Big Ten predictions: Week 5
September, 27, 2012
9/27/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg and
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Prediction time is here again, and at last, we can start forecasting some Big Ten conference games.
League play opens up at five Big Ten venues Saturday, while Purdue returns from an open week to wrap up its nonleague slate against Marshall. Week 4 was a rough one for Brian Bennett, who went 6-4 in predictions and fell three games behind Adam Rittenberg in the season standings. The good news: The entire Big Ten slate remains, so Bennett, like most Big Ten teams, has time to improve his record.
Let's get started ...
INDIANA (2-1) at NORTHWESTERN (4-0)
Brian Bennett: The Hoosiers are apt to hang around in this one, and their passing game could give the Wildcats' still somewhat shaky secondary a big test. But Northwestern has shown too much toughness so far this season to slip up now. Venric Mark rushes for two scores and Kain Colter throws for two more as Pat Fitzgerald's team moves to 5-0. ... Northwestern 35, Indiana 21
Adam Rittenberg: These teams typically play close games, and Indiana's passing game, led by quarterback Cameron Coffman, will challenge Northwestern's secondary more than the Wildcats' past few opponents did. Northwestern's offensive line is in a good rhythm, though, and Mark will record another 100-yard rushing performance and two touchdowns. The Wildcats open up their passing game a bit in the second half and improve to 5-0. ... Northwestern 34, Indiana 26
PENN STATE (2-2) at ILLINOIS (2-2)
Adam Rittenberg: Penn State is hitting its stride under Bill O'Brien, and the Lions will be fired up to face poacher coach Tim Beckman and the Illini. Matt McGloin and Allen Robinson connect for two more touchdowns, and running back Bill Belton adds another score in his return. The Lions bottle up Illinois' run game in the second half and win their third straight. ... Penn State 21, Illinois 17
Brian Bennett: The Nittany Lions' offense isn't going to give the Illini defense as many fits as the spread teams have this season. But McGloin is slinging it pretty well, and I don't know what the offensive identity is for Beckman's club. This one won't be pretty, but Penn State gets out to an early lead and hangs on with a defensive stand in the fourth quarter. ... Penn State 17, Illinois 10
MINNESOTA (4-0) at IOWA (2-2)
Brian Bennett: Somehow, Iowa is favored in this game. But even though it's at Kinnick Stadium, all the good vibes belong to Minnesota going into Saturday. The Gophers' pass defense has been strong, while James Vandenberg and the Hawkeyes' passing attack has sputtered. Mark Weisman will batter his way to 160 yards, but the Gophers come up with two picks and a special teams score to hogtie the Hawks. ... Minnesota 21, Iowa 14
Adam Rittenberg: I went against the Gophers last week and paid the price. Not happening again. The Gophers' defense contains Weisman and forces some mistakes from Vandenberg, while the run game surges behind Donnell Kirkwood. It'll be an up-and-down day for Max Shortell, but he finds senior tight end and Iowa native John Rabe for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. ... Minnesota 24, Iowa 20
MARSHALL (2-2) at PURDUE (2-1)
Adam Rittenberg: After dealing with a migraine in the Eastern Michigan game, Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush bounces back nicely with a three-touchdown, zero-interception performance against the Thundering Herd. The Akeems run all over a woeful Marshall defense and Purdue pulls away in the second quarter and cruises to another easy win. ... Purdue 38, Marshall 21
Brian Bennett: The Thundering Herd lead the nation in passing, so they'll have a puncher's chance in West Lafayette. But they also have one of the worst defenses in the country, which should help TerBush and company enjoy a big day. Kawann Short and the Purdue defensive line are too much here, sacking Rakeem Cato five times. ... Purdue 48, Marshall 24
No. 14 OHIO STATE (4-0) at No. 20 MICHIGAN STATE (3-1)
Brian Bennett: At some point, the Spartans have to start catching balls thrown right at them. How about this week? This is a better matchup for the scuffling Ohio State defense, but I think Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi will devise a plan to contain Braxton Miller. An actual touchdown pass from Andrew Maxwell and a 100-yard day from Le'Veon Bell will be just enough for Michigan State to escape at home. Next prediction. ... Michigan State 19, Ohio State 17
