It was around this time last season when Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee began propelling his team toward an eventual national championship.
Given the history, Ohio State fans likely held their collective breath when Lee remained on the turf for several minutes after a second-quarter play Saturday at Illinois. Ohio State's athletic trainers attended to Lee following a 25-yard pass by Illinois.
But there was one Buckeyes backer who had no concern about the linebacker: Lee's mom, Candice, an anchor for WCMH television in Columbus.
Rub some dirt on it
Talk about tough love.