#ohio-state-football

#ohio-state-football

This year, Downs earned the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football. He was also a two-time unanimous All-American and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Downs had 68 tackles this season, to go along with two forced fumbles, two interceptions and a sack. He led an Ohio State defense that ranked No. 1 nationally allowing just 9.3 points per game.

Ohio State wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are not expected to play against Rutgers on Saturday due to lower-body injuries, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Tate will miss his third straight game. Smith played in last week's win over UCLA but missed the second half after being seen limping before halftime. Both are considered day-to-day, sources said, ahead of a potential return next week against rival Michigan.