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LGHL You’re Nuts: Who was your favorite Ohio State player to wear No. 4?
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You’re Nuts: Who was your favorite Ohio State player to wear No. 4?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
With the Fourth of July being a time for celebration around the country to celebrate independence, today at Land-Grant Holy Land we are celebrating something a little different. Along with the holiday, we figured it would be a great time to celebrate the greats at Ohio State that have donned the number four, since it is the Fourth of July.
Currently, Julian Fleming wears number four for the Ohio State football team. Some of the Buckeyes to recently wear the number are Jordan Fuller and Curtis Samuel. Over on the hardwood, Baylor transfer Dale Bonner will be wearing four for the men’s basketball team, while Jacy Sheldon will be returning for the women’s basketball team after her 2022-23 was limited due to a leg injury.
There are plenty of other great players that have worn number four while wearing the scarlet and gray. Kirk Herbstreit, Ken-Yon Rambo, and Duane Washington Jr. are just a few of the Buckeyes that have found success in Columbus while wearing four. Today we want to know who your favorite number four for the Buckeyes is or was. While we mentioned football and basketball, bonus points go to those who have a favorite Ohio State four from a non-revenue sport.
Santonio Holmes will always be one of the Buckeyes I remember fondly since his final year at Ohio State was the first year I lived in Columbus after moving here from Western New York. Holmes had strong seasons in 2003 and 2004 for the Buckeyes, catching seven touchdowns in each of those seasons. The wide receiver from Florida was able to learn from Michael Jenkins as Jenkins’ college career ended after the 2003 season. Then when Holmes became Ohio State’s top receiver in 2004, he was able to pass along his knowledge to Ted Ginn Jr. in the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
In the final year of his college career in 2005, Holmes caught 53 passes for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns. Even after Ohio State has thrown the football more over the last decade, Holmes is still prominent in the top 10 in the school’s receiving totals. The 140 career catches from Holmes ranks 10th, his 2,295 receiving yards rank eighth, and his 25 receiving touchdowns are the fifth-most in school history. It would be interesting to see what totals Holmes would put up if he had arrived in Columbus 10 or 15 years later than he did.
What I loved about Holmes is he seemed to do his best work in the biggest games. He scored touchdowns in wins over Michigan in 2004 and 2005. To close out his college career, in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame, Holmes caught five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. And who could forget Super Bowl XLIII, where he made one of the best catches ever seen in the Super Bowl to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a lead late in the game against the Arizona Cardinals. Holmes would go on to earn Super Bowl MVP honors after scoring the game-winning touchdown.
Even though there have been many great receivers to play at Ohio State, Holmes will always be one that I will mention as one of the best Buckeye receivers of all time. There may be wide receivers that put up bigger numbers, but to me, Holmes is one of the receivers that always came up big when the spotlight was the brightest.
Your definition of a hero might vary, but to me, a hero is someone who puts his own body and physical well-being on the line, and there is no No. 4 that exemplifies that more than the man, the myth, the legend; Dr. Scrappy himself; the rosey-cheeked assassin, Dr. Aaron Vincent Craft.
Not since the days of Chris Jent was there a player that seemed to enjoy getting floor burns more than Craft. While guys like Andre Wesson and Kyle Young also come to mind in recent years, they all were living in the shadow of Dr. Aaron. Was he ever the most talented player on the court? Probably not, but his effort, energy, and intelligence made him an indispensable part of an incredibly important run in Ohio State men’s basketball history, not to mention the creation of the Ohio State alumni team — now known as Carmen’s Crew — in the annual TBT Tournament.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24771597/usa_today_7795015.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Michigan State at Ohio State")
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
I feel like Craft is kind of the epitome of what it is to be an Ohio State fan. Everyone else absolutely hates you, even though deep down they wish you were on their team. He was feisty, he was dogged, he was annoying (all three things Ohio State fans have been accused of being), but he was ours. He did the little things that made his teams better.
