OSU Buckeyes

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Training camp is over and game preparations have begun. The torture of the offseason is nearly over, and Ohio State's first game under Urban Meyer is closing in. Leading up to the opener against Miami (Ohio), BuckeyeNation will count down the 10 players who figure to have the biggest impact on Meyer's first campaign, continuing with a cornerback who is aiming to shut down one side of the field this season.

No. 4

BRADLEY ROBY

• POSITION: Cornerback
• BASICS: The sophomore apparently locked down his status as the fastest man on the roster by turning in a pair of 40-yard sprints clocked at 4.31 seconds. There shouldn't be anybody on the perimeter the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder can't keep up with in coverage.
• BY THE NUMBERS: Coming off a redshirt season in 2010, Roby tied for the team lead with three interceptions in his first season to make an instant impact in the secondary. He also had 47 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss.
• OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPACT: The confident cornerback clearly wants the ball in his hands, and he's helpfully offered his services as a wide receiver if the coaching staff needs some help there. The Buckeyes surely appreciate the gesture, but at this point they're trying to get Roby to focus on nabbing as many passes as possible on defense by fine-tuning his technique and becoming a more consistent cover guy. The early reviews have been positive in training camp, and opponents might have to think twice before throwing his way this fall.
• HE SAID IT: "He’s one of those guys who thinks he can fly to the moon also. He’s a talented guy, but we want him to be great at being a corner. To me, he’s still working to do that. Let’s keep him on defense so we can see if we can make him better as a corner. It’s always consistency. He’s a talented guy, but the really good ones and great ones I’ve been around are consistent. I mean, they work and you don’t have to watch them work. They’re always getting better at their craft." -- co-defensive coordinator Everett Withers on Roby's development

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Quick hitters from Ohio State coach Urban Meyer after his first game-week press conference with the program on Monday morning.

Progress report: The final decision isn't in yet for Nathan Williams.

But the Buckeyes should have a pretty good idea of whether or not the senior defensive lineman will be available in some capacity against Miami (Ohio) this weekend after practice on Monday evening.

For now, that still leaves Meyer with his fingers crossed.

"Today is a big day for Nate," Meyer said. "He's been up and down, trying his heart out. Tough injury, and I would hope to have him for a limited basis in the first game. Today's a big day for him.

"We work, rest, work, rest, work, rest. Now we're in a game week and we have to find out what we can do."

Spread vs. spread: The RedHawks are likely going to air it out and lean on their high-octane passing attack.

The Buckeyes are intent on establishing a powerful presence on the ground.

Both offenses fall in the spread category, but the first week of the season should provide a clear example of what makes Meyer's different than the pass-happy version.

"It's completely different than our spread," Meyer said. "They're a spread that throws it. We're a spread that probably at the end of the day, we might be 50-50 or 60-40 run (to) pass. We're a line up and come rocking off the ball type of spread offense.

"They're more of a dropback pass. The quarterback (Zac Dysert), tremendous player. And that receiver (Nick Harwell) is really good. Those two kids can play anywhere in America.

On the line: The battle is over for now, and Reid Fragel will be on the field for the first snap at right tackle.

But at some point, Taylor Decker is still likely going to see some action. And the Buckeyes aren't done evaluating the two players just because training camp is over.

"We think both can be really good players for us," offensive line coach Ed Warinner said. "Reid is just a little bit ahead, so he'll get the nod for this Saturday as the starter. Anticipate Taylor being in the game, playing, contributing -- he would be the first guy in the game at either right tackle or left tackle. He works both sides, so he's our swing guy and our third tackle right now.

"Still a very close race there. There isn't a lot of separation there, it's just Reid is older and a little more veteran, little more ready to go."

Bumps and bruises: Freshman running back Warren Ball had surgery to repair a mid-foot strain and is out for an indefinite period of time, according to a school spokesman.

That leaves the Buckeyes with a pair of rushers currently on the shelf with foot injuries, with starter Jordan Hall expected to miss the first two games following his own offseason procedure.

