In different ways, Jordan Hall and Tyler Moeller provide two of the most interesting subplots when the Buckeyes and Thundering Herd meet.
Will Jordan Hall make a big impression on the Ohio State special teams?COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With kickoff fast approaching, some top questions on my mind:
1. One of the players I'm most curious to watch is OSU sophomore return man Jordan Hall, who is the No. 1 guy on both kick and punt returns. This is a great way to get Hall, part of a crowded backfield, into the game.
"He's got great shake," said OSU assistant Darrell Hazell. "He's strong enough to break a tackle, he has a low center of gravity, sees the field well. He'll make you some yards."
Jaamal Berry will join Hall on kick returns, giving fans a glimpse of the future of the OSU running game.
2. The other player to watch for Ohio State is nickel back Tyler Moeller, who will be playing in his first game since 2008 after sitting out all last season with a head injury.
"I feel like I'm more excited than anybody else," linebacker Brian Rolle said. "He and I are like brothers."
But the Moeller curiosity goes beyond emotion. A former linebacker, he'll line up as the star in Ohio State's nickel defense, and the Buckeyes should be in that look a lot. Both Moeller and safety Jermale Hines, a former star, are hitters before they are cover guys, and Ohio State needs to make sure they can play together.
It could be a great combo, but if not, the Buckeyes may need to think about getting another pure safety on the field on passing downs.
3. The Buckeyes should throw to their running backs more, with Jim Tressel saying senior Brandon Saine is as good a receiver as any running back in the country. Saine caught 17 passes a year ago, and the over-under for Marshall is three. If Saine is that good, the Buckeyes need to flaunt that more.
4. There's no reason to expect that starting defensive end Nathan Williams and his injured left knee won't be ready for the Miami game next week, but even when he returns, Solomon Thomas will play a role for Ohio State's defensive line this season. Thursday, Thomas starts in Williams' place, trying to turn a history of standout scrimmages into production when it matters.