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Ohio State vs. Rutgers Skull Session: Watch Nick Bosa, Taver Johnson and Ryan Day

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Watch Nick Bosa, Taver Johnson and Ryan Day speak at Ohio State's Skull Session before its game against Rutgers. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Big Ten play gets underway for Ohio State on a rainy afternoon Saturday when it hosts Rutgers.

And it got cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson, who is coaching in his first Big Ten game since 2011, fired up at the pre-game Skull Session. He spoke along with defensive end Nick Bosa and acting head coach Ryan Day before heading over to Ohio Stadium.

Watch the full Skull Session at the top of this post, and remember to subscribe to the Ohio State Football on cleveland.com YouTube channel.


Consistent rain going to make for wet Sunday for Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Game day weather forecast

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It's going to be a wet and wild Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While there's sure to be plenty of excitement Sunday around FirstEnergy Stadium as the Cleveland Browns begin a new season, there is sure to be much less excitement regarding the weather forecast for the season opener.

Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, 1 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, there is a 100 percent chance of showers at FirstEnergy Stadium from noon until 6 p.m. Some could be heavy at times, as 1-2 inches of rainfall is possible.

The NWS also indicates, however, that there is very little chance for thunder, so a delay is unlikely.

As if the heavy rain won't make it miserable enough Sunday, temperatures will linger in the 60s with a high near 68, making for a cool day as well as a wet one. There will be an East wind 15-18 mph, which gusts as high as 30 mph.

Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays starting lineups for Saturday, Game No. 142

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Rookie Adam Plutko will make his 12th big league start on Saturday against Toronto as he tries to get the Indians back to their winning ways. They lost, 3-2, in 11 innings Friday night to the Blue Jays.

TORONTO -- Here are the starting lineups for today's game between the Indians and Blue Jays at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:07 p.m.

INDIANS

SS Francisco Lindor.

LF Michael Brantley.

3B Jose Ramirez.

DH Edwin Encarnacion.

1B Yonder Alonso.

RF Melky Cabrera.

2B Jason Kipnis.

C Roberto Perez.

CF Greg Allen.

RHP Adam Plutko, 4-5, 5.04.

BLUE JAYS

LF Billy McKinney.

SS Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

DH Kendrys Morales.

RF Randal Grichuk.

1B Rowdy Tellez.

CF Kevin Pillar.

C Danny Jansen.

2B Richard Urena.

3B Aledmys Diaz.

RHP Sean Reid-Foley, 1-2, 5.51.

UMPIRES

H Angel Hernandez, crew chief.

1B Todd Tichenor.

2B Chad Whitson.

3B Alan Porter.

Watch Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell's first career touchdown pass

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Tate Martell threw his first college touchdown on Saturday, a 51-yard pass to Terry McLaurin.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For the second week in a row, Ohio State inserted Tate Martell at quarterback for the fifth drive of the game.

And facing a 3rd-and-16 from his 49-yard line, Martell threw a perfect 51-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, his first career TD pass.

Martell completed three of four passes against Oregon State for 33 yards.

Watch the TD pass here.

Ohio State's band honors the late Aretha Franklin at halftime vs. Rutgers

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Watch Ohio State's band pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin during its halftime show on Saturday. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's marching band paid tribute to the late Aretha Franklin during its performance at halftime on Saturday vs. Rutgers. Franklin passed away in August of this year.

The band spelled out "Aretha" while performing the song "Think."

It was one of the highlights of the band's halftime show, which paid homage to the classic film "Blues Brothers." The show also included a formation of a police car chase among others.

Watch the whole halftime show in the video above, and be sure to subscribe to the Ohio State Football on cleveland.com channel of YouTube.

US Open 2018: Naomi Osaka beats Serena Williams in straight sets for title

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What this match will forever be remembered for is the way Williams clashed with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, demanding an apology after he initially warned her for receiving coaching, which is not allowed during Grand Slam matches.

NEW YORK -- Serena Williams was penalized a game for calling the chair umpire a thief during an extended argument as the U.S. Open women's final descended into chaos, with fans booing and play delayed before Naomi Osaka wrapped up a 6-2, 6-4 victory for her first Grand Slam title.

The biggest issue for Williams on the scoreboard Saturday was that she was outplayed by a younger version of herself in Osaka, a 20-year-old who is the first player from Japan to win a major singles tennis title.

What this match will forever be remembered for is the way Williams clashed with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, demanding an apology after he initially warned her for receiving coaching, which is not allowed during Grand Slam matches.

By Howard Fendrich, Associated Press

Watch Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell get his first college rushing touchdown

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Check out Tate Martell's 47-yard touchdown run vs. Rutgers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Tate Martell started his Saturday afternoon in the second quarter with his first passing touchdown.

He added to it in the fourth quarter with his first rushing TD of his career.

