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New Kids on the Block Ohio State ('98: 11-1, 7-1 Big Ten)
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:43 PM
The Plot
David Boston no longer lines up in the slot, but the new guy looks even faster. Andy Katzenmoyer and his golf textbook have left town, but wasn't Na'il Diggs the team's best linebacker a year ago anyway? Basically, the Buckeyes are in the midst of a John Cooper tradition: reloading. There's still plenty of talent at running back, wideout, both lines and the secondary. The only question mark is at quarterback, with sophomores Steve Bellisari and Austin Moherman duking it out.
The DirectorJohn Cooper -- 12th season, 97-33-4
StarringRB Michael Wiley - The joke in Columbus: Wiley runs too fast to hold onto the ball.LB Na'il Diggs - Out of Big Kat's shadows, menacing Diggs will be hard to miss. CB Ahmed Plummer - Last year he was the "weak link" of the secondary.
Co-starringG Ben Gilbert - NFL-quality lineman in the spotlight after Rob Murphy's dismissal.FB Matt Keller -- Solid blocker for Wiley who can be used on screens out of backfield. FS Gary Berry - Senior anchor of highly athletic secondary. WR Ken-Yon Rambo - Fantastic receiver finally gets break with Boston and Dee Miller gone. WR Reggie Germany - Ditto.
And introducingRB Derek Combs - OSU's next great running back will get chances to spell Wiley.
Why it will workBuckeyes' offense should be typically high powered, and defense is still loaded.
Why it won'tInexperienced quarterback and sinister schedule (vs, Miami and UCLA; at Penn State and Michigan) have burned Buckeyes before.
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