Ohio State suspends Bosa, trio of Buckeyes for opener

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 30 (UPI) -- The defending National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes will have to play its opener without a defensive anchor.

Joey Bosa, the Buckeyes' best defensive player, and three teammates were suspended for the season opener against Virginia Tech for an "unspecified violation of athletic department policy," according to the Columbus Dispatch.

ESPN's Joe Schad reported that the suspensions were due to "marijuana and academics."

"I kind of knew about this for a little bit," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer told the Sporting News Thursday. "The athletic department has policies, and we are 100 percent fully supportive of it. Whether it's a sprained ankle or stuff, you move forward."

The All-American Bosa joins backs Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, and receiver Corey Smith as players to miss the Sept. 7 contest.

Bosa totaled 55 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks last season. Marshall had 38 receptions, 499 yards and six touchdown catches and ran for 145 yards and a touchdown and had a punt return for a score. Wilson had 21 receptions, 300 yards and three touchdowns and had 100 rushing yards. Smith had 20 catches and 255 receiving yards.

Bosa was the Big Ten defensive player of the year and defensive lineman of the year.