Haskins’ fifth Big Ten award ties record

Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. was named the Big Ten’s offensive player of the week for a recordtying fifth time Monday, becoming the first player to do so since quarterback Troy Smith in his Heisman Trophywinning season with the Buckeyes in 2006.

Haskins shared the award this week with Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor after setting Ohio State records for passing yards (3,685) and touchdown passes (36) in a season during a 52-51 overtime win Saturday at Maryland.

Unlike Smith, though, Haskins does not appear to be a factor in the Heisman, where the consensus is that Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is running away with the award.

Haskins’ effort at Maryland was a tour de force for the third-year sophomore. He passed for 405 yards and three touchdowns, completing 28 of 38 passes, though he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He also had 15 carries for 59 yards and three touchdowns.

Along the way, he rallied the Buckeyes from three 14-point deficits, and he now has four 400yard passing games, an Ohio State record.

“I always preach to my team that whatever happens, we’re always going to be with each other, we’re always going to Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins Jr., who passed for three touchdowns and ran for three scores against Maryland, was named Big Ten offensive player of the week for the fifth time.

have each other,” Haskins said of the attitude that sustained the offense all day. “We make plays. That’s what we do.” Two sources told The Dispatch that coach

Urban Meyer dealt with a couple of episodes of severe headaches during the Maryland game. There were several instances when he appeared to be in discomfort.

Meyer opted not to comment when asked about it by The Dispatch on Monday. He said his focus is on preparation for the Michigan game.

Three weeks ago, Meyer said he has dealt for two decades with the discomfort caused by an enlarged arachnoid cyst in the lining of his brain. A surgical procedure in 2014 relieved some of the swelling, but it has returned this season.

Michigan running back Karan Higdon, after being reminded that his coach Jim Harbaugh guaranteed a win over Ohio State in 1986 when he was a senior quarterback, was asked Monday whether he’d like to do the same.

"Yeah, I do,” Higdon told reporters. “That's how I feel. I believe firmly in my brothers, and this team, and this coaching staff, and as a captain, I'll take that stand. Why not?”

He looked up at 6-foot-8 tight end Zach Gentry standing next to him seeming to seek affirmation. Gentry just stared straight ahead.

Meanwhile, Harbaugh declined to say whether he expects defensive end Chase Winovich to play. Winovich suffered an apparent collarbone injury last week in the win over Indiana. Winovich wrote on his Instagram account Sunday: “To those who celebrated what they thought would be my demise, I'll be back.”