow for a Gophers team that already lost Tyler Johnson to the NFL. The Gophers ranked third in the Big Ten in scoring offense last season, and still have potential first-round pick Tanner Morgan. How will they look under the leadership of new OC Mike Sanford Jr? 
[b]19. North Carolina[/b] — UNC has major national hype thanks to what Mack Brown accomplished in his first year back as a head football coach. The Tar Heels are hot on the recruiting trail, and quarterback Sam Howell is one of the top sophomores in the country. He broke records as a freshman with 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns as a true freshman in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels were the trendy pick out of the Coastal before schedules restructured. 
[b]20. Utah[/b] -- The Utes were red hot with playoff goals late into last season. Then Utah took a 37-15 loss in the Pac-12 Championship that led to a game against Texas in the Alamo Bowl.




[b]21. UCF [/b]— The Knights were a 10-win team last season but it was still a step back compared to recent New Year’s Six bowl appearances. The nation’s No. 2 total offense from last season has plenty of experience at quarterback. 
[b]22. Cincinnati -[/b]- Luke Fickell is back with the Bearcats after an 11-win season, and Cincinnati has eyes on a conference championship after 22 wins in the last two years.
[b]23. Iowa [/b]--  It has been a rocky offseason for the Hawkeyes off the field with the recent investigation into Kirk Ferentz and his program. Returning to the gridiron, Iowa must replace veteran quarterback Nate Stanley, first-round pick Tristan Wirfs and elite edge rusher AJ Epenesa. The Hawkeyes were a 10-win team in 2019, including six wins in their last seven games and a victory over USC in bowl season.
[b]24. Virginia Tech [/b]— The Hokies have one of the most prominent opt outs so far in cornerback Caleb Farley. He was the first projected top draft pick to pull out of the season with players like Rashod Bateman and Micah Parsons to follow. Nine other players with starting experience, however, return defensively for a team that went 8-5 last season. What will the post-Bud Foster era look like on defense in Blacksburg?
[b]25. Iowa State[/b] -- The Cyclones look to take the next step in Big 12 play with Matt Campbell back at head coach and Brock Purdy as an exciting veteran quarterback. In an uncertain offseason, a veteran quarterback with 43 career touchdown passes helps.

I know the year is odd so we can cut them some slack but the predications are way off.

LSU at 5?  Auburn?  scUM? and PSU?
Here is how the Big Ten teams fared against OSU from 2000-2020. 

Rank) win% Team: record
1) 0.385 Purdue: 5-8 
2) 0.238 Penn State: 5-16 
3) 0.235 Wisconsin: 4-13
4) 0.222 Iowa: 2-7
5) 0.176 Michigan State: 3-14
6) 0.150 Ttun: 3-17
7) 0.143 Nebraska: 1-6
8) 0.133 Illinois: 2-13
9) 0.083 Minnesota: 1-11
10) 0.077 Northwestern: 1-12
11) 0.000 Maryland: 0-6
12) 0.000 Rutgers: 0-7
13) 0.000 Indiana 0-18

Purdue is the surprise first place team, and it could have been a lot worse. Three of their losses to OSU were by less than a TD, in 2002 (Holy Buckeye!), 2003 and 2012 (Kenny Guiton comeback game). Most astonishing is that Purdue has been pretty terrible throughout most of that time period. Crazy hex that they have over OSU.
10 Buckeyes that need to step up in 2021


Every year Ohio State produces top talent; that's why the Buckeyes have won four straight Big Ten titles and been in back-to-back College Football Playoffs, including last year's national championship game. But every year, the Scarlet and Gray see some of that top talent depart the program, either through graduation or early departure to the NFL Draft. In order to maintain that success, Ohio State needs new players to emerge each year, filling the shoes of those that have departed.

Given that players' careers take different paths, it's never easy to predict who will step up from year to year. Sometimes it's a veteran player who finally gets his shot or finally sees the lightbulb come on. Other times, it's a young, talented player that emerges quickly and jumps up the depth chart. Either way, success only comes from those players being ready to go when the opportunity presents itself, however that might come.