Will Ohio State ever reach the heights of bluebloods like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and Kentucky on a regular basis, probably not. Similarly, Craft was never going to be the best point guard in the country. But he scratched and clawed as much as his body and talents would allow and, if he got the right combinations of shots in, he could take down Goliath. Such is the case for the OSU men’s basketball team.
It is also somewhat similar between the football team and the SEC squads like Alabama and Georgia which have inherent advantages given their geographical proximity to the top high school talent in the country, but the gap is much smaller on the gridiron than it is on the hardwood.
Nonetheless, Aaron Craft is, for all intents and purposes, the quintessential Buckeye. He enjoyed mixing it up with anyone and everyone, regardless of size and skill. He never backed down from a challenge — even in situations when he probably should have — but he also was immensely talented, and intelligent far beyond what most people think an athlete at his level of being capable of.
So, for me, with all due respect to Will Allen, Kurt Coleman, Jordan Fuller, Kirk Herbstreit, Sean McNeil, Ken-Yon Rambo, Curtis Samuel, Ray Small, Chris Vance, and others, Aaron Craft is by far my favorite No. 4 in Scarlet and Gray history.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
With the Fourth of July being a time for celebration around the country to celebrate independence, today at Land-Grant Holy Land we are celebrating something a little different. Along with the holiday, we figured it would be a great time to celebrate the greats at Ohio State that have donned the number four, since it is the Fourth of July.
Currently, Julian Fleming wears number four for the Ohio State football team. Some of the Buckeyes to recently wear the number are Jordan Fuller and Curtis Samuel. Over on the hardwood, Baylor transfer Dale Bonner will be wearing four for the men’s basketball team, while Jacy Sheldon will be returning for the women’s basketball team after her 2022-23 was limited due to a leg injury.
There are plenty of other great players that have worn number four while wearing the scarlet and gray. Kirk Herbstreit, Ken-Yon Rambo, and Duane Washington Jr. are just a few of the Buckeyes that have found success in Columbus while wearing four. Today we want to know who your favorite number four for the Buckeyes is or was. While we mentioned football and basketball, bonus points go to those who have a favorite Ohio State four from a non-revenue sport.
Today’s question: Who was your favorite Ohio State player to wear number four?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes will always be one of the Buckeyes I remember fondly since his final year at Ohio State was the first year I lived in Columbus after moving here from Western New York. Holmes had strong seasons in 2003 and 2004 for the Buckeyes, catching seven touchdowns in each of those seasons. The wide receiver from Florida was able to learn from Michael Jenkins as Jenkins’ college career ended after the 2003 season. Then when Holmes became Ohio State’s top receiver in 2004, he was able to pass along his knowledge to Ted Ginn Jr. in the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
In the final year of his college career in 2005, Holmes caught 53 passes for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns. Even after Ohio State has thrown the football more over the last decade, Holmes is still prominent in the top 10 in the school’s receiving totals. The 140 career catches from Holmes ranks 10th, his 2,295 receiving yards rank eighth, and his 25 receiving touchdowns are the fifth-most in school history. It would be interesting to see what totals Holmes would put up if he had arrived in Columbus 10 or 15 years later than he did.
What I loved about Holmes is he seemed to do his best work in the biggest games. He scored touchdowns in wins over Michigan in 2004 and 2005. To close out his college career, in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame, Holmes caught five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. And who could forget Super Bowl XLIII, where he made one of the best catches ever seen in the Super Bowl to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a lead late in the game against the Arizona Cardinals. Holmes would go on to earn Super Bowl MVP honors after scoring the game-winning touchdown.
Even though there have been many great receivers to play at Ohio State, Holmes will always be one that I will mention as one of the best Buckeye receivers of all time. There may be wide receivers that put up bigger numbers, but to me, Holmes is one of the receivers that always came up big when the spotlight was the brightest.
Matt’s answer: Aaron Craft
Your definition of a hero might vary, but to me, a hero is someone who puts his own body and physical well-being on the line, and there is no No. 4 that exemplifies that more than the man, the myth, the legend; Dr. Scrappy himself; the rosey-cheeked assassin, Dr. Aaron Vincent Craft.
