We should not live in a nanny state but every parent and athlete should demand from any school or organization that sponsors collision sports an honest and openly shared assessment of the dangers involved, writes Ty Roth.

Ty Roth, author and former football coach 

In the classic suspense film Marathon Man, Dustin Hoffman's character, Babe, is repeatedly asked the question "Is it safe?" while he is being tortured by an escaped Nazi war criminal, Dr. Christian Szell, who is fearful of being exposed.

In a much different context, as a high school football coach for nearly twenty years, I was sometimes asked the same question by parents concerned for their child's health. In those moments, I identified with Babe, who sat strapped into a dentist's chair writhing while having the nerve endings inside an unfilled cavity continually probed. I would slyly twist the conversation away from injury risk and focus instead on the many benefits of participation in football.

Knowing, however, that abrasions, contusions, severe sprains and tears of ligaments, broken bones, and head injuries are fairly common in football and to be expected regardless of the expensive and extensive armor players wear (which should be our first clue), the honest answer would have been, "No!" Of course, it isn't safe."

Even when the risk of injury is understood, there are many who point out that life itself is not safe. We cannot possibly shield our children from all potential harm - at least not without locking them inside a sterile and padded room or turning them into shrinking violets.

Their argument is a sound one. However, there is a fundamental difference between the accidents of living and the risks we consciously choose to take.

Former Cleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs starting youth flag-football league in response to concussion concerns

Perhaps, the question I should have been asked by those parents and that we as a society should be asking ourselves isn't "Is football safe?" but "Is playing it an acceptable risk?" In order to make that judgment, we'd need to look beyond the glory of the Friday night lights. We'd need, as parents, to eschew the temptation to live vicariously through our children. We'd need to temper our near-religious zealotry for both college football and the National Football League.

And, we'd need to wrap our brains around the facts that each year a large number of our football-playing children will suffer excruciatingly painful bone breaks and ligament tears. Each year, a large number will suffer injuries that will irritate and haunt them throughout their adult lives.

Are you ready for some football (concussions)? editorial

Each year, according to a 2013 report by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, on average, a dozen young men will die from football-related injuries, ranging from heat stroke to overexertion to head and spinal injuries.

Still - and against my better judgment - I'd support any parent's choice to allow a child to participate in football as long as that parent has objectively performed a risk/benefit analysis and determined that the latter far outweighs the former.

I do not believe we should live in a nanny state that denies parents the right to choose what is best for their own children, nor do I want to create a climate of fear that causes us to suit up our children in helmets and elbow and knee pads every time they go out to play.

What I do want, however, and what every parent and athlete should demand from any school or organization that sponsors collision sports is an honest and openly-shared assessment of the dangers involved in the participation in those sports. Only when armed with that information can an athlete and/or parent make a responsible choice.

Ty Roth, a teacher of literature and composition on both the high school and university levels, coached high school football for 19 years at Sandusky St. Mary Catholic High School and Port Clinton High School. He is author of the novels "So Shelly" (Random House) and "Goodness Falls," the latter of which tells the story of a high school football player whose world implodes as a result of Repetitive Head Injury Syndrome.

Check out some predictions for the next 12 months in sports.

Get the latest news and score updates from Arizona as the Ohio State football team takes on Notre Dame today in the Fiesta Bowl in a 1 p.m. kickoff. Watch video

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Ohio State football team is playing Notre Dame today in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl. The game, a 1 p.m. kickoff at University of Phoenix Stadium, is being shown on ESPN.

Join cleveland.com's coverage team of Doug Lesmerises, Ari Wasserman and Bill Landis -- along with Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston -- in the comments below as they provide the latest score updates and analysis from the stadium.

Click here to view this post on a mobile device.

Mike Cleary and the programs he fostered changed the face of sports administration in colleges by actively courting minorities, both in race and gender.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Good deeds topped the other achievements of Mike Cleary, but the stories were so good, they ran a close second in a life that was well-lived.

Cleary, 81, died overnight at his home in Rocky River, where he had been on hospice care since Dec. 23 while battling cancer and kidney failure. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Cleary was the director of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in Westlake at its inception in the 1960s. In recent years, he was its emeritus leader, as well as a source of wise counsel and  facilitator of minority empowerment, whether in race or gender. A visionary leader, Cleary counted among his proteges Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith.

I knew "Mr. C," whom I interviewed extensively for my book "George Steinbrenner's Pipe Dream," as a man with a deft memory and a punch line as effective in its way as a heavyweight's left hook.

Basketball general manager and scout

Cleary was the Cleveland Pipers' first general manager in the National Industrial Basketball League and then the American Basketball League, a short-lived challenger in 1961-62 to the NBA. Before the champion Pipers' only season even began, Cleary became the first man in pro sports to be fired by the team's 30-year-old majority owner, Steinbrenner.

Cleary landed on his feet with the Pipers' chief rivals, the Kansas City Steers. He was in on the plotting to merge the champion Pipers with the Steers after Steinbrenner stunningly signed Ohio State's Jerry Lucas and the team was invited to join the NBA. The Ohio State forward had the academics of Princeton's Bill Bradley a few years later and some of the game of Indiana State's Larry Bird a generation later.

Raconteur

The ABL was a colorful, raffish league, a precursor of the ABA, the first with its own 3-point shot. Cleary provided unforgettable insights into some of its unforgettable characters, such as:

• The signing of Dick Barnett, later a starter on the New York Knicks' 1970 NBA champions, and the untimely press release about his signing, led to Cleary's firing. Self-conscious about his spotty academic work in college, Barnett  would put a chess set on his tray table during flights, the better to match wits and gambits with teammate John Barnhill. "Neither one knew how to play," said Cleary, "but they thought it made them look smarter."

• Cab Calloway, the "Hi De Ho Man," whose jazz band provided pre-game entertainment around the ABL, once traveled on a West Coast bus trip with the Steers. The band members carried girdles, required to squeeze into their tuxes, and marijuana, required to make the long trip pleasant.

• John McLendon, the black coach from Tennessee State and a future coach at Cleveland State, became the first African-American to coach an integrated pro team in Post World War II America. "We didn't do John any favors,'"Cleary said. "All of the white players on the team were from below the Mason-Dixon Line. He roomed them together, one back and one white, on the road. That was a rule. The team had no cliques."

• Steinbrenner signed graduated Ohio State guard Larry Siegfried, who did not want to play in aging Cleveland Arena, by lavishly detailing the luxuries at a completely imaginary 12,000-seat arena the Pipers' chief said would be built on the Lake Erie shoreline. "Why didn't you tell me that was in the works," Cleary said later. "Because it's not," Steinbrenner said.

The good eye

Cleary loved all things Cleveland, but particularly his alma maters, St. Ignatius and John Carroll. The latter has created a sports administration game named for him.

He always had a good eye for talent, whether it was assembling the Pipers, scouting and recommending the signing of a young Phil Jackson by the Knicks after the ABL folded, directing the John McLendon Foundation's scholarship program for sports management students, or breaking cultural barriers with the Pipers' coach.

Last meeting

Cleary loved his work. As late as Dec. 21, he was still reporting to his office in Westlake, which he reached by turning off Detroit Road down a driveway marked "Mike Cleary Way."

I was in the office to sign a copy of the book for one of Cleary's friends. He had been so instrumental in the book that what came to my mind was a comment the late David Halberstam made when Indians great Bob Feller asked him to sign a copy of Halberstam's book "Summer of '49. "Shouldn't that have been the other way around?" Halberstam said.

Regarding me and Cleary, that sentiment is indisputable.

The world would be a better place if more people followed the Mike Cleary Way.

Chris Haynes reveals his own difficult challenge and how we should allow LeBron James to handle the Tamir Rice ordeal his way.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James has never been shy to give his take on matters of social and racial injustice.

His resume includes orchestrating his Miami Heat teammates to pose for a picture wearing hoodies in 2012 to support Trayon Martin, who was shot by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida; and his taking of the court in Brooklyn sporting an "I can't breathe" T-shirt in 2014 in memory of Eric Garner, who was choked to death by a New York cop.

When educated on a controversial subject, James expresses himself, something few athletes dare to do.

That has left some puzzled as to why James didn't have much to say regarding 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was gunned down by a Cleveland police officer after he had been seen pointing what turned out to be an Airsoft pellet gun at people in a recreational center in November of 2014.

If James were going to speak strongly on an incident, you would think it'd be on a nationally recognized tragedy in his own backyard. On Tuesday, James said he wasn't educated enough on the issue to give a proper response.

"For me, I've always been a guy who's taken pride in knowledge of every situation that I've ever spoken on," James said. "And to be honest, I haven't really been on top of this issue, so it's hard for me to comment."

Considering Rice was murdered over a year ago and the officer who pulled the trigger was not indicted this week, James rubbed some people the wrong way.

There are African-American activists and media members urging him to step up and show his support for Rice and his family. Some are even requesting that he sit out games until justice is done.

As the only African-American covering the Cavaliers on a full-time basis, I felt an obligation to dive into James' handling of the Rice case.

But first, I must dive into my own shortcomings.

It was July 2, 2013. I was two years into my position of covering the Portland Trail Blazers for Comcast SportsNet Northwest. I had just moved into my home two days earlier. It was the start of the free-agency frenzy, and Las Vegas Summer League was right around the corner. I called my co-worker, Peter Socotch, around 11 p.m. to get him caught up on the news I was working on.

When I talk on the phone for a long period of time, I tend to pace back and forth, so I decided to take my conversation outside. Directly across the street from my house was a light rail railroad track. The track was wedged in the middle of two one-way streets. On each side of the track was a gravel area 8-10 feet wide. I decided to walk along that gravel area while talking on the phone. I paced back in forth in front of my house that was about 15 feet away.