Adam Rittenberg: Ohio State looks like a team waiting to be beaten one of these weeks, but Miller Time refuses to lose. Miller starts slowly but turns in a big fourth quarter and breaks free for two touchdown runs to rally Ohio State for the victory. Michigan State's passing woes continue, and the Buckeyes' defense forces a key third-quarter turnover and starts looking a bit more like the silver bullets again. ... Ohio State 20, Michigan State 17
WISCONSIN (3-1) at No. 22 NEBRASKA (3-1)
Adam Rittenberg: Although Wisconsin started to look like its old self a bit at the end of the UTEP game, I don't see how the Badgers win this one. Nebraska has more weapons on offense, the home-field advantage and no shortage of motivation after being embarrassed last year in Madison. Chris Borland and the Wisconsin defense keeps this close for a while, but Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez goes off in the second half, and Rex Burkhead adds another long touchdown run. ... Nebraska 34, Wisconsin 21
Brian Bennett: I don't like where this is headed for the Badgers. They've got a quarterback making his first start on the road, a banged-up Montee Ball and injuries on their defensive line. These are all bad signs against a Huskers team that is averaging 54 points per game at home this season. Martinez (three touchdowns) and the Nebraska defense get redemption by pulling away in the third quarter. Call it an early retirement gift for Tom Osborne. ... Nebraska 35, Wisconsin 17
Michigan is off this week.
Season Records
Rittenberg: 36-10 (.783)
Bennett: 33-13 (.717)
League play opens up at five Big Ten venues Saturday, while Purdue returns from an open week to wrap up its nonleague slate against Marshall. Week 4 was a rough one for Brian Bennett, who went 6-4 in predictions and fell three games behind Adam Rittenberg in the season standings. The good news: The entire Big Ten slate remains, so Bennett, like most Big Ten teams, has time to improve his record.
Let's get started ...
INDIANA (2-1) at NORTHWESTERN (4-0)
Brian Bennett: The Hoosiers are apt to hang around in this one, and their passing game could give the Wildcats' still somewhat shaky secondary a big test. But Northwestern has shown too much toughness so far this season to slip up now. Venric Mark rushes for two scores and Kain Colter throws for two more as Pat Fitzgerald's team moves to 5-0. ... Northwestern 35, Indiana 21
Adam Rittenberg: These teams typically play close games, and Indiana's passing game, led by quarterback Cameron Coffman, will challenge Northwestern's secondary more than the Wildcats' past few opponents did. Northwestern's offensive line is in a good rhythm, though, and Mark will record another 100-yard rushing performance and two touchdowns. The Wildcats open up their passing game a bit in the second half and improve to 5-0. ... Northwestern 34, Indiana 26
PENN STATE (2-2) at ILLINOIS (2-2)
Adam Rittenberg: Penn State is hitting its stride under Bill O'Brien, and the Lions will be fired up to face poacher coach Tim Beckman and the Illini. Matt McGloin and Allen Robinson connect for two more touchdowns, and running back Bill Belton adds another score in his return. The Lions bottle up Illinois' run game in the second half and win their third straight. ... Penn State 21, Illinois 17
Brian Bennett: The Nittany Lions' offense isn't going to give the Illini defense as many fits as the spread teams have this season. But McGloin is slinging it pretty well, and I don't know what the offensive identity is for Beckman's club. This one won't be pretty, but Penn State gets out to an early lead and hangs on with a defensive stand in the fourth quarter. ... Penn State 17, Illinois 10
MINNESOTA (4-0) at IOWA (2-2)
Brian Bennett: Somehow, Iowa is favored in this game. But even though it's at Kinnick Stadium, all the good vibes belong to Minnesota going into Saturday. The Gophers' pass defense has been strong, while James Vandenberg and the Hawkeyes' passing attack has sputtered. Mark Weisman will batter his way to 160 yards, but the Gophers come up with two picks and a special teams score to hogtie the Hawks. ... Minnesota 21, Iowa 14
Adam Rittenberg: I went against the Gophers last week and paid the price. Not happening again. The Gophers' defense contains Weisman and forces some mistakes from Vandenberg, while the run game surges behind Donnell Kirkwood. It'll be an up-and-down day for Max Shortell, but he finds senior tight end and Iowa native John Rabe for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. ... Minnesota 24, Iowa 20