Not since the days of Chris Jent was there a player that seemed to enjoy getting floor burns more than Craft. While guys like Andre Wesson and Kyle Young also come to mind in recent years, they all were living in the shadow of Dr. Aaron. Was he ever the most talented player on the court? Probably not, but his effort, energy, and intelligence made him an indispensable part of an incredibly important run in Ohio State men’s basketball history, not to mention the creation of the Ohio State alumni team — now known as Carmen’s Crew — in the annual TBT Tournament.
I feel like Craft is kind of the epitome of what it is to be an Ohio State fan. Everyone else absolutely hates you, even though deep down they wish you were on their team. He was feisty, he was dogged, he was annoying (all three things Ohio State fans have been accused of being), but he was ours. He did the little things that made his teams better.
Will Ohio State ever reach the heights of bluebloods like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and Kentucky on a regular basis, probably not. Similarly, Craft was never going to be the best point guard in the country. But he scratched and clawed as much as his body and talents would allow and, if he got the right combinations of shots in, he could take down Goliath. Such is the case for the OSU men’s basketball team.
It is also somewhat similar between the football team and the SEC squads like Alabama and Georgia which have inherent advantages given their geographical proximity to the top high school talent in the country, but the gap is much smaller on the gridiron than it is on the hardwood.
Nonetheless, Aaron Craft is, for all intents and purposes, the quintessential Buckeye. He enjoyed mixing it up with anyone and everyone, regardless of size and skill. He never backed down from a challenge — even in situations when he probably should have — but he also was immensely talented, and intelligent far beyond what most people think an athlete at his level of being capable of.
So, for me, with all due respect to Will Allen, Kurt Coleman, Jordan Fuller, Kirk Herbstreit, Sean McNeil, Ken-Yon Rambo, Curtis Samuel, Ray Small, Chris Vance, and others, Aaron Craft is by far my favorite No. 4 in Scarlet and Gray history.
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeye Heroes: From bringing the heat to putting out fires: Antonio Pittman’s post-football heroics
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Buckeye Heroes: From bringing the heat to putting out fires: Antonio Pittman’s post-football heroics
JamiJurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Former Buckeye football player Antonio Pittman has turned to a life of service in his community, making him an unsung hero on and off the field.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State heroes. Whether they are the biggest names in Buckeye athletic history, or underappreciated icons; perhaps even players who made major impacts off the field. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Buckeye Heroes” articles here.
Former Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman was arguably underrated during his time as a Buckeye. Despite being a key playmaker for the Buckeyes, Pittman isn’t the flashiest OSU alum and probably wouldn’t be one of the first running backs to come to mind.
Still, between 2004-2006, he maintained an average of more than 5 yards per carry. His career total 2,495 places him 14th on the all-time Ohio State rushing leaders list.
His performance wasn’t solely statistical. Pittman’s big plays often came at key moments that shifted the course of tough games. He scored the winning touchdown against Michigan in 2005 with only 24 seconds remaining in the game. His 60-yard rush on an injured hamstring with 1:46 left in the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl gave OSU the edge over Notre Dame, ultimately clinching the win.
If Pittman’s name does come to mind when you’re thinking “Leading OSU running backs over the years,” it is probably these plays that stuck with you.
After forgoing his senior season to declare for the NFL Draft, Pittman was taken by the New Orleans Saints in the 4th round. He also went on to play for the St. Louis Rams before being waived in 2009 after a knee injury.
It is here our hero’s journey really begins.
Pittman was undoubtedly a force for the Buckeyes on the field. I would argue that any player who scores the winning touchdown in a Michigan game OR a Bowl Game deserves hero status. Pittman did both.
While his knee injury ultimately ended his football career, for a time, Pittman clung to the hope he might be able to recover. He told the Columbus Dispatch last year that it was during trips to the gym at this time, he met Violet Township fire lieutenant Kevin McFarland.
