Ohio State’s Nick Bosa looking to live up to expectations with new moves

“I remember last year, he didn't really practice much at the tempo that he needed to do to get him ready because of the ACL injury he suffered in high school. He's ridiculous right now. That name is very good right now. Need some more Bosas.”

- Urban Meyer via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com

The story of Nick Bosa is well known. Following in his brother’s footsteps, he committed to Ohio State and has drawn high praise from his coaching staff as having the potential to be just as good as Joey. Last season coming off of an ACL injury, Bosa still provided plenty of highlights and was a key rotation piece in the defensive line sets. As of now, he’s still behind Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis — though, that’s not anything to be ashamed of as both are likely headed for the NFL. The younger Bosa, however, is ready to step his game up now that he’s fully healthy and has even been working with his brother on different moves to get past offensive linemen this season.

Another thing worth noting is that Bosa will also be playing more on the edge this season as opposed to last year, when the Buckeyes tried to get him inside so he could have more time on the field. This time around, Bosa will be in his comfort zone more often which could make an impact immediately on the field. Either way, Bosa is sure to continue to improve and help solidify a defensive line that is arguably one of the best in the country.

“His maturity level (has improved), how he handles himself in meeting rooms, helping J.K. and Antonio (Williams) out. He’ll start asking questions about stuff that he knows the answer to, but he’s trying to bring it out so other guys get an understanding. He’s really grown up a bunch.”

- Tony Alford via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com

Mike Weber had an outstanding freshman season statistically, but it may not have always seemed like it, especially in the latter stages of the year. Part of that, Weber says, is due to him dealing with a couple of injuries that kept him slowed down. That being said, Weber still rushed for over 1,000 yards and says he has a new goal: 2,000. While he did say it tongue-in-cheek, he has the confidence level of a workhorse running back and early on last season, he showcased he could be that for the Buckeyes. Of course, on this team, with J.T. Barrett likely to get a lot of carries, Weber’s numbers might not reflect his true potential.

Throw in the fact that the coaching staff has been very high on freshman running back J.K. Dobbins, and it seems like Weber’s carries won’t see much of an increase like he may have initially thought when Curtis Samuel went to the NFL. But in the end, it seems like Weber is still okay with that, and has team goals prioritized over personal ones. His maturity level in the film room has been noted above and he has been helping the younger backs get acclimated with the college game as well.

“[Happiest fan bases in college football] 1. Ohio State”

- Urban Meyer via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com

ESPN ran a ranking of the happiest fan bases in college football entering the 2017 season and has Ohio State ranked as No. 1. With Urban Meyer being beloved by nearly every fan, and the team’s success since he’s been here, what’s not to be happy about? It seems that most people have already forgotten about the 31-0 loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff last season, and with a fresh new No. 2 ranking this season, hopes and expectations are once again sky-high for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State has also dominated the rivalry game with Michigan, having not lost since 2011. Throw in that the Buckeyes are also winning on the recruiting trail, with consistent top 10 and top five classes each year, it’s hard to think of a reason why fans wouldn’t be happy with Ohio State. Other fan bases to make the the top five include Florida State, Alabama, Louisville (who wouldn’t be happy with Lamar Jackson at quarterback), and a surprising one: Kansas State. You can find the full list with the link above.

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