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LGHL Ohio State sends out another offer to a 2017 WR

Ohio State sends out another offer to a 2017 WR
Bret Favachio
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


4300917.0.jpg

The Buckeyes make a late entry in pursuit of another member for Zone 6.

Johnson gets OSU offer, shares thoughts


The days are quickly passing and National Signing Day for this year’s football recruiting class is right around the corner. For Ohio State, despite having commitments from 2017 wide receivers Trevon Grimes of St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and Jaylen Harris of Cleveland Heights (Ohio), they are still hoping to add one more pass-catcher into the fold.

On Wednesday, the Buckeyes threw out an offer to '17 WR Damond Johnson. The latest Buckeye offeree stands at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds and attended West Florida Tech High School in Pensacola, Fla.


Beyond Blessed to receive a Scholarship from Ohio State! pic.twitter.com/aUPt4Cc8YH

— Damond (@damond_123) January 25, 2017

Johnson, who is committed to David Cutcliffe and Duke, is currently graded out as a three-star prospect. With that being said, it doesn't seem likely that the Blue Devils have much to worry about here.

Johnson has been committed to Duke since February of last year, but that didn’t stop the Buckeyes from attempting to add another member to Zone 6.

"I think relationships are important in recruiting," said Johnson. "I've built a great relationship with Duke and they have been committed to me, so it's only right to do the same in return."

Johnson concluded by saying that he was thankful for the interest and offer from the Buckeyes.

Barring some unforeseen change of heart from Johnson, the Buckeyes will have to look elsewhere to fill the void left by '17 WR Tyjon Lindsey, who decommitted from the Buckeyes not long ago and pledged to Nebraska.

One name that should be on major offer watch now is '17 WR Elijah Gardiner of Kemp (TX). On Wednesday, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson went down to the Lonestar State to visit the Missouri commitment.


Great visit with some great coaches. ️ @OhioStAthletics pic.twitter.com/4rlogSaG7X

— Eli (@elijahgardiner) January 25, 2017

Gardiner, much like Johnson, is also graded as a three-star prospect. The 6-foot-5, 185-pounder already had some thinking to do in regards to his recruitment since Texas dropped an offer to him nine days ago. Stay tuned to see if the Buckeyes are next to give the Texan an offer.

Okudah hints at another Texas addition?


One thing that certainly got Ohio State fans on the edge of their seat on Wednesday was the interesting tweet dropped by '17 cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, who hinted at maybe another Texas recruit joining the Buckeyes historic recruiting class:


I think we get one more Buckeye out of the Lone Star State #Shhhh

— Jeffrey Okudah III (@TheJeffOkudah) January 26, 2017

As we well know, Ohio State has had great success in the state of Texas this cycle. They pulled Okudah, linebacker Baron Browning and running back J.K. Dobbins from the state and their lone remaining target from the state, for now, is '17 defensive tackle Marvin Wilson.

Wilson has been a longtime target for Ohio State and their pursuit of the five-star defensive lineman will not slow down until pen meets paper.

After meeting the aforementioned Gardiner, Ohio State had Meyer and defensive line coach Larry Johnson stop by Epsicopal High School in Bellaire, Texas to visit the massive 6-foot-4, 329-pounder.


Ohio State HC Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) & DL coach Larry Johnson at Episcopal HS earlier to visit with 5-star DT Marvin Wilson (@RDMW6) pic.twitter.com/JFKgClhn2j

— Sam Khan Jr. (@skhanjr) January 25, 2017

If the Buckeyes can indeed land Wilson, it will put the icing on the cake for, arguably, the best recruiting class ever in the program’s history. With that being said, as of now, LSU is the projected landing spot for the Under Armour All-American.

In-state DE gets Buckeye offer


Lastly, with the 2018 recruiting class standing at the on deck circle, Ohio State didn't let Wednesday go by without giving some good news to one certain prospect for next year.

2018 defensive end Tyreke Smith, a teammate of Jaylen Harris at Cleveland Heights (OH), was on the receiving end of an offer from the Buckeyes last night.


GOD IS GREAT!!!! Beyond blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University O-H pic.twitter.com/2Tzu7Y9QVZ

— Tyreke Smith™ (@T_23_baller) January 26, 2017

The new offer for Smith puts the Buckeyes in the mix with programs like Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA and USC.

Smith is currently ranked No. 175 in next year’s class; the Cleveland native also stands as the sixth best weak-side defensive end in the country and the seventh best player from the state of Ohio.