McFarland went on to recruit Pittman to become a fireman, introducing him to firehouse culture and giving Pittman a window into the possibility of firefighting as a full-time career.
He was sold. Pittman used his NFL earnings to put himself through the Fire Academy.
Now in his sixth year as a full-time firefighter, Pittman has dedicated himself to a life of public service. He joined the Columbus Division of Fire in 2020, and now, he is currently fighting fires in the same community he once lit up scoreboards.
This dedication to serving and giving back to his community doesn’t stop with fighting fires, either. Pittman is passionate about mentoring young children and creating life-changing opportunities for the youth of Columbus.
He and his girlfriend started a charity called Navigating Alternative Success, or NAS for short, to provide after-school programs, mentoring, and resources for college advancement such as tutoring or college application assistance to local youth.
The same drive and determination that drove Pittman to greatness on the field are now being harnessed to improve his community.
It might not be as flashy as football, but Pittman has traded the jersey for the quiet nobility of leading a good life of service. There’s nothing more heroic than that.
Continue reading...
JamiJurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Former Buckeye football player Antonio Pittman has turned to a life of service in his community, making him an unsung hero on and off the field.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State heroes. Whether they are the biggest names in Buckeye athletic history, or underappreciated icons; perhaps even players who made major impacts off the field. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Buckeye Heroes” articles here.
Former Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman was arguably underrated during his time as a Buckeye. Despite being a key playmaker for the Buckeyes, Pittman isn’t the flashiest OSU alum and probably wouldn’t be one of the first running backs to come to mind.
Still, between 2004-2006, he maintained an average of more than 5 yards per carry. His career total 2,495 places him 14th on the all-time Ohio State rushing leaders list.
His performance wasn’t solely statistical. Pittman’s big plays often came at key moments that shifted the course of tough games. He scored the winning touchdown against Michigan in 2005 with only 24 seconds remaining in the game. His 60-yard rush on an injured hamstring with 1:46 left in the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl gave OSU the edge over Notre Dame, ultimately clinching the win.
If Pittman’s name does come to mind when you’re thinking “Leading OSU running backs over the years,” it is probably these plays that stuck with you.
After forgoing his senior season to declare for the NFL Draft, Pittman was taken by the New Orleans Saints in the 4th round. He also went on to play for the St. Louis Rams before being waived in 2009 after a knee injury.
It is here our hero’s journey really begins.
Pittman was undoubtedly a force for the Buckeyes on the field. I would argue that any player who scores the winning touchdown in a Michigan game OR a Bowl Game deserves hero status. Pittman did both.
While his knee injury ultimately ended his football career, for a time, Pittman clung to the hope he might be able to recover. He told the Columbus Dispatch last year that it was during trips to the gym at this time, he met Violet Township fire lieutenant Kevin McFarland.
McFarland went on to recruit Pittman to become a fireman, introducing him to firehouse culture and giving Pittman a window into the possibility of firefighting as a full-time career.
He was sold. Pittman used his NFL earnings to put himself through the Fire Academy.
Now in his sixth year as a full-time firefighter, Pittman has dedicated himself to a life of public service. He joined the Columbus Division of Fire in 2020, and now, he is currently fighting fires in the same community he once lit up scoreboards.
This dedication to serving and giving back to his community doesn’t stop with fighting fires, either. Pittman is passionate about mentoring young children and creating life-changing opportunities for the youth of Columbus.
He and his girlfriend started a charity called Navigating Alternative Success, or NAS for short, to provide after-school programs, mentoring, and resources for college advancement such as tutoring or college application assistance to local youth.
The same drive and determination that drove Pittman to greatness on the field are now being harnessed to improve his community.
It might not be as flashy as football, but Pittman has traded the jersey for the quiet nobility of leading a good life of service. There’s nothing more heroic than that.