There are also players that need to have success for their future. These are often young players who were highly recruited but didn't flash early and are at risk of being passed up on the depth chart.

Bucknuts looked through the Buckeye roster to examine players that need to take on bigger roles in 2021 for the team to continue its success in the Big Ten and on the national stage. While in no particular order, below are 10 players that need to step up for the Scarlet and Gray in 2021.

RB MASTER TEAGUE
It's Year 4 for running back Master Teague in the Ohio State program. Over his first three seasons, Teague has produced, first as a backup to J.K. Dobbins and then as a co-starter last year with Trey Sermon, but is yet to prove he can be the go-to back for the Buckeyes. Two years ago, Teague looked the part when spelling Dobbins, but was inconsistent in 2020, eventually allowing Sermon to take over the job before he suffered an injury.

Heading into 2021, Teague is easily the most experienced running back on the roster. The Scarlet and Gray would love to see him emerge as the clear No. 1 early in the season, combining his power running with the speed he has shown at times in the open field. If Teague can't grab ahold of the job, there are talented players waiting behind him. But having an experienced running back be a big factor would help ensure this offense is at its best, especially early in the year.


DT TARON VINCENT


The middle of the Ohio State defensive line will feature the return of Haskell Garrett, which is important, but the Buckeyes lost nose tackle Tommy Togiai who was a vital piece on the defense a year ago. One of the candidates to replace Togiai in 2021 is fourth-year junior Taron Vincent.

A former five-star prospect, injuries have limited Vincent's impact on the Scarlet and Gray during his career. Instead of dominating interior offensive linemen, Vincent has spent most of his time in Columbus on the sideline. Vincent was able to contribute more in 2020 but has an opportunity to be a key figure on the defense for Ohio State in 2021.

Healthy this offseason, Vincent performed well in the spring and is hoping to carry that over to the fall and finally live up to the expectations he had when he enrolled in 2018.


WR JULIAN FLEMING
As the No. 1 receiver in the 2020 recruiting class, big things were expected from Julian Fleming as a Buckeye. Those big things didn't come in Year 1 as the freshman recorded just seven catches and was on the field less than classmate Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Much of this had to do with the talent that was already in the room and Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson's familiarity with the offense following an abbreviated offseason, but some of it was on Fleming's adjustment as well.

Ohio State's receiver room is still loaded with talent, as both Olave and Wilson are back. While Fleming doesn't need to emerge as the go-to target for whichever quarterback wins the job, he needs to earn more playing time and start to become a factor for the Scarlet and Gray. Likely playing behind Olave, Fleming should be in the rotation and needs to make plays to prove that he's the next man up at a minimum.


DE ZACH HARRISON
A five-star recruit who grew up in the shadow of Ohio Stadium, the expectation was that Zach Harrison would have the same impact at Ohio State as the Bosa brothers and Chase Young before him. There is still time for that to be the case, but Harrison hasn't produced at the same level as those three Buckeye greats at this point in his career.

A productive freshman season as a contributor in 2019 gave way to a less-than-stellar 2020 campaign. Given that the Scarlet and Gray didn't get the statistical production the team wanted from its defensive ends last year, the pressure is on Harrison to take that next step and become the unblockable star on the defensive line that he was expected to be.

The good news for Ohio State fans is the talk out of spring practice was very promising when it came to Harrison. Head coach Ryan Day and others discussed how the light has come on for the junior, who has become a leader on the defense and is in line to potentially be a team captain in 2021. The next step for Harrison will be getting it done consistently on the field on game day.


OL HARRY MILLER

(Photo: Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services)
After coming in as a five-star prospect and one of the top 30 players in the country in the 2019 recruiting class, Harry Miller quickly worked his way on to the Ohio State depth chart as the backup center to Josh Myers. Last season, Miller moved to guard but had a rocky transition with a strange offseason to prepare.

