I vividly remember watching this play out. I was lounging on the couch on my R&R after returning from Iraq and was coming to the clear realization that every prediction BP had made wrt the dickrod era was going to come true...and then some.

It's funny reading old threads and realizing a lot of us have been posting together for over a decade. I'm coming up on 15 years here next winter. Cripes.

Can Ohio State make College Football Playoff appearance in Year 1 of the Ryan Day Era?
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Early predictions are pointing to ‘yes.’

“But after the Buckeyes barely missed out on a CFP spot in Urban Meyer’s final season, they should have a good chance to cap Ryan Day’s debut campaign by returning to the CFP for the first time since 2016.”


— Forbes’ David Ching on the five teams that could make the CFP next season

On Monday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide were humbled by the Clemson Tigers in the season finale of the College Football Playoff chase. The Tigers dominated, going on a 30-0 scoring run en route to a 44-16 win in Santa Clara, California.

It was the worst loss of the Nick Saban era at Alabama, but, the Crimson Tide are still a favorite for next year’s CFP. Once again, early prognosticators have both Dabo Swinney’s defending champion Tigers and Saban’s squad in next year’s playoff.

But, who else could be making the trip to the CFB’s version of the final four? Some have said Georgia. Some have said Texas. And some have said Ohio State.

The cast of characters that Ryan Day, who enters his first true season at the helm of the program, is rich. Justin Fields has transferred to the program, and could be an immediate impact if he plays. Even if he doesn’t play and has to sit out, he could do wonders on the practice squad, as his dual-threat nature would make any defense better.

Day has added and subtracted from the coaching staff. Greg Schiano and Bill Davis are gone; Al Washington and Greg Mattison, who were Michigan men a year ago, are now officially on the staff. We’ll get, hopefully, a new-look OSU defense—and that could mean the difference.

Granted, the program will have to move on from Dwayne Haskins, who announced his intentions to enter the NFL Draft, but just like last year, the Buckeyes had to move on from J.T. Barrett—and everything seemed to work out okay.

Now the question becomes: Do the Giants make a play for Haskins? General manager David Gettleman said last week the team is still in the “evaluation process” and while he wouldn’t commit to Eli Manning for 2019 he did say the 38-year-old quarterback “can still make NFL throws -- he’s still got it.”


— CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson on where Dwayne Haskins could be drafted

Speaking of Haskins, now that he’s declared for the pros, it’s time to figure out where he could go. There’s a couple options that look intriguing—and one of them may send him back to The Big Apple.

At No. 6 are the New York Giants. Currently, they have Eli Manning at the helm, but after a 5-11 season, who knows how much left is in the tank for the two-time Super Bowl winner. Last season, the Giants were thought to be picking a quarterback in the first round; instead, they drafted a running back in Saquon Barkley. Barkley has showed his game-breaking ability in just his rookie season. So, with the RB position filled and wide receiver Odell Beckham in the fold as well, all you need is a QB to sling the ball downfield, right? If that’s the case, the Giants may be pulling Haskins off the board at No. 6.

But, as we know, draft day gets people in a panic. Teams trade up, teams move down, and teams make questionable picks. If the Giants don’t take Haskins, then the team (currently) one spot behind them may come calling.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are just a year removed from an AFC Championship Game appearance, but regressed heavily this season—going 5-11 as well. Blake Bortles and Cody Kessler were not the answer this year, so they may looking for a QB. If so, the options are slim. That’s not great news for the Jags if Haskins comes off the board before No. 7; on the flipside, it’s great news for the Buckeye record setter.

With Justin Herbert staying at Oregon, Kyler Murray looking to move to the MLB permanently, and Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence not being eligible to turn pro, Haskins will be the crown jewel of the QB class this season.

No matter where he goes, he’ll be making bank.

“Dobbins is typically a man of few words, but he doesn’t hold back his true feelings in public or hesitate to speak his mind. In both of his seasons so far with the program, Dobbins has been critical of the College Football Playoff selection committee,”


— J.K. Dobbins on Ohio State winning the title next season | By: Austin Ward (Letterman Row)

Someone who still at OSU is J.K. Dobbins. Even though the La Grange, Texas, native has torched defenses in his two seasons in Columbus, he hasn’t been to a College Football Playoff semifinal. A Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl win are nice, but they didn’t end with a chance to play for the championship.

Dobbins hasn’t been pleased with the selection committee’s choices over the past couple years—and there are some valid points there. Next season, though, he’s laid down the gauntlet, saying that Ohio State is going to win the championship, as the headline suggest in Austin Ward’s piece on Letterman Row.

He’s a 1,000-yard rusher for the scarlet and gray, and could even be a Heisman contender by next October. Even after seeing Clemson destroy ‘Bama on the national stage, this kind of confidence is something you’d like to see from someone who could be a leader on the offense next season.

The schedule looks favorable for OSU next season, with the exception of Penn State and Michigan at the end of the year. Those may be the only two hurdles the Buckeyes have if they want to punch their ticket to either the Peach or Fiesta Bowl semifinal.

Stick to Sports

• Spoiler: In the season finale of Dr. Pepper’s ‘Fansville,’ The Mad Hatter stole the National Championship trophy.
• Columbus’s Gateway Film Center to show greatest horror movies of all time in 2019.
• Resident Evil 2 demo will be a “one-shot,” 30-minute sampling of the game, and will come out on Jan. 11.
• Profile of a Spider-man-esque burglar who pulled off an art heist.
• Government shutdown continues.

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Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill will return to Ohio State
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The veteran wide receiver has decided that the NFL can wait one more year.

Despite the prevailing assumption being that he would head to the NFL, on Tuesday, fourth-year junior wide receiver, K.J. Hill confirmed that he will return to Columbus for a fifth and final season in 2019.


The veteran pass catcher has had a career year becoming one of quarterback Dwayne Haskins’ most consistent receivers, and arguably the most clutch member of Zone 6. This past season, he caught 70 balls for 885 yards and six touchdowns.

His yardage total — second on the team behind only Parris Campbell — was often secured over the middle and in late down situations; and with Campbell off to the NFL, Hill’s return will provide a solid veteran presence in the slot for Justin Fields, Tate Martell, or whomever ends up playing quarterback for the Buckeyes this fall.

Hill will undoubtedly be the leader of an explosive and dangerous wide receiver group that will feature Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Austin Mack, Binjimen Victor, and a number of other prospects with loads of potential.

This season is going to be a lot of fun!

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Well, if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that ESPN will invariably fuck it up. Just a matter of time.

Here’s where Big Ten teams land in way-too-early 2019 top 25 polls
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

A couple things we can expect to see every year the day after the national championship game: 1. the final AP top 25 poll, and 2. the way-too-early polls for the following season. This post is all about the way-too-early 2019 polls.