Martell stepped up through the pocket and took off to the end zone for a 47-yard TD run and extending OSU's lead to 52-3.

Check out the touchdown here.

Ohio State football completes annual rout of Rutgers, turns sights on TCU after 52-3 win

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The Buckeyes moved to 2-0 and earned their first Big Ten win on Saturday against Rutgers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Rutgers offensive tackle Tariq Cole this week, while complementing Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, also made a comment about how he's never given up a sack to the junior All-American in two previous meetings.

Bosa changed that during Saturday's game in Ohio Stadium, blowing by Cole on the final play before halftime and delivering a hit on Rutgers freshman quarterback Artur Sitkowski that ended up knocking him out of the game.

The nature of Sitkowski's injury wasn't revealed before the game ended, thought it looked like he injured his throwing shoulder. Truthfully, if Rutgers has hopes of improvement this year riding on the right arm of the talented freshman, it should have gotten him out sooner.

No. 4 Ohio State lived in Rutgers' backfield during Saturday's 52-3 win. In four games against the Scarlet Knights since they joined the Big Ten in 2014, the Buckeyes have outscored Rutgers 271-27.

Rutgers finished with 134 yards of offense while Ohio State finished with three sacks, six tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.

The Buckeyes offense was again explosive, racking up nearly 400 yards before the first-teamers were pulled early in the third quarter. That fact will likely get undersold a bit even though this effort came against a decent Rutgers defense, one that was a significant step up from Oregon State last week.

But this early season is about taking steps toward next week's top-25 matchup with TCU, and that meant seeing improvements from the defense even it was against a young Rutgers offense that clearly has holes.

Problems that plagued the Buckeyes last week in giving up 31 points and nearly 400 yards ranged from young players being out of position to poor angles and tackling. Much of that appeared to be cleaned up on Saturday, although Rutgers did end up scoring its first points against Ohio State since Oct. 24, 2015 when a third-quarter field goal found its way through the uprights.

That was the second time Rutgers got into plus-territory. The first came in the second quarter, when it got to the Ohio State 49 before Sitkowski was intercepted by cornerback Kendall Sheffield.

Sitkoswki had little time to process anything before he left the game. Bosa, Chase Young and Robert Landers were too much for the Rutgers offensive line to handle, and there wasn't a consistent running game to neutralize the pass rush.

Bosa led the defense with five tackles, three for loss. Young had two sacks and Landers had a tackle for loss. On one play in the second quarter, Landers got into the backfield so fast that he turned and retreated to the line of scrimmage because he thought it was a screen play. It wasn't. But it was that kind of day for Ohio State's defensive line.

Behind them, a back seven that saw the return of starting safety Jordan Fuller played with better positioning and didn't let the few potential big plays get any further than a few yards past the first-down marker. Fuller finished with three tackles and a pass break-up in his first action of the season.

Haskins sharp again

While the defense was bottling up Rutgers, sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins backed up his starting debut with a four-touchdown game. He completed 20 of 23 passes for 233 yards, including a pair of long balls to receiver Johnnie Dixon.

Haskins again did not have a running play called for him, taking his only rushing attempt on a bobbled snap that resulted in a broken play. He also took a sack, though the offensive line was again mostly solid aside from a couple of holding penalties on left guard Malcolm Pridgeon -- one of which negated what would have been a 43-yard reception for running back J.K. Dobbins.

Dobbins, after taking a back seat to Mike Weber last week, ran 12 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. Weber ran eight times for 31 yards, but Saturday's game felt mostly like an opportunity to get the passing game sharp before what should be a stiff defensive test next week.

Dixon, Ohio State's leading receiver in yardage, had touchdown grabs of 38 and 44 yards as the Buckeyes expanded the vertical passing game. Parris Campbell led the team in receptions with five for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Young ejected in second half

Young did have two sacks, but he also had one of the more bizarre ejections you'll see. He received his first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the second quarter when he spiked the ball following what looked like a strip sack fumble, but was ruled just a sack. He received a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter when he ran onto the field from the sideline to celebrate an interception by Shaun Wade.

Schiano mixes things up

Defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said this week that some secondary players could start seeing different roles. That meant a change to the nickel package. Wade played slot corner in long passing situations, a spot that was held by Damon Arnette last week.

Martell bounces back from big hit

Backup quarterback Tate Martell again saw extensive action, including a series with the first-team offense in the second quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Martell took a big hit near the Rutgers sideline that looked like it might have knocked him out of the game, too. Instead Martell returned after one missed snap and ran for a 47-yard touchdown on a scramble two plays later.

Martell rushed for a team-high 95 yards on eight carries. He completed all 10 pass attempts for 121 yards and a 51-yard score to Terry McLaurin.

What's next?