Where on the offensive line Miller will play in 2021 is not yet known, but Greg Studrawa said this spring that he anticipates him being one of the top five linemen. A move back to center would probably be more comfortable for Miller, but another year to grow at guard may help him in his development.

Either way, the Buckeyes need Miller to be the five-star prospect he was coming out of high school to help cement an offensive line that appears set for another good season. After missing much of spring practice with an injury, Miller has some catching up to do this summer and heading into fall camp.


CB CAMERON BROWN
Cameron Brown began last season as one of the top three cornerbacks for Ohio State and rotate with Sevyn Banks at the No. 2 spot in the season opener. But an Achilles injury in the second game of the year ended Brown's season prematurely.

Assuming health, Brown can add plenty for a secondary that struggled in 2020. He has performed well in limited opportunities in his Buckeye career and could be the No. 2 corner opposite Banks when the season opens.

Because of his experience, it's important to get Brown back and on the field for the Scarlet and Gray. While Ohio State managed to win games despite a shaky secondary a year ago, the Buckeyes can't afford to be exposed as much this year and need players, such as Brown, to live up to their potential.


LB TERADJA MITCHELL
It's been three years of waiting for Teradja Mitchell. He sat behind various linebackers during his Ohio State career, but this fall will give him a chance to get on the field in more than a reserve role.

And the Buckeyes need Mitchell, who is likely to get the first shot at the Will linebacker spot this fall, to be a difference-maker after losing their top four linebackers from last year's defense. While he lacks much in-game experience, Mitchell has sat and watched, learning and biding his time to get on the field regularly. Scarlet and Gray fans have heard about the talent, but now it's time for the linebacker to get out there and make his mark.


DE JACK SAWYER



As mentioned with Harrison, the Ohio State defensive ends didn't record much in the way of stats in 2020. That needs to change in 2021 and freshman Jack Sawyer could go a long way in helping out the production. The five-star prospect enrolled in January and had a good spring, ending with a three-sack performance -- albeit while playing touch football with the quarterback -- in the spring game.

While it's always a tough ask to expect a freshman to come in and make an immediate impact, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes have done it before. Sawyer already looks the part of the start defensive ends before him and is now learning the game at the college level. Having a productive first year for the Scarlet and Gray will not only help Sawyer's development but improve Ohio State's defense this fall.


CB RYAN WATTS
There's no hiding from the fact that Ohio State's pass defense must be better in 2021. Brown's return should help but the Buckeyes need new blood to be ready to step in. This is where Ryan Watts could make an impact as a sophomore.

Although listed as a safety coming out of high school, Watts was the highest-rated prospect of the Scarlet and Gray's 2020 cornerbacks. While he didn't make much of an impact as a freshman last year, playing on defense in just two games, Watts has the size and talent to take that next step and become a factor for Ohio State. After a productive spring, Watts now has an opportunity to seize a spot and help improve this secondary in 2021.


LB DALLAS GANT
A classmate of Mitchell's, Dallas Gant is in the same boat. The linebacker had to wait for an opportunity to get on the field for Ohio State because of the players that were ahead of him the last three years.


Like with Mitchell, the Buckeyes need Gant to be ready to go come the 2021 season. Replacing the departed linebackers won't be easy, for various reasons, and having guys who were able to learn behind them, as both Gant and Mitchell were, and are hungry to make their mark will be important.

Gant battled a foot injury in the spring that kept him out, but he is expected to be the Scarlet and Gray's starting middle linebacker come the season. This puts an added importance on Gant being ready to go, as he will be the quarterback of the defense.
The Fan added Tyvis Powell to their Buckeye Game Day radio coverage. He's a fairly animated fella. 




Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud is separating himself in the team's quarterback competition, although no decision on the starting job has been made yet, coach Ryan Day said Monday.

Stroud, a redshirt freshman, has been competing with redshirt freshman Jack Miller and true freshman Kyle McCord during training camp. Quinn Ewers, a heralded 2022 quarterback recruit who recently reclassified, joined the team for preseason practice Monday. Day praised the development of all of Ohio State's quarterbacks and said depth-chart decisions will be made closer to Ohio State's season opener Sept. 2 at Minnesota. But Stroud will be getting more snaps with the first-team offense during practice this week.