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So will the NFL hold to their precedent and enforce the (presumed) 1-year ban which Lawrence will hope to avoid by declaring for the draft? I'm guessing... no.

Report: Ohio State hires Al Washington away from Michigan
Patrick Mayhorn via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes can’t stop beating Michigan.

On Monday, the Ohio State Buckeyes added Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison to its staff as a co-defensive coordinator, and it looks like Ryan Day is going back to that well up north. According to Rivals’ Marc Givler, Michigan’s linebackers coach Al Washington is joining Mattison in migrating south to Columbus, and will be serving as the replacement for Bill Davis at the linebackers coaching spot.



Washington spent just a year in Ann Arbor, but it was an impressive one, as he coached one of the best linebacker groups in America, led by Devin Bush Jr. In his single year, Washington also proved himself as an excellent recruiter, landing four-star Trente Jones among others, and nearly pulling Zach Harrison out of Columbus.

A Columbus native, Washington isn’t new to the Buckeye state, as he spent a year under Luke Fickell at Cincinnati in 2017, attended Watterson High School (just about ten minutes from Ohio State), and grew up in a Buckeye family. His father (Al Washington Sr.) was a linebacker under Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce in the late 70s and early 80s, and was drafted in the fourth round by the New York Jets in 1981.

Washington — a rising talent in the coaching ranks — is expected to see a significant pay increase at Ohio State. He graduated from Boston College, where he was a four-year letterman on the defensive line. He also played one season for the Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League. Before his pitstops in Cincinnati and Ann Arbor, he spent five seasons getting experience in the coaching ranks (RPI, North Carolina State, Slippery Rock, Elon), before heading back to his alma mater from 2012-16.

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Ohio State finishes season as No. 3 in the AP Poll
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes’ strong Rose Bowl performances moves them up behind the national championship participants.

Now, certainly there will be a number of people in and around Buckeye Nation that believe that they should have been there before the College Football Playoff began, but following last night’s National Championship Game, the final AP Poll of the 2018-19 college football season found the Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 3.

Obviously the Clemson Tigers received all 61 of the first-place votes following their 44-16 demolition of the Alabama Crimson Tide, but the Buckeyes were just 98 points behind the Nick Saban’s squad. The Oklahoma Sooners remained at No. 4 following their 45-34 loss to Alabama in the Orange Bowl, and Notre Dame dropped two spots to No. 5 following their 30-3 beating in the Cotton Bowl to Clemson.

The top-5 finish was the fifth in Urban Meyer’s seven seasons in Columbus (the Buckeyes finished 12th in 2013 and sixth in 2016), and tied the undefeated 2012 team for Meyer’s second best finish at OSU behind the 2014 National Championship season. As Doug Lesmerises pointed out at cleveland.com, OSU has now finished in the top-five in 12 of the last 17 seasons under Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, with a season of Luke Fickell in between.

Other Big Ten teams to finish the season in the top 25 were Michigan at No. 14, Penn State at No. 17, Northwestern at No. 21, and Iowa at No. 25; Wisconsin also received votes. OSU’s Rose Bowl opponent, the Washington Huskies, dropped from No. 9 to No. 13 in the final poll.

Ryan Day’s second game as Ohio State’s full-time head coach this fall will be against Fickell’s Cincinnati Bearcats on Sept. 7, and Coach Fick had UC in the top 25 to end the year at No. 24.

Check out the complete, year-end AP Poll below:

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Future Buckeyes shine at All-American Bowl
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


A couple of Ohio State commits earned praise for their performance at the All-American Bowl this past weekend.

Buckeye Nation had a chance to see first-hand what some of the members of Ohio State’s 2019 recruiting class will bring to the program this past weekend during the All-American Bowl and those that tuned in got a great show.

In particular, Ohio State five-star center commit Harry Miller and five-star WR commit Garrett Wilson dominated when given playing time and Rivals.com highlighted this in their “Gorney Awards.” These awards are given out to the players Adam Gorney viewed had the best performances during the game and both Miller and Wilson received high praise.


Miller was awarded the “Lunch Pail” award which is given out to the player “who does the dirty work that doesn’t get into the box score or noticed by many.” Basically, the award is given to the best offensive lineman.

When explaining his decision, Gorney said that Miller directed the offensive line for the eastern squad and looked great all week. Gorney also mentioned that Miller did a terrific job in recruiting Ohio State OG verbal commit Doug Nester to sign with the University. Nester decided not to sign with Ohio State during the early signing period to ensure the school was the best fit for him following the announcement of Urban Meyer’s retirement. Obviously, Nester’s relationship with Ryan Day and his coaching staff will be the ultimate deciding factor in his recruitment but having Miller in his ear all week only helped the Buckeyes’ chances in landing him.

Gorney also labeled future Buckeye WR Garrett Wilson the winner of the “Stick ‘em” award. This award is, understandably, given to the the best player at the wideout position.

Wilson has long been viewed as one of the best WR prospects in the 2019 class but the fact that he earned the award over Oklahoma commit Jadon Haselwood, who many believe is the best WR prospect in this year’s class, makes winning the award for Wilson that much sweeter.

When explaining his decision, Gorney said that Wilson was, “just more dynamic over the entire week and he dominated at times.” Wilson finished the game with four receptions for 89 yards and caught two touchdowns, leading the Western squad.

3-star OG trending towards Ohio State


Ohio State saw 15 of the country’s top prospects sign with the University during the early signing period. On top of this, four-star OG Doug Nester is still verbally committed to the program and appears to be trending towards signing with the team on National Signing Day.

The Buckeyes don’t have as much room in this year’s class as they have in years past, but that doesn’t mean the team is expecting to be “boom-less” from here on out. In fact, the school could be getting a verbal commit sooner rather than later from an OG that isn’t Nester.

Three-star OG recruit Dawand Jones (Indianapolis, IN / Ben Davis) has received six 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions favoring Ohio State since late December, including two on Monday. The Buckeyes now hold a 75 percent chance in landing him, according to eight experts who have cast their vote in predicting where he lands.


While some members of Buckeye Nation may question Ohio State’s motives in recruiting a three-star prospect, the teams competing with the Buckeyes are some of the best in the country. The list of offers he has received include USC, Florida, Texas, Auburn, Michigan, Penn State, Purdue and many others.

The move will likely be to provide depth at a position you can never have too much of and Jones appears to be the type of player who will outperform his star ranking.

Quick Hits:

• Ohio State class of 2019 early enrollees moved onto campus over the weekend and the photo below presented by the Ohio State football team’s official Twitter shows their excitement.

• Not forgetting the Basketball Buckeyes, Ohio State 2020 four-star center prospect Zach Loveday announced he has transferred to Huntington Prep Monday in a move he says, “just puts me in a better position on the court with better players, a bigger stage and staff that will take great care of me.” The Buckeyes are one of many top-tier programs recruiting Loveday.