Ohio State (2-0, 1-0 Big Ten) faces its first ranked opponent next week when it plays No. 16 TCU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The 8 p.m. kickoff will be televised on ABC.


Ohio State owns a National Championship caliber offense: Doug Lesmerises

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The Buckeyes, duh, were really good against Rutgers at throwing, catching, running and scoring.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is an inside story about sports writing, especially when you are doing so while a contest is still in progress. Sometimes you divide up portions of the game with your co-workers to ensure that all parts of the competition are thoroughly covered.

For this Ohio State football game against Rutgers I am writing about the offense, so you will have to read about the defense somewhere else, because I solely focused on (Holy Piscataway, what did Nick Bosa do to that quarterback?) the Ohio State offense, and that was difficult because it kept scoring.

Ohio State won this football game 52-3.

Here are the very good players on the Ohio State offense:

* Dwayne Haskins

* Tate Martell

* Parris Campbell

* Johnnie Dixon

* Austin Mack

* Kendall Sheffield, who almost intercepted that one pass and also has another interception, no wait, he is on defense

* K.J. Hill

* C.J. Saunders

* Ben Victor

* Luke Farrell

* J.K. Dobbins

* Mike Weber

* The blockers

Also, anyone else who caught a pass.

Everything wasn't perfect, though, no sir, because on one pass Hawkins threw it too high and Campbell, running across the middle, couldn't reach it. That play, from the Rutgers 23, was a problem, because it then took Ohio State six more plays to get to the end zone, and that seemed like forever.

So before you start going all gaga over Haskins in his second career start, just remember, he missed three throws. Yes, he completed 20 throws, but what, are we just going to settle for an 87 percent completion rate and not expect him to try to get better? Also, 16 completions were not touchdowns.

Another controversy erupted when Martell came in for the fifth series of the game, just like he had the week before, and some people on Twitter started saying that was a bad idea. But Martell is the running quarterback, and playing him makes defenses feel weird, and that's good for Ohio State.

But here is the problem. Haskins is the throwing quarterback and Martell is the running quarterback, but Martell threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. Someone needs to tell Martell you are in there to run, because if the running quarterback is throwing like that, well, then how can we trust anything in the world?

It seems like Martell understood the error of his ways, because he ran 47 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and that was more like it.

The running backs might be fighting, because every time J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber get the ball, they seem like they are trying to show how good they are, like it is a competition. Weber ran for 186 yards on 20 carries in the first game, and so Saturday, Dobbins was like, hey, watch this, and he ran for 73 yards on 12 carries, and can't everyone just get along?

Also, the Buckeyes are clearly on a downward trend. Last week, they scored 77 points and gained 721 yards. That made this week quite a dropoff -- 52 points and 579 yards? Maybe if the Buckeyes didn't let all their best players take a rest starting in the middle of the third quarter, they could have been as good as last week.

Someone should check how the defense did, because all I know is that there wasn't a zero on that scoreboard.

Maybe when the Buckeyes play a team from the Big Ten, we will figure out if the offense is really this good. Someone told me Rutgers is in the Big Ten, but that can't really be true.

Still, from this viewpoint, my conclusion is this, based on Haskins, the running backs, all those receiving options and the way the coaches are making this work. 

Ohio State has a national championship offense.

But any idiot could write that.

Roberto Perez comes out of the shadows to lead Cleveland Indians to 9-8 win over Toronto

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Roberto Perez drives in four runs in Tribe's seven-run fifth inning as Indians reduce magic number to six.

TORONTO - Late in a lost season, Roberto Perez found a sliver of salvation on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre.

Perez started a seven-run fifth inning with a leadoff homer and ended it with a three-run double as the Indians hung on to beat Toronto, 9-8, and reduce their magic number to clinch the AL Central to six.

This season has not gone the way Perez planned. He spent much of the winter in Cleveland training to challenge Yan Gomes for the starting job at catcher. But Gomes has put together a strong year, leaving Perez in the shadows of the backup role.

Perez entered Saturday's game with one homer and eight RBI in 155 at-bats this season. In two at-bats in the fifth inning, he homered and drove in four runs.

The Indians entered the fifth trailing rookie right-hander Sean Reid-Foley and the rebuilding Blue Jays, 3-1. Perez, who came into the game hitting .148, shocked the crowd by sending the first pitch he saw over the wall in left field. It was his first homer since April 10 against the Tigers.

Greg Allen followed Perez with a walk and Michael Brantley, back in the lineup after missing two games with a bruised foot, homered for a 4-3 lead. Reid-Foley, with two out, lost the strike zone and Edwin Encarnacion and Yonder Alonso, and was pulled.

Justin Shafer, another rookie, relieved and lost the zone entirely. He walked Melky Cabrera and Jason Kipnis on eight straight pitches to force home a run and make it 5-3. Perez followed with his double to the fence in center to clear the bases for an 8-3 lead.

