FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – When it rains it pours. For Ohio State, that’s a literal statement.
On Wednesday morning — the first day of 2014 — the Buckeyes learned they’d be without defensive end Noah Spence for the Orange Bowl and the first two regular-season games of the 2014 season. Later in the afternoon, the final 20 minutes of practice took place in a torrential downpour, causing streets in Davie, Fla., where Ohio State’s practicing at Nova Southeastern University, to flood.
Prodded to speak about Spence’s situation, head coach Urban Meyer quickly became annoyed with the persistent questions.
“We’re going to move on. Any other questions you guy got?” an annoyed Meyer said.
He said he’s disappointed in Spence, but added that Spence is a good kid and he still loves him. Ohio State planned on having Spence in South Florida until it lost an appeal to the Big Ten, according to Meyer.
Now, it could also be without cornerback Bradley Roby. Meyer said all indications are the junior won’t play in his final game as a Buckeye. Linebacker Curtis Grant will be good to go.
Roby's NFL intentions have never been hidden from view. But that isn't the case with Braxton Miller, who revealed he'll announce his decision about a week after the Orange Bowl.
Scouts have been low on the signal-caller after a poor stretch in November and December.
Notes:
- Jeff Heuerman is the latest flu victim. He didn't practice today, though Meyer is confident he will be OK Friday.
- The flu was a horrible experience, according to Miller. But he added it didn’t hamper his skimboarding skills.
- On Spence’s absence, Miller said everyone has to be ready to step up. He noted that Jamal Marcus and Steve Miller are also on scholarship. Meyer said the duo has performed well in practice all week.
- Former Buckeye Cris Carter said Meyer has OSU in great shape. Carter been a fixture at the Buckeyes’ practices in Columbus and Miami. He coaches at St. Thomas Aquinas, which produced Joey Bosa. Carter said Bosa’s brother, Nick, might be even better than Joey. “He’s a good freaking football player.”
- “I learned to play football by being a Buckeye. That’s where it started for me.” – Carter
- Carter laughed when asked about the OSU-Aquinas connection. “It’s a coincidence,” he said with a wry smile.
