Bosa won't play against Tulane

Defensive end Nick Bosa won't play Saturday when the No. 4 Buckeyes host Tulane, coach Urban Meyer said Monday.

Bosa was injured early in the third quarter of Buckeyes’ 40-28 win Saturday over Texas Christian in Arlington, Texas. After limping from the field and then to the locker room, he returned to the bench in street clothes and watched the end of the game.

“He's getting further tests this week; he will not play this week,” Meyer said. “He'll have further tests on a groin and abdominal issue."

Bosa is considered one of the elite players in the nation. Speculation started months ago that should he opt to leave for the NFL after his junior season, he would be expected to go in the first three picks of the draft.

Through three games, he leads the team in tackles (14) and sacks (four). Saturday night he caused the fumble that Davon Hamilton recovered in the end zone for Ohio State’s first touchdown. Bosa scored a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ opening win over Oregon State, pouncing on a fumble caused by linebacker Pete Werner.

Big Ten honors Jones

Defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones was one of those who picked up the slack after Bosa was hurt, and on Monday Jones was named the Big Ten defensive player of the week.

Jones made the pivotal play in the come-from-behind win. His interception of a shovel pass and 28-yard return for a touchdown was the middle score in a three-TD flurry by the Buckeyes over 4:01 of the late third quarter that took them from an eight-point deficit to a 12-point lead.

But it was just part of Jones’ dynamic evening. He had a chance at another interception earlier in the game, as he leaped at the line of scrimmage to knock down a pass from TCU quarterback Shawn Robinson. Jones had two tackles for loss, including a sack, among his six overall tackles, and added another pass break-up.

Just trying to help

Though Meyer missed the first three games because of his suspension, he was allowed to coach during the past two weeks leading up to the second and third games. While praising the job done by acting head coach Ryan Day, the assistant coaches and the players, he indicated Monday he plans to keep the same approach he had when he first returned two weeks ago.

“I even asked today, ‘How do I assist?’ ” Meyer said. “I’m a fundamental person, a ball-security guy. I watch things very closely. I’m very involved in the kicking game. I have not been that involved in the offense. I give my ideas. And I think they’re doing exceptional.

“So I’m trying to just help, do the best I can.”

Penn State at 7:30 p.m.

Ohio State's game at Penn State on Sept. 29 will kick of at 7:30 p.m. and be televised on ABC, it was announced Monday.

tmay@dispatch.com

@TIM_MAYsports

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