But rookie Adam Plukto, for his second straight start, couldn't keep the ball in the park. He allowed consecutive two-out homers to Randal Grichuk and rookie Rowdy Tellez as Toronto made it an 8-5 game and forced manager Terry Francona to go to his shaky middle relievers. Plutko, in his last two starts, has allowed six homers in 11 2/3 innings.

Dan Otero relieved Plutko and got out of the fifth. The Indians stretched the lead to 9-5 in the sixth when Jose Ramirez scored from third on a wild pitch, but Toronto kept coming. Kendrys Morales, with two out, burned Otero for a two-run single in the sixth to make it 9-7.

Toronto made it 9-8 in the seventh on a double by Aledmys Diaz off Neil Ramirez. Oliver Perez relieved and got out of the inning thanks to a lead-saving catch by Greg Allen. Morales, with two on and two out, sent a drive to center that Allen caught at the fence.

Perez and Josh Tomlin worked their way through the eighth and Cody Allen came on in the ninth. Allen, working to a 3.00 ERA over his last 21 games, allowed a one-out double to Diaz, but retired next two batters for his 26th save.

What it means

The Indians entered Saturday's game trailing Houston by eight games for the right to host the ALDS on Oct. 5. The Astros maintained that lead as they beat Boston, 5-3, on Saturday for their seventh straight win.

The pitches

Reid-Foley threw 106 pitches, 59 (56 percent) for strikes. Plutko threw 95 pitches, 62 (65 percent) for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Blue Jays drew 35,353 to Rogers Centre on Saturday afternoon. First pitch was at 4:07 p.m. with a temperature of 61 degrees. The roof was open.

Next

The Indians end their season series against the Blue Jays on Sunday when Mike Clevinger (11-7, 3.11) faces Toronto left-hander Thomas Pannone (1-1, 4.58) at 1:07 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

Clevinger beat the Royals for his 11th win in his last start. He struck out 10 and allowed one run on three hits in six innings. His 2.32 ERA since the All-Star break is the fourth lowest in the league.

Cleveland Indians' magic number drops to 6 with victory in Toronto

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Cleveland's magic number to clinch the A.L. Central Division is at 6.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With a 9-8 victory Saturday in Toronto, the Cleveland Indians have reduced their magic number to clinch the American League Central Division to 6.

Cleveland's division lead over Minnesota is at 16 games with 20 to play. The Twins are hosting Kansas City in a Saturday evening game. Should Kansas City win, it would reduce Cleveland's magic number further.

Any combination of Indians wins or losses by the second-place Twins that is greater than or equal to 6 will clinch a third consecutive division title and postseason appearance for Cleveland.

The Indians (81-61) continue their series against the Blue Jays on Sunday at 1:07 as Mike Clevinger faces lefty Thomas Pannone. Minnesota continues its series at home against Kansas City at 2:10 p.m.

You can calculate the first-place Tribe's magic number by starting with 162 (games in a season) and adding one, then subtracting the number of Indians wins and subtracting the number of losses by the second-place team.

Everything Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins said after the Buckeyes' 52-3 win vs. Rutgers

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See everything Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins said after the Buckeyes' 52-3 win vs. Rutgers on Saturday. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is everything Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins said after the Buckeyes beat Rutgers, 52-3, on Saturday.

Q. Dwayne, what did you learn today? Second straight outing, second straight big QB rating -- four touchdown passes. What went well today and how did you have to hone your game because of the weather?

Haskins: Because it was raining outside, I had to be really good with ball placement. No turnovers, no fumbles anything like that. Great job by the "O" line today. Really good (indiscernible) and pretty successful.

Q. This seems like must be a pretty fun offense to be running right now. You guys can attack just about any way you want. From your perspective running the show, is that the case? You guys do anything that you might want to do?

Haskins: It's a whole lot of fun. I want to run so many series, so many plays that we ran out of time, and up so many points we can't do what we want. But it's like every series there's opportunity to go score, there's me throwing it, me running it or giving it to somebody else to do something with it. It's a lot of fun.

Q. (Indiscernible) last week about, if you thought you could have had the performance you did, 313 yards last week, now this week only three incompletions. So I'll ask you again did you think this performance that you had today that you were capable of?

Haskins: I think so. Just before the game I was really, like, upbeat tempo, and I felt really good about how it was going to go today. Regardless of the rain, receivers did a great job catching the ball and it's a testament to how good our offense is.

Q. Dwayne, what's been the biggest adjustment for you in this role as a starter?

Haskins: Probably the biggest adjustment is just being prepared every day as the guy and just going into practice, going into meetings. You know, being ready for that game that week. And just like Coach Day has done a great job preparing me for that. That's probably the biggest adjustment for me.

Q. Kind of switched the focus around. Last week it was Terry McLaurin. This week, Johnnie. All of those guys capable of going deep at any time?

