LostLassie said:

My free Showtime subscription was worth every penny of it.

Good Grief! What a steaming mass of self-indulgent tedium TP The Return is. Like the TP that Returns when your toilet backs up.

Note to David Lynch: Dear David, not everybody is on acid these days. In fact, it may only be you.

Click to expand...

Scary thing is I'm not sure if you can attribute Lynch's artistic vision to acid.

Chris Holtmann isn’t shying away from tough scheduling
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


At Butler, he scheduled everyone from Arizona to Cincinnati. He’s looking to bring that mentality to Columbus.

“I think you’ll see this, and you can hold me to it, but I think if I’m going to err, I’m going to err on the side of it being more challenging than not challenging in the non-conference.”

-Ohio State men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann, via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


One of Chris Holtmann’s key tasks at Ohio State is upping attendance at the Schottenstein Center, which has been plummeting in recent years for men’s basketball. And one of the key ways to improve in that area--beyond simply winning games--is improving the Buckeyes’ non-conference schedule to something more exciting than back-to-backs against Western Carolina and Jackson State.

Last season, Ohio State ranked 111th in non-conference strength of schedule, playing just three teams in the KenPom top-100. Holtmann’s Butler team, meanwhile, was 12th nationally. The Bulldogs scheduled highly challenging opponents, including Arizona and Cincinnati, and played a total of eight teams in the top-100. Butler happened to beat all eight of them, which earned them a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but simply scheduling and competing boosts a team’s tournament resume, especially compared to schools that have a weak non-conference schedule.

Ohio State does have some built-in marquee matchups, notably in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge and the CBS Sports Classic. Next season, the Buckeyes are scheduled to face Clemson in the former, and UNC in the latter. The squad is also heading to the PK80 Invitational over Thanksgiving, with a guaranteed game against Gonzaga, and a second-round matchup versus Stanford or Florida.

While the schedule is set for this season, Holtmann hopes to begin making tweaks heading into the following season in order to further boost the non-conference schedule. Ohio State will still play some “buy games,” with smaller schools coming to Columbus, but they should be fewer in number moving forward. Ohio State could also start to participate in more early-season tournaments. In Holtmann’s three seasons with the Bulldogs, Butler played tournaments consecutively in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Las Vegas. For Ohio State, it would be a chance to boost their tournament resume early, and allow some time to recover before the start of conference play.

“He’s about to own nearly every record in Ohio State history, and that probably matters to some degree.”

-Tim Shoemaker, Eleven Warriors


Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett could very well be the Big Ten East’s top quarterback heading into the fall. Entering his senior season, Barrett already holds most major passing records in Columbus. Those he does not own will likely fall this season. The undisputed starter, Barrett has had an offseason under the tutelage of new co-offensive coordinators Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have also brought out a slew of lengthy receivers who can finally provide the downfield threat that Barrett has so lacked over the last two seasons. But even with his struggles, Barrett still managed more than 2,500 yards through the air for 24 touchdowns with just seven picks in the 2016 season. He also added 845 yards on the ground to go with nine rushing touchdowns. This season, with improvements around him, Barrett’s dual-threat ability only gets greater.

Behind Barrett, Penn State’s Trace McSorley poses a worthy adversary. McSorley, individually, had a better season than Barrett last year, racking up more than 3,600 passing yards and 29 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Still, his rushing ability is not nearly on Barrett’s level, gaining just 365 yards on the ground, though with seven touchdowns. Of course, with Saquon Barkley in the backfield, the conference’s best running back, the duo are a formidable combination for defenses to battle.

Michigan’s Wilton Speight trails McSorley. Similar to Barrett, Speight threw for 2,538 yards last season with 18 scores and seven picks in his first year as a starter. Even so, the Wolverines have lost a significant amount of offensive firepower, including tight end Jake Butt and receivers Amarah Darboh and Jehu Chesson. Behind Speight, Indiana’s Richard Lagow is entering his second year as a starter. Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke, Maryland’s Caleb Henderson and Rutgers’ Kyle Bolin round out the east’s quarterback rankings.

