Chase Young's Suspension Adds Intrigue for Ohio State
It's a measure of how little buzz surrounded No. 1 Ohio State's noon kickoff against Maryland (Fox-TV) that it has more buzz now because of someone who won't play, rather than those who will.
The Buckeyes (8-0) were 44-point favorites before junior defensive end Chase Young's suspension Friday morning for accepting a loan from what he termed, "a family friend."
Young said on Twitter that he repaid the loan before this season, but he will not play until OSU and the NCAA reach an agreement on whether he is eligible to return, and if so how soon.
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About Maryland: The Terps (3-6) looked like a force to be wary of when they blasted Howard, 79-0, and defeated No. 21 Syracuse, 63-20, to start the season. Quarterback Josh Jackson, a Virginia Tech transfer, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since then. Anthony McFarland, who rushed for 298 yards in Maryland's 52-51 overtime loss to OSU last season, has battled injuries all season. Maryland has played three ranked teams in the Big Ten and lost to all three: Penn State (59-0), Minnesota (52-10) and Michigan (38-7).
About Ohio State: Freshman Zach Harrison will likely get the start at Young's spot on the defensive line. Jonathan Cooper, a senior captain, is also out with an injured ankle, so the Buckeyes will be missing both their starting defensive ends. Cooper has played sporadically all season. Quarterback Justin Fields and running back J.K. Dobbins can further their own Heisman Trophy campaigns with Young sitting out. Fields has accounted for 33 touchdowns (24 passing, 9 rushing) and Dobbins has 1,110 rushing yards and 9 TDs.
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