Carlos Hyde has taken over the starting role to open the year, with Bri'onte Dunn claiming the backup job.

Week 1 of the 2012 season is finally, gloriously upon us. Here is your preview of what to expect as Big Ten football makes its most welcome return into our lives this week (all times ET):

Thursday

Minnesota at UNLV (11 p.m., CBS Sports Network): Grab an extra cup of coffee Thursday afternoon and get ready to watch the Gophers kick off the season for the Big Ten. Minnesota should be improved in Year Two under Jerry Kill. If so, they should be able to beat a struggling UNLV program, even on the road.

Friday

No. 24 Boise State at No. 13 Michigan State (8 p.m., ESPN): We waited nearly nine months for college football to return, and this is a reward for our patience. Two new quarterbacks are the big story here, as both get tossed into the fire against stout defenses. Should be great.

Saturday

Northwestern at Syracuse (Noon, ESPN2): The journalism bowl helps get the first Saturday of the season started. Kain Colter and the Wildcats' skill players should have some fun running on the Carrier Dome turf.

Ohio at Penn State (Noon, ESPN): The Bill O'Brien era kicks off, and there are sure to be plenty of stories focusing on the atmosphere around Beaver Stadium. But don't overlook the Bobcats, who won 10 games last year for Frank Solich.

Western Michigan at Illinois (Noon, ESPNU): The Tim Beckman era begins against a Broncos team that played the Illini tough last year in Champaign. Beckman coached Toledo to a 66-63 victory over Western Michigan last year. There will probably be less scoring this weekend.

Miami (Ohio) at No. 18 Ohio State (Noon, Big Ten Network): Urban Meyer coaches his first game for the Buckeyes, who figure to be heavy favorites over the RedHawks. The spread offense will take over the 'Shoe.

Iowa vs. Northern Illinois (3;30 p.m., ESPNU): Hawkeyes fans are sure to flock to Chicago's Soldier Field to watch their team take on the Huskies, who went 11-3 last season. It could be a tough early test for Iowa's rebuilt defensive line.

Eastern Kentucky at Purdue (3:30 p.m., BTN): Boilermakers coach Danny Hope faces his alma mater, but the FCS Colonels shouldn't be much of a match for what appears to be an improved Purdue squad. If they are, that's a bad sign.

Southern Miss at No. 17 Nebraska (3:30 p.m., ABC regional): The Huskers don't have a gimme in their opener against the Golden Eagles, who went 12-2 in 2011. But Southern Miss has a new coach and several new starters, so Taylor Martinez and Co. should take care of business.

Northern Iowa at No. 12 Wisconsin (3:30 p.m., BTN): Northern Iowa is a good FCS program that won 10 games last season. But the Badgers, who debut new starting quarterback Danny O'Brien, usually make quick work of outmanned opponents at Camp Randall Stadium.

No. 8 Michigan vs. No. 2 Alabama (8 p.m., ABC): You might have heard a little something about this game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Wolverines could plant a big flag for the Big Ten and themselves if they can pull this one off.

Indiana State at Indiana (8 p.m., BTN): You'll probably be watching Michigan-Alabama, but if you switch to this game you'll like see the Hoosiers win their first game since Sept. 17 of last year.

» Power Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ

Game week is here, and not a moment too soon.

Preseason camps have wrapped up around the Big Ten, and teams are now locking in for their openers this coming weekend. The power rankings will appear each Monday throughout the season, and we're getting things kicked off today.

There aren't many changes from our last version, although some offseason news has affected the rundown. The top five teams certainly have separated themselves in our eyes, while there's not much separating the next five on the list.

Here we go ...

1. Michigan State: We understand why Michigan is the highest-rated Big Ten team in the polls, but Michigan State gets the top spot in our power rankings because of its defense. A top-10 unit in 2011 could easily become a top-five unit this season, as the Spartans are strong at just about every position. While the concerns at quarterback and receiver are warranted, the offense will be effective enough with the run as Le'Veon Bell and a more seasoned line return.