“Anyone who says there won’t be times of self-doubt, they’re lying to you. It’s about believing in the process and the plan we have in place, but eventually we’re all going to have to prove that that plan is successful.”

-Ohio State men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann, via Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch


Chris Holtmann’s career path took him on a much higher trajectory than expected when he was announced as the head men’s basketball coach at Ohio State earlier this month. Previously, Holtmann had had six total years of head coaching experience in his time at Butler and, previously, Gardner-Webb of the Big South. The move to a major program in the Big Ten is undoubtedly the biggest so far of his career.

Still, Ohio State has historically not shied away from coaches with limited experience at the helm. Thad Matta, hired when he was just 37 years old, had coached just four years at Xavier, though his final year with the Musketeers earned an Elite Eight appearance. Holtmann has found similar success in his early years as a head coach. He guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament in each of his three seasons, including a Sweet 16 appearance this year. Still, Holtman is 45 years old--eight years older than Matta was when he took over at Ohio State.

Holtmann has also been granted an eight-year contract with the Buckeyes. It shows confidence in the new coach as he will have time to revamp the recruiting process, enabling Ohio State to once again get top basketball talent from its own state. Holtmann and his assembly of assistant coaches, all joining from Butler, have already proven up to the task. Butler’s 2015 class ranked ninth nationally, and the 2016 class improved to fifth.

Still, the rebuilding process will not happen overnight in Columbus, and Holtmann has adopted a much more practical approach, taking things one day at a time on the road to improvement. The Buckeyes still have five scholarship spots open for next season, and filling them--and the rest of the roster--will represent an early test for the new coach and his staff.

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Four future Buckeyes with the most to prove at The Opening - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Four future Buckeyes with the most to prove at The Opening
247Sports
Today I have the four future Buckeyes with the most to prove at The Opening. I have listed the numbers for each prospect in the 247Sports Composite. Jaelen Gill (4-star; 34 overall prospect; No. 2 all-purpose back; No. 2 prospect in Ohio). How could ...


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Jerome Hunter has Buckeyes, Michigan, Indiana among 5 finalists: Ohio State basketball recruiting - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Jerome Hunter has Buckeyes, Michigan, Indiana among 5 finalists: Ohio State basketball recruiting
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With so much still up in the air for Ohio State's 2018 recruiting class, it's hard to say who exactly is at the top of the list for Chris Holtmann and his new Buckeyes basketball staff. But Pickerington North wing Jerome Hunter is up ...
Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes host two 2018 blue-chippersThe Columbus Dispatch
Chris Holtmann addresses Derek Funderburk's suspension247Sports
Ohio State football looks plenty motivated, Chris Holtmann explains Derek Funderburk's suspension and moreLandof10.com
Ravenna Record Courier -Eleven Warriors
all 10 news articles »

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As summer grinds on, Ohio State asks why - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


As summer grinds on, Ohio State asks why
247Sports
Summer is certainly a time to put in work, but it's also a time, with no games, when the players are grinding as they look forward to fall camp and the start of the regular season. As a recent video released on the Ohio State football Twitter account ...


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Steele Preview: Who's ticketed for College Football Playoff? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Steele Preview: Who's ticketed for College Football Playoff?
247Sports
Regarding Ohio State, here is what Steele wrote with the Buckeyes' No. 2 ranking: “Urban Meyer has lost three bowl games and, after losing his first two, he won the national title the next year each time. Can he make it 3 for 3? While their season ...


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Ohio State Basketball | Buckeyes will host Clemson in ACC-Big Ten Challenge - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Basketball | Buckeyes will host Clemson in ACC-Big Ten Challenge
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State will host Clemson on November 29 as part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Opponents for the annual games were announced earlier in the month, but the dates for games were not finalized until today. Leading into the game with the Tigers, the ...
Ohio State to Host Clemson Men's Basketball on Nov. 29 as Part of ACC/Big Ten ChallengeEleven Warriors
McKewon: Nebraska-Oregon matchup is rare exception to Big Ten's lackluster nonconference scheduleOmaha World-Herald
OSU hoops to host Clemson Nov. 29 in ACC/Big Ten Challenge247Sports

all 27 news articles »

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Helwagen Chat Monday 9 pm (Post Questions Here) - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Helwagen Chat Monday 9 pm (Post Questions Here)
247Sports
... ordering info and comments on Undisputed Champions, our recap magazine of Ohio State's 2014 national championship run. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now!