Haskins: Everybody, the thing I told the receivers that doesn't matter what game it is or what day of practice it is, anybody can get the ball. And whether it's Terry one week or anybody else another week, I just want them to run the routes like they're getting the ball every single time and calling the play.

Q. You're kind of like room service; you lay it right in there. It's like room service. You just --

Haskins: Yeah.

Q. (Inaudible) the man coverage and --

Haskins: We've seen a lot of quarters film, so we were trying to plan up some post routes today. Just being able to, with the weather and seeing Johnnie get open like that, it's a lot of fun for me. Basically he's wide open for me from that perspective. Johnnie did a great job today.

Q. You got your first two starts under your belt, a lot of touchdowns, very few mistakes, excuse me. You've been a part of this team for a few years now, you've seen big time atmospheres been a part of runs deep in November. How excited are you for next weekend to step into a prime time game that the entire country's going to be watching? And how ready do you feel after the two games that you had for a challenge like that against TCU?

Haskins: I'm very excited. Team's very excited. We're going to use this week as a great preparation for TCU on Saturday, and we're ready for them.

Q. I think everybody knew your arm and everything coming into this season. Seems like you're seeing the field really well. Just how comfortable are you looking out there and seeing where your guys are and deciding where to go with the ball?

Haskins: Yeah. Probably being here for three years now just being able to see guys like Marshon and Malik and Gareon in practice, and then going to the game and seeing the field, this doesn't feel -- it feels like second nature really. Just whether we call a play, me and Coach are on the same page, we want to go with the ball every single time (indiscernible) with coverage and just dialing it up.

Q. Dwayne, speaking of Johnnie, some crazy stat from last year -- 23 catches, 10 touchdowns. Have you ever seen a situation like that where a guy that so efficient every time scores a touchdown?

Haskins: Johnnie is definitely a home run maker every time he touches the football. That's with everybody; give them a good spot with the ball, they can take it to the house any time. That's the thing for me is ball placement.

Q. You have a lot of new faces on the offensive line, guys in new spots and they're getting ready to go against a TCU team known for its defense and has a good defensive coach and a good defensive line. Just what have you seen from the five guys in front of you here through two games, shows you that they're ready for what they're going to get next week?

Haskins: I think they're doing a great job. Today is a lot of blitzes and trying to pick up protection. So it's getting ready for TCU, just calling the IDs out and getting the blitzes picked up, be ready for next week.

Everything Ohio State acting head coach Ryan Day said after the Buckeyes beat Rutgers, 52-3

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Check out everything Ryan Day said after Ohio State's 52-3 win vs. Rutgers. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is everything Ohio State acting head coach Ryan Day said after the Buckeyes beat Rutgers, 52-3, on Saturday.

Day: 900 wins in Ohio State football history is humbling to be part of a tradition like that. To see our student section out there, to all the Buckeye Nation coming out to a game like this in the rain in the fourth quarter, the student section on both sides is going crazy, chanting and they're staying in there having a blast.

Again, really honored to be representing such a great university and a great football tradition. I thought our guys came out and played hard today on both sides of the ball. Defensively they were smothering their offense so we got in a rhythm early in the game and thought we came out playing fast.

Q. Every week it's maybe a new home run hitter. It's good to be an offensive coordinator instead of on the other side of the ball.

Day: Yeah, I mean, you know, the thing that we talk about all the time is that you just don't know what's going to happen. So like, for instance, last week Terry McLaurin has a big game. Then we turn around and now Johnnie Dixon hits two home runs. And J.K. hit for a couple of plays. And we had a long pass that got called back.

And so you don't know who is going to get the action. But when you're team players and you don't care who gets the attention, that's when you can be a special group.

Q. Ryan, given all that with all the playmakers, you got Parris involved early, got him the ball on the running play. Was that any idea, four touches last week, and got him off to a quick start, was that something you wanted to try to do?

Day: You know, overall, we wanted to throw the ball a little on first down. We did that. It was more about what they were giving us. And sometimes when you call a play you don't know where it's going to go. Sometimes you do. Obviously anytime Parris touches the ball good things happen for us. That's always an emphasis for us.

But I thought that we did a nice job of throwing the ball early and then kind of running it late.

Q. Dwayne at this point, we talked about this week the way he gets the ball out quick and all that. You guys are going to a crazy environment and a big game next week. Just Dwayne handling everything, whether that's reading a defense in a play, whether it's just during the week, how is Dwayne Haskins just sort of handling everything so far?

Day: Growing every practice, every game. And building as we go. It's not going to be perfect. We know that. Trying to prepare every week for the game and get everybody off to a good start. But I think his preparation was good this week and he came out and played well.