2. Michigan: The Wolverines endured some injuries and off-field issues this summer and in camp, but they still enter the season with justifiably high hopes. Senior quarterback Denard Robinson has matured during his career and could make a serious push for national awards this fall. Michigan must shore up its lines and hope some young players grow up in a hurry. A relentless schedule is the biggest challenge for Brady Hoke's squad.

3. Wisconsin: The offense might not be as electric as it was the past two seasons and the defense has some question marks (secondary, pass rush), but Wisconsin knows how to win and boasts enough to claim another Big Ten title. Montee Ball is extremely motivated after a rough summer, and while Danny O'Brien isn't Russell Wilson, he gives the offense some stability. A favorable schedule with both Michigan State and Ohio State at home helps the Badgers.

4. Ohio State: It's a close call for the No. 4 spot, but the Buckeyes get the edge based on a defense with the potential to be one of the nation's best. John Simon anchors arguably the league's top defensive line, and almost everyone returns in the secondary. While there will be growing pains on offense, the unit can't possibly be worse than last year's, and Braxton Miller has a chance to make significant strides this season.

5. Nebraska: Fifteen starters return to a Huskers team that should be much more comfortable with the Big Ten in Year 2. But questions remain surrounding quarterback Taylor Martinez, replacing star power on defense and getting over the hump on the road. A signature road victory would go a long way for Bo Pelini's program, which returns 15 starters and has a great chance to climb this list and challenge for the Legends division.

6. Purdue: Danny Hope repeatedly called this his best Boilers team during the offseason, and we can see why. Purdue boasts a formidable defensive front and two bona-fide stars on defense in tackle Kawann Short and cornerback Ricardo Allen. The Boilers also return most of their key weapons on offense. What we still need to see is a team that can avoid the major mistakes and mental lapses that have plagued Purdue throughout Hope's tenure. A challenging start to Big Ten play will tell a lot about the Boilers.

7. Penn State: The Lions will ride emotion and a stout defensive front seven this fall, and they could go further than most think after a brutal offseason. Still, it's hard to figure out how Penn State will score points, and the turmoil is bound to catch up with Bill O'Brien's crew at some point. If O'Brien bolsters an offense featuring mostly unproven personnel, Penn State could make a strong push. The schedule is favorable as the Lions get both Ohio State and Wisconsin at Beaver Stadium.

8. Iowa: Youth will be served this fall in Iowa City as the Hawkeyes turn to unproven players at several spots, namely defensive line and running back. The good news is that Iowa boasts a veteran in senior quarterback James Vandenberg, who could thrive under new coordinator Greg Davis. Iowa must ride Vandenberg's right arm and a talented back seven on defense headlined by cornerback Micah Hyde and linebacker James Morris. Iowa also should benefit from its schedule.

9. Illinois: The Illini and Penn State are nearly mirror images, as both teams have first-year coaches, talented defensive front sevens and question marks on offense. Defense could carry Illinois a long way this fall, as end Michael Buchanan and linebacker Jonathan Brown anchor the unit. A new offensive scheme could spark third-year starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, although he'll need unproven weapons to emerge. Illinois could be a sleeper team this fall, although its Big Ten road schedule is flat-out brutal (Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern).

10. Northwestern: After a drop in wins the past three seasons, can Northwestern get things turned around? The Wildcats once again should be strong on offense as Kain Colter takes over at quarterback, although there are some questions up front. The defense can't be much worse than it was in 2011, and while there will be more youth throughout the unit, there also should be more talent. Northwestern must capitalize on the first chunk of the schedule, which features several toss-up games but isn't overly taxing.

11. Minnesota: The Gophers will be an improved team in Year 2 under Jerry Kill. The problem is they play in a loaded division and face a tricky schedule with no gimme games. Quarterback MarQueis Gray has a chance to do big things as a senior, although his supporting cast remains a mystery. Troy Stoudermire's return should spark the defense, which played better down the stretch in 2011. Like Northwestern, Minnesota needs to get off to a good start and build confidence.