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Why Ohio State keeps calling for Erasmus Hall's biggest stars - New York Post
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Why Ohio State keeps calling for Erasmus Hall's biggest stars
New York Post
He was only in eighth grade when he met Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and several of the powerhouse program's other coaches on their visit to the Brooklyn high school. They were there recruiting Curtis Samuel, who would become a Buckeye star and an ...


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Dates for 2017 Big Ten/ACC Challenge announced
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

The Atlantic Coast and Big Ten Conferences on Monday announced the dates for the 19th annual Big Ten-ACC Challenge. The matchups, featuring all 14 Big Ten teams and all but one ACC member, were announced on June 8.

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Mike Condon Generating Some Interest on the Market
T6S via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


NEW YORK, NY – MAY 04: Mike Condon #1 of the Ottawa Senators prepares to play against the New York Rangers after a timeout n Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, 2017 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The NHL officially opened the window for teams to start talks with impending unrestricted free agents ahead of July 1st’s start to free agency.

For the Senators that means players like Tom Pyatt, Viktor Stalberg, Tommy Wingels, Chris Kelly, Chris Neil and Mike Condon can officially gauge the interest in their services.

It’s a running joke that the NHL forbids the parties from negotiating the terms of contracts during this window, but apparently Condon and Neil are already generating some interest on the open market.

According to Postmedia‘s Bruce Garrioch, “indications are that nearly 10 teams contacted Condon’s agent Sunday. His top choice is to return to the Senators, but the Senators will have to move quickly if they’re going to keep him from testing the market.”

Hey look, the Senators aren’t the only ones who know how to work the media to further their own interests.

Good job to whomever it is representing Condon’s interests.

It’s like the agent is essentially saying, “Oh, Mike? He really wants to return to the Senators next season. He really does, but, just ignore the fact that I wouldn’t say anything otherwise to lose leverage and reduce his value with the Senators or with another organization. That would be bad for business.”

Nobody should lose sleep over whether Condon leaves or not.

Like every other player on the Senators’ roster, he helped the Senators get to the postseason.

Despite the won-loss record which is a terrible barometer to use when evaluating a goalie, his peripherals were pretty average last season, especially if you look past his first seven games in a Senators jersey.

Record GAA SO Total SV% 5v5 SV%
Total – 41 games 19-14-6 2.48 5 .914 91.97
First 8 Games 4-1-1 1.68 2 .945 93.93
Last 33 Games 15-13-5 2.64 3 .908 91.55

Keep in mind that Ottawa’s goaltending was sheltered somewhat because the Senators’ system focused on congesting the middle of the ice and forcing teams to shoot from the perimeter.

Here’s a look at the kind of shots that Condon faced at five-on-five this season via HockeyViz.com:



The Senators did a relatively good job of keeping pucks away from the net, but to keep things in perspective, the following picture shows what kind of shots Andrew Hammond faced last season.



In the games that Hammond played, the Senators did a poor job taking away the middle of the ice. Not only did they give up a high volume of shots from around the goalmouth, they gave up a disproportionate volume of shots from the goal through the slot and back to the point.

It’s pretty easy to shit on Hammond’s performance last season, but with this kind of bad luck and the reports that suggest he was never really comfortable because he was dealing with a hip issue, it helps add context and explain why his performance measurably suffered.

Not that there’s something to be said about Condon’s performance as well.

Thanks to Craig Anderson’s frequent absences because of his wife’s battle with cancer, Condon was forced to play and play often. This kind of mental and physical fatigue probably helped play a role in his deteriorating numbers, but if I was working in the front office, I would not feel obligated to bring Condon back or risk overpaying in years or dollars to keep a backup goalie in the fold — even if he sports an awesome retro Tugnutt mask.

In looking at the Senators’ recent moves — dumping Marc Methot’s salary in expansion and the team trying to spur more interest in Phaneuf through the media — it seems like the team is trying to cut payroll.