Ohio State is looking to replace standout Justin Fields, a first-round NFL draft pick in April.





"I don't know how much separation, I'm not sure, but every day he's been competing, he's been taking care of the football, making good decisions, he's been a leader," Day said of Stroud. "Those are all some of the traits we've been looking for. Certainly moving the team down the field to score touchdowns is something we've been looking for."

Day said the quarterbacks "understand no decision has been made yet, but that's where it's at." Competition, including possibly for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Stroud, will continue for the next week of camp.

"It's a long season, that's what I think all those guys understand and will continue to understand," Day said. "We're talking about going all the way till January, so my experience is we're going to need everybody. One thing's for sure: There's going to be one starter in terms of that first play against Minnesota, and at that point, we'll see where it goes."

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Stroud, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, appeared in three games last season and had a 48-yard rushing touchdown against Michigan State. Stroud passed for 185 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State's spring game.

Day said Stroud's body of work from the past few weeks of practice has given him the edge. ESPN rated Stroud as the No. 2 pocket passer and No. 104 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class.


Ewers' decision to reclassify and enroll at Ohio State is driven by the name, image and likeness opportunities afforded to college athletes, which he couldn't have taken advantage of if he remained for his senior year at Southlake Carroll High School in Texas. Day, who revealed he first offered a scholarship to Ewers when Ewers was in eighth grade, said Ewers' earlier-than-expected arrival is a "unique situation."

"This is all new to everybody," Day said. "I know it was hard for him to leave his high school teammates. I know it was very, very hard for him to say bye to his high school coach. They were very, very close. It's just one of those things, we have to start embracing different situations like this, and I know our guys are going to do the same thing. They'll embrace him. We've had high-profile guys come into the program, that happens here.

"He'll do a good job of working his way in, earning the respect of the team."
Another college football season will start with everyone chasing the Tide.

Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll for the fourth time in the past six seasons.

Coming off their sixth national championship under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide enter the season loaded with potential replacements for the record-breakers and NFL draft picks who have moved on, including Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.

Alabama received 47 of 63 first-place votes from the panel of sports writers and broadcasters in the poll presented by Regions Bank. Oklahoma is No. 2, just ahead of No. 3 Clemson (each received six first-place votes).

Preseason AP Top 25
First-place votes in parentheses.

TEAM POINTS
1. Alabama (47) 1,548
2. Oklahoma (6) 1,462
3. Clemson (6) 1,447
4. Ohio State (1) 1,393
5. Georgia (3) 1,365
6. Texas A&M 1,223
7. Iowa State 1,160
8. Cincinnati 1,014
9. Notre Dame 1,009
10. North Carolina 999
11. Oregon 968
12. Wisconsin 743
13. Florida 728
14. Miami (Fla.) 663
15. USC 660
16. LSU 631
17. Indiana 549
18. Iowa 513
19. Penn State 456
20. Washington 449
21. Texas 350
22. Coastal Carolina 232
23. Louisiana-Lafayette 208
24. Utah 176
25. Arizona State 125

Ohio State, which lost to the Tide in last season's championship game, is No. 4 after receiving one first-place vote. Georgia received three first-place votes and rounds out the top five.

The 2020 Buckeyes were emblematic of a bizarre season played through the pandemic, suiting up for only eight games after the Big Ten didn't kick off until late October. The season was riddled with postponements, cancellations, and players and coaches missing games across the country because of COVID-19. There was little nonconference play and none among Power 5 conference teams.

Amid all the chaos and frustration was a familiar ending: The season came to a close with Alabama on top.

Last year's Tide staked a claim as the greatest team of the Saban dynasty. Alabama went 13-0, facing 11 Southeastern Conference teams and playoff showdowns with Notre Dame and Ohio State.

