Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, August 23, 2015
So, what does Ohio State do for an encore coming off a stunning 14-1 national championship season? How about winning another crown?
The reigning kings of college football have it all going on, as Urban Meyer features a loaded roster. Will this team lose a game this season? Hmmmm. Some issues may arise to derail the mighty Buckeyes.
Here are three things I?ll be watching Monday at practice.
1. How do the quarterbacks look? This is obvious, right? I mean, no position in America has been scrutinized more that the Ohio State quarterback spot. Junior Cardale Jones and sophomore J.T. Barrett are locked in mortal combat for the glamorous gig of leading the nation?s defending national champion. Honestly, it probably really doesn?t matter who wins the job. Each has proven capable and has a similar skill set. And each will be surrounded by deluxe talent. So, why the fuss?
2. Is Braxton Miller adapting to his new position? Another highly publicized player, Miller created a tidal wave of attention all offseason as the world watched and wondered first if he was going to remain a Buckeye after missing 2014 with a shoulder injury-then to see if he would remain a quarterback. Turns out, the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year didn?t change addresses but he did move to wideout/H-back. Early reports are that he?s looking good. How can?t he? The guy may be the top athlete in the nation. Watch this staff have fun with this new weapon.
3. How is Ezekiel Elliott running? The junior is coming off a boffo 2014 in which he literally and figuratively carried Ohio State to the national championship en route to rushing for 1,878 yards and 18 TDs. And it seemed like most of those came in the last three games of the season, vs. Wisconsin in the Big Ten title tilt, vs. Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and vs. Oregon in the national championship game. It was really quite remarkable. If he pushes toward another 2,000-yard season, it?s gonna be another merry season in Columbus. And Elliott may win the Heisman.
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| About Tom Dienhart | BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section. |