These moves may just be a reflection of the organization realizing that its number one goalie, number one centre, best forward and franchise player are all in need of contract extensions after each of the next two seasons, but maybe ownership has asked management to cut costs as well.

Who knows?

All I know is that I won’t be losing much sleep if the Senators and Mike Condon go their separate ways. (I reserve the right to change my mind depending on who the Senators replace him with.)

Other News and Notes:

• From that same Garrioch article that I referenced earlier, Chris Neil is reportedly attracting interest on the open market. “He has received calls from the teams looking for toughness, and it’s believed the Montreal Canadiens may be in that group.”
• Garrioch also mentions Karl Alzner and Michael Stone (aka Mark’s brother) as potential UFA replacements for Methot as Karlsson’s defensive partner. Michael Stone is a right-shot defenceman, so unless he plays his off-side, he’s probably not much of a fit and given the cost and efficiency, he’s not much of a fit. I would stay away from Karl Alzner too. Despite playing on an elite Washington Capitals team, Alzner’s surface numbers and underlying numbers are mediocre. He also turns 29-years old in September and in a shitty market, he’ll command a hefty price. He’s not worth the price now and I’d hate to see the Senators overpay for a player’s post-30 years.
• After this weekend’s NHL Draft, ESPN Insider Corey Pronman (paywall) gave the Senators a ‘C-minus’ letter grade for their work. With four picks, it was quite obvious that the Senators played it safe to ensure that they got some players who safely projected to be NHL players. Pronman liked Alex Formenton at his slot, but he believed this class to be very bland. “Nobody here is a high-skill player, and while the Senators did OK given a limited number of picks, there’s nothing here that gets me excited.”

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BM5: Inside Kurelic's Crystal Balls - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: Inside Kurelic's Crystal Balls
247Sports
Start your work week with an overflow of recruiting knowledge courtesy of the Dean! What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE.

and more »

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2017 Look Ahead: Ohio State at Rutgers - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


2017 Look Ahead: Ohio State at Rutgers
Eleven Warriors
That's right: the Buckeyes, Wolverines, Spartans and Nittany Lions outscored Ash's club a combined 224-0. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany's push for conference expansion brought Rutgers into the fray ahead of the 2014 academic calendar, and things ...

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Eric Hunter puts Buckeyes in top 6, Indiana offers Ohio prospects: Ohio State basketball recruiting notebook - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Eric Hunter puts Buckeyes in top 6, Indiana offers Ohio prospects: Ohio State basketball recruiting notebook
cleveland.com
Ohio State is in the running for another one of Chris Holtmann's former targets at Butler. Eric Hunter Jr., a four-star shooting guard from Indianapolis, put the Buckeyes in his final list of six schools on Sunday night. Hunter also listed Butler (the ...
Ohio State football looks plenty motivated, Chris Holtmann explains Derek Funderburk's suspension, and moreLandof10.com
Skull Session: Tracy Sprinkle on the Comeback, Chris Holtmann Brings Excitement, and Ohio Loyal to SkylineEleven Warriors

all 6 news articles »

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4-star DE Brandon Smith talks Ohio State scholarship, visit with Buckeyes
Charles Doss via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Virginia native left Columbus with a chance to play for the Buckeyes.

Hitting the recruiting trail hard, Virginia has been one of the states the Ohio State football program has been trying to build a pipeline into over the last few years. A state full of talent, the Buckeyes aren’t done trying to plant their flag in the Old Dominion State just yet.

Coming off a recent verbal pledge from one of Virginia’s top recruits, 2018 linebacker Teradja Mitchell, the Buckeyes have now dealt an offer out to a standout defender from the junior class.

Locking in the scholarship from the OSU coaching staff on Saturday during a visit to the Columbus, Ohio campus, 2019 four-star weak-side defensive end Brandon Smith adds the Buckeyes to an already impressive list of college opportunities.


With well over a dozen offers on the table from programs such as Florida State, Notre Dame, Penn State and Virginia Tech, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder isn’t holding his chance to play for Urban Meyer, Bill Davis and the Buckeyes lightly.

