Skip to main content

Hokies, Buckeyes have lot riding under the lights

By WTOP Staff

RUSTY MILLER
AP Sports Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — When the new permanent lights go on at old Ohio Stadium, there will be magic — and a hint of tension — in the air.

Even for those who are used to playing before large, adoring crowds dressed head to toe in scarlet and gray, it’s an overwhelming sight.

“Nothing’s like playing in front of 110,000 people like that,” said Joey Bosa, the star defensive end of eighth-ranked Ohio State. “At least nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I’m excited to get back in there.”

A record crowd is expected at the newly expanded Ohio Stadium when the Buckeyes roll out the red carpet for Virginia Tech, which has never played so many people since picking up the game in 1892.

“You know (it will be) a great atmosphere — largest crowd that we’ve ever played before. So it’s quite a challenge,” said Hokies coach Frank Beamer. “We’ll see how they respond.”

Here are some things to keep an eye on, starting with a crowd that has all day to get, uh, motivated:

OVERFLOW: Ohio State spent $8.9 million to install permanent lights, add 2,615 seats (capacity: 104,944) and put up a covered tunnel from home locker room to the field.

Virginia Tech LB Chase Williams said the best environment he’s ever played in was the Hokies’ dramatic 38-35 win over Miami in 2011.

“I don’t know if I’ve heard Lane Stadium be that loud before,” Williams said. “I imagine it’s going to be about just as loud at this game, though.”

That game had a crowd of 66,233; this one might have 40,000 more fans.

HURRY-UP HOKIES: TB Shai McKenzie ran for 106 yards and a touchdown and QB Michael Brewer completed 23 of 30 passes for 251 yards and two scores with a pick in Tech’s 34-9 waltz past FCS William & Mary.

Tech must continue to produce in its new no-huddle attack against the Buckeyes.

“Being able to continuously move the ball forward and not shoot ourselves in the foot and move it backward is going to be a big part of this game for us,” Brewer said. “And when there’s a chance to make a big play, we’ve got to make it.”

NEW PASS D: After getting torched in its last three games last season, Ohio State blew up its pass defense and built a new one under the guidance of new co-coordinator Chris Ash.

After a week spent chasing option pitches against Navy in a 34-17 win, the Buckeyes are eager to show how far they’ve come against the pass.

“I’m sure the D-line’s really happy that they get to pass-rush now as opposed to taking on double-teams all day,” LB Darron Lee said.

S Vonn Bell, whose dad played for Beamer at Tech, said it’ll be a big test to hold down Brewer.

“He can really sling it,” he said. “He’s got a powerful arm. We have to have good breaks on every route we take and we have to be disciplined.”

UNDERDOG: The Buckeyes are favored by a touchdown and a half. That doesn’t faze or surprise the Hokies, however.

“I haven’t paid any attention to what the line is,” Williams said. “I knew they were probably going to be the favorite, just because they are ranked and the prestige of that program.”

THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART: College kids love playing in night games. But they don’t love everything about them.

“That’s one thing I do hate,” Ohio State WR Devin Smith said. “I hate waiting for a night game because it takes too long. We need to hurry up and play.”

In due time, Devin, in due time.

___

Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RustyMillerAP

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote