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![a man holding his hand up: Zach Smith was fired by Ohio State in July.](http://www.msn.com/{"default":{"load":"default","w":"80","h":"57","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BBLC3kt.img?h=566&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=2071&y=713"},"size3column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"44","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BBLC3kt.img?h=442&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=2071&y=713"},"size2column":{"load":"default","w":"62","h":"44","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BBLC3kt.img?h=442&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=2071&y=713"}})
© Marvin Fong, The Plain Vendor through AP
Zach Smith was fired by Ohio State in July.
Investigators the Ohio State Board of Trustees main the inquiry into City Meyer’s dealing with of home violence allegations made towards Zach Smith have but to achieve out to the since-fired assistant coach, Smith’s legal professional instructed USA TODAY Sports activities on Thursday.
The identical investigators, nevertheless, have had “very preliminary communications” with Powell, Ohio, police officers, a metropolis spokesperson instructed USA TODAY Sports activities.
Brad Koffel, Smith’s legal professional, mentioned in a textual content message that the investigators haven’t sought to interview his shopper and, as of Thursday afternoon, there have been no plans for Smith to be interviewed as a part of the investigation, which the varsity introduced Sunday is predicted to be wrapped up inside 14 days.
ARMOUR: Meyer did what was required, however he did not do what’s proper
GOING FORWARD: How can Ohio State thrive with out City Meyer?
WEIGHING HISTORY: Ohio State also needs to have a look at Meyer’s time at Florida
Smith’s spouse, Courtney, got here ahead final month to allege she was abused by Zach Smith on a number of events and a 2015 incident the place she reported to Powell police she’d been bodily assaulted was recognized to many inside Ohio State’s athletic division.
Megan Canavan, the director of communications for the Metropolis of Powell, mentioned the Ohio State investigators reached out of police officers on Tuesday, though “it was too early to inform why they have been on the lookout for or how they needed to proceed.”
Associated slideshow: High 25 preseason school soccer coaches’ ballot
1. Alabama (13-1)
Factors: 1,621 (61 first-place votes). Earlier rating: 1. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Louisville in Orlando (ABC, 8)
Outlook: Coming off their fifth title in 9 seasons, the Crimson Tide have extra questions than ordinary with an unsettled quarterback scenario, main losses on protection and modifications at each coordinator positions. Nonetheless, it is a crew filled with expertise, and Nick Saban is aware of the way to navigate this kind of problem.
2. Clemson (12-2)
Factors: 1,547 (3). Earlier rating: 4. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Furman
Outlook: If protection wins championships, then the Tigers are well-positioned to make their fourth consecutive playoff look. Christian Wilkins heads a dominant line of defense. QB Kelly Bryant led Clemson to 12 wins in his first yr as a starter, however his job standing is tenuous with incoming freshman Trevor Lawrence within the combine.
3. Ohio State (12-2)
Factors: 1,458 (1). Earlier rating: 5. This week: Sept. 1 vs. Oregon State (ABC, midday)
Outlook: On the sector, the Buckeyes have sufficient expertise to repeat as Large Ten champions with RB J.Okay. Dobbins and DL Nick Bosa amongst their standouts. The chief concern is off the sector. Head coach City Meyer is on depart as the varsity investigates his doable information of alleged abuse by a former assistant.
4. Georgia (13-2)
Factors: 1,452. Earlier rating: 2. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Austin Peay (ESPN, 3:30)
Outlook: The sting of dropping to Alabama in time beyond regulation within the championship recreation will present motivation. QB Jake Fromm appears to be like to keep away from a sophomore stoop. The protection ought to once more be one of many prime items within the nation. Deandre Baker and J.R. Reed lead the secondary.
5. Oklahoma (12-2)
Factors: 1,288. Earlier rating: 3. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Florida Atlantic (Fox, midday)
Outlook: Changing Heisman winner Baker Mayfield isn’t the crew’s largest concern. Kyler Murray ought to be positive at QB with RB Rodney Anderson and a gifted group of broad receivers as assist. The protection, final seen being torched by Georgia within the Rose Bowl, has to enhance.