As I was on the phone, I saw a police car on the opposite side of the road slow down as it came my way, and then speed up to catch the green light at the intersection. I knew the cop was going to make a U-turn and come toward me, but I didn't know why.

As I suspected, the cop pulled up to me and flashed the high beams in my face. The male officer, who was white, stepped out of the car and informed me that I was on private property and asked what I was doing over here. I explained that my house was right across the street, as I pointed in its direction. I told him I had come out there to talk to my co-worker so I wouldn't disturb my kids, who were asleep.

I told Socotch I would call him back, but he replied "no" and said to keep him on the phone. That was smart. The officer approached me and asked to see my identification, to which I said, "Officer, is this really necessary? My house is right here."

He demanded I show some form of I.D., and I wanted to know why he was going down this path. He said it was because I was trespassing, and he needed to look up who I was. That's when he asked, "Do you have a warrant I should know about?"

I was baffled. I knew where this was going. I'm 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and dark as they come. My attire was a white tank top, black shorts and basketball shoes. I believed I was being racially profiled.

I said, "Officer, I'm not that dude you think I am." At this point, another cop arrived for backup and the situation escalated. I said repeatedly that this isn't necessary. "You must have a warrant," he said again. I then handed over my I.D. and he instructed me to sit on the curb.

"Haynes appeared to be angry," the officer wrote in his police report. "His voice had an edge to it, his eyes were narrowed." Sure, as if I'm supposed to be cheerful.

This, I just didn't get. This was my treatment all because I chose to walk outside and talk on the phone? Why was I being handled like a criminal? Once I started questioning why I had to sit on the curb, he said, "That's it," and that I was being arrested for Interfering with Public Transportation.

"Haynes was taller than both [my partner] and I and appeared to be in good physical condition," wrote the arresting officer. "Haynes' demeanor was similar to other people I have encountered who eventually either ran away or fought with police, and I had absolutely no desire to engage in a foot pursuit or a fight with him."

The second officer then took my phone out of my hand and I screamed to Peter to call my wife before he hung the phone up. My wife had no clue what was happening. All she knew was I was outside on the phone.

I'm not the most flexible person, so the officer had a little trouble bending my arms backward for handcuffing.

"I felt Haynes' muscles tense as I did this, so I told him to stop resisting," he added in his report. "Haynes replied that he was not resisting."

Once cuffed, he escorted me to the backseat of his patrol car and then he hopped in the front. He asked for the third time if I had any warrants. This time I didn't respond. He then asked what I did for a living and I said I cover the Portland Trail Blazers for Comcast SportsNet.

Upon hearing this, he pulled out his cell phone to look me up. Once I popped up on the Google search engine, he turned his radio to a FM station and put the volume on high so I couldn't hear anything. He stepped outside the car and called somebody. He realized I wasn't the target he was hoping he had snatched up. He knew he had made a mistake, but it was too late. He had to continue on.

Just before he was to take off, my wife came out running. Peter managed to get a hold of her. She asked the officer why her husband was being sent to jail and he said because I was trespassing. She was dumbfounded.

I was taken into custody, forced to take a mug shot and wasn't released until after 3 a.m. I felt degraded, humiliated, embarrassed. I knew I had to tell my employer the following day, but I was petrified of the reaction.

I felt guilty even though I had done nothing wrong. Would they believe I was innocent? Would they stand by me? I had a year on left on my contract. I didn't want this situation to jeopardize my future.

They turned out to be supportive and said they would help in any way, which took a load of stress off. Dwight Jaynes, CSN's columnist and a mentor to me, kept my spirits up and constantly checked on me during the ordeal. I pleaded not guilty a few days later and a trial was set for a September date. I was determined not to let this officer get away with the anguish he put my family through.

At court it was the State of Oregon vs. Chris Haynes, and I was acquitted. Exonerated.

In the trial that lasted about 30 minutes, the officer told the judge that he was concerned for my safety in hanging around the track. But if he was so concerned, then why didn't he just tell me to leave the premises? The judge even asked him, "What did Haynes do when you told him to go back across the street to his house?" "No, I didn't ask him to leave," he responded.

"Well, two issues with the case, Mr. Tucker," the judge said to the officer's attorney. "One is the way it's charged. It's a public-transit vehicle, not applicable; or a station. So that's a bit of a stretch to say that that's a station, that gravel area. My second issue is -- and I don't know if that's just a charging problem -- but my second issue is obviously on the knowingly [that he was on private property].

"I find Mr. Haynes completely credible. I mean, I find you both credible but you know it seems pretty clear that there is no sign that says it's unlawful to be present there. The gravel does look to be wide enough that it's not a safe place to be. I can understand the officer's concern and I can understand Mr. Haynes' frustration with the situation. And so given those issues, I am going to acquit Mr. Haynes."

My next step was whether to sue, and I even hired a fantastic lawyer who specializes in these sorts of civil cases.

But I backed out. I knew if I went through with it, everything would get out. My company would be connected to the situation. They said they would stand by me, but I feared the case could get nasty and might force them to change their stance.

My inner circle said I should let it go, and their reasoning was that I had already won in court. They said I didn't need the drama that would be attached to the lawsuit. I've got a wife and four daughters, they said. Think about them, your career, your future as a journalist.

My wife, Charlotte, was adamant that I take action, but I didn't listen.

To this day, I regret not going through with it. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about it. I was what you would call a "local celebrity" in that city. I was on television everyday and had built up a reputation, but I was thinking selfishly.

When I informed my lawyer of my decision, he was disappointed. He said if a person of my stature doesn't take a stand against racial injustice, a so-called average person wouldn't stand a chance out there. That stuck with me, and with each incident that appears to be racially motivated, it disturbs and haunts me even further.

I was told the deadline to file a lawsuit has since passed, so I have decided to share my story for the first time and help raise awareness and hopefully make a difference.

I missed an opportunity to make change. It's something I'm not proud of.

Now, when it comes to those advocating that James miss games for a cause, would you have the guts to take off from your job and risk putting your family in jeopardy of struggling?

Of course, James would be fine financially if he did act on it, but if we're going to ask a high-caliber celebrity to make a huge sacrifice, we have to be willing to do the same thing.

So, while I was surprised by James' comment about not being educated on the Rice incident, I can't call him on it, because a few years ago, I stayed silent. Some would argue that I did the right thing; some would argue I missed an opportunity.

Did James miss an opportunity when it comes to Rice? Only he knows the answer to that, but in the end, it's his life and his decision.

We all have our own decisions to make.

"I think Zeke, all due respect to all the great running backs in Ohio State history, my first-round draft pick, I'd pick Zeke Elliott," Meyer said. "What he does without the ball, his work ethic in practice, just his attitude every day, the way he shows up, bounces around with us. I love him. He's as good a running back as I've ever been around." Watch video

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Ezekiel Elliott stood in his usual spot on the podium during the Fiesta Bowl celebration after Ohio State's 44-28 win over Notre Dame, so there was some familiarity for Urban Meyer when it came time to pass over the trophy. 

Elliott grabbed the golden Fiesta Bowl football from Meyer, kissed it, then held it up in the air like he did with the national title trophy in Dallas a year ago. 

Then something unfamiliar happened.

Quarterback J.T. Barrett was named the Fiesta Bowl's offensive MVP despite the fact that Elliott rushed for 149 yards and four touchdowns, a rather routine performance considering what he did during the Buckeyes improbable postseason last season. 

Barrett was handed his Fiesta Bowl MVP trophy, but somehow Elliott ended up getting his hands on it before leaving the podium. Elliott held it as if it were his own. 

"He was just looking at it, bro," Barrett said of Elliott. "It was nothing. He wasn't stealing it by any means. Nah, you trying to make something up, you know what I'm saying?" 

Being on a postseason podium without an MVP trophy isn't normal for Elliott. He won it in both the College Football Playoff semifinal and the title game last January. Behind his 700 yards in three postseason games last season, Ohio State beat three dominant teams to capture the championship what seemed like relative ease. 

Ohio State didn't get the chance to play for another championship this year, but it did get the chance to see Elliott's greatness. And for one final time before leaving for the NFL, Elliott was able to do what he has done his entire career -- make winning look easy for the Buckeyes. 

So now that his Ohio State career is behind him and he was fighting back emotion in the locker room, the question has to be asked: What's his legacy? 

"That's not my job to say," Elliott said with a smile. "It's yours." 

OK -- let's give it a crack. But first, let's let Urban Meyer set the table. 

"I think Zeke, all due respect to all the great running backs in Ohio State history, my first-round draft pick, I'd pick Zeke Elliott," Meyer said. "What he does without the ball, his work ethic in practice, just his attitude every day, the way he shows up, bounces around with us. I love him. He's as good a running back as I've ever been around." 

So it's not that much of a stretch to say that he's one of the best players in the history of Ohio State football? He's Ohio State's all-time leading rusher behind only Archie Griffin. That's pretty good. 

But it's what his Ohio State teams accomplished that separates him. Yes, the national title a year ago behind perhaps the most impressive three-game run for an individual player in college football history, but also the heights to which the program reached this year. A Fiesta Bowl win was a failure because titles are what's expected when there's a workhorse like Elliott in the backfield. 

Ohio State lost that national title chance because it lost on the final play of the game to Michigan State in November. Elliott carried the ball only 12 times for 33 yards in that loss, then afterward was very critical of the coaching staff for not getting him the ball. 