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No. 3 Ohio State paces Big Ten in final 2018 AP Top 25 Poll
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

Five Big Ten teams are ranked in the final AP Top 25 Poll, headlined by Big Ten and Rose Bowl game champ Ohio State, at No. 3. Michigan (No. 13), Penn State (No. 17), Northwestern (No. 21) and Iowa (No. 25) also finish ranked.

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For The Roses: Coach Meyer’s Last Ride As HC
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



One last game. One last moment. It is time for us to all collectively take it all in–for the last time where Coach Meyer will spearhead the Scarlet and Gray in the mother of all games, The Rose Bowl. This moment could be or feel bittersweet, but it is time for Coach Meyer to call it quits and what better send-off than a victory, especially a resounding victory at his first Rose Bowl?

This game will be filled with NFL caliber talent all over the field and on both teams. There is a lot at stake and there are many storylines that could be the focus, but both teams are conference champs and both teams are vying for a Rose Bowl victory. Coach Meyer’s last ride as the Buckeye Head Coach and Coach Petersen’s first shot at the Rose Bowl and against the Buckeyes.

QB Battle Brewing

With both teams vying for the win the talent at quarterback is key to eithers success on the field. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, a Heisman finalist in the end with a high draft grade and Jake Browning, a four-star with something to prove against an aggressive Buckeye defense that is both inconsistent and is seemingly finding their grove after that embarrassing loss at Purdue.

Haskins has been in the spotlight with all the draft talk stealing the majority of the headlines. He has repeatedly been asked about his impending decision, but all of that will be placed on hold for the time being to ensure that all of his focus is on the Rose Bowl and not on his future endeavors, which is a smart move for all parties involved with the Buckeyes.

Browning made waves on one of his interviews where he explained that the Buckeye defense had “exploits” and “weaknesses” they discovered after reviewing the Purdue tape. Yes, that game was by Iowa 2.0. and the defense was gashed the entire game, but teams improve and there should be small windows, but not the massive ones from the Purdue game. He also didn’t say it to be disrespectful or give Ohio State bulletin board material, but these quotes will somehow make it on one for the game.

Either way, the battle at quarterback will be one to watch. Both defenses are good, but the offenses can overshadow the defense easily with the big-play ability on both sides. Both of their supporting cast members are electric, fast, and talented. It will only add to the drama if things end up being close. Ohio State wants to send their legendary coach on a good note so I would not be surprised if this game is out of reach early.

Playmakers Paradise

What game outside of the CFB Playoff teams has what seems like an endless roster filled with playmakers than Ohio State and Washington? Both are talented teams filled with NFL-type players that are looking to improve their draft stock or put on a show to remember. Both teams have contrasting schemes and they will look to impose their will on the other team to ensure a victory.

For Ohio State, they rely on Haskins’ arm while sprinkling in the run by either Dobbins or Weber. They will lean heavily on the running game to break it up a little and keep the defense on their toes. The key unit will be Zone 6 and their three senior captains, Dixon, McLaurin, and Campbell–they will dictate the game for Haskins and the offense. It will be up to the Washington defense to stop them but even if they do, the younger players waiting in the wings could also make an impact. One of the biggest obstacles will be the Huskies defense because they are allowing 15.5 points per game, but we all saw what the Buckeyes did to the #1 ranked Wolverines defense.

For Washington, they focus on the run more than the passing attack. Gaskin will be overutilized and he will be all over the field. Running Backs like Gaskin can be Ohio State’s undoing and their Linebackers need to play disciplined to stop him. They will end up giving up big plays but not the Purdue big plays because the Buckeyes are planning to send their coach with a win, and by all means they will achieve it.

Defense

The defense will be another phase of the game to watch because it is filled with NFL prospects. Dre’Mont Jones is a future first round pick and he will be playing to end his career with his coach and his teammates. Jordan Fuller, Kendall Sheffield, and Damon Arnette have not announced yet, but depending on what happens, they could also be playing their last game as a Buckeye. The Buckeyes have improved a lot over the last few weeks and I am sure they are tired of the slights about their play, especially how the Purdue game keeps coming up. They will look to silence everyone for Urban Meyer’s impeding departure.

The Washington defense is stout and filled with talent. Led by the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American Ben Burr-Kirven, they will try to stop the Ohio State offense. So far, Washington has allowed just 9 passing touchdowns the entire year, but with the caliber of Ohio State talent on every level of the offense, we will see if that holds up.

Prediction

So here is prediction time and this game contains the storyline that gives the Buckeyes the edge. Your coach is leaving due to illness and is retiring to become the assistant AD and every player wants to send him out on the right note. The Washington starting QB giving the defense some or more bulletin board material that will fire up the Silver Bullets for the contest.

This game will be close right before half before the Buckeyes pull away. I also see the game getting out of hand before half, but I will go with the first prediction. The second half adjustments will close the door on the Washington comeback charge.

Final Score: 55-24




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Bucks by 90 by @MarkSamuelPrine
Mark Prine via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Since last spring, the coaching staff at Ohio State has reminded players to “Win the moment”. Urban Meyer has consistently sang that tune as recently as Friday at the Big Ten Championship press conference. When asked about whether the Buckeyes have to win big over Northwestern to have a chance at another College Football Playoff appearance, he maintained that their would be no talk of the playoff in Ohio State’s locker room. The Buckeyes will focus on one thing and one thing only; win the moment. Beat Northwestern. How then, should Ohio State go about beating Northwestern?

The wildcats do not have the most prolific offense we’ve ever seen. In fact, averaging only 23.7 points per game with a quarterback who has only thrown fourteen touchdowns this season means Northwestern is about as average as it gets offensively. However, while only scoring 284 points on offense to this point, the Wildcat defense has given up only 260 points all season. Which means, if my math is correct, Northwestern likes to play smash mouth football with just enough offense to get the W. The biggest question for Northwestern will be whether or not their offense will be able to produce enough points against Ohio State’s middle-of-the-road defense, in order to squeeze out another victory; especially when it’s own defense will have it’s hands full with with the “second best” offense in the sport (obviously, I remain unimpressed by Oklahoma’s offense running up the score in the Big 12; but I digress).

Finally, one of the biggest advantages for OSU is the experience factor. With respect to experience in a conference championship game, Northwestern has none. This will be the first ever appearance by the Wildcats; while the Buckeyes will make their fourth appearance in six years. This matters because we know the moment shouldn’t be to big for the Buckeyes to go out and seize it. The average fan should look for Ohio State to score early and often, as Dwayne Haskins could have a huge game against the Wildcats’ back seven.



Prediction:

Dwayne Haskins: 70% or higher completion percentage. 400 yards and 4 TDs.

Mike Weber: 100 yards and two TDs

Bucks by 90.