6. Washington (10-3)
Factors: 1,245. Earlier rating: 15. Opens: Sept 1 vs. No. 10 Auburn in Atlanta (ABC, 3:30)
Outlook: The Huskies have QB Jake Browning and RB Myles Gaskin returning to its offense as they bid to achieve the playoff for the second time in three seasons. The season opener towards Auburn ought to inform loads about whether or not they’re a contender or simply the very best crew within the Pac-12.
7. Wisconsin (13-1)
Factors: 1,243. Earlier rating: 6. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Western Kentucky (ESPN, 9)
Outlook: Identified extra for being vanilla on offense and stingy on protection, the Badgers could flip the script this season. Backed by one of many nation’s prime offensive strains and RB Jonathan Taylor, they need to be explosive. One other unbeaten common season is feasible if the protection can overcome some key losses.
8. Miami (Fla.) (10-3)
Factors: 1,091. Earlier rating: 13. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. No. 24 LSU in Arlington, Texas (ABC, 7:30)
Outlook: The Hurricanes had a dream begin final season with 10 consecutive wins earlier than ending with a thud. LB Shaq Quarterman is a part of an athletic protection that ought to be improved. The query is that if the offense can do its half. Higher play from QB Malik Rosier is pivotal.
9. Penn State (11-2)
Factors: 1,050. Earlier rating: 8. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Appalachian State (BTN, 3:30)
Outlook: Gone are RB Saquon Barkley and three of the highest 4 receivers. That’s the dangerous information. QB Hint McSorley and a veteran offensive line present optimism that the Nittany Lions nonetheless will likely be adequate to make a run on the Large Ten title and presumably a Faculty Soccer Playoff berth.
10. Auburn (10-4)
Factors: 1,004. Earlier rating: 12. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. No. 6 Washington in Atlanta (ABC, 3:30)
Outlook: The one crew to beat Alabama final yr, the Tigers begin this season targeted on repeating as SEC West champs. QB Jarrett Stidham appears to be like to be extra comfy in his second season because the starter. The success of the season possible comes right down to November journeys to Georgia and Alabama.
11. Notre Dame (10-3)
Factors: 892. Earlier rating: 11. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. No. 14 Michigan (NBC, 7:30).
Outlook: With some key losses on the offensive line, the success of the Irish possible will fall as to if QB Brandon Wimbush might be extra constant throwing the ball. The protection will likely be higher, however a tricky schedule, beginning with Michigan, will likely be tough to handle with out assist from the offense.
12. Michigan State (10-3)
Factors: 870. Earlier rating: 16. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Utah State (BTN, 7)
Outlook: After lacking a bowl recreation in 2016, the Spartans have 19 starters again from final yr’s crew that gained 10 video games. QB Brian Lewerke supplies a operating and passing menace. The protection, led by DL Kenny Willekes, is sweet sufficient to have them contend within the Large Ten.
13. Stanford (9-5)
Factors: 768. Earlier rating: 19. Opens: Aug. 31 vs. San Diego State (FS1, 9)
Outlook: RB Bryce Love determined to skip the NFL draft, giving the Cardinal one of many prime weapons in school soccer. QB Okay.J. Costello, who welcomes again his prime 4 receivers, has to do his half to take some stress off Love. The protection was down a notch final yr and is predicted to be higher.
14. Michigan (8-5)
Factors: 752. Earlier rating: not ranked. Opens: Sept. 1 at No. 11 Notre Dame (NBC, 7:30)
Outlook: The stress is formally on Jim Harbaugh, who’s 1-5 towards rivals Ohio State and Michigan State in his three seasons. Shea Patterson, a switch from Mississippi, is predicted clear up the crew’s issues at quarterback. The protection was inexperienced final yr and nonetheless ranked second within the Large Ten. That’s a great signal for this season.
15. Southern California (11-3)
Factors: 691. Earlier rating: 10. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. UNLV (Pac-12, 4)
Outlook: It possible would be the protection, led by DL Christian Rector and LB Cameron Smith, that turns into the power of the Trojans after the departure of QB Sam Darnold. With no important expertise on the place, true freshman J.T. Daniels may win the beginning job which may imply some early rising pains.