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Google Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com

Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was fitting that Trevor Thompson was the one who shut the door on Minnesota's comeback attempt. After all, he was the reason Ohio State was in a position to win in the first place. A pair of Thompson blocks in the final 14 seconds ...
Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72CBS Local
Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes say they can't relax after 78-72 victory over MinnesotaThe Morning Journal
Landof10.com
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Google Wrestling: Buckeyes preparing for pivotal Big Ten meet with No. 3 Iowa - OSU - The Lantern

Wrestling: Buckeyes preparing for pivotal Big Ten meet with No. 3 Iowa - OSU - The Lantern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Wrestling: Buckeyes preparing for pivotal Big Ten meet with No. 3 Iowa
OSU - The Lantern
The Buckeyes look to be in good health, as the only starter expected to be out is Snyder in the heavyweight division. “Kyle (Snyder) gives you a sense that, of the 10 weights, we're getting bonus points in this weight, so we're going to need for ...


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Google Men's Hockey: No. 8 Buckeyes look to “take care of business” during conference series with...

Men's Hockey: No. 8 Buckeyes look to “take care of business” during conference series with Wisconsin - OSU - The Lantern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Men's Hockey: No. 8 Buckeyes look to “take care of business” during conference series with Wisconsin
OSU - The Lantern
6 offense in the nation at more than three goals per game, and sit one point ahead of the Buckeyes in the Big Ten standings. Coach Tony Granato's squad is led by sophomore forward Luke Kunin and senior forward Grant Besse, who each have 22 points on ...

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Google Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - FOXSports.com

Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - FOXSports.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72
FOXSports.com
Coming off a bad loss at home to Northwestern over the weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes were in desperate need of a bounce back performance. They would need to do so against a Minnesota team that thoroughly dominated them earlier in the month in ...


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Google College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was an unexpected life turn for former Bulldog...

College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was an unexpected life turn for former Bulldog Jessica Koizumi - Duluth News Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was an unexpected life turn for former Bulldog Jessica Koizumi
Duluth News Tribune
Koizumi, a former UMD captain, said this weekend's series between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 4:07 p.m. Saturday at Amsoil Arena will be bittersweet. While Amsoil Arena is a beautiful rink, Koizumi still has a soft spot for the ...


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Google Buckeyes Split The Season Series With The Golden Gophers By Winning, 78-72, Wednesday Night...

Buckeyes Split The Season Series With The Golden Gophers By Winning, 78-72, Wednesday Night - Scout
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes Split The Season Series With The Golden Gophers By Winning, 78-72, Wednesday Night
Scout
Trevor Thompson refused to let the Buckeyes (13-8, 3-5 Big Ten) lose, though. In addition to scoring a career-high 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season, the junior center blocked two of Minnesota's shots in the ...


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Google Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72 - CBS Local

Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72 - CBS Local
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72
CBS Local
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Marc Loving and Trevor Thompson each scored 19 points to lift Ohio State over Minnesota 78-72 on Wednesday night. Thompson's total was a career high, and he also led the Buckeyes with 10 rebounds. Loving bounced back from ...


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Google Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com

Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was fitting that Trevor Thompson was the one who shut the door on Minnesota's comeback attempt. After all, he was the reason Ohio State was in a position to win in the first place. A pair of Thompson blocks in the final 14 seconds ...
Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and moreLandof10.com
Meet Preview: Gophers Host BuckeyesGophersports.com
Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72Land-Grant Holy Land
The Daily Gopher -247Sports
all 79 news articles »


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Google Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - Scarlet and Game

Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - Scarlet and Game
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72
Scarlet and Game
Coming off a bad loss at home to Northwestern over the weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes were in desperate need of a bounce back performance. They would need to do so against a Minnesota team that thoroughly dominated them earlier in the month in ...


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LGHL Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72

Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72
Matt Brown
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9837372.0.jpg

The Buckeyes escape a Minnesota rally.

After a loss to Northwestern evaporated the momentum Ohio State basketball was building, the Buckeyes needed to bounce back in a major way if they were to pull themselves out of the Big Ten basement.

They responded, with one of their best first halves of the season, as the Buckeyes rode Trevor Thompson, and some questionable shot selection from Minnesota to beat the Gophers 78-72 and raise their record to 13-8.

The Buckeyes led by as many as 17 in the first half, thanks to sharing the basketball, Thompson’s domination, some strong free throw shooting, and questionable shot selection by the Gophers.

But a 12-0 run by Minnesota near the end of the half trimmed the margin to a more respectable 40-35 Buckeye lead — and the Gophers wouldn’t go away for the rest of the game.

The second half remained tight, as the Buckeyes struggled to recapture the shooting magic they enjoyed in the first half and Minnesota’s work on the offensive glass forced the Buckeyes to work. But more strong free throw shooting and tough defense were enough to carry the day, as the Bucks never trailed in the second half, even though the Gophers pulled to within two at the four minute mark.

The Buckeyes went over five minutes without a made field goal late in the second half, but timely free throw shooting (aided by Minnesota foul trouble), provided just enough points to hold off the Gophers in a wild last two minutes full of mistakes from both sides.

