James Laurinaitis News

Ohio State's Kurt Coleman is one of the best safeties in the Big Ten Conference, but it's often been difficult for him to gain notoriety during his four seasons with the Buckeyes.

Ohio State beat Michigan for the fifth straight time, capturing the Big Ten title.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez announced today the four permanent captains for the football team, as voted by their teammates: linebacker Stevie Brown, defensive end Brandon Graham, punter Zoltan Mesko and left tackle Mark Ortmann.

Last season, when Ohio State and Penn State tied for the Big Ten title, the Nittany Lions dominated the All-Big Ten team , seeing 10 players named first-team all-conference while the Buckeyes had three - cornerback Malcolm Jenkins , offensive tackle Alex Boone and linebacker James Laurinaitis .

Two years ago, James Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes thought they were headed to the Rose Bowl before they wound up in the national title game.

The Buckeyes' run defense isn't all about the defensive line. Talented running back Evan Royster of Penn State found that out when confronted by linebacker Austin Spitler, left, and safety Kurt Coleman.

Jim Tressel's Buckeyes can atone for recent BCS flops in the Rose Bowl. COLUMBUS, Ohio Congratulations, Ohio State.

Life can change quickly in college football. A month ago, Ohio State was dead and buried after its 26-18 loss to Purdue.

Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain , the leader of the nation's fourth-ranked defense, is one of eight semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

The Buckeyes led 6-3 in the fourth quarter, but the turnover had given the Nittany Lions the break they needed.

It's natural that a freshman or sophomore linebacker might have to sit behind someone of the caliber of James Laurinaitis or Marcus Freeman.

" Boston College Linebacker Mark Herzlich, who has missed the entire 2009 football season while undergoing treatment for cancer, will receive an honorary Lott Trophy, it was announced today by the Board of Directors of The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the award.

Bobby Carpenter LB, Dallas : Had three solo tackles, one assist and a sack in a 38-17 win over Seattle.

What is Steve Yzerman doing on the back roads of Canada, driving off to Calgary one night and then back to Edmonton the next? An episode of 'Ice Road Truckers'? 'This is a Team Canada mission,' he told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.

The only hope for the long-suffering St. Louis Rams , losers of a franchise-record 17 consecutive games with seven of those coming this season, is a massive rebuilding effort constructed largely around top young talent.

Dispatch OSU football beat writer Tim May answers your questions Friday at noon about the Buckeyes, Big Ten and college football in general.

Posted by Mike Farley A tougher award to measure, as no one has really stepped up to be among the NFLa TMs stat leaders.

After losing just eight times in a celebrated four-year college career at Ohio State, St.

Michigan State junior middle linebacker Greg Jones is among 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott Trophy, named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.

Na'il Diggs LB, Carolina : Had four solo tackles in a 28-21 win over Tampa Bay. James Laurinaitis LB, St.