AP Top 25 Rankings: Buckeyes Fall Four Spots Despite Win

The Ohio State Buckeyes fell four spots in the new AP Top 25 rankings from No. 12 to No. 16 despite defeating the California Golden Bears Saturday.

Ohio State won by only one score and were subsequently jumped in the rankings by Saturday's big winners, most notably Stanford and Notre Dame.

Alabama still holds the top spot after crushing the Arkansas Razorbacks, 52-0, Saturday. They received 58 of 60 first-place votes with the other two votes going to the LSU Tigers.

USC fell from No. 2 to No. 13 after losing to Stanford. Stanford represents the biggest rankings mover, jumping 12 spots from No. 21 to No. 9.

The complete AP Top 25 college football rankings are as follows.

To read about the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Cal Vs. Ohio State 2012: Buckeyes Look Flustered And Composed All At Once

Ohio State's 35-28 win over Cal on Saturday was filled with ups and downs. The Buckeyes built an early lead, watched Cal get back into the game, then made a big play late in the fourth quarter to win. Luke Zimmerman of Land-Grant Holy Land wrote about it:

In Ohio State's toughest test to date, the Buckeyes came out sharp, completely imploded in the second half, then regained their composure when they needed to most. During the course of the second half, Ohio State saw a 20-7 half time lead melt down to a 28-28 tie with 8:10 to play in the fourth quarter. A Vincenzo D'Amato third missed field goal of the afternoon seemingly gave Ohio State's long stagnant offense new life, with Braxton Miller finding a wide open Devin Smith on a complete defensive breakdown for a 72 yard game go ahead touchdown giving Ohio State the lead for good in the process, 35-28.

Despite an incredibly paltry effort by an extremely lackluster Silver Bullets defense (including yielding 160 yards on 4 touches to sophomore Cal tailback Brendan Bigelow), the Buckeyes were able to find resolve when they had to, and though it was unimpressive and will surely impact their perception nationally, the Buckeyes move to 3-0 on the season.

To read about the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Cal Vs. Ohio State 2012: Final Score And Game Recap

A second half shootout between the Ohio State Buckeyes and California Golden Bears could have ended in an upset for the No. 12 ranked Buckeyes, but a 72-yard touchdown pass from Braxton Miller to Devin Smith with just 4:14 left to play in the game gave Ohio State its defining lead. Ohio State beat Cal, 35-28.

The Buckeyes had taken a 20-7 lead into halftime after scoring three touchdowns within a seven-minute span. Then, Ohio State went scoreless in the third quarter as the Bears began to come alive.

Brendan Bigelow rushed for an 81-yard touchdown to bring Cal within six points, and an eight-play, 46-yard drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run from Zach Maynard gave the Bears the lead.

Ohio State got it going again in the fourth quarter with touchdowns by Jake Stoneburner and Smith, though Cal had a pair of touchdowns as well in the final period. Bigelow ran for another big gain to find himself in the end zone, this time for 59 yards. But Smith's 72-yard reception gave Ohio State the win in the end.

To read about the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. Head over to California Golden Blogs for more on the Golden Bears. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Cal Vs. Ohio State: Buckeyes Lead Golden Bears At Halftime, 20-7

The Ohio State Buckeyes jumped out to a 20-7 halftime lead against the California Golden Bears. Braxton Miller rushed for a 55-yard touchdown in the first quarter, which capped what was only a three-play, 61-yard drive for the Buckeyes.

That was just before the five-minute mark and the scoring opened up from there. Cal responded with a touchdown drive of its own. Quarterback Zach Maynard connected with Chris Harper for a 19-yard touchdown toss on a screen.

Before the quarter was over, Miller and Devin Smith converted a 25-yard, back shoulder touchdown toss to give the Buckeyes their second touchdown within the last five plays from scrimmage.

Jake Stoneburner caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Miller early in the second quarter to give Ohio State a 20-7 advantage.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Cal Vs. Ohio State 2012: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread And More

The California Golden Bears had better have their body clocks set for the 9 a.m. PT kickoff against Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus. There's also plenty to worry about once the game starts, with the Buckeyes a heavy favorite.

Ohio State (2-0) is ranked No. 12 in the nation and has two wins over Miami (Ohio) and Central Florida. It is playing the third of four straight home games to open the season.

The Buckeyes are 14th in the nation in rushing yards per game (275) and 14th in points per game (43.5). They'll be led by do-it-all quarterback Braxton Miller, who has 362 passing yards and 302 rushing yards along with a combined seven touchdowns passing and rushing.

Miller could be asked to carry the load once again with running back Carlos Hyde still out with a knee ligament sprain.

Cal (1-1) looks like it will be one of the more disappointing teams in the Pac-12 this season. The Bears lost at home to Nevada, 31-24, and last week gave a up a Hail Mary touchdown to end the second half against FCS Southern Utah, a game the Bears won 50-31.

Cal has some talented skill position players in quarterback Zach Maynard, wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Isi Sofele. But the Bears haven't face a caliber of opponent like the Buckeyes and will likely struggle.

TV: ABC

Time: Noon ET.

Odds: Ohio State -17.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Jordan Hall Injury: Ohio State RB 'Looking Real Good' In Practice

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Jordan Hall is "looking real good" in practice this week, says Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (via Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer).

Hall, who is nearing a return from from a foot injury that he suffered over the summer, could be Ohio State's starting tailback for Saturday's game against California if he is indeed ready. However, in order for Hall to be deemed ready to return, he'll have to wait and see how sore he is heading into the weekend, according to head coach Urban Meyer.

Hall, a senior from Jeannette, Pa., has played in 29 career games over three years. He has rushed for 814 yards and five touchdowns, while racking up 202 receiving yards and another four scores.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Storm Klein Back At Practice With Ohio State, Could Play Saturday Against Cal

Ohio State linebacker Storm Klein may play in Saturday's game against Cal after being suspended the first two games of the season.