That was one of the weird off-the-field occurrences for Elliott. Let's not forget about how his dog got stolen, how he kept a skin infection and cyst on his right shin a secret before that Michigan State loss, and how he just got cited for driving with a suspended license before arriving in Phoenix. It wasn't always fun. 

But on the field? He made it look so, darn, easy. 

And when you make winning national titles and 200-yard, four-touchdown performances look routine, you're a great. 

He did it one final time in the Fiesta Bowl. 

Now he's a pro. 

"I'm humbled to be held in the same sentence as some of the best players who played at Ohio State," Elliott said. "It's a dream come true and something I'll forever be grateful for." 

Don't worry, Ezekiel. 

Ohio State has much more for which to be thankful. 

Ole Miss racked up 392 yards of total offense in the first half to go with 34 points, and then cruised to a 48-20 win over Oklahoma State.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Chad Kelly threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns -- three to Laquon Treadwell -- and No. 16 Mississippi beat No. 13 Oklahoma State 48-20 in the Sugar Bowl on Friday night.

Ole Miss (10-3) jumped out to a 34-6 lead by halftime, cruising up and down the field against an overwhelmed Oklahoma State defense. The onslaught was punctuated late in the second quarter when left tackle Laremy Tunsil had a 2-yard touchdown run on a trick play after a lateral from Kelly.

Oklahoma State (10-3) lost its final three games after 10 straight wins. The Cowboys fell into a 41-6 hole midway through the third quarter and never mounted a legitimate challenge.

Mason Rudolph was 18 of 31 for 179 yards for Oklahoma State. Ole Miss outgained Oklahoma State 554-366 in total yards.

Ole Miss was embarrassed a year ago in a 42-3 loss to TCU in the Peach Bowl and players vowed throughout the past month that the outcome would be much different.

They were right.

Ole Miss started off a little shaky after a couple early penalties helped Oklahoma State advance down the field. The Cowboys eventually kicked a short field goal for a 3-0 lead.

That was the end of the good news for the Cowboys, who were playing in the Sugar Bowl for the first time since 1946.

The Rebels' offense got on track later in the first quarter when Kelly hit a wide open Cody Core for a 31-yard touchdown that made it 10-3 and started the onslaught.

Treadwell added two touchdown catches in the first half and also completed a 45-yard pass after a lateral on a trick play. His second touchdown catch gave Ole Miss a 24-3 lead.

The Ole Miss fans -- who were cheering for the Rebels at the Sugar Bowl for the first time since 1970 -- were already in a frenzy when one more trick play by Freeze brought down the house.

With 5 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Kelly ran right and then fired back across his body to the 305-pound Tunsil, who caught the lateral and jogged into the end zone for a 2-yard rushing touchdown.

Ole Miss fans roared and the "S-E-C! S-E-C!" chant started in the Superdome: The Rebels had scored on their final six possessions of the first half and this one was essentially over.

Kelly's four touchdown passes and Treadwell's three touchdown catches tied Sugar Bowl records. Kelly completed 21 of 33 passes and ran for 73 yards on 10 carries.

For Oklahoma State, it was a rough ending to what started as a promising season. The Cowboys were in the middle of the playoff conversation in November after 10 straight wins, but losses to Baylor, Oklahoma and then Ole Miss exposed their defense. They gave up a combined 151 points in those three losses.

Initially, the Indians did have interest in free agent Pedro Alvarez before they agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Mike Napoli.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Do you have a question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Submit it here or Tweet him at @hoynsie.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why did the Indians sign Mike Napoli, 34, for one year to play first base when Pedro Alvarez, 27, was available? Did management know Alvarez hit 27 home runs last season? -- Jimmy Garst, Roanoke, Va.

Hey, Jimmy: The Indians did show interest in Alvarez, who was non-tendered by the Pirates and became a free agent.

I think a couple of things probably came into play: No. 1, Alvarez was more expensive than the $7 million deal the Indians agreed to with Napoli. No. 2, the Indians felt Napoli helped them two ways - he gave their offense needed pop from the right side of the plate and he improved their defense. Napoli - whose deal should soon be made official - allows the Indians to move Carlos Santana to DH while he will get most of the time at first base.

There is no doubt about Alvarez's power, but he made 23 errors at first base last season. I think the Indians preferred Napoli, considering the cost, at first and Santana at DH instead of Santana at first and Alvarez at DH.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Reds seem interested in moving outfielder Jay Bruce. Is the Tribe done with its outfield or would it be interested in a guy who is as streaky hitter as there is, but definitely has pop? - Carl Neifer, Cincinnati.

Hey, Carl: The Reds and Indians talked plenty about Todd Frazier so I would imagine they've discussed Bruce. Frazier had two years left on his deal when the Reds traded him to the White Sox. Bruce is signed through 2016 for $12.5 million and is eligible for free agency after that. That would have to come into play on how much the Indians would give up for him.

Realistically, I don't see it happening. I think Bruce is too expensive and the last thing the Indians need is a another streaky left-handed power hitter who strikes out a lot. Didn't we see that enough last year with Brandon Moss?

Hey, Hoynsie: How many teams have consistently ranked in the bottom five of major league payroll over the last five years? My point is that some teams, like Kansas City, Houston and San Diego, have been near the bottom for a few years, but then start spending when they start winning (like Larry Dolan once promised). My guess is that the Indians have been there for at least three of the last five years and maybe longer. If I seem to be going after Dolan a lot, it's because businesses begin with the leadership and culture created at the top -- and I find it depressing to think the Indians will always be a long shot to get to much less win the World Series -- Jim, Boston.

Hey, Jim: Over the last five years, according to USA Today, the Indians have one bottom five finish among MLB's 30 teams with the five smallest payrolls. The year was 2011 when they ranked 26^th.

Oakland, Houston and San Diego lead the way with four bottom five finishes over that span. World Series champion Kansas City had bottom five finishes in 2011 and 2012. Pittsburgh, with bottom five finishes in 2011 and 2012, has been to the postseason the last three years.

The Padres, by the way, have had one winning season in the last eight years. Houston has had one winning season in the last seven.

Hey, Hoynsie: In view of Michael Brantley's surgery and the concern about Giovanny Urshela's health and ability to hit, do you think it would be smart to get Martin Prado from Miami? He plays third and left field well, is a proven hitter and has one year left on his contract for $8 million. He might only cost a couple of mid-level prospects. - Joe Eversole, Pelham, Ala.

Hey, Joe: That's a good thought. It's been speculated that the Yankees would love to re-acquire Prado after trading him to the Marlins after the 2014 season. They're currently paying part of his salary.

The only downside is that Prado is 32. Still, I think the Indians need another proven bat whether it's Prado or someone else.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2015/12/michael_brantley_on_track_with.html

Hey, Hoynsie: With the Indians so close to being a World Series-type team, don't you think they failed in getting a right-handed power stick? Mike Napoli is injury prone and ineffective against right-handers. I think a better option would be to roll the dice on Chris Carter. - Frank Glyda, Maumee.

Hey, Frank: I think the Tribe's game plan this winter was to acquire a run producer through trade. When that didn't happen, they turned to Plan B, coming to terms with Napoli and Rajai Davis from the second and third tiers of free agency. Plan B also allowed them to keep their starting rotation intact.

The Indians talked about Carter, but I don't think they ever warmed to the idea of signing him.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2015/12/on_cleveland_indians_keeping_s.html#incart_river_index

Hey, Hoynsie: The Indians still need another power bat in the lineup, power at the corners and defense up the middle. How hard is that to figure out and will they get it this year? - Jeff Kosakowski, Olmsted Falls.

Hey, Jeff: I don't know how to break this to you, but this roster is almost set. You're calling for a major overhaul. It's not going to happen.

Hey, Hoynsie: How do you feel about this plan to improve the Tribe, a plan that involves not trading any starting pitching and not signing top end free agents. The Indians should give two-year contracts to 1B Chris Carter (averaged 30 HRs over past 3 years, 29 years old), CF Austin Jackson (double digit HR & SB in years of 500 ABs, 28), LHP Antonio Bastardo and RHP Burke Badenhop. This just might be enough to put the Tribe back into the playoff picture without breaking the bank. - Bill Drummer, Wauseon.

Hey, Bill: I know you wrote this a while ago and probably know by now that it's not going to work, but I appreciate your effort.

Mike Napoli takes the place of Carter. I still like the idea of signing Jackson to play center field, but unless he's still unsigned sometime in February, I don't see that happening. He'd cost the Tribe too many years and too much money with so many young outfielders in the pipeline.

As for Bastardo, the Indians have invited lefties Tom Gorzelanny, Joe Thatcher and Ross Detwiler to camp. Regarding Badenhop, the Indians made deals for right-handers Kirby Yates and Dan Otero, while inviting Joba Chamberlain, Joe Colon, Jarrett Grube and Felipe Paulino to camp.

Ohio State said goodbye to a senior class that won 50 games and lost four. They went out with a bang with all units beating their opposites from Notre Dame.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Although Ohio State achieved the offensive balance coach Urban Meyer seeks, it was not exactly even-steven between the pass and the run in their rout of Notre Dame.

1. The Buckeyes ran 54 times, half of them by Ezekiel Elliott, and they threw only 3 times. Elliott scored four touchdowns and rushed for 149 yards in his final game as a Buckeye, leaving as the second all-time rushing leader at the school. He would have been my choice for Offensive Most Valuable Player, not quarterback J.T. Barrett.

2. The lesson seems to be what the Browns' Mike Pettine is always talking about: If you can run the ball, you can beat almost anyone, given enough of an air game to back a couple of defenders out of the box.