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The Game: For All The Glory and Bragging Rights
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



Ohio State. That Team Up North. It is that time of the year where two of College Football Blue Blood programs will duke it out with what seems like everything being on the line. For Ohio State, a shot to win the conference crown and a potential playoff berth with one last major obstacle in their way–their neighbors to the north. TTUN has the same goals in mind and they can control their destiny, but they must go through Columbus to reach them.

I cannot stress the importance of this game for either side. School and personal pride coupled with the College Football Playoff implications, it is like a high stakes poker game pitting two heavy hitters vying for the entire pot. Ohio State looking for another high stakes signature win against another ranked team. TTUN looking to continue their revenge tour and their rise from a mediocre team to an elite one. They are also desperate to break the Buckeyes current 6-game winning streak and they will try to win in Columbus for the first time in what seems like forever.

Both teams underperformed the week prior. The Buckeyes nearly lost to a high octane Terrapins offense before closing the door in overtime while the Wolverines narrowly beat Indiana. It seemed like both teams were looking ahead to this matchup and both looked sluggish before securing the win.

This game is a beat writers dream with a lot of storylines to cover with one of the biggest matchups will be between both signal-callers, the Quarterbacks. Haskins versus Patterson. Both got the job done last week with Haskins accounting for 6 total touchdowns (3 passing, 3 rushing). Patterson did his job and kept his offense in the game. An interesting dimension to this game is both signal-callers actually talk and are friends and this game will certainly put their friendship aside.

The Running Backs for both sides are another storyline worth keeping an eye on. The Buckeyes have Dobbins and Weber, both of which are studs. Dobbins bared the workload and carried the rock 37 times and McCall had a few snaps here and there. Weber did not play due to a quadriceps injury, but his status is questionable this early in the week. Dobbins has his eye intently on this game and he will look to secure another victory against TTUN. He stated that “He left Texas for The Game”. What adds to the drama, Higdon just guaranteed a win against their arch-rivals this weekend, which could spice up the game and turn the drama up a notch.

The two major keys will be how will the Buckeyes defense responds after their near defeat and will the trench war lose it for the Buckeyes with their inconsistencies and struggles to maintain leverage. For the Wolverines, will Winovich play and can they finally beat the Buckeyes and complete their “revenge tour”?

On a side note, the Buckeyes will host a lot of high school talent that could add to the depth of the team. There are too many great prospects to name, but this will be another opportunity to secure a few commitments prior to the early signing period in December. The home team better be ready to be as loud and obnoxious as possible to rattle the Wolverines and impress the high school prospects. Oh, not to mention that this could be a great chance for the NFL Draft eligible Buckeyes to improve their draft position against a great Wolverine team. Look for some highlight plays and questionable ones too as the game inches closer to the end.

Prediction:

This game will be a doozy. Both teams playing on another level in all phases will keep us all on the edge of our seats. This has all the makings of another instant classic between these bitter rivals that will stress us out. As much as I want it to, I want to blow this team out badly like how the 2014 team dismantled and shut out the Badgers before winning it all, but I know better. It will be a defensive battle that will have an occasional big play, but I wouldn’t mind if I was wrong.

Penalties will occur and this game will not be pretty. The TTUN’s defense will frustrate the Buckeyes O-Line for much of the first half, and the second half adjustments will be invaluable. The TTUN Tight Ends will make some plays and DPJ will do the same because of the Buckeyes tendency to give up huge, momentum-swinging plays.

The Buckeye defense will show up when they need it the most. Haskins will do enough to mix it up with passing and running and the RB’s will share the load. Tate Martell will also make an impact with his package of plays to confuse the opposing defense. All-in-all, I say the Buckeyes extend their streak to 7 games against TTUN.

Final: 38-31 Buckeyes.






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Maryland Preview
Trevor Arnold via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

After coming off a big time win against Michigan State, Ohio State will get one last tune up game against Maryland before playing That Team Up North. Ohio State has improved in both games after the Purdue game and bye week. Neither game has been perfect, but to be able to find ways to keep improving and finding ways to win in November is fantastic news. Ohio State introduced the Tate Martell redzone package last week, and it worked flawlessly, until Michael Jordan had a bad snap and the Buckeyes turned the ball over. Ohio State is finding new ways to run the ball, the defense is playing much better, especially at the safety position. Brendon White seems to be the spark this defense needed, and everyone is playing much better. Still some missed tackles, but if the defense continues to show improvement, they will be scary good. To me though, the biggest takeaway the last two weeks is the fire. To ice Nebraska, JK Dobbins demanded the ball and plowed his way for first downs, and would be screaming the whole time. Last week, Dwayne Haskins ran the ball and lowered his shoulder, and trucked a MSU player for the first down, however it was called back due to a penalty. Yes, same Haskins who had 15 yards of grass in front of him, and he slide after 1 yard. This team all year, seemed to be missing leadership. Seemed to be missing the drive to win. But they have found it. That will to win is here, and it could not have come at a better time.

Maryland has been an up and down team all year. The first game of the season they were able to beat the Texas Longhorns. Then dominated Bowling Green, but end up getting dominated by Temple the following week. And that has been there season in a nut shell. They are coming off back to back loses against Michigan State and Indiana going into the Ohio State game. Maryland, however, will not be at full strength against the buckeyes, as QB Kasim Hill is out for the season with a torn ACL bringing in Tyrrell Pigrome who brought Maryland back from 31-15 at Indiana before ultimately losing 32-34.

Maryland is holding teams to 25.4 points per game while Ohio State is scoring 40.6 points per game. Ohio State is holding teams to 22 points per game while Maryland is scoring 28.8 points per game. Maryland is holding teams to 4 yards a carry and 6.6 yards per pass. Ohio State is averaging 4.3 yards per carry and 8.6 yards per pass. Maryland is ranked number 1 in redzone scoring. While Ohio State is ranked 119 at 73 percent. This is where Ohio State needs to improve the most. The Tate Martell package was a great improvement, and will need to get better.

Urban Meyer is 4-0 against Maryland. 2015 was the closest Maryland ever got to winning, and the score was 49-28, Buckeyes. 2016 and 2017 the Buckeyes have won 62-3 and 62-14 respectively. I believe this will be a 3 quarter game, and a perfect tune up game for That Team Up North. I am saying 62-17, Buckeyes. O-H!




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Glass House or Sturdy Fortress?
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



After the embarrassing defeat at the hands of Purdue and two, long weeks to prepare, the Buckeyes look to bounce back against a lowly Cornhuskers team at home. This will not be a normal home game–it will be a blackout with their black alternate uniforms.

Will this be a funeral for the Cornhuskers who have just two wins under Scott Frost? Or would it be another slow start coupled with big plays vulnerability and another stellar second half beatdown? You never know with this team, but I think we will learn a lot about this team in the opening minutes of this contest.