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeye Heroes: Steve Miller gets little recognition, but helped fuel Ohio State football’s last title run
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Buckeye Heroes: Steve Miller gets little recognition, but helped fuel Ohio State football’s last title run
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Miller was a career backup until his senior season. But when opportunity finally did present itself, he took full advantage and helped the Scarlet and Gray win a national championship.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State heroes. Whether they are the biggest names in Buckeye athletic history, or underappreciated icons; perhaps even players who made major impacts off the field. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Buckeye Heroes” articles here.
Steve Miller was a four-star defensive line recruit and top-100 player coming out of Canton McKinley HS in 2011, earning offers from Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Florida, just to name a few. But he chose to stay home and play for Ohio State, a precedent set by more than a dozen Bulldogs (McKinley’s mascot) before him.
As a big-time contributor for McKinley – one of Ohio’s elite high school football programs – who then committed to play for OSU, Miller was likely hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ray Ellis, Jamar Martin, Kenny Peterson, and Mike Doss, all of whom enjoyed prosperous (to very prosperous) careers as Buckeyes.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24761442/451598345.jpg)
Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Miller’s collegiate career got off to a rocky start, through absolutely no fault of his own. Shortly before he arrived on campus, Jim Tressel was forced to resign in the wake of TattooGate. The Ohio State football program was suddenly thrust into chaos, Luke Fickell (completely unprepared at the time) took over coaching responsibilities, and the Buckeyes went 6-6 in Miller’s freshman season.
It’s possible that the former Canton McKinley star wanted to hop aboard a jet airliner and be carried far away from Columbus after 2011, but good times were just around the corner. Because like a space cowboy, Urban Meyer rode into town and helped ensure that OSU was not down or struggling for too long. Like a taste of wild mountain honey, the coach helped energize and revitalize the Scarlet and Gray, eventually leading to Miller’s finest moment in the winter time.
Miller played sparingly as a sophomore and junior, in 2012 and 2013 respectively, but surely wanted to fly like an eagle before his Ohio State career came to an end. And in 2014, he was finally given that opportunity. After Noah Spence was suspended, the seldom-used vet competed for and eventually won the Buckeyes’ starting defensive end role opposite Joey Bosa. Meaning that Miller, who had totaled just 16 tackles in his first three seasons combined, was now about to play a large and important role for a loaded team with championship aspirations... Sounds like a good cure for any Mercury blues.
At 6-foot-5, 250+ pounds, Miller was a big, physical presence up front, and he quickly became a solid contributor for Meyer’s 2014-15 squad. Never a stat sheet stuffer, Miller instead did a bunch of dirty work and unselfishly carried out his assignments while fellow defensive linemen Bosa, Adolphus Washington, and Michael Bennett received most of the attention and/or hype.
But that is not to say Miller was some slouch, only on the field to swallow up blocks and be driven into the ground by opposing offensive tackles. No, he totaled 31 tackles in ’14-15, including 2 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Miller also forced a fumble and came up big during what was arguably the Buckeyes’ most important game of the season. That is heroic stuff.
As if anyone reading this really needs a reminder, Ohio State faced No. 1 Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes were heavy underdogs and found themselves down 21-6 midway through the second quarter. But by the middle of the third, they had seized momentum. However, that momentum only resulted in a six-point lead (for OSU) with three minutes and change remaining in the penultimate quarter. Looking to draw even or take their own lead, Bama was facing a pivotal 3rd and 7 when Miller made the biggest, most important, most heroic play of his life.
As Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims dropped back to pass, and looked to his left side, Miller – who was about as comfortable in pass coverage as you or me – also dropped back, having clearly sniffed out something. He (Miller) sat directly underneath a curl route being run by Bama wideout Amari Cooper, and also within shouting distance of a Tide back Jalston Fowler, who had snuck out of the backfield.
Sims, focused on Cooper and nobody else, did not see Miller underneath and threw it directly into the Ohio State defender’s chest. And the rest, as they say, is history. Big No. 88 rumbled 41 yards for an electrifying pick-six, putting the Buckeyes up 13 points with 15 minutes left in the de facto national championship game.