Thompson finished with a career-high 19 points, along with 10 rebounds. Marc Loving also added 19 points, while Jae’Sean Tate added 10, and seven boards. Nate Mason scored 21 for Minnesota.

Three things we learned:

1) Trevor Thompson is good. A common critique of the Matta era as of late has been that most Buckeyes don’t demonstrably improve year to year. This assessment certainly doesn’t apply to Thompson, who has improved substantially, and showed off exactly how against the Gophers. Thompson hit free throws, protected the rim, drained jumpers, and attacked Minnesota as he established himself as a guy the Buckeyes could run their offense around, setting up open shots as the Gophers collapsed around him.

On a team without a “guy”, Thompson might actually be closest thing, when you look at contributions on offense and defense. If he continues to perform like he did today, Thompson could be a professional basketball player.

2) Andre Wesson is starting to become something. Wesson isn’t a finished product, and growing pains during his freshman year were to be expected. But pressed into additional playing time after Kam Williams dinged his hip again, Wesson showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of. He drained a trio of free throws, forced a steal off a double team, and then found JaQuan Lyle in transition for an easy three, all within a four-minute stretch. Wesson finished with nine points, and some solid effort plays.

Wesson’s a bit of a three and D type player now, but as he gets more comfortable with himself and the speed of the college game, he might become even more. With his brother beasting in high school right now, the Wesson brothers could be a dangerous combo for Ohio State basketball relatively soon.

3) The postseason is still out there. Forget the NCAA Tournament for a minute. Without some major profile rehabilitation, or a Big Ten Tournament win, that’s not happening. But at 13-8, Ohio State can still improve their Big Ten Tournament positioning, and put themselves into position for an NIT run. That may not be especially satisfying, but if that run gives more time for players like Andre Wesson and Micah Potter to mature and improve in postseason, high-pressure situations, it will benefit Ohio State even more for next season.

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Google Penn State men's hockey reflects on poor play against Buckeyes - The Daily Collegian Online

Penn State men's hockey reflects on poor play against Buckeyes - The Daily Collegian Online
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Penn State men's hockey reflects on poor play against Buckeyes
The Daily Collegian Online
The game ended in a 3-3 tie, with the Buckeyes picking up an extra point in the Big Ten standings. “We did things that weren't us,” Gadowsky said. “We don't have to do anything more special. We just have to be us, more consistently, even when things ...

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Google Ohio State early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah hints at another Buckeyes commit from Texas: 'I...

Ohio State early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah hints at another Buckeyes commit from Texas: 'I think we get one more' - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah hints at another Buckeyes commit from Texas: 'I think we get one more'
Landof10.com
Buckeyes early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah III (Grand Prairie, Tex.) hinted that Ohio State could be getting close to major news as National Signing Day nears. “I think we get one more Buckeye out of the Lone Star State #Shhhh,” Okudah tweeted Wednesday ...


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Google Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and more -...

Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and more
Landof10.com
Though Ohio State has not offered, a visit from both Meyer and new Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson indicates serious interest from the Buckeyes. A week ago, Gardiner was a relatively under-the-radar prospect committed to a good SEC ...
Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projectioncleveland.com
Meet Preview: Gophers Host BuckeyesGophersports.com
Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 9 Mike WeberCBS sports.com (blog)
Campus Pressbox (blog) -Eleven Warriors
all 63 news articles »


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Google Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 8 Pat Elflein - 247Sports

Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 8 Pat Elflein - 247Sports
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Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 8 Pat Elflein
247Sports
First, Elflein loves the Buckeyes. Growing up just outside of Columbus, Elflein told his high school coach that he wanted to attend OSU before an offer ever arrived. When Luke Fickell made the call, it was Elflein's coach who told the then head coach ...

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Google Meet Preview: Gophers Host Buckeyes - Gophersports.com

Meet Preview: Gophers Host Buckeyes - Gophersports.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meet Preview: Gophers Host Buckeyes
Gophersports.com
The Buckeyes are coming off a loss to Iowa, but maintain an average team score of 195.233. Earlier this season, the Buckeyes notched a big win over No. 10 Michigan. Ohio State maintains a higher average on bars, beam and has a slight edge on vault over ...
Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projectioncleveland.com
Ohio State podcast: Is 5-star LB Baron Browning the next great Buckeyes linebacker?Landof10.com
Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 9 Mike WeberCBS sports.com (blog)
Campus Pressbox (blog) -Eleven Warriors
all 63 news articles »


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Google No. 8 Buckeyes (12-4-6, 3-2-1-1) - Madison.com

No. 8 Buckeyes (12-4-6, 3-2-1-1) - Madison.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


No. 8 Buckeyes (12-4-6, 3-2-1-1)
Madison.com
You should know: The Buckeyes withstood Penn State's shots-on-goal barrage to collect five of six points at the then-top-ranked Nittany Lions. They earned a shootout victory after a 3-3 tie and a 6-3 victory despite being outshot 103-55. They also did ...