12. Indiana: The Hoosiers won't go 1-11 again, and they could be dangerous on the offensive side as sophomore quarterback Tre Roberson matures and the passing game becomes a bigger part of the plan. Question marks remain throughout the defense, and Indiana hopes an influx of junior-college players helps the situation immediately. Indiana will be older and better than it was in 2011, and the Hoosiers should be more competitive in Big Ten games. But until they prove otherwise, they're at the bottom.

It's time.

After a seemingly endless offseason, game week has arrived, and the Big Ten bloggers are ready to forecast the 2012 season. We study this league year-round and try to get as much of a feel for how things will play out as possible. Still, as you know, and as you love to remind us, we're occasionally off the mark (sometimes more than occasionally).

Let's get things started with the team predictions ...

Brian Bennett

Legends Division

Michigan State: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten
Michigan: 8-4, 5-3
Nebraska: 9-3, 5-3
Iowa: 8-4, 5-3
Northwestern: 7-5, 4-4
Minnesota: 5-7, 2-6

Leaders Division

Wisconsin: 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten
Ohio State: 10-2, 6-2
Purdue: 7-5, 4-4
Penn State: 6-6, 3-5
Illinois: 6-6, 3-5
Indiana: 3-9, 0-8

Big Ten championship: Michigan State defeats Wisconsin

Adam Rittenberg

Legends Division

Michigan State: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten
Michigan: 9-3, 6-2
Nebraska: 9-3, 5-3
Iowa: 8-4, 4-4
Northwestern: 6-6, 3-5
Minnesota: 5-7, 2-6

Leaders Division

Wisconsin: 10-2, 6-2
Ohio State: 9-3, 5-3
Purdue: 7-5, 4-4
Penn State: 7-5, 3-5
Illinois: 6-6, 3-5
Indiana: 3-9, 1-7

Big Ten championship: Michigan State defeats Wisconsin

OK, OK, so we're a little boring with these -- rematch of last year's title game, Michigan State winning, etc. Let's shake things up with some individual predictions for the season, which we reserve the right to change down the line.

Bennett

1. The Big Ten's run of BCS at-large bids comes to an end. The only two teams that finish with fewer than three losses are Michigan State, which goes to the Rose Bowl, and Ohio State, which is ineligible for the postseason. The SEC, Pac-12 and Big 12 all get BCS at-large bids.

2. Purdue stuns Wisconsin at home but can't keep up the momentum, coming up one game short of earning the Leaders Division title.

3. Nebraska turns the tables on Michigan and Wisconsin, avenging last year's blowout losses by beating both at home. But the Huskers lose their final game at Iowa and are eliminated from the division-title hunt.

Rittenberg

1. Michigan rallies from back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Nebraska to win its final three games, including an overtime thriller at Ohio State. The Wolverines then punctuate their season with an impressive victory against LSU in the Capital One Bowl.

2. Speaking of the bowls, the Big Ten redeems itself on New Year's Day with a 4-1 record, including a Michigan State victory in the Rose Bowl. Northwestern also records its first bowl win since 1949 in the TicketCity Bowl. The Big Ten records just its second winning bowl performance since the 2002 season.

3. Michigan State rallies to win the title game, thanks in part to Mike Sadler doing his best Brad Nortman impression and flopping on a punt, drawing a penalty on the Badgers late in the fourth quarter. Le'Veon Bell rushes for 200 yards in the victory.

Check the blog throughout the week as we break down the Big Ten's four major awards -- Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Freshman of the Year -- in video form.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Training camp is over and game preparations have begun. The torture of the offseason is nearly over, and Ohio State's first game under Urban Meyer is closing in. Leading up to the opener against Miami (Ohio), BuckeyeNation will count down the 10 players that figure to have the biggest impact on Meyer's first campaign, rolling along with a veteran who could line up anywhere on offense.

