Buckeyes suspend Bosa, three other key players for season opener

Ohio State announced today the suspensions of four key players for the season opening game at Virginia Tech on Sept. 7.

Junior defensive end Joey Bosa, sophomore H-back Jalin Marshall, senior receiver Corey Smith and junior H-back Dontre Wilson have been suspended for violating department of athletics policy.

The Buckeyes will miss the foursome, as Bosa, Marshall, Smith and Wilson are expected to play key roles this season for a team projected by most to be No. 1 in the nation.

Bosa is the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Some feel he may be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft in 2016 if he turns pro. Marshall was a revelation as a freshman in 2014, running for 145 yards and catching 38 passes for 499 yards and a score. He also averaged 11.8 yards on punt returns with a TD. Wilson was the team?s top kickoff return man, averaging 24.0 yards in 2014. Smith caught 20 passes for 255 yards. Bosa had 21 TFLs and 13.5 sacks.

The trip to Blacksburg will be one of the most daunting for OSU in its quest to repeat as national champions. The Buckeyes other toughest game is Nov. 21 at home vs. Michigan State.