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

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For three years, Ohio State's Austin Spitler rode the bench behind one of his best friends on the team, James Laurinaitis, who just happened to be a three-time All-American. Now, when his chance came, he was switched from the middle linebacker spot he'd been waiting to fill to strongside linebacker, then felt a pop in his leg during the preseason. "It all started with my knee, and then it moved to the ... Read More

From: BigTenNetwork.com -- This much is certain when it comes to No. 6 Ohio State's recent series of opening-game opponents: Navy is no Youngstown State. While the Penguins were almost grateful to open the season at Ohio Stadium the last two seasons, the Buckeyes recognize that Navy won't be nearly so star-struck. The Buckeyes opened with 38-6 and 43-0 routs of Youngstown State, the only Football Championship Subdivision team Ohio State has ever played. Navy is at another level. Ohio State's contest ... Read More

By: Ryan Chapman (BleacherReport.com) -- This is how cheesy sports movies are made.  A classic David vs. Goliath story of a team defying all odds to emerge victorious in a hostile environment. You can count on someone in the stadium starting a slow clap, with tens of thousands slowly joining in.  The cacophony grows until the underestimated underdog marches off the field, hands held high, hoisting their tough-love coach in the air.  Freeze frame, and fade to black and white to a soundtrack by ... Read More

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- Ohio State is about a three-touchdown favorite over Navy for Saturday's season-opener, but don't be surprised if the Midshipmen keep it closer than people expect in the first half. I expect the Buckeyes to lead by no more than 10 points at the half, because it will take some time for Ohio State to adjust to the Navy triple option. "You see a lot of teams, they're kind of blown away at first, especially that first quarter, ... Read More

By: Tim Bielik (BleacherReport.com) -- Well it's been a long summer, but at last it's finally here. College football finally kicks off the 2009 season this week. It's been an offseason full of questions and unsolved mysteries for a team that has been to the BCS for the past four seasons. Ohio State welcomes the Navy Midshipmen to the Horseshoe on Saturday, a truly unorthodox opponent before the non-conference game of the year against the USC Trojans. After crushing losses, the Buckeyes have been the subject ... Read More

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- Ohio State has released its depth chart for Monday's opener against Navy, and it appears that some position battles have been won. There are no positions listed with an OR that indicate the first-team spot is split. I'm sure we'll still see plenty of players moving in and out at certain spots for the Buckeyes, but according to the depth chart, here is the news: • Andrew Miller is the left tackle. J.B. Shugarts is second team. • ... Read More

By: Bill Blanton (Examiner.com) -- The 2009 football season for the Ohio State Buckeyes is one of intrigue. The Buckeyes return eleven starters to a team that won its fourth consecutive Big Ten Championship in 2008. The intrigue comes from the players replacing the senior class of 2008. The Buckeyes will take the field with a much faster group than the 2008 version. The key areas that will be affected by the departed and the areas to watch are the offensive line, linebackers, and ... Read More

By: Todd Porter (CantonRep.com) -- COLUMBUS — Boom and Zoom, that’s how Head Coach Jim Tressel started referring to them. Ohio State’s offense last year had more Boom and far less Zoom, but Brandon Saine is hoping to find his way in the Buckeye backfield more this season. The 6-foot-1, 217-pound junior from Piqua came to Ohio State with the same kind of hype as most incoming freshmen running backs do in Columbus. His nickname is “Zoom.” Dan Herron is called “Boom.” One runs fast; ... Read More

By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -- COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The worst thing opposing fans can do to Navy's football players isn't to boo them. It's pity them. Respect? That's the option most of the Midshipmen prefer. Ohio State's athletic department is circulating an online video encouraging Buckeyes' fans to welcome the Midshipmen on Sept. 5 like no other OSU opponent has every been welcomed. The idea is for the 105,000 fans inside Ohio Stadium to rise and cheer Navy just like they rise and cheer ... Read More