Adversity is a double-edged sword that can make or break an individual and it could also fracture a team, but this feels like it’ll be fun to watch to watch this group of players the rest of the year. I have a strange feeling, but it’s a good one because of the loss two weeks ago? It hurt and I think it has lit a fire inside of these players–and an angry Buckeye team is a fun, lethal one at that.

Nebraska’s journey under Frost has been rocky to say it mildly. With a rash of defections to their former head coach’s alma mater, Oregon State, they will look to compete against Ohio State, but it will be a tall task. With their first game against Akron being canceled due to weather, Nebraska was pretty bad until they secured wins against Minnesota and Bethune-Cookman. They are currently on a two-game win streak.

Ohio State struggled but won up until Purdue. They are riding a one-game losing streak, but they will most likely right the ship on Saturday. With their CFB Playoffs in question, they have one of the better resumes, but like last year, they could be left out again. With wins against TCU and Penn State and dates with both Michigan State and Michigan, you just never know until the hammer drops at the end of the season.

Both teams have issues that need to be resolved, which might make this painful to watch. Martinez is a true freshman and he is a dual-threat, but he tends to turn it over and is prone to mistakes. Haskins has a cannon, but he cannot run effectively enough to pick up key first downs. Ohio State also is deficient in the running game and it has been lost with the improvements to the passing game while Nebraska is efficient in the running game and sprinkles in passes to add a balance.

Ohio State’s defense is also suspect and susceptible to big plays and they give those up consistently at an alarming rate and opposing offenses take advantage of their defensive scheme’s weaknesses weekly. Nebraska’s defense is also suspect and they tend to disappear against potent offenses.

Against Michigan, Purdue, and Wisconsin they gave up a total of 139 points total in lopsided losses. 56, 42, and 41! Ohio State can win this convincingly, but it must be balanced. Ohio State gives up a ton of yardage with slants, posts, and runs down the middle. Two vulnerable defenses will square off against each other’s offenses with the nod going in the Buckeyes favor for the fact that they can get up and down the field, at will, if the balance is there.

PREDICTION:

The Brotherhood is still intact at Ohio State and they will go hard the entire game. I think there will be an emphasis on the run game and they should be able to salvage and fix it just in time for Maryland, Michigan State, and Michigan. The passing game will flourish against this defense. The biggest question will be the defense. There have been quotes about Tuf Borland saying “the defense has a surprise that the fans will love”, but that has yet to be seen or excecuted. I think they have a modest showing and they will shut down Nebraska. Ohio State is riding a three-game win streak outscoring Nebraska 181-55.

Final: 56-13












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Former receiver Anthony Gonzalez is making the most of his post-football life
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


In Washington, no less.

“You get a real sense: there are 700,000 constituents counting on me to do a great job representing them. I’m thrilled they chose me. Now I have to deliver on the promises I made.”

-Former Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez, via Jessica Wehrman, Dayton Daily News


Life after football can look very different for different people. In the case of former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, that life is now one of public service, as he was just sworn in as the congressional representative for Ohio’s 16th district.

It’s easy to remember Gonzalez’s acrobatics on the football field, namely his catch against Michigan in 2005 which all-but secured an Ohio State victory. Gonzalez was part of a high-caliber trio of receivers, which also featured Ted Ginn, Jr. and Santonio Holmes, and was thrown to by Troy Smith. In his final season in Columbus, Gonzalez had 51 receptions for 734 yards and eight touchdowns before being taken as the 32nd-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. The receiver spent five seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots but, unfortunately, was hindered by injuries that kept him sidelined during several seasons.

While many of his now-constituents fondly remember Gonzalez’s play in Columbus and perhaps his time in Indianapolis, they certainly recall Gonzalez’s performances in high school in the Cleveland area, when he was a star at Saint Ignatius.

It’s interesting to look back on Gonzalez’s playing career, but it’s also exciting to watch what he has done after football. While at Ohio State, Gonzalez was an Academic All-American, and had alluded to former coach Jim Tressel that public service might be part of his future. After retiring from the NFL, Gonzalez went back to school, earning his MBA from Stanford. Gonzalez, who turned 34 in September, announced his campaign for office in 2018, and received massive donations from the likes of former teammate Peyton Manning and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam (the 16th district includes parts of Akron and Cleveland).

As for what Gonzalez’s former teammates are up to now, Ginn is set to line up for the New Orleans Saints in their playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday.

“What’s best for you and your job might not be the best thing that this team needs and these kids need. That’s always first.”

-Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa, via David Briggs, The Toledo Blade


What is it like to miss out on your dream coaching job? Fine, apparently.

Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa was a candidate for the head coaching post at Bowling Green, but missed out on the role when Scot Loeffler, formerly of Boston College, got the job. Studrawa is a Bowling Green grad and two-year starter on the Falcons’ offensive line. Before coming to Ohio State, Studrawa served as offensive line coach at LSU and, previously, as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Bowling Green. While acknowledging at Rose Bowl media days that he would have wanted the job at his alma mater, Studrawa also stated “They hired a great guy and they’re going to be fine…”

Having coached under Meyer at several points in his career, the fiery assistant would seem a good candidate for a top-spot, further growing Meyer’s already blossoming coaching tree. For instance, both Luke Fickell and Tom Herman, former Meyer assistants at Ohio State, earned double-digit wins this season at their respective programs. Fickell turned around a Cincinnati program to 11 wins and a victory in the Military Bowl over Virginia Tech. And in one of the biggest surprises of the postseason, Herman’s Texas squad dominated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. In just two seasons at the helm, Herman has turned an ailing Texas program around after years of mediocrity.

Studrawa’s offensive lines during his first two seasons as position coach were among the best in college football. The line took a step back this season, but it bears repeating that it lost a unanimous All-American center in Billy Price and moved Michael Jordan, its best remaining player, to a position at which he was weaker. Studrawa’s contract at Ohio State does expire this month, but he is expected to stick around on Ryan Day’s new staff heading into the 2019 season.

“Coach J just told me that we have a lot of people that played defensive line that went over to offensive line and that I looked like I’d have an opportunity over there.”

-Ohio State offensive lineman Joshua Alabi, via Colin Hass-Hill, Eleven Warriors


With the announcement that offensive lineman Michael Jordan will enter the 2019 NFL Draft, the Ohio State offensive line lost its best player for the third-straight season. Unfortunately, there is not a clear lineman to fill the void Jordan leaves come next season. And considering the other pieces and parts the Buckeyes lose on offense next season—including three (or four) receivers, one running back and two other linemen besides Jordan and the starting quarterback—the unit will need to rely on the remaining veteran talent to be successful.

The good news is that the Buckeyes are not starting from scratch when it comes to their offensive line. Thayer Munford, Wyatt Davis and Brandon Bowen have both been starters in the past. While Bowen will be entering his final year of eligibility, Munford and Davis have additional time left to anchor the line. Backups also provide a critical presence, as the new NCAA redshirt rule implemented last year allows for players to play in up to four games without losing eligibility, meaning that linemen can gain experience without losing eligibility.