No. 5

JAKE STONEBURNER

[+] Enlarge
Greg Bartram/US PresswireJake Stoneburner will line up at several positions this fall for Ohio State.
• POSITION: Hybrid wide receiver/tight end
• BASICS: The senior can still block in the running game at tight end if needed at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, but his route-running, reliable hands and mobility also make him a potential matchup nightmare for opponents as a wideout.
• BY THE NUMBERS: Stoneburner had an uncanny ability to turn his receptions into touchdowns last season, finding the end zone seven times while sharing the team lead with 14 catches for Ohio State's underwhelming passing attack.
• OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPACT: Both Meyer and offensive coordinator Tom Herman have experience turning an athletic tight end into a weapon all over the field, and they have grand plans for Stoneburner. The senior could line up as a traditional tight end or he could slide out to the slot. He could line up in the backfield or get isolated on the perimeter. There doesn't appear to be a limit to what Stoneburner might do in the new spread offense, and he figures to have no shortage of changes to influence what the Buckeyes do with the football.
• HE SAID IT: "Jake is a guy that is playing wide receiver right now, but he can do tight end things and fullback things. To say that he was a 280-pound, on-the-line tight end ever -- we’re all joking. He’s still doing some things for us, and he’s always been an athletic, receiving tight end. That kid is naturally gifted in the throw game and he’s got the body type and the ability level to do things in the run game. Not a whole lot changed, he’s just playing more receiver because that’s probably his strength right now." -- wide receivers coach Zach Smith

The season is almost here -- at this time next week, we'll be dissecting everything that happened against the Miami RedHawks. One more week of preview material in Across The Field, a regular feature on BuckeyeNation where we point you to noteworthy Buckeyes coverage here and elsewhere. Think something should be included? Send it to espnkendrick@gmail.com. First, our week in review:

• Urban Meyer loves Ohio State's traditions already, and he wants to add a few more, such as this new pregame routine.
• Our Austin Ward and WolverineNation's Michael Rothstein debated whether this is the start of a new 10 Year War.
• Here's a look ahead at the final two games of the season against Wisconsin and You Know Who.
• Storm Klein is back on the team in what some consider a controversial move, but might have a hard time moving up on the depth chart. Would you have reinstated him?
• Curtis Grant, now the starter at Klein's former middle linebacker spot, had a disappointing freshman season, but is ready for the hype this time around.
• The receivers have come a long way since the spring.
• The five captains are all seniors, and the team has come through camp relatively healthy, although it's hard to keep John Simon out.
• Austin Ward is counting down the 10 players who are most likely to make an impact this season. The first four are Carlos Hyde, Garrett Goebel, the right tackles (we'll have more on that Monday) and Philly Brown.
• By the way, don't miss Austin Ward's weekly chats at 2 p,m. Thursdays. Here's a recap of what they talked about last week.
• Freshman defensive lineman Adolphus Washington is making a bigger impact than anticipated because of a growth spurt.
• Brad Bournival counted down the top 14 targets for 2014: No. 14 to No. 8 and No. 7 to No. 1.
• He also talked to the brother of a Browns cornerback who has some history with Urban Meyer.
• How will Meyer handle the new kickoff rules? He'll avoid the "freaks."
• Brad Bournival is hitting the circuit talking to potential recruits and talked to Donovan Munger, Joe Henderson, Nolan Jackson-Daniel, Greg Claytor and Eric Glover.
• Brad also caught up with Craig Krenzel, who says the championship season is more special to him now than it was then.
• Players in Ohio State's 2013 class had their senior debuts over the weekend.
• Recruits seem to love offensive line coach Ed Warinner.
• And there's no reason to be scared off by the symbol, because we're offering a free trial right now.

