NFL Draft News & Analysis

Virginia Tech catches a huge break with Bosa suspension

Ohio State announced last week that four players — DE Joey Bosa and WRs Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson, and Corey Smith — have been suspended for the season opener against Virginia Tech.

This is a big blow for the Buckeyes, especially due to Bosa’s presence on the list. He was our top-rated edge rusher in the country last season at 90.5, and he destroyed returning Virginia Tech OT Jonathan McLaughlin in last year’s matchup. Having Bosa out of the lineup is a huge win for the Hokies’ passing game. (Although the Hokies are still double-digit underdogs.)

Bosa also played 86.7 percent of Ohio State’s snaps a year ago, so there is a lot of work to pick up for a group of inexperienced backups that includes Jalyn Holmes (91 snaps) and a slew of freshmen.

As for the receivers, Marshall (69.2 rating) saw the most time last year with 587 snaps, catching 38 passes for 499 yards while also carrying the ball 25 times for 145 yards. He plays Ohio State’s hybrid slot/running back position, the same position as Wilson (64.2 rating) and the same position at which former quarterback Braxton Miller is expected to see time this season.

Smith did most of his work on the outside last season, finishing at 50.6 overall on his 409 snaps. Expect the Buckeyes' passing game to rely even more on their best returning receiver, Michael Thomas, who finished at 79.4 as a receiver last year with his 54 receptions for 799 yards and nine touchdowns.

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