Of course, at the major college level, the Buckeyes' running game is much more robust than that of the Browns at the NFL level.

3. For his part, Barrett looked good, but he had only four games in which that could be said -- Penn State, Rutgers (not a quality opponent), Michigan and Notre Dame. He goes into his junior year in eligibility on an uptick, but still with a lot of prove.

4. If linebacker Darron Lee, who only got a scholarship because co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell argued the  case for him, is going to go to the NFL, his final audition went swell. Lee forced a fumble, had two sacks and was all over the field.

5. Ohio State was down three defensive linemen in injured Tommy Schutt, suspended Adolphus Washington and ejected (for targeting) Joey Bosa, yet the Buckeyes still harassed quarterback  DeShone Kizer with four sacks.

6. The Buckeyes controlled the line of scrimmage so much that Notre Dame resorted to gadget plays -- a double pass, reverses, and everything but the fumblerooskie.

7. The Irish gained a lot of yards (405 to Ohio State's 496) but I never thought they were going to win the game because they simply could not stop the Buckeyes.

8. Bedford's Tyvis Powell, who would have been my choice for Defensive MVP  and not Eli Apple, had two interceptions, one negated by the Bosa penalty.

9. Braxton Miller had a quiet finale to his illustrious career with two rushes for 27 yards and two catches for 12. In the locker room afterward, he wept because his Ohio State career was over.

Despite the injury that forced him to learn the new position of wide receiver in a hurry and ended his days as quarterback, Miller should be remembered as one of the Buckeyes' greats, a player who graduated in 3 1/2 years, was never in trouble, and exemplified what was right about the program.

The Derek Jeter of Ohio State, a friend called Miller, invoking the universally respected former New York Yankees shortstop. And he just might be right about that.

10. Presumably,  Buckeyes fans immensely enjoyed this four-season, 50-4 run,  under Meyer. They better have.  There is going to be a huge talent exodus to the pros. Already headed for the NFL are Bosa, Elliott, and Glenville's Cardale Jones. Additional possibilities are Von Bell, Apple, Jalin Marshall, Michael Thomas, Lee and Powell.

11. The schedule next season is brutal with away games at Oklahoma, Wisconsin Penn State and Michigan State, plus resurgent Michigan in Columbus.  By so many measurements, this was the season in which the Buckeyes could win it all.

12. Meyer lauded offensive lineman Taylor Decker, saying his emotional speech at the Senior Tackle before the Michigan game shook his teammates out of their funk after the loss to Michigan State and contributed directly to the final pair of strong victories.

Those wins, after overcoming the loss in morale from the Michigan State loss, stand in contrast to the bowl game routs suffered by the Spartans (to Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals) and the Iowa  Hawkeyes (in the Rose Bowl, to Stanford), neither of whom faced a motivational crisis.

At the conclusion of his speech, Decker, an All-American and prospective high NFL draft pick, turned to his father and said, "All I ever wanted to do was make my dad proud."

If you aren't touched by that, you aren't a son, father, family member of either sex, or human being.

The embattled GM is finishing up his second season on the job.

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has to make some major changes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Kahn announced that he's keeping his management team of general manager David Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley in place.

Caldwell was hired as GM on January 8, 2013. A week later, Bradley was hired as coach. Presumably, Caldwell had a lot of influence in the coaching hire.

They took over a 2-14 team.

Their records the last three years: 4-12, 3-13 and 5-10 heading into the final week of the season.

Kahn is making a tough decision to stick with Caldwell and Bradley. When it's one dismal losing season after another, there's always public pressure to make big changes.

Why keep your guys? Because you believe they are still working together and really do have a plan for the future.

They also are developing a quarterback in Blake Bortles, who is having a breakthrough year in his second pro season. The No. 3 pick in the 2014 draft, Bortles has thrown 35 TD passes compared to 16 interceptions, a 90.3 rating. That's a huge jump from his rookie season: 11 TD passes, 17 interceptions, 69.5 rating.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Bortles also has the size and arm strength to be successful in the NFL.

Maybe it won't work. Maybe the Jags are only 6-10 next season and everyone is fired.

But ownership is giving the process some time.

WHAT SHOULD JIMMY DO?

Should Browns owner Jimmy Haslam follow the Jacksonville example?

Stability only makes sense if you believe in the guys running your team. In Jacksonville, it seems Caldwell and Bradley have hung together.

Bradley is under pressure to produce next year. His contract ends after the 2016 season and so far, no extension has been granted. His defense is a mess.

But he has a quarterback. The team has $40 million in salary cap room and will be drafting high once again.

So there are some similarities to the Browns, but some big differences...

1. The first pick Caldwell made for franchise was Bortles. He got it right. Quarterback is settled in Jacksonville. It's not in Cleveland. I wrote a long analysis about Johnny Manziel a few days ago. Manziel has improved enough to have some type of NFL future, but it's hard to know if he can become even an average starting quarterback.

2. I've written several times about how general manager Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine were basically thrown together by Haslam. It was Haslam and CEO Joe Banner who picked Pettine. Haslam really liked Pettine. A few weeks after Pettine was hired, Haslam fired Banner and general manager Mike Lombardi.

3. So Farmer became Pettine's boss even though he'd never interviewed Pettine, nor did Farmer have a relationship with Pettine prior to Haslam's welding them together for the Browns' leadership team.

4. It's obvious that there are significant splits between Farmer and Pettine about players. Pettine has admitted there is strain in Berea.

5. Farmer hurt himself with the texting issue, leading to a four-game suspension. The coaching staff believed Farmer was second-guessing them during games in 2014.

6. Farmer had to be dismayed how some of the players have been used, especially when he thought Pettine was on the same page with him for certain acquisitions.

I can make a longer list, but the bottom line is that it's hard for anyone to make a strong case for the current management team remaining together.

If Farmer's draft record were stronger, you could argue to keep him and find a new coach. But that's not the case.

Some of the blame for this troubling situation with the Browns falls to Haslam.

The most important guy in the NFL is the man who picks the players. If you have the right players, you can find the right coach.

But there is another level: The owner has to pick the right guy to pick the players.

It was painfully obvious that Farmer was not fully prepared for the general manager's job and that has led to some major growing pains.

His 2015 draft actually is showing some fruit with Danny Shelton, Nate Orchard and Duke Johnson playing much better late in the season. But Farmer has not drafted a single impact player ... and he's had four first-round picks.

Even if you subscribe to the theory that Haslam selected Manziel, the rest of the first/second round picks were by football people in the last two years: Justin Gilbert, Joel Bitonio, Cameron Erving, Shelton and Orchard.

Johnson was a third-round pick in 2015, as was Chris Kirksey in 2014. They are two of Farmer's better selections.

It's apparent the Browns have squandered a lot of draft picks and free agent money in the last few seasons.

ABOUT MIKE PETTINE

The Browns coach made an interesting sales pitch to save his job.

Pettine began by admitting the 3-12 record is "not good."

But he quickly talked about the "circumstances that we were in when we got here and given the history ... of what occurred before we got here ... I don't think anyone thought this was going to be a quick turnaround..."

I agree with Pettine on that ... I didn't see a quick turnaround.

But I also didn't see a 7-4 start followed by losing 17-of-20 games. That's the problem.

If they had started 3-17 in his tenure and were now 7-4 heading into the final weekend ... I'd be demanding that the Browns keep him as coach.

But it's just the opposite.

I know, Pettine also said last week that Justin Gilbert was "trending in the right direction." Then Pettine followed that up by not even dressing a healthy Gilbert for last Sunday's game in Kansas City.

The Browns are trending in the same direction as Gilbert, their first-round pick from 2014.

Obviously, not all of this is Pettine's fault.

I have received several emails from fans who want to blame nearly everything wrong with the Browns on Farmer. They make it seem as if Pettine were an innocent bystander.

Well, I know for a fact that Pettine really wanted Gilbert in the 2014 draft. He loves cornerbacks.

He favored Karlos Dansby over D'Qwell Jackson. He believed (correctly) that Dansby is better at linebacker in the 3-4 defense than Jackson.

He also wanted Donte Whitner as a safety.

The big moves on defense such as drafting Danny Shelton this season, Gilbert in 2014 and the free agent signings were a product of Pettine and Farmer working together.

Not long after being hired, Pettine talked about his excitement about coaching Barkevious Mingo (drafted in 2013 by the Browns). He went on record on how he'd hoped Buffalo would draft Mingo when Pettine was defensive coordinator with the Bills.

This is not to take any blame away from Farmer. It's doubtful he'll remain in his current position with the team. But it is to supply some realistic context to what has happened the last two seasons.

Pettine admitted the defense "has been a source of frustration ... when that's my area of expertise, and it's an area where we have fallen short."

The defense has been hurt by injuries to Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden and some others.

But the defense is ranked No. 26 overall ... No. 29 in points allowed.

Remember, there are only 32 teams.

Pettine was still defending his defensive approach, insisting "I don't know if a complete overhaul is necessary. I think some tweaks to it ... some studies because the league is evolving, especially in the run game."

The fact is Pettine's 2013 defense in Buffalo was very good overall, but ranked No. 23 against the run.

Last season, the Browns were No. 32 against the run. This season, they are No. 32 against the run.

Mike, there is some type of major flaw in your run defense. It takes more than "tweaking."

Some fans like to dwell on Pettine's problems with clock management. It bugs me, too! But it's the collapse of his defense here that makes it very hard for me to build a strong case to keep him.

The defensive coordinator is Jim O'Neil, his friend and protege. The coaching staff is extremely inexperienced. Several weeks ago, I highlighted that fact. There isn't a single person on the staff who would seem to have even the remote credentials to be a head coach in the NFL.