Jordan Hall Injury: Ohio State RB Will Play Against Cal, According To Report

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Jordan Hall will play on Saturday against the California Golden Bears, coach Urban Meyer confirmed on Wednesday, but it is unknown how much action he will see.

A gash on Hall's foot that required surgery caused him to miss the team's first two games, but he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. If Hall continues to practice without soreness he could very well be the starter on Saturday. Running back Carlos Hyde is out Saturday with a MCL sprain, leaving Hall to man the backfield with freshman Bri'onte Dunn and sophomore Rod Smith. Meyer has said that he won't name the starting tailback until Saturday.

Senior defensive end Nathan Williams also practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play on Saturday after missing last week's game against Central Florida with soreness in his knee. The Buckeyes take on the Golden Bears in Columbus with kickoff scheduled for noon ET.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. For college football coverage from around the country check out SB Nation's college football hub.

Michael Bennett Injury: Buckeyes DE Likely To Miss Cal Game, Potentially More

Ohio State defensive end Michael Bennett is likely to miss Saturday's game against Cal. Head coach Urban Meyer addressed the media Monday, and had the following to say about the groin injury Bennett is suffering from. Via The News-Herald:

We MRI'd it and there was some damage there, so it's going to be a couple more weeks. I don't believe he'll be ready for this week.

Meyer could not give a definite status for defensive end Nathan Williams, who is recovering from micro-fracture surgery. Williams was able to play in Ohio State's opener, but he missed the Buckeyes' second game of the season. Meyer has indicated that he'll likely be day to day for the remainder of the season, and that he's unsure if Williams will be available to play against the Golden Bears on Saturday.

The Buckeyes have been struggling to put pressure on the quarterback thus far, as they've only managed three sacks for the season. Cal is currently averaging 250-yards per game through the air, good for 64th in the nation.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. You can learn more about college football around the country over at SB Nation's College Football hub.

Urban Meyer Hopes To Protect Buckeyes' QB Braxton Miller

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has been carrying the ball a lot to start the season. He's also been taking a lot of hits. Miller has carried the ball 44 times in the first two games of the Buckeyes' season, and he's currently leading the Big Ten in rushing. Urban Meyer wants his team to be aware of the amount of hits he's taking, though, and do what it can to protect the sophomore quarterback. Via The Columbus Dispatch:

We have got to be smart, and he got tattooed a little bit, but we’ve all got to take care of him," Meyer said. "That’s kind of the message I’m giving in the team meeting to the offense here (today), take care of him. Now, he’s made some mistakes, too … but it’s a hell of a football player behind center. It’s a good problem to have.

Meyer is also hoping that Nathan Williams will be able to take part for the defense, as the Ohio State pass rush could use some help. Williams started Week 1, but was not able to take part in the Buckeyes' second game of the season. He did not have an answer as to whether or not the defensive end would be able to play against Cal, and indicated that this might be the norm for Williams this season.

The two sides are scheduled to kick off at noon ET Saturday in Columbus. The game can be seen on ABC.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. You can learn more about college football around the country over at SB Nation's College Football hub.

Ohio State's Kyle Dodson Hospitalized With Illness

Ohio State Buckeyes' freshman offensive lineman Kyle Dodson left practice on Tuesday in an ambulance after falling victim to dehydration. Dodson was taken to Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, where the university says he is resting comfortably and expected to be fine.

"He was ill earlier today and had a bout of dehydration during practice," OSU spokesman Jerry Emig said in an email, "but he is now stable and doing well."

(via Cleveland.com)

Dodson was one of the highest ranked recruits in Urban Meyer's first class at Ohio State, but offseason shoulder surgery has delayed his development a bit, and he's expected to redshirt in his first year in Columbus.

The Buckeyes will host the California Golden Bears on Saturday in the Horseshoe.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. You can learn more about college football around the country over at SB Nation's College Football hub.

Cal Vs. Ohio State: Buckeyes Looking To Improve Pass Rush Against Bears

The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to improve their pass rush this weekend against Cal.

Coach Urban Meyer said,

"I could list a multitude of reasons and excuses and so on and so forth -- we have to get better at pressuring the quarterback or it's going to be a long year."

The Buckeyes may try simply blitzing more, but injury concerns are also hurting the defensive line. Senior Nathan Williams remains a question mark, as he recovers from knee surgery. Williams did not play last week, and his status is unknown for Saturday.

Sophomore lineman Michael Bennett is unlikely to play against Cal, as he continues his rehab from a groin injury. Bennett has missed Ohio State's first two games.

Through two games, Ohio State has managed just three sacks.

For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Land-Grant Holy Land. You can learn more about college football around the country over at SB Nation's College Football hub.

Jordan Hall Injury: Ohio State RB Cleared To Play, Bri'onte Dunn Listed As Starter

Ohio State running back Jordan Hall has been cleared to resume football activities, but whether or not he'll play Saturday is still up in the air.

Hall missed the first two games of the season after a severe cut to his foot required surgery. While he has been cleared to play, he's not listed on the depth chart. Head coach Urban Meyer said Hall practiced a bit over the weekend and they were going to see how he ran at Monday's practice, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Running back Carlos Hyde is also out for Saturday with an MCL sprain. That leaves true freshman Bri'onte Dunn as the starter on the depth chart, with sophomore Rod Smith behind him. The hope is one of the backs steps up so quarterback Braxton Miller doesn't have to run as much, running backs coach Stan Drayton told The Morning Journal.

"The answer is, one of those guys has got to pick their game up," Drayton said. "They'll have to. We can't go into this ball game with the thought process of not having a running back. The amount they play will determine how much they will play."