While Ezekiel Elliott’s 85-yard run ‘through the heart of the south’ has, over time, become of the most memorable, remarkable, well-known, and/or talked about plays in college football history, an argument could be made that it was Miller’s pick-six that sealed both a Sugar Bowl victory and a spot in the national title game for OSU. Because his touchdown gave the Buckeyes their first double-digit lead, in a game they eventually won by just seven. It gave Meyer and company extra breathing room, necessary for when Cardale Jones began to struggle. It may have even opened the door for Elliott to run the ball late in the game.
Above all else, and regardless of which play you remember most fondly, Miller’s TD gave him and his teammates a shot at winning the ultimate prize. And he apparently predicted it, or something like it, prior to the game. Apparently, he was no joker.
Ohio State of course beat Oregon 11 days later, winning the 2014-15 BCS National Championship. Miller did next to nothing in that game, but it didn’t really matter. The TEAM completed their goal together. And in the end, the Bulldog from Canton cemented his legacy as a Buckeye hero. Miller’s name may not be the first, second, or even hundredth one you think of when heroes are brought up, but for his timely and impactful contribution to a title-winning team, it certainly belongs in the conversation.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Miller was a career backup until his senior season. But when opportunity finally did present itself, he took full advantage and helped the Scarlet and Gray win a national championship.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State heroes. Whether they are the biggest names in Buckeye athletic history, or underappreciated icons; perhaps even players who made major impacts off the field. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Buckeye Heroes” articles here.
Steve Miller was a four-star defensive line recruit and top-100 player coming out of Canton McKinley HS in 2011, earning offers from Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Florida, just to name a few. But he chose to stay home and play for Ohio State, a precedent set by more than a dozen Bulldogs (McKinley’s mascot) before him.
As a big-time contributor for McKinley – one of Ohio’s elite high school football programs – who then committed to play for OSU, Miller was likely hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ray Ellis, Jamar Martin, Kenny Peterson, and Mike Doss, all of whom enjoyed prosperous (to very prosperous) careers as Buckeyes.
Miller’s collegiate career got off to a rocky start, through absolutely no fault of his own. Shortly before he arrived on campus, Jim Tressel was forced to resign in the wake of TattooGate. The Ohio State football program was suddenly thrust into chaos, Luke Fickell (completely unprepared at the time) took over coaching responsibilities, and the Buckeyes went 6-6 in Miller’s freshman season.
It’s possible that the former Canton McKinley star wanted to hop aboard a jet airliner and be carried far away from Columbus after 2011, but good times were just around the corner. Because like a space cowboy, Urban Meyer rode into town and helped ensure that OSU was not down or struggling for too long. Like a taste of wild mountain honey, the coach helped energize and revitalize the Scarlet and Gray, eventually leading to Miller’s finest moment in the winter time.
Miller played sparingly as a sophomore and junior, in 2012 and 2013 respectively, but surely wanted to fly like an eagle before his Ohio State career came to an end. And in 2014, he was finally given that opportunity. After Noah Spence was suspended, the seldom-used vet competed for and eventually won the Buckeyes’ starting defensive end role opposite Joey Bosa. Meaning that Miller, who had totaled just 16 tackles in his first three seasons combined, was now about to play a large and important role for a loaded team with championship aspirations... Sounds like a good cure for any Mercury blues.
At 6-foot-5, 250+ pounds, Miller was a big, physical presence up front, and he quickly became a solid contributor for Meyer’s 2014-15 squad. Never a stat sheet stuffer, Miller instead did a bunch of dirty work and unselfishly carried out his assignments while fellow defensive linemen Bosa, Adolphus Washington, and Michael Bennett received most of the attention and/or hype.
But that is not to say Miller was some slouch, only on the field to swallow up blocks and be driven into the ground by opposing offensive tackles. No, he totaled 31 tackles in ’14-15, including 2 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Miller also forced a fumble and came up big during what was arguably the Buckeyes’ most important game of the season. That is heroic stuff.