One player who has potential for serious impact on the line next year is Joshua Alabi, who will play his final season at Ohio State next year. After arriving in Columbus four seasons ago as a high school teammate of Mike Weber at Cass Tech in Detroit, Alabi sat behind a prolific group of defensive linemen, including former and future first round picks. Knowing he would likely not get a shot on defense, Alabi moved over to offense at left tackle, getting minimal playing time over the last two seasons. Most recently, Alabi got his first start at Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, where he got to block for his former high school teammate in Weber’s last game. It’s been a long road for the to-be fifth-year senior, but next year might finally be his shot to claim his spot for good on the line.

STICK TO SPORTS

• This hero is a real life ninja.
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• Also congrats to our favorite blimp?
• Would you have run for these standing-room-only seats?
• This injury may have been the worst of the weekend, but at least the “get well” note was adorable.

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Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins declares for NFL Draft
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


After a record breaking season in Columbus, the Dwayne Train is heading to the NFL.

Following the most prolific passing season in the history of Ohio State football, Dwayne Haskins has decided to forgo the remainder of his collegiate eligibility to pursue a career in the NFL.


OIbviously, this is not much of a surprise, as Haskins is projected to be the top quarterback taken, and if any teams desperately need a QB, could go as high as number one. On his way out of town, he played a small part in bringing former Georgia quarterback Justin Fields to Columbus.

Haskins trained with the same quarterback coach as Fields, and answered the transfer’s questions about Ryan Day and Ohio State.


The Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year, Haskins threw for 50 touchdowns and 4,831 yards in 2018, while only throwing eight interceptions. In the process, he set a slew of Ohio State and Big Ten passing records, including the single season passing touchdowns and yards marks.

We wish Dwayne all the best at the next level, and can’t wait to see him slinging it around on Sundays.

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Ohio State hires 49ers’ Jeff Hafley, Michigan’s Greg Mattison as co-defensive coordinators
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Also, Larry Johnson has been promoted to associate head coach.

The dominos are continuing to fall when it comes to the Ohio State Buckeyes’ coaching staff, as the Buckeyes have confirmed that they will make the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive backs coach the co-defensive coordinator alongside newly hired Greg Mattison.


Hafley is a 39-year-old New Jersey native who was spent time working for (reportedly) out-going OSU defensive coordinator Greg Schiano at both Rutgers and the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He then coached the DBs for the Cleveland Browns for two seasons under Mike Pettine before joining Chip Kelly on the 49ers staff, where new OSU head coach Ryan Day coached the quarterbacks. Hafley was retained by Kyle Shanahan when he took over in San Fran.

In addition, a 69-year-old defensive line coach Greg Mattison is leaving the Michigan Wolverines’ sideline to join Day’s staff. Mattison is a staple in college football, having worked at Michigan in the 1990s before leaving to coach at Notre Dame, Florida under Urban Meyer, and then as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh.

Mattison returned to Ann Arbor in 2011 as the defensive coordinator under Brady Hoke, and was retained by Jim Harbaugh as the defensive line coach.

With these hires, and the reports that linebackers coach Bill Davis won’t return to OSU in 2019, that would indicate that the Buckeyes are in need of at least one other coach to take over the LBs. However, rumors are swirling that cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson might not be retained either; opening up another spot on the staff.

Ohio State also confirmed on Monday that defensive line coach Larry Johnson will continue coaching that group, but will now be the team’s associate head coach. He previously was the team’s assistant head coach. Schiano was the associate under Meyer.

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Ohio State basketball falls to No. 16 in latest AP Poll
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


After a close loss to Michigan State, the Buckeyes drop two spots.

After falling to Michigan State on Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes dropped to No. 16 in the latest edition of the AP Men’s College Basketball Top 25 Poll. The Buckeyes entered the weekend as the No. 14 squad in the country, but suffered an 86-77 loss at home to the Spartans.


On the bright side, OSU is out to an impressive 12-2 start to the season. They can rebound on Wednesday, as they’ll play Rutgers at 7 p.m. ET.

Atop the the college basketball world, things remained mostly unchanged. Duke, Michigan, Tennessee and Virginia kept their perch at the top of the rankings. While all four teams received first-place votes, the Blue Devils had the most with 37. The only change in the top five was Kansas, who fell to No. 7 after a loss to Iowa State; Gonzaga takes over at No. 5 in this week’s slot. Michigan State improved from No. 8 to No. 6 following their win on Saturday in Columbus.

In addition to the trio of Big Ten schools mentioned, Indiana is the fourth (and final) team from the conference represented in this week’s poll. The Hoosiers appear at No. 22, a one-spot increase from last week.

Here is the full AP Poll:

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Ohio State Purdue Preview
Trevor Arnold via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

It wasn’t the most visually appealing game against Minnesota last weekend, but in a weekend when 4 of the top 10 teams lost, the Buckeyes survived. The Ohio State defense gave up 396 yards, but in the second half the managed to shut out the Golden Gophers. This young defense looks to be coming together, they just need to get healthy. Ohio State had 5 starters out during the game, that does include Nick Bosa, who, sadly, will not be returning to Ohio State. Side note: Nick is making what he feels is the correct choice, and any Ohio State fan who bad mouths him needs to get a grip on reality.

The more concerning part of Ohio State’s game right now is the running game. Ohio State got out rushed by a Minnesota team who gave up 315 yards on the ground to Maryland. Ohio State managed 92 yards with a backfield featuring two 1,000 yard rushers. The offensive line play was not good the last two weeks, and if Ohio State wants to be the championship team they want to be, the offensive line needs to be better. The running game needs to get going.

Dwayne Haskins was 33-44 for 412 yards and three touchdowns, to once again carry the offense. Haskins now has back-to-back 400 yard passing games, and I see no sign of the slowing down. Until Ohio State can become the balanced offense they want to be, they will have to continue relying on the passing game. Purdue is giving up 267 yards in the air per game which is ranked 106 in the country. Haskins will have another 400 yard passing game in West Lafayette on Saturday.

The battle of the wide receivers. KJ Hill vs Rondale Moore. Both of these receivers have electric this season. Hill has 40 receptions for 551 yards and 4 touchdowns. Moore has 45 receptions for 558 yards and 5 touchdowns. Both defenses have been susceptible to the pass this year. Ohio State is ranked 52nd giving up 221 yards per game. If either of these players get going it will be a long night for both defenses.

Purdue also has a QB who can sling the football around. David Blough won the starting position after their loss to Missouri, but he had 572 yards going 39-55 and 3 touchdowns. He is completing 78-109 for 990 yards at home. He has a 5 to 1 touchdown to interception rating. Blough and company will be looking to exploit the Ohio State defense through the air.