Pettine admitted that if he's back, he'd have to change some things on the coaching staff. That makes sense. But it's going to take a lot more than just "tweaks" to make this a respectable defense.

If you keep Pettine, he must be paired with a general manager who wants Pettine as coach. And that won't be easy to find. Most general managers prefer to start fresh with their own coach -- unless the current coach has been successful.

From the outside, Pettine has not done a lot to inspire confidence.

That's why it will not be a surprise if Haslam indeed fires both Farmer and Pettine and starts over. But that's my speculation, not based on any inside knowledge.

A GOOD BROWNS STORY

Ryan Everett emailed this: "My wife and I were at Hopkins catching a flight when we heard on the intercom that Danny Shleton and Craig Robertson were there signing autographs. We met Danny and he was so nice. We took a picture with him.

"Meanwhile, Craig was spending time talking to a little Browns fan. I could tell they were genuinely happy to be meeting fans. I just wanted it to be known that we do have some good people on this team."

• Terry's Talkin' Cavs
• Terry's Talkin' Indians

Cleveland Cavaliers Coach David Blatt needs to put together a nine-man rotation and stick with it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You can see it, David Blatt is struggling.

Ever since Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert returned to health, the Cavaliers coach can't quite figure out how to use his entire roster. His rotations have been more like a knuckleball than a sharp slider. They sort of float and drift with a mind of their own.

Any knuckleball pitcher will tell you that he aims for the heart of the plate, tries to take as much spin off the ball as possible -- and then let the wind and elements take over.

With the Cavs, LeBron James is the heart of the team. When he plays well, the same is generally true of the team.

But when James falters, so do the Cavs. He has correctly questioned how some of the players are being used.

The idea of the Cavs having the NBA's highest payroll is to take some of the pressure off James. Others can carry the scoring load.

But for that to happen, Blatt has to bring some order to how he uses his players.

SOME ADVICE

The coach has a staff of experienced assistants such as Tyronn Lue, Larry Drew, Jim Boylan and others.

He has a front office led by General Manager David Griffin.

He has all the stats and analysis that he needs. Perhaps even too many numbers. Last weekend, I wrote about what player combinations work best for the Cavs.

In general, the top three players in most of the combinations were Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedova and James. Kevin Love was the fourth.

Irving and Shumpert were not included in the data because they have played so little this season due to injuries. But the two guards are now back, and Blatt has to make some decisions.

Let's start with a new starting lineup:

• Guards: Irving and Shumpert.
• Center: Thompson.
• Forwards: James and Love.

1. The only change from what Blatt is doing now is Shumpert for J.R. Smith. That move should be made because Smith is a shooter. Irving is a shooter. In fact, all the starters (except Thompson) like to score.

2. Shumpert is an outstanding defensive guard. He can make 3-pointers, especially from the corner. But he doesn't worry about scoring. He defends. His defense will help Irving a bit, because defense has never been a strength for Irving.

3. With my lineup, Blatt has two strong defenders (Thompson and Shumpert) who don't need the ball.

4. With Irving, Love and James on the court at the same time, those are the three scorers. It makes no sense to add Smith to this combination, unless you want to see Love drift away and become mostly a 3-point shooter.

5. Dellavedova should be the first guard off the bench. He can play either backcourt spot. He is a tenacious defender who has turned himself into a 44 percent shooter from 3-point range. In the plus/minus stats, only James (7.6) is better than Dellavedova (6.6).

6. The free-firing Smith can be paired with Shumpert or Dellavedova. Just makes sense. A scorer with a defensive-minded guard.

7. Richard Jefferson can give James a rest at small forward. Or Blatt can use Smith at small forward if he wants a quicker, three-guard lineup.

8. Timofey Mozgov can replace Thompson at center.

9. Thompson can move to power forward to give Love a rest. Or James can play some power forward with a small lineup.

10. Play only nine guys in most games where the score is close. It's hard to use more than nine and keep players effective.

11. That means when everyone is healthy, Mo Williams, James Jones, Anderson Varejao and Jared Cunningham won't play.

12. At some point, the guys left out will be needed. Players get hurt, as every Cavs fan knows. If some feelings of the veterans are hurt because of being excluded from the nine-man rotation right now, they should also know from experience that they will get a chance at some point in the 82-game season.

ABOUT KYRIE IRVING

I received this email from Matt Karis:

"Last January, my father died after a very brief battle with pancreatic cancer. I was a Bath kid who used to work in the loges at the Coliseum. My dad had season tickets my entire elementary and teenage years, with seats right next to Jaynee Nance and (young) Larry Nance Jr.

"The last game we watched together was Kyrie Irving's 55-point game against Portland. My father had fallen asleep in the first quarter. His ammonia levels had risen so greatly that he had become very disoriented and forgetful.

"The next morning I had to catch a flight home. While I was in his bedroom to say goodbye, I told him the Cavs had won and Kyrie had scored 55 points. In a lightning bolt of clarity he came out of his fog, smiled and said, 'Wow, that little guy can play!'

"And then the fog came back over him.

"I said goodbye and a few days later he passed.

"In a strange twist, just after the funeral, my 12-year old son and I were at the All Star Game in New York. As part of a private event, our small group was promised a Meet and Greet with an All-Star. When the doors opened, Kyrie Irving walked in.

"After Kyrie posed for photos with everyone, I quietly relayed the final conversation I had with my father.

"As I spoke, Kyrie put a hand on my shoulder. Soon I was breaking down. At that moment, Kyrie wrapped me in a hug and told me it was going to be O.K. My son then burst into tears. I felt so fortunate to share the story with Kyrie personally because he was that final connection to my father."

ABOUT ANTHONY BENNETT

Not sure why, but I found myself wondering about Anthony Bennett.

He is now with Toronto, where he has played a grand total of 58 minutes this season. He is 5-of-19 shooting from the field with 19 total points and 17 rebounds.

Bennett recently asked to play a game in the D-League, just to see some action. In 24 minutes, he scored 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting. That's right, he fired up 16 shots in 24 minutes. He also had four rebounds.

He is the first overall No. 1 NBA draft pick to play in the D-League. That is something the Cavs should have done back in 2013 when they made him the top pick in the draft.

Bennett has had some minor knee problems. He was not been in ideal shape.

After one season with the Cavs, he was traded in the summer of 2014 along with Andrew Wiggins and a future first-rounder to Minnesota for Kevin Love.

Last season, Bennett averaged 5.2 points and shot 42 percent in 16 minutes a game for Minnesota. He was released in the summer of 2015, then signed with Toronto.

I checked who I wanted the Cavs to pick. It was Otto Porter. After two rocky seasons with Washington partly due to hip surgery, Porter is starting to produce. He is averaging 11.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Wizards.

He was the third pick in the draft. I know the Cavs looked very hard at Victor Oladipo. But they saw him as a point guard and they already had Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt. Oladipo went No. 2 to Orlando, where he's averaging 15.6 points. Shooting is an issue with Oladipo. His strengths are defense, rebounding and driving to the rim.

The 2013 draft was not one for deep talent, but the Cavs obviously failed to make much of anything out of the top pick. At least they were able to package it to bring Love to Cleveland.

Here's a look at the rest of the 2013 draft for the Cavs:

1. The Cavs also had the No. 19 pick in the 2013 draft. They selected Russian guard Sergey Karasev. He was traded to Brooklyn last summer when the Cavs were clearing salary cap room to sign James. Karasev averaged 3.5 points and shot 39 percent for the Nets in 2014-15. He suffered a knee injury late in the season, and only now is coming back.

2. They had a second round pick -- Allen Crabbe. He was traded to Portland on draft night for two future second rounds. He is a member of the Blazers rotation off the bench. Crabbe is averaging 10.1 points and shooting 47 percent this season. He had 26 points as the Blazers blasted the Cavs last week.

3. They had another second-round pick and took Carrick Felix from Arizona State.  He suffered knee injuries and never could get his career going.

4. For the Cavs, the star of 2013 draft was a guy not drafted ... Dellavedova. Former general manager Chris Grant and coach Mike Brown both liked the St. Mary's point guard. Who would have guessed that Dellavedova would have a far better career than the No. 1 pick in any draft?

• Terry's Talkin' Browns
• Terry's Talkin' Indians

The Cleveland Indians are probably done with their major off-season moves. Will Mike Napoli hit in Cleveland, a park that frustrated Brandon Moss last season?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Unless something dramatic happens, the Indians will not have any more major moves coming.

Their key free agent signings are Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis. It's possible they can make a significant trade, but nothing is close at the moment.

The odds are the team with the additions of Napoli and Davis is what will open the season.

For the Indians, there are two pieces of good news:

1. They lost no key players to free agency.
2. They have outstanding pitching.

As I wrote last weekend in my long interview with Terry Francona, the Tribe manager did not want to part with any of their top  pitchers to boost the offense.

I was talking to some other people after the interview and learned Francona is pushing for more pitchers, especially in the bullpen. The Indians will continue to shop for relievers.

They already added these veterans to try and win spots in the bullpen: Joba Chamberlain, Dan Ortero, Ross Detwiler, Tom Gorzelanny, Joe Thatcher and Jarrett Grube.

Out of that group, they hope to find another Jeff Manship, a 30-year-old who signed a minor league contract and had an 0.92 ERA as a reliever with the Tribe in 2015. In 2014, it was Scott Atchison who came out of nowhere to help in relief.

When I talked with Francona, he was very blunt about how the Indians don't spend any time discussing the money they lack to spend on expensive free agents.