Q. What just stands out in your mind, when I say Johnnie Dixon? It seems like every other catch is a touchdown, et cetera. And then following that up, were those just reads by Dwayne; if the post is there, hit it, and then back down? Or was it were you targeting Johnnie all the way on those?

Day: Johnnie is really a special young man. He gets up in front of the team, guys listen. He has the respect of his teammates. Very well thought out when he's around the team. So much respect for everybody. In terms of his ability, he's a big play guy. He's down the field and he can track the ball. On those plays, we were trying to take a shot. There was a young corner there on the field. We thought if we got the right look, we'd take that match up.

Q. Chase Young, did you speak with him after the game about the situation, the two unsportsmanlikes we know he'll be able to play next week no matter what. But what was your message to him, I guess?

Day: I didn't have a chance to speak with him. Obviously anytime we want to play with emotion and not let emotion play with you see. So that will be addressed.

Q. What's your assessment of the way that Tate played today, long touchdown pass, long, really good run, just his development and just the way that and extended action he played?

Day: I thought you got a chance to see what Tate can do today, which is great. He's 10 for 10, throwing the ball. And ran for I think 90-something yards. And he can beat you with his feet and beat you with his arm. And that's what makes him a special player. And we got him in the rhythm early.

Same thing, couple of quick passes here and there and hits the long shot down the sideline on third down, stepped up, made a great throw. And Terry did a good job there. He's getting better as well. And so if we can just keep building, then we're going to have something really good.

Q. I know it's been a balancing act for you guys getting him development time on the field but also protecting your depth at quarterback. What were your thoughts when you saw him get hit late in the game, stayed down for a little bit, and how do you feel that's coming along in terms of the evolution of how you guys think about that?

Day: Never good to see a guy take a shot like that. Really proud of the way he jumped right back. Got the wind knocked out, hard shot there, but shows the competitiveness and toughness that we know he has. That was great.

In terms of the depth, we're just working on it. We know we're trying to get Chris and Matt and Corey involved in this thing more and more so we can keep building depth as we move along through the season.

Q. I know Ohio State scored a lot of points for a lot of years, but it just feels like this is a different or more evolved or more explosive one than the last few years. Does it feel that way to you all, when you're involved with this day to day, that the offense has hit another gear?

Day: I think we have a great group of guys here. We have a lot of talent on offense. And I think that combined with the tempo has been great. We did play fast at times today but not as fast as against Oregon State and that was a little bit by design. I thought we got into some good plays based on what they were giving us and we took some shots in the pass game and then hit them.

Q. Last week the defense gave up 31 points. I know they were not particularly happy with how they played. Would you assess their play and did you sense a resolve this week with them?

Day: Yeah, obviously Greg and all the guys on defense have a high standard that they hold themselves to on defense. And they didn't like to put up that number like that. So this week we called up Nick at the end of the -- at our, you know, at our meeting there right at the end we brought the team up, he addressed how this week it was a tough week of practice. And they got after the guys.

You could see it during the game. They were in the backfield, I felt like, every other play, really creating havoc. I thought they played with an edge, which was great moving forward.

Everything Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell said after the Buckeyes' 52-3 win vs. Rutgers

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See everything Ohio State backup quarterback Tate Martell said after the Buckeyes beat Rutgers, 52-3. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is everything Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell said after the Buckeyes beat Rutgers, 52-3, on Saturday.

Q. Tate, I guess, first of all, how did it feel to be finally out in the stadium and show people what you can do with that long touchdown run and that long ball to Terry?

Martell: I've been waiting for quite some time now ever since, I think, really the end of my senior year, after redshirting last year, it was just fun getting out there.

Q. What's your understanding, I guess, of your role right now? Obviously you play when the game is out of hand in in the second half, but they also get you in in the first half with the first teamers. Are you like -- is this a package? Are you part of the plan, or are you just getting in when the game's a little out of hand?

Martell: I feel Coach Day is going to put me in the best situation when I go out there. And whenever that is, that's really up to him. I feel they know how to use me and whatever they do is what they do.

Q. How much do you feel like today shows that you and Dwayne can complement each other with the way you're able to run the ball in addition to how you both threw the ball?

Martell: I just want to go out there and just play. That's just how I go out there. I've improved a ton as a passer. And I want to be able to go out there and show that, and I just went out there and made plays with my legs when I had to. And obviously Dwayne is our starter. That's how it is. And I'll be there if something goes wrong. Whatever, whatever goes on with the coaches, whatever they want to do.

Q. Fourth quarter, how did you bounce back from that, able to come up so quickly and score a touchdown?

Martell: When I took the shot -- I wasn't really ready for it, obviously. And then I got knocked on my back. And I started getting over, and I started like kind of crawling because I couldn't breathe, but I knew I wanted to get back up.

As soon as I could breathe, I was like, all right, let me up, I got to go back over there, make plays. So that's what happened.