MARSHALL (2-2) at PURDUE (2-1)
Adam Rittenberg: After dealing with a migraine in the Eastern Michigan game, Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush bounces back nicely with a three-touchdown, zero-interception performance against the Thundering Herd. The Akeems run all over a woeful Marshall defense and Purdue pulls away in the second quarter and cruises to another easy win. ... Purdue 38, Marshall 21
Brian Bennett: The Thundering Herd lead the nation in passing, so they'll have a puncher's chance in West Lafayette. But they also have one of the worst defenses in the country, which should help TerBush and company enjoy a big day. Kawann Short and the Purdue defensive line are too much here, sacking Rakeem Cato five times. ... Purdue 48, Marshall 24
No. 14 OHIO STATE (4-0) at No. 20 MICHIGAN STATE (3-1)
Brian Bennett: At some point, the Spartans have to start catching balls thrown right at them. How about this week? This is a better matchup for the scuffling Ohio State defense, but I think Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi will devise a plan to contain Braxton Miller. An actual touchdown pass from Andrew Maxwell and a 100-yard day from Le'Veon Bell will be just enough for Michigan State to escape at home. Next prediction. ... Michigan State 19, Ohio State 17
Adam Rittenberg: Ohio State looks like a team waiting to be beaten one of these weeks, but Miller Time refuses to lose. Miller starts slowly but turns in a big fourth quarter and breaks free for two touchdown runs to rally Ohio State for the victory. Michigan State's passing woes continue, and the Buckeyes' defense forces a key third-quarter turnover and starts looking a bit more like the silver bullets again. ... Ohio State 20, Michigan State 17
WISCONSIN (3-1) at No. 22 NEBRASKA (3-1)
Adam Rittenberg: Although Wisconsin started to look like its old self a bit at the end of the UTEP game, I don't see how the Badgers win this one. Nebraska has more weapons on offense, the home-field advantage and no shortage of motivation after being embarrassed last year in Madison. Chris Borland and the Wisconsin defense keeps this close for a while, but Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez goes off in the second half, and Rex Burkhead adds another long touchdown run. ... Nebraska 34, Wisconsin 21
Brian Bennett: I don't like where this is headed for the Badgers. They've got a quarterback making his first start on the road, a banged-up Montee Ball and injuries on their defensive line. These are all bad signs against a Huskers team that is averaging 54 points per game at home this season. Martinez (three touchdowns) and the Nebraska defense get redemption by pulling away in the third quarter. Call it an early retirement gift for Tom Osborne. ... Nebraska 35, Wisconsin 17
Michigan is off this week.
Season Records
Rittenberg: 36-10 (.783)
Bennett: 33-13 (.717)
Wednesday briefing: Full-house backfield an option
September, 26, 2012
9/26/12
8:53
PM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For the first game all season, Urban Meyer has a healthy stable of rushers.
The Ohio State coach isn't opposed now to turning them into a full-house in the backfield.
Meyer was coy and refused to offer any details about the plays he might be drawing up featuring both Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall now that he finally has them available at the same time. But the Buckeyes certainly have plans for both of them as they gear up for a trip to Michigan State, and the timing couldn't be better with the Big Ten's top rushing defense waiting for them on Saturday.
"It means a lot," Meyer said. "Especially because those two are good players. Their attitudes are fantastic.
"(Hyde) is ready to go, he’s been cleared. He’ll probably be braced up because he still needs if for the MCL for a little stability, but he’s cleared, he'll play."
The Ohio State coach isn't opposed now to turning them into a full-house in the backfield.
Meyer was coy and refused to offer any details about the plays he might be drawing up featuring both Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall now that he finally has them available at the same time. But the Buckeyes certainly have plans for both of them as they gear up for a trip to Michigan State, and the timing couldn't be better with the Big Ten's top rushing defense waiting for them on Saturday.
"It means a lot," Meyer said. "Especially because those two are good players. Their attitudes are fantastic.
