It's not surprising that a particular quarterback's injury dominates this week's Twitter questions for beat writer Doug Lesmerises.
When Terrelle Pryor left the field after suffering a leg injury against Illinois, Buckeyes fans had their hearts in their throats.The Heys have gone to Twitter. You can continue to send Doug Lesmerises Hey Doug questions, but now you can also follow him on Twitter and ask questions to @PDBuckeyes. A few questions will be chosen and used here each week.
@AtlBrutus: How concerned should we be about Terrelle Pryor's quad?
We'll get an update from Ohio State coach Jim Tressel Tuesday on the left thigh Pryor injured against Illinois. It stands to reason that he won't quite be himself against Indiana this week, and maybe longer.
As Pryor stepped away from his postgame interview Saturday, I asked him if he could run after the injury, and he said, "No." Taking his run threat away completely changes how defenses have to defend the Buckeyes. That's the concern. If Pryor getting outside isn't a worry, then defenses can better defend the pass and the running game with the tailbacks.
But when Pryor was limited by a knee injury last November, the Buckeyes ran well enough to beat Penn State, Iowa and Michigan. They may need to do that again, though this injury doesn't appear to be as serious.
@CDA431714: Do you expect to see more 3 LB sets with the Tyler Moeller injury? Or will Christian Bryant continue his good play and get plenty of playing time?
The coaches have enough faith in Bryant to continue on the same course, which means playing a nickel defense about two-thirds of the time and having the freshman do everything that Moeller did. If something were to happen to Bryant, though, then maybe they'd have to adjust their scheme.
@fictionalDJ: Is it smart to play Pryor through injury? Do we need him to beat Indiana at home?
Yes. The Hoosiers have a decent offense, so I don't think the Buckeyes can win this one only with defense and a running game. If this was Eastern Michigan week, maybe you give Pryor the time off, but if he's ready, the Buckeyes need him.
@riseupcleveland: Is "just winning" going to be enough this year if Oregon finishes undefeated?
It depends on the rest of the Big Ten. Since Ohio State doesn't play Michigan State, the Buckeyes need Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan to play well and move up the rankings, making potential Ohio State wins look even better. That Pac-10 is pretty deep this season, so Oregon should have chances to impress as well.