Q. Did you think that was a cheap shot?

Martell: He saw me going out of bounds. But I just wanted to make sure I got back up, was able to go play.

Q. Can you give us an honest assessment, personal assessment of where you are as a passer in your mind?

Martell: I mean, I guess I just gotta go see after watching this game. That was the first time I really got to go out there and throw the ball and throw in rhythm. I know what I'm doing when I'm out there, which is a huge difference than what it was last year, when I was going out, like in practice, I was kind of second-guessing myself, where this year I know exactly what I'm doing. I know protection and stuff like that, and just a whole different ballgame now. I mean for me at least.

Q. Tate, on the long ball, you could have easily run for the first down. Did you kind of give him a glimpse and say I could get it there?

Martell: So on that play, I knew -- I kind of saw Terry running with him. Then I saw him get a little separation. And that was my only play so I could go -- kind of like pressed up a little bit. And he was running past him. But I felt the rush was coming behind, so I had to step up kind of fast and I just knew I was letting it fly.

Q. What did that do for your confidence swag as a Buckeye quarterback?

Martell: It was cool going out there with the 1s and getting my first college touchdown. It was really cool.

Q. Tate, how much was that touchdown run, though, a little bit of a feeling of touche for what happened on the sidelines a few plays earlier? Do you ever have those kind of thoughts in your mind?

Martell: It wasn't going through my head when I was running the ball. I was just going out there and playing.

Q. Did you think of touche?

Martell: I'm just going out there and playing, to be honest. I'm just happy to be out there finally and going out there and getting back on the field.

Q. What would you rather do, score throwing the ball or running?

Martell: Definitely passing the ball.

Q. Which one felt better today?

Martell: Passing the ball to Terry.

Chase Young won't miss start of TCU game after ejection vs. Rutgers

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Young was ejected for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during Saturday's game against Rutgers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State won't be down a pass rusher when it starts next week's prime time game against No. 16 TCU. Sophomore defensive end Chase Young, who was ejected in the second half of Saturday's game against Rutgers, won't have to sit out the first half next week against the Horned Frogs.

That was the worry when Young was tossed for his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of the game with things well in hand in the fourth quarter of Ohio State's 52-3 win.

Had Young been ejected for targeting in the second half, he would have had to sit out the first half next week against TCU. Neither of Young's unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on Saturday had to do with his play on the field or any kind of illegal hit.

He was flagged in the first half for celebrating what he thought was a strip sack fumble by spiking the ball on the ground. The play was ruled just a sack and upheld on review. His second penalty came when he ran onto the field from the sideline to celebrate an interception by teammate Shaun Wade.

"I didn't have a chance to speak to him," acting head coach Ryan Day said after the win, "Obviously anytime we want to play with emotion and not let emotion play with you. So that will be addressed."

That ejection may be a minor sour note on what was otherwise a big day for Young.

He had two sacks, and the fumble that was ruled otherwise actually looked like the wrong call on video review. Young was disruptive, and Ohio State expects him to be so again next week against TCU.

"I love the emotion and the fever that he plays with," defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said. "We just have to make sure we don't let it get in the way of us winning. In a tight ballgame that would've been a shame to lose Chase. He understands. I think he's a young guy, but he plays with great emotion and he's a really good player. It's not gonna be a big thing, we just have to make sure it doesn't happen again."


What we learned about Tate Martell after he scored twice vs. Rutgers: Ohio State football analysis

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Tim, Bill and Doug discussed what we learned about Tate Martell in Ohio State's win vs. Rutgers on Saturday. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State backup quarterback Tate Martell got his second game of playing time on Saturday when the Buckeyes routed Rutgers, 52-3.

And he made the most of it, registering his first passing and rushing touchdowns of his career. He was a perfect 10-for-10 passing for 121 yards, and led OSU in rushing with 95 yards and a TD on eight carries.

As he did against Oregon State, Martell checked into the game in the fifth offensive series. But Ohio State did not pull him prior to a 3rd-and-long like it did the week before. Instead, Martell delivered a 51-yard TD pass to Terry McLaurin.

"I just want to go out there and just play. That's just how I go out there. I've improved a ton as a passer," Martell said. "And I want to be able to go out there and show that, and I just went out there and made plays with my legs when I had to."

So what did we learn about Martell on Saturday?

Watch us discuss in the video above, and be sure to subscribe to the Ohio State Football on cleveland.com channel on YouTube.

What did Jordan Fuller's return mean for the Ohio State defense? Buckeyes football analysis

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Watch us talk about the impact Jordan Fuller's return had on Ohio State's defense. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's defense missed safety Jordan Fuller in a big way in Week 1, allowing 31 points and nearly 400 yards to Oregon State.

But he came back on Saturday vs. Rutgers. In his return, the defense looked far more stout.

