DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State was plagued by shoddy tackling while giving up 80 points in its final two games last season, and the coaches believe the only way to get better is to schedule more live contact in practice.

Although it puts their best players at risk, the Buckeyes have been pitting their first-string defense against the No. 1 offense throughout preseason camp.

"I don't think you really worry about getting hurt right now," linebackers coach Luke Fickell said. "If it happens, it happens. We do it every day. I haven't been many places (as a coach), but I don't know if there's many places that go more live ones-against-ones than here. We're even doing live kickoffs every day.

"I'm a little older school, and I would never say back off on the hitting. But we're going all out — because we've got to get better at it."

Freeman steps up

After playing primarily on passing downs last season, junior linebacker Marcus Freeman has been lining up with the first unit in all situations this year.

"Marcus has really matured," Fickell said. "We've talked to him many times about how he's got all the ability in the world. If you timed him (in the 40), he'd be one of our fastest guys. But it comes down to what you do on Saturday afternoon and doing what you're capable of doing. He's taken a big step in maturity and in how important it is to him."

Offense more balanced?

The Buckeyes led the Big Ten in scoring last year with a 34.6 average, 5.4 points per game more than second-place Michigan. But sophomore running back Chris Wells insists the team can weather the losses of quarterback Troy Smith, tailback Antonio Pittman and receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez.

"We're more balanced," he said. "I honestly feel we can have a better offense than last year. We had Troy, don't get me wrong. Troy, Teddy, Pitt and Gonzo — those guys were great. But as a balanced offense ... we can be as good or better."

Autographs routine

Junior defensive end Lawrence Wilson knows the Buckeyes will be inundated at an autograph session and open practice at 5:15 p.m. Monday, but he doesn't mind cranking out the signatures.

"That's the stage we're put on at Ohio State," he said. "I just want to show the fans we appreciate them."

But he's fielded his share of unusual requests. Although he hasn't started a game yet, he was recognized last winter at a mall in Columbus, and the fan pulled out a $50 bill for Wilson to sign.

"I was shocked," he said. "I was like, 'I'm not going to sign it. You won't be able to use it.' " The man came back a short time later with a $1 bill.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.