Ohio State has had its troubles in West Lafayette. They have 3 wins in 7 trips to Purdue since 2000. Urban Meyer is 1-0 there with a 56-0 victory. That was against a very bad Purdue team however. This Purdue team will be giving everything they have against Ohio State, as most of Ohio State opponents do. Jeff Brohm is a great offensive coach, and turned Purdue around in 1 year. Taking them to 7-6 with beating Arizona in their bowl game. Purdue this year could easily be 5-1, 6-0 if it weren’t bad luck and some bone headed plays towards the end of their games. Which means this team could very well be ranked in the top 20.

With both teams struggling in the passing game and both teams having great success through the air this season I am predicting a shootout type of game here. The Penn State game should have been a shootout type of game, but the defense had a bend don’t break mentality and it payed off. This game could be very similar. On the road. At night. ABC. This game has all the makings of the perfect upset for Ohio State. I do not believe Ohio State will be getting upset this Saturday night. Social media has been talking about this “trap game” so much this season I’m not even sure you can call it a trap game any more. The players on both sides will be ready for a battle. I am predicting a 56-35 game. Ohio State has been great on defense in the second half the last two games, and I see that continuing. The adjustments, even if Schiano says there aren’t any, they are making are working. It’ll be a close first half like Ohio State is accustomed to this season, but relax Buckeye Nation Ohio State will not be getting upset.




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Scarlet Letter: Don’t Give Up Just Yet
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



With another hard-fought victory against another Big 10 conference opponent, the Buckeyes leave today’s game with a few more questions about their identity and their ability to fend off a lesser team that they should have dominated. Aside from Rutgers and Tulane, the Buckeyes have been vulnerable and prone to giving up huge, momentum-shifting plays to teams week in and week out.

I have never seen an Ohio State defense get gashed, nickel-and-dimed, and straight up bullied by opponents this badly, and it is becoming quite bothersome if I am honest. This is definitely not up to par and it is not close to the standard that we have enjoyed, but maybe–just maybe this game might light a bigger fire underneath the players and they will start to take things personally and to heart pushing forward.

As I watch the fanbase implode and point fingers, it makes me wonder if they were all fully invested with the team that they “love” and if the “love” was truly real or not. It is understandable and it is very frustrating, but we are still undefeated. Insert shrug emoji here.

Have we become too spoiled as fans to the point to where hard-fought wins that displayed the Buckeyes resiliency, their grit, and their determination to secure an ugly win is not enough? An undefeated season is still not enough? No one is perfect and the weaknesses today will be addressed a week from now because it was evident that more work needed to be done.

Yes, certain players and position groups need to improve, they need to play much better than they have been, but it’ll take time and it isn’t an easy fix. I could easily call out everyone on social media, but you know what? That does more negative things than positive. Just calm down and enjoy the ride because you never know what the future would be like, and it could be grimmer than right now.

Injuries, penalties, and miscommunication happens–and again, it will be addressed and fixed. Just have faith in the coaches, in the players, and everything will fall into place. Enjoy the win because next week will be another hard-fought game. It is not like the Big 10 of old, where it is top heavy. Teams have improved, there are a few bottom feeders, that have the talent, but it will take time. Breathe Buckeye Nation, WE…ARE…FINE!
















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Indiana (4-1, Big 10, 1-1) at Ohio State (5-0, Big 10 2-0)
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



After a drama-filled, come from behind victory at Happy Valley, the Buckeyes face a resurgent Indiana team that could potentially give them problems. In what was one of the better games of the season, pitting two Top-10 teams against each other, and during a White-Out, the Buckeyes cannot afford to take a loss to another unranked, but talented team again just like that terrible Iowa loss a season ago. The stars aligned once again and after another 1-point, hard-fought win, the Buckeyes might be vulnerable once again.

Indiana will take their Sophomore QB Peyton Ramsey into Columbus to try to shock the world. Ohio State will be looking to maintain their current hot streak and blow past Indiana. Ramsey is no slouch, he is efficient, but he leaves points off the board and he tends to force throws. He won’t be alone in the backfield because he has another bruiser at RB in Stevie Scott.

With that combination, it might give them some life to at the very least, put up a fight. On the other end, Dwayne Haskins, Zone 6, and the duo of Dobbins and Weber will look to continue on with their fireworks display on offense. The defense will look to sharpen up their skill and be more disciplined as they get into matchups with conference foes.

Positional Keys:

• Quarterback: Remain calm/Stay sharp
• Running Backs: No dancing around/Remain involved in the gameplan
• Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: No drops/Gain separation
• Offensive Line: Grind out possessions/Maul defenders/Minimize penalties
• Defensive Line: Shed blocks/Gap discipline
• Linebackers: Discipline in coverage/Do not overrun gaps/Tackle better
• Defensive Backs: No blown coverages/Tackle better

There was a lot of errors on the Buckeyes’ part, but this win has and will boost their confidence moving forward. Last week drops, overrunning plays, and tackling were issues that stunted their progress down the field, but this week, they will be better since they’re at home.

Realistically, the Buckeyes will start out slow because of last week and injuries are a concern with Bosa still being out and Jones almost being lost to injury as well. Realistically, the Buckeyes will be looking to put this game out of reach by halftime as well, but we will have to see how they will respond, and I am leaning more toward the latter because they played poorly, but showed their grit in the second half.

Haskins will put up points in a hurry as he looks to retain his hot streak and I think it’ll be another multi-touchdown game. Dobbins and Weber will bruise the defense and Zone 6 will necessary blocks and make the plays once again. The defense will be looking to improve and play better in the absence of Nick Bosa.

Final Score: Ohio State defeats Indiana 58-17.














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Penn State Preview
Trevor Arnold via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

It is finally here. Ohio State vs. Penn State. Normally, this game is played mid to late October, but this year this potential College Football Playoff match up is coming already in September. The Big Ten this year, so far, has seemingly been down this year. This makes this game even bigger than what it has been in years past. And in the last few years, this game has been huge. This game seems like it will decide the winner of the Big Ten East with Michigan State and Michigan looking subpar, so far. Ohio State the #2 scoring offense. Penn State the #1 scoring offense. Ohio State has had the better schedule so far with traveling to Jerry’s World and playing a very good TCU defense. Penn State has been tested at home to Appalachian State, and tested in the first half of the Pitt and Illinois games before pulling away in the second half of each game. Lets compare these two offenses.

QB:

Haskins: 87/115, 1194 yards, 16 tds, and 1 int.

McSorley: 57/106, 763 yards, 8 tds, and 2 int.

RB:

Dobbins: 56 attempts, 323 yards, 2 tds. Long of 21 yards

Weber: 52 attempts, 299 yards, 3 tds, Long of 49 yards

Sanders: 71 attempts 495 yards, 5 tds, Long of 48 yards

Ohio State has a clear advantage at quarterback. Dwayne has been absolutely incredible this year. Making every single type of throw with ease. Even in the TCU game he was stellar, especially on the blitz. Trace’s numbers don’t tell the complete story. His wide receivers have had some drops. But he also misses open people. Trace is a gamer though. He makes plays when it counts, and really its all about wins and loses at the end of the day. The Penn State run game is what concerns me. They run the qb read option very well. McSorely is making the correct read time and time again rushing 41 times this year for 5.7 yards a carry.