"(Hyde) is ready to go, he’s been cleared. He’ll probably be braced up because he still needs if for the MCL for a little stability, but he’s cleared, he'll play."
Ohio State head Urban Meyer certainly made a strong impression on 2014 offensive tackle prospect Alex Bars during a Sunday evening phone conversation.
"It was great," the junior from Nashville Montgomery Bell Academy said of the chat. "He asked about our whole family first."
Bars, who recently picked up a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes, said Meyer asked him how the program ranks with the other schools he's considering.
"It was great," the junior from Nashville Montgomery Bell Academy said of the chat. "He asked about our whole family first."
Bars, who recently picked up a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes, said Meyer asked him how the program ranks with the other schools he's considering.
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Ezekiel Elliott gearing up for Buckeyes 
September, 26, 2012
9/26/12
12:55
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
The courting from college programs continues for ESPN 300 running back Ezekiel Elliott (St. Louis/John Burroughs), but the Ohio State commit reconfirmed his pledge to the Buckeyes late Tuesday and said he is using his senior season to fully prepare for college football.
Elliott, a four-star running back and the nation’s top-ranked player in the state of Missouri, said he will take an unofficial visit to Columbus, Ohio, the weekend of Oct. 6 to watch the Buckeyes host Nebraska. Elliott (No. 175 in the ESPN 300) also will set up an official visit to Ohio State after his senior season.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nobody has put more true freshmen on the field than Ohio State.
Ultimately the Buckeyes are expecting that to pay big dividends with those 15 players. In the short term, there will be some growing pains that make it hard to find many meaningful contributions on the stats sheet.
For the second week in a row, the newcomers played their parts on special teams and chipped in a couple tackles covering kicks. An exciting young receiver broke through for his first catch as he tries to make a move for more playing time.
But other than that, Ohio State largely needed the veterans to do the heavy lifting in a 29-15 win over UAB, and given a few breakdowns in the third phase of the game, coach Urban Meyer might actually be scaling back some of the reps for the freshmen for the time being.
"We're starting I think six or seven true freshmen on kickoff right now, and it’s probably too many," Meyer said. "I’m going to readjust that and take a look at it.
"Just trying to get those young guys in the game a little bit."
The Buckeyes figure to eventually need them to chip in more on offense and defense as the season progresses, and there have been a handful showing signs of getting close to do it. In this week's look at the freshman class, two guys make their first appearance in representing the offense and the defense as Ohio State keeps maintaining the balance of winning now and building for the future.
MICHAEL THOMAS
Ultimately the Buckeyes are expecting that to pay big dividends with those 15 players. In the short term, there will be some growing pains that make it hard to find many meaningful contributions on the stats sheet.
For the second week in a row, the newcomers played their parts on special teams and chipped in a couple tackles covering kicks. An exciting young receiver broke through for his first catch as he tries to make a move for more playing time.
But other than that, Ohio State largely needed the veterans to do the heavy lifting in a 29-15 win over UAB, and given a few breakdowns in the third phase of the game, coach Urban Meyer might actually be scaling back some of the reps for the freshmen for the time being.
"We're starting I think six or seven true freshmen on kickoff right now, and it’s probably too many," Meyer said. "I’m going to readjust that and take a look at it.
"Just trying to get those young guys in the game a little bit."
The Buckeyes figure to eventually need them to chip in more on offense and defense as the season progresses, and there have been a handful showing signs of getting close to do it. In this week's look at the freshman class, two guys make their first appearance in representing the offense and the defense as Ohio State keeps maintaining the balance of winning now and building for the future.
MICHAEL THOMAS
- Position: Wide receiver
- Stats sheet: One catch for 6 yards
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Todd McShay discusses his top five Heisman Trophy candidates -- Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein, Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones and an honorable mention for Florida State quarterbak EJ Manuel.
College GameDay's Kirk Herbstreit went on Mike & Mike in the Morning to talk some college football, touching on Saturday's Ohio State-Michigan State game, Alabama's potential, his expectations for USC, the best rivalries in college football and more. Listen here 
Safety Montae Nicholson nabs OSU offer
September, 26, 2012
9/26/12
10:38
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Montae Nicholson (Monroeville, Pa./Gateway) thought an offer from Ohio State might be coming when he talked to ESPN Midwest recruiting analyst Jared Shanker three weeks ago.