Not only is he on the same page as the front office when it comes to the value of pitching for the Tribe, he's in the same sentence. In fact, he started the sentence.

The Indians were 81-80 last season. They did that with an offense ranked No. 11 in runs scored, but also with a pitching staff that was No. 2 in the American League with a 3.67 ERA.

Their goal is to shape a team with young players who are coming into their best seasons. At the end of 2015, the Tribe's roster was the youngest in the American League (26.5 years). Only Tampa Bay (26.1) was younger.

I'm not saying I agree with all the statements above, but this is how the Tribe views the situation.

Francona knows the lineup "has holes." He knows scoring runs will be challenge. But he has far more confidence in the team right now than he did in the middle of last season.

That was when Francisco Lindor was hitting .223 in his first 103 big league at bats. That was when the Tribe had no idea what to do with Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher, two expensive veterans who had major injury issues.

The Tribe traded Swisher and Bourn to Atlanta for Chris Johnson on August 7. Their record was 49-58. After that deal, they finished 32-22.

Lindor became one the best players in the American League after the All-Star break (.345, 10 HR, 42 RBI). The trade opened spots in the outfield for Abraham Almonte and Lonnie Chisenhall, which was a major upgrade for the defense.

Fangraphs rated the Tribe's defense as No. 2 in the American League. Baseball Prospectus rated them at No. 6. Fielding ratings tend to be subjective. Kansas City was No. 1 in both rankings.

The Indians improved dramatically after the All-Star break. That was when Gio Urshela took over at third, Lindor at short with Almonte and Chisenhall joining Michael Brantley in the outfield.

"I know that how you finish doesn't mean you pick up right there the next season," said Francona. "But I do feel good about the team."

THE IMPACT OF THE BALLPARK

The Tribe's major power acquisition last winter was Brandon Moss.

He was absolutely freaked out by Progressive Field, which can be a very tough place for hitters early in the season. Moss hit only 2 HR in 163 at bats in Cleveland, hitting .190 at home. He was convinced the cold wind was knocking down possible home runs.

When the Indians were on the road, he batted .241 with 13 HR and 32 RBI. He was traded in late July to St. Louis. With the Cardinals, he batted .250 but had only 4 HR in 132 at bats.

The ballpark impact on Moss was surprising. Moss came from Oakland, a very hard place for power hitters. He told others players Cleveland was worse.

And get this: Progressive Field generally is friendlier to lefty hitters such as Moss than right-handed power hitters.

In 2015, here were the three hardest American League parks to hit a home run:

1. Kansas City, 1.60 per game.
2. Oakland, 1.72 per game.
3. Cleveland, 1.86 per game.

New York was the most home run friendly park, 2.70 per game.

Last season, the Indians actually scored more runs (367) and hit better (.274) at home than on the road (302 runs, .239).

But they hit 80 road home runs, compared to 61 at home.

Michael Brantley (9) led the Tribe in homers in Cleveland, followed by Francisco Lindor (8). Next were Jason Kipnis (6) and Carlos Santana (6).

This season, it's Mike Napoli who is the new Moss. He signed a one-year, $7 million deal to deliver some power and play a good first base.

In the last three years, Napoli is 15-of-46 (.326, .824 OPS) with 11 RBI when playing in Cleveland as a member of the Red Sox and Rangers. He did not hit a homer in Progressive Field.

Napoli got off to a horrible start in 2015, batting only .193 (.648 OPS) at the All-Star break. After that, it was .283 (.903 OPS). He also was traded from Boston to Texas.

Napoli batted .224 (.734 OPS) with 18 HR and 50 RBI overall. It will be interesting to see how he hits in Cleveland, especially early in the season.

Francona wanted Davis very much. He likes the veteran's speed (11 triples in 2015) and the ability of Davis to play all three outfield spots. Francona wanted his team to add right-handed hitters with good track records against lefties. Napoli and Davis have those histories.

JUSTIN MORNEAU vs. MIKE NAPOLI

The other veteran free agent considered by the Indians besides Napoli was Justin Morneau.

Morneau is a first baseman and a left-handed hitter. The Tribe preferred a right-handed hitter with power.

The 34-year-old Morneau had some terrific years with the Twins. In 2010, he missed most of the second half of the season with concussion syndrome. In 2011, he missed a few months because of neck surgery.

He played well in 2013 (.259, 17 HR and 77 RBI, .734 OPS) and 2014 (.319, 17 HR, 82 RBI, .860 OPS). Some of those numbers were helped by playing in the hitters' paradise of Colorado.

Last season, Morneau suffered another concussion. He batted .310, but played only 49 games for the Rockies. Morneau was paid $6.7 million in 2015 by the Rockies. They had a $9 million option on Morneau, and they declined to pick it up.

Colorado then signed former Indian Mark Reynolds for $2.6 million to play first base. Reynolds batted .230 (.715 OPS) with 13 HR, 48 RBI and 121 strikeouts in 432 plate appearances for St. Louis in 2015.

The Indians did not want to bring back Reynolds. As you can see, even extremely strikeout prone hitters with some power keep finding jobs.

The Indians have yet to formally announce the signing of Napoli for $7 million, but it's done. They are working through some roster and final contract details.

Morneau is still a free agent.

• Terry's Talkin' Browns
• Terry's Talkin' Cavs

The Browns and Steelers play on Sunday. Here are 5 things to watch.

Antonio Brown is listed at 5-foot-10, 181 pounds. Not exactly ideal for measurables for a wide receiver by most standards.

"You tell him that he doesn't have the best measurables," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said with a laugh on his conference call with reporters earlier this week. "I think it is his will. I think it is that mentality. I think certain things go beyond the cookie cutter, what you imagine an ideal player looks like. I imagine there are a lot of guys in Canton, Ohio that don't fit the cookie-cutter version of what you would expect people at their position to look like."

Browns fans don't need a reminder of how dynamic a playmaker Brown is. In his last three games against the Browns, the sixth-round pick has 22 catches, 373 yards, and three scores. He's also created two indelible images: one of him kicking punter Spencer Lanning on a punt return in last season's opener and the other a flip into the endzone on a 56-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's blowout win earlier this season.

"Antonio Brown might not just be the best receiver in football," Browns head coach Mike Pettine said, "but the best overall player. He is having a special season. We will certainly have our hands full there."

Brown is in the midst of his second consecutive 1,600-yard receiving season. He's gone over 1,100 yards in four of the past five seasons. He's a jack-of-all trades receiver -- a deep threat, dangerous in the short passing game, able to get yards in the horizontal passing game and slippery when he takes handoffs coming around the end. He's also the Steelers primary punt returner.

"Anytime he gets his hands on the ball, it's a scary proposition," special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said, "so we have to do a good job in the coverage area."

So how does a team slow down such a potent threat?

"We'll see if we can play with 12," Pettine said. "Sneak an extra guy out there."

Here are four more things to watch on Sunday when the Browns take on the Steelers:

The playoff picture: As far as spoiler scenarios go, there are two good ones that involve the Steelers. The first, of course, is the obvious: the Browns beating their division rival to keep them out of the postseason.

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers need help to get into the playoffs on Sunday.Fred Vuich, Associated Press

"You know, why not?" quarterback Austin Davis said. "They have a lot to play for so we know they're going to come in and play hard. The thing is that what I like to say is we have a lot to play for, too, because it's another game. It's another Sunday. If we could knock them out and keep them from going to the playoffs, that'd be good."

"For us, it is just about controlling the things that we can control and putting together a good plan and preparing well and ultimately playing well enough to win," Tomlin said. "All of the other things are outside of our control so really it is a waste of our time and energy to be focused on those things in any way. We understand what the scenario is, but we are singularly focused on the things that are within our control."

Should the Steelers win, they'll need a loss by the Jets to make the playoffs. That's the other especially tasty part of the equation: the Jets are facing the Bills, led by their former head coach, Rex Ryan.

If nothing else, it would be nice to see the Browns put up enough resistance on Sunday that the Steelers don't have the free time to glance at the out-of-town scoreboards at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Cam Erving's performance: The rookie is coming off of a game in which Pettine said he "definitely took a step forward." This will be Erving's final game before entering an important offseason for both him and the team.

Cameron Erving still has much to prove if he hopes to be a key part of the Browns offensive line future moving forward.John Kuntz, Cleveland.com

Pro Bowl center Alex Mack can opt out of his contract following the season and the Browns can't franchise him. Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is a free agent. Should the Browns fail to retain even one of them, it would leave a gaping hole on their line. To lose both would just increase the importance of Erving taking the next step in his development and becoming a reliable option.

Erving will start at right guard for the second consecutive week in place of injured John Greco. He had help from Schwartz last Sudnay, who said that the two did a lot of double teams together that he felt worked well.

"I run blocked a lot better. and also some pass pro, I felt like I'm starting to get more comfortable in there," Erving said, "and it just takes time."

Erving won't allay all fears with a strong performance on Sunday, but if he can play without the glaring errors that have plagued him this season, much like he did against Kansas City, it can at least give some hope that there's a future for him as a starter.

Return to Austin: Davis gets his second start of the season on Sunday. His first start of the season didn't go great. He threw for 230 yards and an interception in a 37-3 loss to the Bengals.

Austin Davis will start his second game of the season on Sunday.John Kuntz, Cleveland.com

"Anytime you go out and get a chance to start and the game goes the way that one did, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I'm excited about it, if the opportunity presents itself to play again, and get a chance to go out and try to put the ball in the end zone."