Penn State will be without backup Mark Allen at the running back position. But Miles Sanders seems to be picking up where Saquon Barkley has left off. He has been very good this year. Especially, in the Illinois game where he had 200 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Ohio State has split carries the whole year, and will continue to do so. Mike Weber has been practicing this week, after leaving the game early against Tulane. Ohio State has been missing the big runs this year, so far. With the passing game being so great to begin the year, I am surprised to see that Dobbins hasn’t broke one yet. Ohio State will need the running game to be excellent in Beaver Stadium.

With both offenses performing so well this year, both teams will have to rely on their defenses to step up, and limit the big plays.

Defense:

Opponent yards per game: Ohio State is ranked 22 vs Penn State is ranked 36

Rushing Yards per game: Ohio State is ranked 52 vs Penn State is ranked 78

Passing Yards per game: Ohio State is ranked 30 vs Penn State is ranked 24

Third Down Conversions: Ohio State and Penn State are tied for 54th giving up 5.2 3rd downs per game

To me this is where the game will be decided. With both offenses dominating early on in the season limiting 3rd down conversions will be the key. It will keep both defenses fresh, and will allow these potent offenses to stay on the field. Ohio State linebackers will have to play fantastic if Ohio State wants to earn this W. They CAN NOT crash down on the running back as soon as the play starts out. McSorley is very good in open space, and will destroy the Ohio State defense if the linebackers do not keep containment of him. McSorley also can take a hit, and seemingly likes to get hit, as it is rare for him to slide. He will fight for every yard he can get.

The defensive line is going to miss Nick Bosa for this game. I for one, and deeply saddened we wont get another Bosa double sack in Happy Valley. But this defensive line is going to play just fine, even without the BEST player in college football.

This game on Saturday night, 7:30 on ABC, will be exciting, and well agonizing. With both offenses playing so well, and both defenses playing okay, not great not bad, the big plays will come, and honestly they might come often. This game might give Tressel fans heart attacks, but this is who Ohio State is this year. I feel Ohio State has an advantage over Penn State, since we had to play a good team away from home. (Yes, I know it was mostly Ohio State fans). Penn State’s schedule so far, has been well terrible. Penn State has also struggled in 3 out of 4 games so far, and just had to use their depth to help them win because none of the teams they played so far have no where near the depth Penn State would have. But Penn State has shown up in the second half, and have shown why they are the #9 ranked team in the country.

I feel Ohio State is prepared for this game. I feel the defense will be ready for the #1 offense in the country. I feel Dwayne will continue to have the Heisman type year in this game. However, Happy Valley is an animal. It scares the crap out of me every other year. I hate going their. Those fans are loud. Weird things happen. Blocked punts. Blocked kicks. However, Ohio State is 2-2 in whiteout games, and after Saturday I believe it will be 3-2. The game wont be easy, and I for one will be glad when it is over. I’m feeling a score of 56-45.




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Urban Meyer’s presence will bring juice to the Ohio State sideline for Saturday’s showdown with Tulane by @MarkSamuelPrine
Mark Prine via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Juice noun
\ ˈjüs \

a : a motivating, inspiring, or enabling force or factor

b : STRENGTH, VIGOR, VITALITY



It’s no secret that Saturday’s game against Tulane is an assumed win for Ohio State. The game itself may be viewed as nothing more than a formality, by most Buckeye fans. However, I can say without reservation that Urban Meyer doesn’t see it that way. Sure, he knows his team is going to leave the horseshoe with a win; but what will make this game special for Urb is that it’s his first game on the sideline for the Buckeyes this season. Meyer has spent that last six weeks facing a suspension handed down by Ohio State University President Michael Drake, based on the recommendation of the school’s board of trustees for failing to manage Receivers coach Zach Smith. Meyer has been permitted to participate in football activities for the previous two weeks with the exception of coaching on Saturdays.

In his first game back, emotions are sure to be high for Meyer, the entire Meyer family, the players, the coaches, and Buckeye Nation. Ultimately this means guys will be playing with their hair on fire; with juice if you will. If you listen to any Meyer’s press conferences or any interview of any player or coach for that matter, you are sure to hear someone being praised for the level of energy and intensity they are showing in practice, games etc. That daily emphasis on juice is a symptom of the culture instilled by Meyer, since he arrived at Ohio State six years ago. Some of OSU’s best players like Nick Bosa and Dwayne Haskins have spoken about the intensity level and energy at the WHAC the past few weeks, since Meyers return. You may ask “what does all of this mean?” It means Buckeye fans should expect Meyer to bring that same intensity to the sideline on Saturday.

In short, a mediocre Tulane squad is about to play an angry Ohio State group that just happens to be one of the most talented teams to ever take the field at Ohio State or any other school for that matter. There’s no need to bloviate on and on about this game but if you must have something to look forward to, John Cooper is getting his first career start at defensive end in lieu of the injured Nick Bosa. Look for Cooper to have a solid performance as the defense prepares for next weeks showdown in State College. Ohio State by seventy.




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Bill Davis not returning to Ohio State, per report
Patrick Mayhorn via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Our national nightmare is over.

When Billy Davis was hired, it seemed a bit questionable, given his background of getting fired by NFL teams, but he was reportedly very close with Urban Meyer, and a friend of Urban is a friend of Buckeye fans. Today, however, after two incredibly bad years of linebacker play, the best man at Urban Meyer’s wedding has departed Columbus, as he was officially let go by new head coach Ryan Day just five days after Day took over as head coach.


Davis’ had a tumultuous tenure in Columbus, to put it kindly. His linebacker group frequently struggled with the speed of college football, and looked lost in Greg Schiano’s aggressive defensive scheme. Several players, notably Jerome Baker, Chris Worley, Tuf Borland and Pete Werner — among others — never seemed to get the coaching that they needed under Davis, and the first two played significantly better before Davis’ arrival in 2017.

Davis never seemed to quite fit in with a college football program, likely thanks in large part to his complete lack of college coaching experience. He seemed much better suited to coaching grown men rather than college students, and it showed on the field with the frequent confusion from his players.


Davis will likely head back to the NFL, where he’ll somehow acquire his 12th (!!!) linebacker coaching job in the league that seemingly can’t get enough of his whole shtick. Ohio State reportedly has interest in several possible replacements, including Michigan’s Al Washington, Cincinnati’s Marcus Freeman, and Kentucky’s Matt House, though it’s unclear if any of those three would be hired to replace Davis or reportedly departing defensive coordinator Greg Schiano.

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