College Football Notes: UCLA Names QB, Major Ohio State Injury
Ohio State Looses Receiver Noah Brown for 2015 Season
Buckeye fans got some tough news this afternoon when news broke sophomore Noah Brown suffered a broken leg. The prospect out of New Jersey will have surgery on that broken leg, ending his season before it even started. Brown was considered a developing deep-threat with decent speed for Ohio State, a key skill after loosing Devin Smith to the NFL. While Brown only had one catch during the Buckeye’s championship run, his on-field improvements and ability to help replace some of Smith’s production will certainly be missed.
The loss of Brown is a major hit to Ohio State’s run for a championship repeat. The team will enter its first game against Virginia Tech without top receivers Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson, Corey Smith and top draft prospect Joey Bosa due to suspension. The four players were suspended for “violating Department of Athletics policy.”
In todays college football where one loss will knock you out of the race entirely, every game counts. Loosing four receivers and your best pass rusher for even one game could dramatically change the team’s playoff hopes.
UCLA Names Starting Quarterback
True Freshman Josh Rosen was named the Bruins starting quarterback for the 2015 season, beating out two Redshirt Juniors Jerry Neuheisel and Mike Fafaul. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, the California native passed for 8,473 yards and 90 touchdowns during his high school career. 247 Sports ranked Rosen the 12th high school prospect entering college in the country earlier this month and the number one quarterback.
Click here to watch some of Rosen’s high school tape.
Rosen will have big shoes to fill at UCLA, replacing the schools all time passing touchdown leader Brett Hundley. While Offensive Coordinator Noel Mazzone says Brett Hundley was more of a one man show kind of player, it’s time to get “the band back together.” In his freshman year, the coaching staff says they’re looking for four things from Rosen in his freshman season: “Protect the football, be accurate throwing the football, create some plays for us — not many, but some — and be a great decision maker.”