This will be the tenth start of Davis' career. He started eight games for St. Louis a season ago. Davis signed a contract extension with the Browns earlier this season. The Browns quarterback room will likely be crowded heading into next season, whether the team drafts a quarterback or not. This is his last, best chance to put something good on tape for a potential new regime.

How much fight is left? The Browns played one of their better halves in the second half against Kansas City on Sunday. In many ways, they resembled the team that was promised during the months leading up to the season -- they ran the ball, they played defense and they played tough.

Isaiah Crowell scores a touchdown against Kansas City.Charlie Riedel, Associated Press

"As I've always talked about here, we're not into moral victories," Pettine said. "It's pass/fail. We came up short again. Effort, playing hard isn't enough. We have to play better. We have to play smarter for a longer period of time. I thought we made good adjustments at halftime, played a lot better in the second half. We had a chance on the road against a quality opponent to win it in the end and couldn't get it done."

Will the Browns have enough left on Sunday to make life difficult for the Steelers?

"It would be big (to get a win on Sunday)," linebacker Paul Kruger said. "It is something that I know everyone in here in this building is striving for. I was so proud to be a part of the group last week. We played our tails off. We worked hard and fought to the very end. I wish we could have got it done. Just to see the effort out there is pretty awesome, especially from a lot of guys who have been successful in this league, never wanting to give up even though you know that you are playing for your brothers and that is about it. You are playing for your coaches and the organization and yourself individually, not postseason or anything like that."

It's the end of another long football season in Cleveland. Do the Browns and Mike Pettine have an upset in them?

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The Cleveland Cavaliers (21-9) open up a two-game homestand with their third meeting of the season with the Orlando Magic (19-14) this evening.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cavaliers (21-9) open up a two-game homestand with their third meeting of the season with the Orlando Magic (19-14) this evening at The Q.

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: FOX Sports Ohio; WTAM 1100, 87.7 La Mega.

Last game: LeBron James broke out of a shooting slump to help Cleveland to 93-87 road win over Denver on Tuesday.

Cavaliers' probable starting lineup: 6-3 Kyrie Irving (13.0 ppg, 3.0 apg), 6-6 J.R. Smith (10.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg), 6-8 LeBron James (25.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 6.0 apg), 6-10 Kevin Love (16.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and 6-10 Tristan Thompson (7.0 ppg, 9.9 rpg).

Magic's probable starting lineup: 6-3 Elfrid Payton (11.3 ppg, 5.9 apg), 6-7 Evan Fournier (13.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 6-9 Tobias Harris (14.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg), 6-10 Channing Frye (6.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 46% 3-pt range) and 7-0 Nikola Vucevic (17.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg).

Nov. 23: Kevin Love led Cleveland to a 117-103 victory at home over Orlando.

Dec. 12: Iman Shumpert shines in season debut to lead Cleveland to 111-76 smashing of Orlando.

2014-15 season-series record: Cleveland, 3-0.

Magic's record last season: 25-57.

Key additions: Head coach Scott Skiles and Shabazz Napier.

Key losses: Luke Ridnour, Ben Gordon and Willie Green.

Injuries for Cleveland: None.

Injuries For Orlando: C.J. Watson (calf) is out.

Cavaliers' next opponent: The Toronto Raptors will visit The Q for the first time this season Monday at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on FOX Sports Ohio. Cleveland lost its first matchup with Toronto 103-99 in Canadian soil Nov. 25.

After that game, the Cavs head out on a six-game road trip that extends out to 10 days.

This season wasn't about crazy plays and highlight reels for Miller. It was about staying healthy, learning a new position and proving he's worth a pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Braxton Miller's Ohio State football career didn't have a particularly happy ending in Ohio State's 44-28 win over Notre Dame Fiesta Bowl. 

Four touches, 38 yards, no touchdowns, no highlight reels. 

That's basically how it's been for the quarterback-turned-wideout during the final two months of his prolific Ohio State career, a huge departure from what made him famous during the first three years as a Buckeye. 

When Miller was a quarterback, all he did was score touchdowns and dazzle fans. Then he could go home and watch himself on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays after games. 

During this season, Miller has been behind the scenes. When he's not scoring touchdowns, it's hard to feel like you don't know him. I tried to spend an entire hour with him last week, and learned nothing. 

But what you have to understand about Miller is that this season wasn't about crazy plays and highlight reels. It was about staying healthy, learning a new position and proving he's worth a pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He did that. 

For a guy we know nothing about, Miller showed his appreciation for Ohio State on the field after the game by getting emotional during an interview with ABC 6's Obie Stillwell. Watch the video below. 

2. This team could beat Alabama: The team you saw against Notre Dame could beat Alabama. It makes Ohio State fans' hearts hurt, but that's not the team we saw the entire regular season. We waited week after week for it to show up, and it didn't really happen until the Michigan game. This season ended on a good note, but it's hard not to feel a sense of underachievement when you really put into perspective what a team this talented could've done. 

3. Returning J.T. Barrett is huge: For all the talent Ohio State is going to lose on both sides of the ball, returning a very good quarterback gives the Buckeyes a chance to compete at the highest level next year. Barrett said in the locker room after the game that there are a lot of sneaky good players that may shock you in terms of how good they are next year. 

4. Targeting rule needs to be looked at: By the interpretation of the rule, Joey Bosa deserved to be thrown out of the game because he led with the crown of his helmet on the hit. The problem is the rule. It was unfortunate that Bosa's career had to end on such a play, but the refs were just doing what the rule states. It was all correct. So it just means that the targeting rule -- and its punishment -- need to be reviewed and altered. 

5. Michael Thomas will be the best NFL player on this team: People are surprised when I say this, but I have a feeling that Thomas will be better than Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott in the NFL. Maybe I'm crazy, but we're pretty close to seeing whether I've been onto something. 

LeBron James has drawn the ire of some activists for saying he doesn't know enough about the Tamir Rice case to offer an opinion.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - LeBron James declined to clarify today what more he needs to know about the Tamir Rice case to offer his opinion, saying he gave "everything I had in Denver about the situation."

"That's as far as I'm going to go with it," James said, following the Cavaliers' morning shootaround in preparation for tonight's game against Orlando. "I've already talked about it. I don't feel like right now that I'm going to comment right now."

James has been panned by some activists and commentators for his pleading of ignorance Tuesday, when following a win over Denver he was asked for his thoughts on a Cuyahoga County grand jury's decision not to indict two Cleveland police officers in connection with the death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot by police in November, 2014.

James, who in recent past has taken action in protesting police violence against African-Americans, said "for me, I've always been a guy who's took pride in knowledge of every situation that I've ever spoke on. And to be honest, I haven't really been on top of this issue, so it's hard for me to comment. I understand that any lives that's lost, what we want more than anything is prayer and the best for the family, for anyone. But for me to comment on the situation, I don't have enough knowledge about it."

James also said that night that "the issue is bigger than LeBron."

"This issue is bigger than me, it's about everyone," he said. "And gun violence and tragedies and kids losing lives at a young age, some way, somehow we need to understand that that matters more than just an individual."

In connection with the Cleveland protests over the Rice case, a small movement on social media developed calling for James to sit out games for the Cavaliers until the U.S. Department of Justice joined the case.

Demurring from that call, by offering that "this issue is bigger than me," isn't what drew the ire of some activists toward James. That statement was similar to what he's said about other cases in New York, Missouri, and Florida.

James, through his status as one of the most recognized and influential athletes on the planet, has become somewhat of a source for perspective  on issues of race in the United States. He's also been careful in offering his commentary, and seldom criticizes police specifically (save for one instance).

It was that he said he didn't know enough to comment about the Rice case, which happened in northeast Ohio, while in the past he's been outspoken about instances of violence toward unarmed blacks in other communities, that's gotten him in a little trouble.

Chris Haynes, who covers the Cavaliers for Cleveland.com, raised some of these criticisms in a column detailing how he was profiled by Portland, Ore. police three years ago posted on New Year's Day. But Haynes also said one must consider what he would do or has done in similar situations before criticism James for his reaction.

Last season, James and Kyrie Irving wore "I Can't Breathe" T-shirts in protest of a Staten Island grand jury's decision not to indict a police officer in the choking death of Eric Garner. This was the closest James came to speaking out against police.

When a Ferguson, Mo. grand jury chose not to indict a police officer in the shooting of Mike Brown last year, James posted to Instagram an illustration of Brown walking in embrace with Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed in 2012 in Florida by someone on neighborhood watch, even though Martin was unarmed. But in the Brown case, James wasn't critical of police, specifically.

James was among those who led the Miami Heat in a protest of the Martin case in 2012.

James could always revisit the Rice case with the media, or offer further comments through Uninterrupted, the on-line platform for athletes he created with The Bleacher Report.

"Time to get in the real world." Watch video

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Cardale Jones exited the Ohio State locker room just as it opened to reporters Friday, the rush to chronicle the end of this season passing by the quarterback who was at the heart of the end of last season.

Next stop: San Diego.

Jones said later on social media he'd cried in that locker room and he didn't want teammates posting photos of that. But now he was done, out early because all the Buckeyes who hadn't played were allowed to dress and leave without waiting.

All the Buckeyes who hadn't played - including the quarterback with the 11-0 record as a starter, eight of those wins this season.

"Do I wish I could have played today? Yeah," Jones told cleveland.com in the hallway outside the locker room after Ohio State's 44-28 win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. "But in a good circumstance. Maybe we should have blown them out more. Not someone getting hurt or anything."

As in the Michigan game, Urban Meyer created no role for Jones in the Fiesta Bowl, meaning his last action in scarlet and gray was completing both of his passes for 7 yards in mopup duty against Illinois on Nov. 14. 