“Coach Davis extended the offer during my visit. I have been talking with Coach Davis since he visited my school. Definitely means a lot and it's a special offer that I am thankful for. (When I think of Ohio State) I think of rich football tradition,” Smith stated to Land-Grant Holy Land.

While some recruits would’ve been just happy with the offer, the visit to Ohio State gave the All-Conference selection a whole new look into the program.

“The visit went great as a whole. I definitely like the facilities and the whole man concept is definitely nice,” he added on his time at OSU.

Smith, who is listed as a lineman, will first get a shot to play linebacker if he chooses to continue his playing days at Ohio State. A solid pass rusher, last season as a sophomore at Louisa County High School in Mineral, Va., Brandon, the sixth weak-side defensive end and 72nd overall prospect in the 2019 class, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings, accounted for 75 total tackles, 10 quarterback sacks and three forced fumbles to help pace the Lions to an overall record of 8-3.

Highlights


The Buckeyes are still looking for their first 2019 commitment. Will Brandon Smith be it? Stick with the Land-Grant Holy Land recruiting team for the latest developments.

Buckeyes make the cut for 2018 CB


With plans to announce his college commitment in the coming weeks, 2018 cornerback Ken Montgomery Jr. of Tampa’s Hillsborough High, took to this Twitter page on Sunday afternoon to share his top six to the world.

Now left to fight it out for the 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior, are Alabama, OSU, Penn State, UCLA, Ole Miss and Oklahoma.


A three-star prospect, if Montgomery surprisingly selects the Buckeyes in July, he would join a star studded group of defensive backs in Ohio State’s 2018 class. Already holding pledges from fellow Sunshine State corner Sevyn Banks, and safeties Jaiden Woodbey and Josh Proctor, his commitment would certainly help keep OSU as the number one overall recruiting class after they recently jumped past the Miami Hurricanes for the top spot.

Quick Hits

• Per Jeff Rabjohns of Scout.com, 2018 four-star point guard Robert Phinisee will visit the new looked Ohio State program on Monday. Recently offered by Chris Holtmann and company, Phinisee, a Lafayette, Ind. native, is also being pursued by Indiana, Purdue, and Virginia among others.
• While one 2018 guard is set to visit OSU, another one listed the Buckeyes among their current leaders. Releasing his top six last night, Ohio State, Butler, Xavier, Nebraska, Purdue and Minnesota find themselves still in the mix for four-star shooting guard Eric Hunter Jr.
• The Buckeyes are looking to add a tight end to their 2018 class. From the looks of it, one of their targets won’t be calling Columbus his future home. Committing to LSU on Sunday, three-star prospect Zach Sheffer, who visited OSU during the spring from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, will take his talents to Baton Rouge and play for the Tigers.

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Eric Hunter Jr. includes Ohio State in top 6 - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Eric Hunter Jr. includes Ohio State in top 6
247Sports
This news comes just days after four-star shooting guard Dane Goodwin re-opened his recruitment after being committed to the Buckeyes since December of 2014. Hunter, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds, hails from Charles A Tindley Accelerated School in Indianapolis.

and more »

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Ohio State offers Brandon Smith after all, Buckeyes not only team with linebacker intrigue, and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State offers Brandon Smith after all, Buckeyes not only team with linebacker intrigue, and more
Landof10.com
Recruiting never stops, and if you take a day off, you fall behind. Join us every night for a daily recap of Ohio State recruiting news, insight on what's happening behind the scenes, and for a glimpse at what's coming next.

and more »

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The Replacements: Who will be Ohio State's next punter after Cam Johnston? - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


The Replacements: Who will be Ohio State's next punter after Cam Johnston?
Landof10.com
His profile on the Buckeyes' athletic website says as much. In the Ohio State spring game, he attempted one punt, sending it 44 yards. Should he continue to bring that power this fall, the Buckeyes will have found their starting punter for the next ...


