By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- Jermale Hines called the position he played against Navy on Saturday the "hangover" at first, describing his duties against the triple option when he was neither a safety nor a linebacker, but instead was tasked with following the slotback on his side wherever he went. Minutes later, Hines corrected himself. "Overhang" was actually what the coaches called it. Either way, he was on the field a lot Saturday. And you have to wonder if he'll be on ... Read More

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plan Dealer) -- Navy gave Ohio State a run before the Buckeyes won 31-27 at Ohio Stadium today, and OSU coach Jim Tressel took some of the blame for letting the Midshipmen back in the game. The Ohio State defense also admitted it relaxed with a 15-point lead. It was Tressel's decision to pass up a 32-yard field goal try in the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead that allowed Navy to get back in the game. Right after Ohio ... Read More

From: OhioStateBuckeyes.com -- COLUMBUS, Ohio - The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the U.S. Naval Academy for the first time in 78 years to open the 2009 season, with the Buckeyes coming out of the hard-fought game with a 31-27 win before an opening game record crowd of 105,092 in Ohio Stadium. Navy, which had trailed by as many as 13, drew to within two points with 2:23 remaining in the fourth quarter on a 24-yard touchdown run following an interception. ... Read More

By: Kevin O'Connell (BleacherReport.com) -- I'll be honest; I wasn't all that surprised to see Ohio State struggle against the triple of option of Navy. Navy's offense has been prolific on the ground ever since Paul Johnson installed his triple option attack several years ago. Johnson is gone, but the option has been carried forward by Ken Niamatololo and it is still a difficult offense to prepare for. To struggle to stop Navy's run offense could have been expected, but to struggle to score ... Read More

By: Jodie Valade (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- Like the first time with anything, there were good moments and bad moments. But in their season opener, mostly the Buckeyes were just happy to breathe a sigh of relief. There were times in Ohio State's 31-27 victory over Navy on Saturday, when the Buckeyes looked pretty slick. Like when sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor showed off his athleticism and some savvy decisions on his way to passing for a touchdown and rushing for another, completing 14-of-21 passes for ... Read More

From: SportsIllustrated (SI.com) -- COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ray Small, a kick returner and wide receiver for No. 6 Ohio State, will probably not play in the Buckeyes' season opener on Saturday against Navy. Small, a senior who has frequently been in coach Jim Tressel's doghouse, was sick and in bed on Friday night. Ohio State spokesperson Shelly Poe sent a text message to The Associated Press to say Small was not likely to play against the Midshipmen. There had been rampant speculation on the ... Read More

By: BILL WAGNER (HometownaAnnapolis.com) -- With his trademark sweater vest and wire-rimmed glasses, Jim Tressel looks more like a college professor than a college football coach. In an era when others in the profession are flamboyant and loom large over the program they direct, Tressel is understated and unpretentious. The phrase "substance over style" has been used often to describe Tressel. Tressel has enjoyed tremendous success since taking over as head coach at Ohio State in 2001. The Ohio native has earned the respect and ... Read More

By: Russell Wight (BleacherReport.com) -- College football returns to Ohio Stadium tomorrow as the Buckeyes host the Midshipmen of Navy. The game will mark the 120th season of Ohio State football. What should people expect from the Ohio State offense? There is no doubting the fact that Terrelle Pryor is a great athlete and has the ability to run with the football. There will be plays specifically designed for Pryor to keep the ball. The Buckeyes would be foolish not to utilize his talents. However, if ... Read More

By: RUSTY MILLER (AP via DaytonDailyNews.com) -- COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jim Tressel has always wanted to see an Army-Navy game. "That's on my sports 'bucket list' to someday see that game," he said. "I've never been to it, but I've heard it's breathtaking." Seeing the Midshipmen shift gears on that lethal running attack against Army in a stadium full of dress uniforms is one thing. Tressel has no desire to see Navy put on a show on Saturday when they take on his sixth-ranked ... Read More

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- Navy is having a walkthrough at Ohio Stadium this afternoon, which will give a taste of the Horseshoe to the seven Midshipmen football players who are coming back home for the game. NCAA regulations allow the service academies an unlimited number of roster spots, so there is even more competition to make the travel roster at a place like Navy. Ohio State had 105 plays on its roster for the start of fall camp, the number set ... Read More

By: Tim Bielik (BleacherReport.com) -- After eight long months since the Buckeyes' loss to the Texas Longhorns in the Fiesta Bowl, it is finally time for their 2009 season to begin. Their opening opponent is no pushover in the Navy Midshipmen, a team which has led the nation in rushing each of the past four seasons. In Annapolis, there are usually two constants: a heavy running game, and plenty of upperclassmen in the starting lineup. 2009 is no different, with 19 of the 22 starters ... Read More

From: USAToday.com -- John Glenn has lived an amazing life during his 88 years on the earth (and in space). In addition to flying planes in World War II and serving four terms as a senator from Ohio, Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth. Now he has the right stuff to dot the "i" with the Ohio State marching band before the Buckeyes play Navy this Saturday. Glenn will be joined by his wife for the honor during halftime of ... Read More

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- Notes from Jim Tressel's news conference today: * Cameron Heyward is practicing and will be ready to go. Add backup safety Aaron Gant to the previous list of guys - Travis Howard, Orhian Johnson, Mike Adams, Jermil Martin - who probably won't play this week. * Tressel reiterated that the Buckeyes have a shot at drawing 106,000 fans for the opener with Navy, which would break the Ohio Stadium attendance record of 105,711 set against Penn State ... Read More