Late Tuesday night, the school he’s been hoping would offer him pulled the trigger when the Buckeyes made the call.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Nicholson went to Ohio State for the season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 1 and all it did was reaffirm what he already thought: The Buckeyes were a school he definitely wanted to continue to draw interest from.
Late Tuesday night, the school he’s been hoping would offer him pulled the trigger when the Buckeyes made the call.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Nicholson went to Ohio State for the season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 1 and all it did was reaffirm what he already thought: The Buckeyes were a school he definitely wanted to continue to draw interest from.
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Dante Sawyer grabs Ohio State offer
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
10:01
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Just because Ohio State has had two straight successful recruiting classes along the defensive front doesn’t mean Urban Meyer is satisfied.
The ball coach dipped into an area he knows a lot about and offered Dante Sawyer (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett) on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end has turned it up in September and is drawing rave revues in the recruiting world.
The ball coach dipped into an area he knows a lot about and offered Dante Sawyer (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett) on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end has turned it up in September and is drawing rave revues in the recruiting world.
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James Quick eyes OSU visit; has top 3
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
4:26
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Kept relatively quiet for most of the game against Cathedral, ESPN 150 receiver James Quick (Louisville/Trinity) showed in a matter of seconds in the fourth quarter why he is one of the country's most explosive playmakers.
On the first play of a drive that followed a Cathedral touchdown to cut Trinity's lead to 1, Quick caught a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage and went 72 yards for a touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
"We've been running it in practice the last couple years and it's been a success, and once you see open daylight you've got to take it," said Quick, who finished with eight catches for 162 yards.
On the first play of a drive that followed a Cathedral touchdown to cut Trinity's lead to 1, Quick caught a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage and went 72 yards for a touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
"We've been running it in practice the last couple years and it's been a success, and once you see open daylight you've got to take it," said Quick, who finished with eight catches for 162 yards.
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Tuesday briefing: Bucks gear up for Big Ten test
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
2:54
PM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesRyan Shazier's 40 tackles are good for third in the Big Ten, but the sophomore linebacker will be tested Saturday by a physical Michigan State team.Strong WILL: The results came right away after Ryan Shazier was plugged into the lineup late last season as a true freshman, and the Buckeyes linebacker has picked up right where he left off as a reliable tackling machine this season.
But even with a couple of Big Ten games under his belt a year ago and four non-conference starts to prove his breakout performances then were no fluke, none of those games might have offered quite the kind of test waiting for him at Michigan State this weekend.
And that might turn Meyer's debut in the league into something of a litmus test for his leading tackler against a traditional offense that will likely put more pressure on Shazier than he's previously had to deal with in his young career.
"It’s a much different game than he’s been asked to play," Meyer said. "We’ve faced a lot of the isolation teams, which means they’re trying to isolate you in space and throwing the bubble screens and quick screens and all that, so this will be a different type of ball game.
"Is he ready for this? He better be."
2014 safety Rashaan Gaulden talks visits
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
2:54
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Rashaan Gaulden's Saturday afternoons are quickly becoming as busy as his Friday nights.
Of course, Gaulden plays football on Fridays for Nashville (Tenn.) Independence. On Saturdays, he's watching football at various locations. The 2014 prospect has already visited Tennessee this fall for the Florida game. He said he'll make a return trip to Knoxville on Oct. 20 for the Alabama game.
“I think highly of them,” the safety prospect said of the Vols. “I went to the game against Florida and the atmosphere was pretty hyped, so that made them climb my chart. I'm looking forward to going back there for the Alabama game.”
Of course, Gaulden plays football on Fridays for Nashville (Tenn.) Independence. On Saturdays, he's watching football at various locations. The 2014 prospect has already visited Tennessee this fall for the Florida game. He said he'll make a return trip to Knoxville on Oct. 20 for the Alabama game.
“I think highly of them,” the safety prospect said of the Vols. “I went to the game against Florida and the atmosphere was pretty hyped, so that made them climb my chart. I'm looking forward to going back there for the Alabama game.”