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Almost impossible for me to comprehend the lack of representation from Ohio professional sports in a WTF general assembly

Resetting Ohio State's Offensive Line Targets for 2018 - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Resetting Ohio State's Offensive Line Targets for 2018
Eleven Warriors
The Buckeyes currently have the nation's No. 1-ranked recruiting class and with a number of their top remaining targets still on the board, there's a good chance they finish No. 1 on National Signing Day. A large portion of Ohio State's 2018 haul ...
Ohio State should utilize both Parris Campbell and Demario McCall to replace Curtis SamuelLand-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer names Kerry Coombs assistant defensive coordinatorRavenna Record Courier

all 4 news articles »

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TE Buckeyes offered commits to LSU - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


TE Buckeyes offered commits to LSU
247Sports
The Buckeyes are in good shape with their No. 1 tight end target Jeremy Ruckert and also may be on the verge of landing a commitment next month from wide receiver Blue Smith who could grow into an H-back. The 6-foot-3 and 230-pound Sheffer is a 3-star ...

and more »

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Ohio State should utilize both Parris Campbell and Demario McCall to replace Curtis Samuel - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State should utilize both Parris Campbell and Demario McCall to replace Curtis Samuel
Land-Grant Holy Land
But do the Buckeyes really need to find just one player to replace Samuel? A look at Urban Meyer's past Ohio State offenses shows that he's historically leaned on more than one player to fulfill everything he asks of his H-backs. The desire to create ...
Resetting Ohio State's Offensive Line Targets for 2018Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer names Kerry Coombs assistant defensive coordinatorRavenna Record Courier

all 4 news articles »

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Ohio State should utilize both Parris Campbell and Demario McCall to replace Curtis Samuel
Ian Hartitz via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


OSU might have an easier type replacing the versatile Curtis Samuel with two players vs. one.

Curtis Samuel was arguably the most versatile, and explosive, college football player in the country last season. Lining up in both the slot and the backfield, Samuel converted his 97 rushes and 74 receptions into 1,636 total yards and 15 touchdowns. A dominant combine performance confirmed his elite athleticism and helped him get drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Ohio State now must find a way to replace what was often the offense’s only “get out of jail free” card last season. Samuel’s combination of big statistical performances and timely plays in massive moments is unmatched on the Buckeyes’ current roster, and it’s hard to find a player with the skill set to replace everything he brought to the offense.

But do the Buckeyes really need to find just one player to replace Samuel? A look at Urban Meyer’s past Ohio State offenses shows that he’s historically leaned on more than one player to fulfill everything he asks of his H-backs. The desire to create explosive plays in both the air and ground game with the H-back resulted in the Buckeyes splitting touches from 2012-2015. One player has typically worked as the dominant receiver and the other as the rusher. Only in 2016 did Meyer trust and enable one player to do both:



It’s important to note that Ohio State has largely adapted their rushing offense to their personnel on a season-by-season basis. Last season was a three-headed monster consisting of J.T. Barrett, Mike Weber, and Samuel. 2015 and 2013 were dominated by QB - RB duos, while 2014 and 2012 had a bit more of a committee approach. Last season the coaches leaned on Samuel’s unique ability as a running back, and this is a key reason why he was picked ahead of everyone else on this list in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Samuel’s receiving numbers are where things get interesting. His production was eerily similar to what past H-back duos have produced at Ohio State. It’s not a stretch to say that the Buckeyes likely didn’t plan on Samuel leading the team in receiving last season, but a lack of production from the other receivers, along with Samuel’s own talent, made this a reality.

Assuming that Ohio State doesn’t have a Samuel clone waiting in the wings, who makes the most sense to fill the H-back role in 2017? As was the case in 2012 - 2015, it seems optimal for the Buckeyes to turn to two players to fill Meyer’s H-back role.

Parris Campbell


Campbell has been this off-season’s most-hyped Buckeye. A move to H-back has Campbell feeling at home in his natural position, and he’s already being dubbed this season’s breakout star. Campbell has been on the field for 16 games over the past two seasons, though he's only managed to put together 175 total yards on his 17 offensive touches.

Still, it’s easy to see why Campbell has earned the coach’s trust at H-back. His ability with the ball in his hands is special:


Campbell’s game-breaking speed should test the back end of secondaries across the Big Ten this season. The rest of his game is a bit of a question mark. Drops and injuries hurt any chances he had of playing time in 2015, while his involvement last season was mostly limited to misdirection runs and blocking.