The most powerful offense in the country lost Smith, quarterback Mac Jones and running back Najee Harris, all first-round NFL draft picks this year. The next wave of blue-chippers stepping into bigger roles includes running back Brian Robinson, receiver John Metchie and quarterback Bryce Young, a former five-star recruit from California.




Since the AP started the preseason poll in 1950, only 11 teams that started No. 1 also ended the season as No. 1. Alabama was the last to do it, in 2017, the middle season of three straight in which the Crimson Tide took the preseason top spot. Alabama finished second in 2016 and '18.

No program faces higher expectations than Alabama going into any season: The Crimson Tide are the only team in the country to start each of the past 13 seasons ranked in the top five.

And no program has been better at meeting those expectations: Along with the six national titles, the Tide have three more top-four finishes over the previous 12 years and have never ended a season ranked lower than 10th.

POLL POINTS

• Alabama is now tied with Ohio State for the second-most preseason No. 1 rankings with eight. Oklahoma has the most with 10.

• Only two teams have gone wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the country during a season. Southern California was the last in 2004, with Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart. The first was undefeated Florida State in 1999, possibly the best team of the Bobby Bowden era. Bowden died earlier this month at 91.

• No. 8 Cincinnati of the American Athletic Conference is the first team from outside the Power 5 to be ranked in the preseason top 10 since Louisville started ninth in 2012. That was the Cardinals' final season as a member of the AAC before joining the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The defending AAC champion Bearcats have the best preseason ranking for a non-Power 5 (or non-BCS) conference team since Boise State was No. 5 to begin 2011. The Broncos out of the Mountain West finished that season No. 8.

RARITIES AND FIRSTS

• Sun Belt rivals No. 22 Coastal Carolina and No. 23 Louisiana-Lafayette are ranked in the preseason poll for the first time. It's the first time the conference has had any teams ranked in the preseason.

• No. 7 Iowa State is ranked in the preseason for the third straight year after having only one previous appearance in the preseason poll (1978). The Cyclones had never been ranked better than 20th to begin a season. They also have never been ranked higher at any point than the No. 8 they reached last year on the way to finishing ninth.

• No. 10 North Carolina has its best preseason ranking since being No. 7 in 1997 during coach Mack Brown's first stint with the Tar Heels.


• No. 17 Indiana is ranked in the preseason poll for the first time since 1968. The Hoosiers finished last season at No. 12, the second-best final ranking in program history. Indiana has never started and finished a season ranked.

CONFERENCE CALL

No. 6 Texas A&M starts with its best preseason ranking since 1995, when the Aggies were No. 3. Coach Jimbo Fisher's team also gives the SEC three teams in the top six, joining Alabama and Georgia.

Breakdown by conference:

SEC: 5 (Nos. 1, 5, 6, 13, 16).

Big Ten: 5 (Nos. 4, 12, 17, 18, 19).

Pac-12: 5 (Nos. 11, 15, 20, 24, 25).

ACC: 3 (Nos. 3, 10, 14).

Big 12: 3 (No. 2, 7, 21).

Sun Belt: 2 (Nos. 22, 23).

American: 1 (No. 8) .

Independent: 1 (No. 9).
Did anyone see Caesars give Stroud 4th best odds at winning the heisman? That’s about as crazy as 2015 OSU starting QB on the odds board.

Kid is yet to throw a pass.


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I found a bunch of old OSU FB cards from 5th grade DARE class that I thought some of you old guys might get a kick out of. 

[Image: E9p-Vn_VEAY1T2y?format=jpg&name=4096x4096]
Good memories ...thanks!![Image: emoji106.png]
(08-25-2021, 01:24 PM)Blinky Wrote: [ -> ]I found a bunch of old OSU FB cards from 5th grade DARE class that I thought some of you old guys might get a kick out of. 

[Image: E9p-Vn_VEAY1T2y?format=jpg&name=4096x4096]
Kinda ironic Jeff Graham is in the DARE collection…..his sister is doing 25 to life b/c she got caught red handed with the product in the family coke trafficking operation.
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