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Alex Bars' trip to South Bend was a chance to double up. The junior offensive tackle from Nashville (Tenn.) Montgomery was checking out the hometown team, Notre Dame, and the visiting Michigan Wolverines.
“It was fun,” Bars said. “The game was great. Kind of indifferent who won it.”
Bars has ties to both schools. His brother, Blake Bars, is a freshman offensive lineman for Michigan. Yet there's also a strong tie to the Fighting Irish.
“It was fun,” Bars said. “The game was great. Kind of indifferent who won it.”
Bars has ties to both schools. His brother, Blake Bars, is a freshman offensive lineman for Michigan. Yet there's also a strong tie to the Fighting Irish.
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USC commit Jason Hatcher making visits
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
2:19
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Louisville (Ky.) Trinity defensive end and Jason Hatcher committed to USC two months ago and is adamant that he is solid to the Trojans, but the ESPN 300 prospect wants to take all five of his official visits.
Hatcher, ranked the nation's No. 288 overall recruit by ESPN, committed to USC over Florida, Louisville and Tennessee, and he plans to visit two of those other programs. One more school is definitely in the running, and he is looking for a fourth to complete his five visits, with USC getting the last one.
"I've been talking to Florida. I know I'll probably go up to Ohio State. I know I'm going to USC. Those are the only ones I know for sure," he said. "I'll probably go to Tennessee as well."
Hatcher, ranked the nation's No. 288 overall recruit by ESPN, committed to USC over Florida, Louisville and Tennessee, and he plans to visit two of those other programs. One more school is definitely in the running, and he is looking for a fourth to complete his five visits, with USC getting the last one.
"I've been talking to Florida. I know I'll probably go up to Ohio State. I know I'm going to USC. Those are the only ones I know for sure," he said. "I'll probably go to Tennessee as well."
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ESPN 150 DB Vonn Bell talks top three
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
9:20
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Earlier this month, ESPN 150 defensive back Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) announced via his head coach that he had a top three of Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee. On Friday, Bell discussed why each college was atop his list of offers under consideration.
Alabama: “They are the No. 1 team in the nation. Coach Nick Saban is about business. He knows what it takes to get his guys to the next level. And you know they are going to get the job done. They bring in elite players and they are national championship winners. That is all I can say.”
Ohio State: “You saw what Coach Urban Meyer was able to do at Florida. He took a break, but all I see is a national championship in the Buckeyes’ future. I know he is going to bring in elite players and do it big there. I just spoke to Coach (Everett) Withers Thursday, and he wished me good luck in my game. He wished he could be down here to watch me, but he said he would be down during their bye week. As far as distance is concerned, you have to become a man one day, so at some point it is time to get out of the house. This is a business, so if you want to get to the next level you have to do whatever it takes and whatever is best for you.”
Alabama: “They are the No. 1 team in the nation. Coach Nick Saban is about business. He knows what it takes to get his guys to the next level. And you know they are going to get the job done. They bring in elite players and they are national championship winners. That is all I can say.”
Ohio State: “You saw what Coach Urban Meyer was able to do at Florida. He took a break, but all I see is a national championship in the Buckeyes’ future. I know he is going to bring in elite players and do it big there. I just spoke to Coach (Everett) Withers Thursday, and he wished me good luck in my game. He wished he could be down here to watch me, but he said he would be down during their bye week. As far as distance is concerned, you have to become a man one day, so at some point it is time to get out of the house. This is a business, so if you want to get to the next level you have to do whatever it takes and whatever is best for you.”
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ABOUT BUCKEYE NATION
Austin Ward
Austin Ward joined ESPN.com in 2012 after five years as a college football writer at the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. The award-winning journalist lives with his wife in Columbus, Ohio. Email him at ajward.espn@gmail.com.
Brad Bournival
Brad Bournival, a lifetime Northeast Ohio resident, joined ESPN in 2012 and is the recruiting writer for BuckeyeNation. He has covered sports at the professional, college and high school level for 16 years. Recently, Bournival was a freelance writer for The Plain Dealer, The Medina Gazette and SportsInk.com. Email him at bradbournival.espn@gmail.com.