16. TCU (11-3)
Factors: 530. Earlier rating: 9. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Southern
Outlook: This ought to be one other overachieving season for the Horned Frogs. Once more, protection would be the crew’s spine. DL Ben Banogu is a dominant move rusher, and LB Ty Summers patrols the center. QB Shawn Robinson is younger, however he can have two excellent receivers in KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Reagor.
17. Virginia Tech (9-4)
Factors: 524. Earlier rating: 25. This week: Sept. Three at No. 19 Florida State (ESPN, 8)
Outlook: QB Josh Jackson appears to be like to blossom in his second season because the starter, particularly if a No. 1 possibility steps up at broad receiver. The protection, at all times good underneath coordinator Bud Foster, can have DL Ricky Walker up entrance. There are main holes to fill within the secondary with a number of important departures.
18. Mississippi State (9-4)
Factors: 407. Earlier rating: 20. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Stephen F. Austin (ESPNU, 7:30)
Outlook: New coach Joe Moorhead is blessed with one of many most-talented rosters within the SEC. QB Nick Fitzgerald seems to be an ideal slot in former Penn State coordinator’s offense. DL Jeffrey Simmons is likely one of the convention’s prime defenders.
19. Florida State (7-6)
Factors: 328. Earlier rating: not ranked. Opens: Sept. Three vs. No. 17 Virginia Tech (ESPN, 8)
Outlook: Willie Taggart’s first huge choice as Seminoles coach will choosing between Deondre Francois and James Blackman at quarterback. RB Cam Akers is ready for a breakout season as a sophomore. The protection is younger and gifted. It might want to develop up quick.
20. West Virginia (7-6)
Factors: 310. Earlier rating: not ranked. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Tennessee in Charlotte (CBS, 3:30)
Outlook: The Mountaineers ought to be one of many extra entertaining groups within the nation with QB Will Grier throwing and wideouts David Sills V and Gary Jennings catching. LB David Lengthy and DB Dravon Askew-Henry present two leaders within the again seven of the protection.
21. Texas (7-6)
Factors: 265. Earlier rating: not ranked. Opens: Sept. 1 at Maryland (FS1, midday)
Outlook: After main this system to its first successful season since 2013, Tom Herman is seeking to make the subsequent step towards having the Longhorns again among the many elite. Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele possible will share time at quarterback. Improved play at operating again and the offensive line is crucial.
22. Boise State (11-3)
Factors: 261. Earlier rating: 22. Opens: Sept. 1 at Troy (ESPNews, 6)
Outlook: The Broncos are blessed with senior QB Brett Rypien, a deep backfield, choices at broad receiver and depth on each strains. They’ll make one other run on the Group of 5 berth in one of many main bowls.
23. Central Florida (13-0)
Factors: 259. Earlier rating: 7. Opens: Aug. 30 at Connecticut (ESPNU, 7)
Outlook: Underneath new head coach Josh Heupel, the Knights are primed for one more profitable season after being the lone unbeaten in FBS in 2017. QB McKenzie Milton will head a prolific offense. How shortly the protection develops will decide if UCF can keep away from a loss.
24. LSU (9-4)
Factors: 254. Earlier rating: 18. Opens: Sept. 2 vs. No. Eight Miami (Fla.) in Arlington, Texas (ABC, 7:30)
Outlook: Ed Orgeron modified offensive coordinators and introduced in Ohio State QB switch Joe Burrow to assist treatment this system’s issue throwing the ball. These modifications should to achieve success as expectations for the Tigers are to contend within the SEC West, which it has not gained since 2011.
25. Oklahoma State (10-3)
Factors: 168. Earlier rating: 14. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Missouri State (FS1, 8)
Outlook: The Cowboys largely lived on the arm of QB Mason Rudolph final yr, however together with his departure RB Justice Hill ought to carry the load of the offense. A lot of the key contributors return on protection. DL Jordan Brailford has the potential to interrupt out after six sacks final yr.
25/25 SLIDES
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