Now it's on to the NFL, definitively, Jones laughing off one of those reports that isn't really a report from a Bleacher Report person that he might transfer to another college.

"No way," Jones said, reiterating what he told reporters two days before the Fiesta Bowl. "Time to get in the real world."

That process will start under the tutelage of quarterback coach George Whitfield, who has worked with many other quarterbacks during their NFL Draft prep. Braxton Miller worked with Whitfield during his Ohio State career, but this will be the first time for Jones.

Jones said his plan is to fly to San Diego to start work with Whitfield on Thursday.

"Hopefully he can polish up some things I need to be polished up on," Jones said. 

In late February Jones will head to the NFL Combine, with a load of other Ohio State prospects, where he can show off his arm, though he's not yet placing bets on how he'll do.

"I don't know. I've got to see what I need to work on first," Jones said.

After the way this Ohio State season unfolded, Jones is accustomed to uncertainty.

Regrets?

"No. None."

Quarterback battle handled fairly?

"Look at the end result. We just won the Fiesta Bowl."

Could the Buckeyes have won something bigger?

"Of course I'm going to believe that because I feel we should win every game we play. No matter who the quarterback, who's calling the plays, no matter the linemen, no matter the defense, I definitely think we should win every game we play."

Did he make the right decision to stay at Ohio State for this season and not leave for the NFL after last year?

"Yes, because I'm two classes from getting my degree from Ohio State University."

His plan is to take one of those classes online and he said the other starts in mid-semester and he'll be back for that class. Jones said he doesn't know if this season affected his image with NFL teams positively or negatively, but he thinks he got better on and off the field.

And then for some reason I asked him the same legacy question he's been asked repeatedly, maybe because he was actually done now and there was nothing left to add to the evaluation after he'd helped dump the victory Gatorade on Meyer.

"I don't know. Winning the national championship or, sad to say, that Tweet. One or the other," Jones said. "Hopefully the national championship."

Now it's over.

At one point Cardale Jones lost his reputation and at another he lost his job, but he never lost a game as the starting quarterback and he never lost who he was and what he wanted.

"It was fun, it was fun," Jones said with a smile. "Sad that it's over. But time for a new chapter in my life."

And if any of my teammates got pics or videos of me crying in the locker room, don't post them lol

-- Cardale Jones (@CJ12_) January 1, 2016

Cardale Jones warmed up one last time as a Buckeye before the Fiesta Bowl but he didn't get to play.Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer 

"It's going to be a great year," Samuel said. "I'm ready for it." Watch video

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Curtis Samuel had to make sure he was camera ready. The black, bulky Fiesta Bowl champions T-shirt he was wearing wasn't going to do, he needed a wardrobe change before he'd do a video interview.

Teammate Terry McLaurin walked by wearing a gray Ohio State hoodie, so Samuel asked him to switch. Samuel slipped on the hoodie and zipped it up. Now he was ready for his moment in the spotlight of a cell phone camera. 

The spotlight on Samuel will be just a bit larger now that the calendar has flipped to 2016. Samuel, no doubt one of the best playmakers in Urban Meyer's offense, is entering an important offseason. On the other side could be a chance to emerge as the biggest weapon the Buckeyes have, even if Samuel isn't completely convinced of that yet.

"I'm not sure if my role will change or not," Samuel said. "I know I'll be playing some running back, some slot. It will be a mix of both."

His role is going to change. He should get the ball more than he has at any point the last two seasons. You could argue that Samuel didn't get the ball enough this year. The offensive structure was so diluted, so many players who wanted and needed touches, that the Buckeyes sometimes got bogged down, and guys got left out.

Quarterback Cardale Jones said it was sometimes a daunting task to make sure the ball was getting spread around enough.

Next year it should be less of a headache, not because the Buckeyes will have less talent, but because the players are younger. There aren't as many established guys looking for the ball. With players like Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Thomas and Braxton Miller gone (Jalin Marshall could leave early too), Samuel is a known playmaker who should be getting the ball more.

The question is from which position will Samuel be getting those touches?

He played as the backup running back to Ezekiel Elliott two years ago. This year, Meyer moved him to receiver because he felt Samuel wasn't getting the ball enough. But the change actually made things worse.

Here's a breakdown of Samuel's touches the last two years:

2015

* 39 touches, 421 yards (10.8 avg.)

* 17 carries, 132 yards (7.8), one touchdown

* 22 receptions, 289 yards (13.1), two touchdowns

2014

* 69 touches, 478 yards (6.9)

* 58 carries, 383 yards (6.6), six touchdowns

* 11 receptions, 95 yards (8.6)

Those numbers suggest that perhaps Samuel is best served as Ohio State's featured running back next year with Elliott leaving. With the understanding that the sample size is vastly different, and Samuel sometimes did it late in blowout games, Samuel actually averaged more yards per carry over the last two years than Elliott.

"I played running back mostly my whole life," Samuel said. "Understanding that game is not hard, it's easy for me to understand. Playing receiver was a little different for me."

Samuel doesn't know which will be his primary position next year. He expects a mix of both, with more chances to run the ball in 2016. The other thing to consider is that Ohio State will have redshirt freshman Mike Weber at running back, and he seems more of the same mold as Elliott and Carlos Hyde.

Samuel doesn't appear to have that same physical running style, but that doesn't mean he isn't a fit for the position. Meyer said after the Fiesta Bowl he wants the offense to be different next year, more spread out, more balanced. If that means a deviation from power run, then Samuel could be the ideal back.

Regardless of where he actually ends up, though, Samuel will have a bigger role in the offense. After two years of being under-utilized, that much needs to change.

"It's going to be a great year," Samuel said. "I'm ready for it."

Looking ahead to the 2016 defense after Ohio State's win in the Fiesta Bowl.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Joey Bosa hugged Sam Hubbard twice.

Maybe it was just confusion, Bosa caught up in the moment after Ohio State's win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Bosa was giving out hugs to everyone near him, and maybe Hubbard just found his way near Bosa twice. Or maybe Bosa meant to do it, one last reminder to Hubbard that Bosa is gone and it's on Hubbard to carry the mantle next year.

In that way, Ohio State fans should feel good about where that position stands. Is Hubbard as transcendent of a talent as Bosa? No, not yet. But Hubbard is really good, he gave you one last reminder of that with a late sack that helped put the Fighting Irish away on Friday.

So sleep well knowing that that position is in good hands. What other positions can you feel that good about?

Ohio State's defense was so good this year, probably under-appreciated, but certainly championship level. The offense never caught up, so Ohio State was playing in the Fiesta Bowl instead of the College Football Playoff.

It's been progressively better over the last two seasons, No. 19 in total defense to years ago and No. 10 in total defense right now.

That was part of Urban Meyer's vision when he came here, build a defense capable of winning championships. He's had that the last two years, can the Buckeyes defense continue trending up with so many players and a key coach now on the move?

Bosa reflects on the end of his Ohio State career

2. The Ash Effect: Chris Ash changed his Instagram account on Friday to reflect that he was no longer working as Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator, he's all Rutgers now. There's isn't an individual more responsible for the transformation of Ohio State's defense than Ash. He revamped the back end, and though he's gone his philosophy should set up Ohio State well for the future.

But there are always growing pains when a new coach enters the fold. Greg Schiano is about as experienced as it gets, and bringing him in to replace Ash was a shrewd move by Meyer, but it's still a new face. We saw how coach shakeup effected the offense this year, what effect will it have on the defense in 2016?

3. The impact in the secondary: Ohio State could have three new starters in the secondary in 2016. It all hinges on the the decisions of Vonn Bell, Tyvis Powell and Eli Apple to either jump to the NFL or come back. Bell is likely gone, he could be a first round pick. Powell and Apple aren't as certain and could go either way. If they go, things get interesting.

Gareon Conley is solidified at one of the corner spots for 2016. If Apple goes, you'd think Damon Webb is the other corner, Meyer has also praised freshman Denzel Ward.

Safety is more concerning. There isn't a player there who can replace the impact of a guy like Bell, who effectively often shuts down his side of the field. Without that kind of talent on the back end, it would be hard for Ohio State's defense to continue this upward climb.

Is Apple ready to make the jump to the NFL?

4. The front: The talent at linebacker looks pretty good. Raekwon McMillan will be in his second year as the full-time starter in the middle, Dante Booker will replace Joshua Perry and if Darron Lee goes, the Buckeyes have Chris Worley (whom they seem to be very high on) and Jerome Baker, who has the athleticism to be an impact player there.

The defensive ends should be fine with Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes back. Freshman Jashon Cornell wasn't used this year, but he should be a factor there in 2016. It's the defensive tackle spot that should be concerning.

Bosa started at defensive tackle on Friday. The Buckeyes felt more comfortable putting him there to start rather than one of the guys they recruited to play the position. That's probably a little harsh, but for four years Meyer has been talking about developing talent at that position, and now it's time to see if that's actually happened.

Michael Bennett left last year, Adolphus Washington is gone this year. Michael Hill, Donovan Munger and Tracy Sprinkle have played but there's clearly a drop off from talents like Bennett and Washington. I wouldn't be surprised if freshmen Davon Hamilton and Robert Landers end up jumping to the front of the depth chart despite not playing this year.

5. This is a real test of where Ohio State is as a program: The Buckeyes won the title last year, and didn't get it done this year with a nucleus of players recruited in 2013. Most of those guys are gone, and like any championship program, Ohio State has to regroup and reload without a drop off.

We've seen programs like Alabama lose players and put out a championship-caliber defense every year. This is Ohio State's chance to show it has recruited well enough to do the same.