Football

• Have some fun ranking the Big Ten teams from 1-12 and the league's best players. (ESPN SportsNation)
• Ohio State is among the teams with the most NFL prospects, writes Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN)
• The Buckeyes are poised to make a dramatic jump, writes KC Joyner. (ESPN)
• You can buy a Drew Basil replica jersey this year. Nike is making OSU jerseys with eight numbers, the most of any team in the country. It's Nos. 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 24 and 54. (Plain Dealer)
• The Buckeyes' leadership committee isn't secret, but it's not like it's an open meeting, either. (Lantern)
• An interesting statistical breakdown of what UrbanBall might look like. (Eleven Warriors)
• Grant Edgell knows why you're so amped. (Buckeye Empire)
• Former Buckeye Tom Tupa can collect workman's comp for a football injury, a court ruled. (Plain Dealer)
• Doug Harris' breakdown of the freshmen vying for playing time. (Dayton Daily News)
• If Michael Thomas wants advice, he can call Uncle Keyshawn. (TheOzone.net)
• A redshirt season paid off for offensive lineman Marcus Hall. (Dispatch, $)
• How the change to semesters and having the students in town all season changes things. (Toledo Blade)
• Walk-on defensive end Jason Krause turned down scholarship offers from good programs to walk on at Ohio State. (Dayton Daily News)
• Numbers that matter for Ohio State this season, by Rusty Miller. (AP)
• Two Buckeyes are on the Big Ten Network's list of the best five defensive players of the last five years. (BTN)
• A Yahoo contributor lists his top 10 Ohio State traditions. Wonder if he's actually watched Script Ohio, though: The drum major doesn't dot the i, of course, a sousaphone player does. And the No. 4 tradition started in 1995 -- how could that be ahead of Carmen Ohio? And no "Hang On Sloopy" in the top 10? (Yahoo)

Basketball

• Columbus is bidding for an NCAA regional in 2015. (Dispatch, $)
• Junior guard Alex Rogers earned a scholarship spot. (Lantern)
• In case you missed it, we had a cool 50 in 50 series that statistically picked the best 50 teams of the last 50 years. Ohio State was No. 15. (ESPN)
• Shooting guard Wayne Selden of Boston has Ohio State in his final six.

The Gang's All Here

• A prediction of the top five Ohio State varsity teams this year. (Lantern)
• The women's volleyball team opened with a win, but the No. 15 field hockey team lost to UMass. (OSU)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Training camp is over and game preparations have begun. The torture of the offseason is nearly over, and Ohio State's first game under Urban Meyer is closing in. Leading up to the opener against Miami (Ohio), BuckeyeNation will count down the 10 players that figure to have the biggest impact on Meyer's first campaign, continuing with an linebacker who is trying to live up some great expectations.

No. 6

CURTIS GRANT

• POSITION: Middle linebacker
• BASICS: A four-star recruit who showed up at Ohio State as perhaps the most elite member of the 2011 signing class, Grant struggled with the playbook and was limited to a role on special teams as a freshman. The athleticism that generated all the early hype is still there for the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder and is waiting to be unleashed.
• BY THE NUMBERS: Grant only has two career tackles to his credit after failing to make an impact as a freshman. And while it might be difficult to match a season like he posted as a senior in high school with 134 tackles as a first-year starter, the Buckeyes are clearly hoping for something that more closely resembles that production than he provided a year ago.
• OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPACT: The linebacker corps wasn't loaded at depth in the spring, but Ohio State still had a veteran option with starting experience coming back at Grant's position. The coaching staff went with him anyway, trusting that the mental part of the game was catching up with Grant's natural physical skills and handing him the responsibilities that come with his role in the middle. Assuming Grant's extra work with the playbook truly allows him to simply read and react to the action this fall, he could have a major influence on a defense trying to establish itself again as one of the nation's best units.
• HE SAID IT: "He’s got to continue to do what he’s done and continue to show us, but he’s one of those guys that I promise you I’ll lay my head at night on my pillow knowing that he’s going to give me everything he’s got. He loves this game, he’d die for this game, he studies it, he works at it, he’s got a chance to be a great player. A1, it's because of his passion to play the game of football." -- defensive coordinator Luke Fickell