Campbell is now in his fourth year with the Buckeyes, but he's still a bit of an unknown. He hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do with an ample amount of touches, but he’ll have every chance to establish himself as a top-three option in the offense this season. Considering he’s almost exclusively lined up on the outside over the past three seasons, it seems likely that Campbell will work as the Buckeyes’ primary receiving H-back.

Demario McCall


‘Super’ Demario is deserving of this fantastic nickname thanks to his elite speed and agility. Standing at 5’ 9.5” and weighing in at 171 pounds, McCall is undersized but still capable of running between the tackles thanks to his Samuel-esque nastiness.

McCall actually had three-times the amount of touches in his true freshman season as Campbell has had in his career, though this is a bit misleading. McCall only received touches in five separate blowouts when the Buckeyes were already up by 40-plus points. For this reason, his electrifying runs should be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s clear the guy has plenty of talent:


McCall has the speed to erase defender’s angles and the agility to make solid tacklers look silly in the open field. He showed soft hands out of the backfield and has been linked to getting some snaps out of the slot this season. Still, McCall has made it clear he prefers to work out as a running back and he represents the Buckeyes’ best option at replacing Samuel’s as the offense’s scat-back out of the backfield.

Ideally, McCall will become polished enough as a receiver to be able to motion into the slot and create mismatches with safeties. His size could make a full-time transition to the slot more difficult than it was for Samuel, but McCall’s tantalizing potential and ability makes one thing clear above all else: get him the ball.


Samuel’s offensive production from last season will be nearly impossible to replace with just one player. After all, slot receivers with the ability to run between the tackles don’t just fall off of trees. Look for the Buckeyes to feature two of their most explosive playmakers, Parris Campbell and Demario McCall, in both the passing and running game instill some explosiveness to the offense. Neither player may wind up with Samuel’s lofty statistical totals, but then again, who has?

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Senators Draft Alex Formenton 47th Overall
T6S via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



With the second round pick that they acquired from the Calgary Flames for Curtis Lazar, the Senators selected Alex Formenton from the OHL’s London Knights with the 47th overall selection.

His point totals leave something to be desired. In 65 games, he tallied 16 goals and 34 points, but because of his late birthday (September 13,, 1999), Formenton’s one of the youngest players in the draft. Playing on a relatively strong London team, he played fewer minutes behind older and more talented players.

The 6’1” and 161 lb left winger was NHL Central Scouting’s 29th ranked North American skater, but most publications had him ranked anywhere between the early 30’s and late 60’s.

Formenton was Corey Pronman’s 49th ranked skater and the Recrutes.ca draft guide had him ranked at 42.

According to their write up:


Red Line Report’s description of Formenton wasn’t that dissimilar. The publication ranked him a little less favorably, but they described him as a “speedy agitator who plays with grit and great pace.”

Their scouting report on Formenton read as follows:


With their first two picks in the 2017 NHL Draft, the Senators obviously played things safely by selecting Shane Bowers and Alex Formenton. Barring any trades, the Senators only possess four picks in this year’s draft, so maybe they felt obligated to play it safe and bring players into the fold who they confidently believed would play games at the NHL level.

It’s an interesting strategy considering the lack of high-end offensive talent within the system, but having high-energy skaters who play a strong two-way game adds important depth to the system as well. Their presence should afford the organization the flexibility to walk away from bottom-six players who price themselves off this team and replace them internally with cheaper alternatives.

This depth doesn’t come without a cost however, finding bottom-six players isn’t that difficult and thanks to the NHL’s salary cap system, good and effective bottom-six players are available late each and every summer for relatively inexpensive prices.

In Ottawa’s case, both of their early round picks project to be low-ceiling/high-floor types who look like they should be players at the NHL level and there’s value in that – and in Formenton’s case, maybe his offensive game can spike with higher quality linemates and minutes – but if one or both of these players struggle to demonstrate that they’ll produce as pros, we may be cursing the organization for playing it conservatively and not rolling the dice on more offensively-inclined alternatives.



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