As if anyone reading this really needs a reminder, Ohio State faced No. 1 Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes were heavy underdogs and found themselves down 21-6 midway through the second quarter. But by the middle of the third, they had seized momentum. However, that momentum only resulted in a six-point lead (for OSU) with three minutes and change remaining in the penultimate quarter. Looking to draw even or take their own lead, Bama was facing a pivotal 3rd and 7 when Miller made the biggest, most important, most heroic play of his life.
As Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims dropped back to pass, and looked to his left side, Miller – who was about as comfortable in pass coverage as you or me – also dropped back, having clearly sniffed out something. He (Miller) sat directly underneath a curl route being run by Bama wideout Amari Cooper, and also within shouting distance of a Tide back Jalston Fowler, who had snuck out of the backfield.
Sims, focused on Cooper and nobody else, did not see Miller underneath and threw it directly into the Ohio State defender’s chest. And the rest, as they say, is history. Big No. 88 rumbled 41 yards for an electrifying pick-six, putting the Buckeyes up 13 points with 15 minutes left in the de facto national championship game.
While Ezekiel Elliott’s 85-yard run ‘through the heart of the south’ has, over time, become of the most memorable, remarkable, well-known, and/or talked about plays in college football history, an argument could be made that it was Miller’s pick-six that sealed both a Sugar Bowl victory and a spot in the national title game for OSU. Because his touchdown gave the Buckeyes their first double-digit lead, in a game they eventually won by just seven. It gave Meyer and company extra breathing room, necessary for when Cardale Jones began to struggle. It may have even opened the door for Elliott to run the ball late in the game.
Above all else, and regardless of which play you remember most fondly, Miller’s TD gave him and his teammates a shot at winning the ultimate prize. And he apparently predicted it, or something like it, prior to the game. Apparently, he was no joker.
Ohio State of course beat Oregon 11 days later, winning the 2014-15 BCS National Championship. Miller did next to nothing in that game, but it didn’t really matter. The TEAM completed their goal together. And in the end, the Bulldog from Canton cemented his legacy as a Buckeye hero. Miller’s name may not be the first, second, or even hundredth one you think of when heroes are brought up, but for his timely and impactful contribution to a title-winning team, it certainly belongs in the conversation.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: A couple Buckeyes in the NFL gamble and lose, while others are remembered as heroes
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- 0 Replies
Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: A couple Buckeyes in the NFL gamble and lose, while others are remembered as heroes
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This week, Josh and Chuck take a look at recent gambling suspensions dished out by the NFL, before switching their attention to Buckeye Heroes and heroic moments.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they cover Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Chuck discuss recent gambling suspensions dished out by the NFL, a few of which affected former Ohio State Buckeyes. Is the league acting in a hypocritical manner? Or are players ignoring fair, established rules? Both guys agree that it doesn't really matter what is fair or unfair, because one group holds disciplinary power.
The hosts then catch you up on some recent recruiting news, including a Buckeye bump for at least one future OSU quarterback.
And it would not be a summer episode without at least some theme-week-related conversation. LGHL’s theme this week is Buckeye Heroes, perfectly timed around the Fourth of July! The guys share their favorite underrated Buckeye Heroes, as well as a few heroic moments.
Plus, a few questions sent in by you, the listener(s).
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
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Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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This week, Josh and Chuck take a look at recent gambling suspensions dished out by the NFL, before switching their attention to Buckeye Heroes and heroic moments.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they cover Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
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On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Chuck discuss recent gambling suspensions dished out by the NFL, a few of which affected former Ohio State Buckeyes. Is the league acting in a hypocritical manner? Or are players ignoring fair, established rules? Both guys agree that it doesn't really matter what is fair or unfair, because one group holds disciplinary power.
The hosts then catch you up on some recent recruiting news, including a Buckeye bump for at least one future OSU quarterback.
And it would not be a summer episode without at least some theme-week-related conversation. LGHL’s theme this week is Buckeye Heroes, perfectly timed around the Fourth of July! The guys share their favorite underrated Buckeye Heroes, as well as a few heroic moments.
Plus, a few questions sent in by you, the listener(s).
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
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