The Buckeyes held the Scarlet Knights to 134 yards, three points and forced two turnovers in a 52-3 win.

Bill Landis, Doug Lesmerises and I discuss what it meant for OSU to have Fuller back on the field. Watch us break it down in the video above and remember to subscribe to the Ohio State Football on cleveland.com channel on YouTube.

Bowling Green tests Maryland early but fails in the end as Terps prevail, 45-14

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Maryland's running game (447 yards) was too much for Bowling Green as the Terps had more yards in penalties (139 yards) than Bowling Green had rushing (15).

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Maryland Terrapins ran Bowling Green into submission, 45-14, gaining 447 yards rushing and five TDs Saturday night at Doyt Perry Stadium.

Two Terrapins, Ty Johnson (124 yards) and Tayon Fleet Davis (102), rushed for over 100 yards as the BG defense gave 138 yards rushing in the third quarter alone, turning the Falcons' 14-10 halftime lead into a 17-14 advantage, en route to the victory.

The Terrapins (2-0) entered the game off an emotional 34-29 home victory over Texas, giving BG (0-2) hopes of catching Maryland in a trap game, while giving the MAC the chance at two "Jolly Roger" Big Ten victories (Eastern Michigan over Purdue) in one day.

The off-season was not kind to Maryland as head coach DJ Durkin was placed on leave Aug. 11, while the Board of Regents investigates the May 29 death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair and the overall "culture" of the program under the Youngstown native and Bowling Green alum (1997-2000).

Maryland had an early scoring chance with a 17-yard TD run midway through the first quarter. But it was wiped off the books by a penalty, followed by two more, ultimately forcing the Terms to punt.

The Falcons then countered with a 14-play, 89-yard drive ending with a three-yard TD pass from quarterback Jarret Doege to receiver Scott Miller for a 7-0 lead with 33 seconds left in the period.

Midway in the second quarter, Maryland started pounding the ball on the ground. Nothing fancy, simple I-formation handoffs, nine plays for 77 yards ending with a five-yard TD run by Lorenzo Harrison to tie the game, 7-7.

Yet just as Maryland's offense found its stride, the Terps defense imploded with penalties, allowing BG to get into Maryland territory.

Then a broken play scramble by Doege led to a 29-yard TD pass to Quintin Morris for a 14-7 BG lead with 1:13 to go before halftime. Maryland managed a 40-yard field goal late, cutting the Falcons' lead to 14-10 at the half.

Maryland, struggling with penalties, finally took its first lead of the game, 17-14, with 4:31 left in the third quarter. The 22-yard TD pass came on third-and-22 after offensive penalties put the Terps in a hole.

The first play of the fourth quarter, Maryland scored again for a 24-14 lead that effectively sealed the game.

Cleveland Indians' magic number falls to 5 as Kansas City's Jorge Lopez flirts with a perfect game in Minnesota

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Jorge Lopez was nearly perfect against Minnesota, and the Kansas City pitcher's brilliant outing helped reduce Cleveland's magic number to 5.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kansas City right-hander Jorge Lopez retired the first 24 batters he faced Saturday in a 4-1 victory against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. He carried a perfect game into the ninth inning before giving up a walk to Max Kepler and a base hit to Robbie Grossman.

Lopez fell short of recording the first perfect game in franchise history for Kansas City, but he did succeed in dropping the Twins to 16 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Indians and reducing the Tribe's magic number to clinch the American League Central Division to 5.

Any combination of Indians wins or losses by the second-place Twins that is greater than or equal to 5 will clinch a third consecutive division title and postseason appearance for Cleveland.

The Indians (81-61) continue their series against the Blue Jays on Sunday at 1:07 as Mike Clevinger faces lefty Thomas Pannone. Minnesota continues its series at home against Kansas City at 2:10 p.m.

You can calculate the first-place Tribe's magic number by starting with 162 (games in a season) and adding one, then subtracting the number of Indians wins and subtracting the number of losses by the second-place team.

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Time, channel, how to watch and live stream

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Here's how to watch the Browns vs. Steelers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns open their regular season on Sunday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns are trying to break a 17-game losing streak overall, a 17-game losing streak within the division and win their opener for the first time since 2004. Here's how to watch, listen and stream it online.

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland.

TV: CBS, Ch. 19. 

Play-by-play: Greg Gumbel; Analysts: Trent Green and Bruce Arians; Sideline: Melanie Collins.

Radio: 92.3 The Fan (WKRK), ESPN 850 WKNR and WNCX (98.5).

Play-by-play: Jim Donovan; Analyst: Doug Dieken; Sideline: Nathan Zegura.

Spanish Radio: La Mega 87.7 FM

Play-by-play: Rafael "Rafa" Hernandez-Brito; Analyst: Octavio Sequera.

Streaming: fuboTV (free trial)

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