Urban Meyer’s biggest challenge this season will be managing how the Buckeyes handle their No. 1 ranking and lofty expectations. The Ohio State coach explained at Thursday's Big Ten media day in Chicago that it won't be easy, despite much of last year’s national championship team returning to defend its title. Another challenge will be transitioning Braxton Miller from quarterback to the wide receiver position. However, Meyer is confident that Miller can become an impact player in this role while J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones battle for the starting quarterback job.
Interesting quotes:
On the battle for the starting quarterback job:
"We’ve already started [assessing]. We started the leadership component. Coach Mick [Marotti] has been evaluating them all summer, and then we’re going to chart everything imaginable.”
On maintaining focus with such high expectations:
"Every coach is concerned about that. There is no perfect team, there is no perfect program. Everyone deals with stuff. … The indicators [academics, work ethic and socially, show that] it’s not been good, it’s been great. But tomorrow is another day so we keep pushing forward.”
Preseason Big Ten players to watch: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State; Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Amway coaches poll ranking: No. 1.
Last year: 14-1 overall record, 8-0 Big Ten. Won Big Ten championship with 59-0 shutout of Wisconsin in conference title game. Selected as No. 4 seed for inaugural College Football playoff. Won Allstate Sugar Bowl semifinal against No. 1 Alabama, 42-35. Won National Championship against Oregon, 42-20.
Big news of the day: Ohio State announced it suspended All-America defensive end Joey Bosa, receiver Corey Smith and H-backs Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson for its season opener with Virginia Tech.
Links: Urban Meyer press conference, Ohio State BTN Twitter feed and 2015-2016 schedule.
Coming Friday from our Joe Christensen in Chicago: Ohio State is poised for another national championship run. Can the Buckeyes repeat, though? They have three quarterbacks battling for the starting job and kicked off the season with the announcement of several suspensions.