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LGHL Urban Meyer and Gene Smith worked on the Ohio State staff right after the Fiesta Bowl

Urban Meyer and Gene Smith worked on the Ohio State staff right after the Fiesta Bowl
Harry Lyles Jr.
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Meyer wanted to waste no time.

“[Urban Meyer] began to talk about people and who he wanted to get, and so we went through that process and he kind of had a vision of what he thought he needed to do.”

- Gene Smith, via Jacob Myers, The Lantern


Urban Meyer wasted no time in making changes to his staff when the Buckeyes lost an embarrassing Fiesta Bowl to the eventual national champion Clemson Tigers. Myers says that Gene Smith told him that the discussions of changes began immediately after the game in Glendale. One of the people Meyer immediately mentioned was Wilson. Meyer is familiar with Wilson, not just because of Wilson’s recent history as Indiana coach, but because of his offensive resume at Northwestern back in the day. Smith said that before any moves were made on Wilson, he had to talk to Meyer about the alleged reasons he left Indiana.

Smith obviously declined to say what the nature of the discussions were with Wilson and Indiana AD Fred Glass, but he told the Lantern, “Urban and I came together and we talked about what we found out and we felt comfortable. Kevin sat at this table and we had a good conversation on what happened there, and how it’s going to work here,” Smith said. “He was thoroughly vetted and we had a good, candid conversation. He’ll fit our culture fine.” Smith also talked to people at Oklahoma to get information on Wilson, who apparently passed all the tests and cleared any concerns.

"There's a lot of talk about [the record]. Let's me and you address it in the room right now and get rid of it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

- Cowboys RBs coach Gary Brown, via Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN


Brown is speaking of Ezekiel Elliott, and the prospect of breaking Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record. This of course came before the season, and Elliott came dang close to breaking it. Dickerson rushed for 1,808 yards his rookie year, and Elliott had 1,631, having sat out the last game of the Cowboys’ regular season. Elliott became the 5th rookie to win a rushing title, and although his season got off to a slow start with a 20-carry, 51-yard performance, it taught him a valuable lesson. "When these guys realize it's not easy and I gotta work on my game every day, that's great," Brown said. "The younger they are when they learn that, the more success and longevity they'll have."

Brown also wasn’t used to the crop top and the “feed me” motion, but he got used to it quick, and was supportive of it as well. "My thing is this: If you need to wear a crop top pregame and doing the "feed me" thing in the game gets you in your zone and you're not hurting anybody or hurting the team, then roll with it." Elliott also loves to pump up the defense, and even runs out into their huddle sometimes. "Let's go. Let's go," Elliott would yell to his teammates. Brown said, "At that point, I was like, "What is he doing? I've never seen a guy run out into the defensive huddle.” But that’s just Zeke.

Throughout Urban Meyer’s tenure in Columbus, lesser-heralded recruits in every recruiting class have emerged to make an impact.

- Ryan Ginn, Land of 10


For the casual Ohio State fan, there’s certain players that come out of “nowhere” and turn into absolute monsters. Ginn points out that one of these players for some last year was Malik Hooker. At this point, we shouldn’t be surprised whenever Urban Meyer turns in a player with “promise” into a first-round draft pick. Ginn also refers you to Pat Elflein and Tyvis Powell, who were both three-star players that became great players. In 2013, Darron Lee joined the Bucks, and he became a first-rounder after being a three-star athlete.

So looking forward, Ginn points out a few players who could rise in a similar fashion to those. First, he points out Robert Landers, who is also a three-star, but was a late bloomer. He’s undersized for a defensive tackle, but we know with the help of Mickey Marotti, he can make up for it with strength. Davon Hamilton is another three-star, who has great size and athleticism for a defensive tackle. If you’re looking for a potential good linebacker, Malik Harrison is there. He won’t get much burn in 2017, but he’s got time to develop, which has been enough for many Bucks in the past.

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Google Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back...

Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projection - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projection
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's Eric Glover-Williams played Deshaun Watson, Tommy Armstrong and Jabrill Peppers on the Buckeyes scout team in 2016, two quarterbacks and a Wolverine defender who jumped in on offense. How'd he do on the offensive ...
Meet Preview: Gophers Host BuckeyesGophersports.com
Ohio State podcast: Is 5-star LB Baron Browning the next great Buckeyes linebacker?Landof10.com
Is JT Barrett Good Enough to Win the Buckeyes a National Championship?Campus Pressbox (blog)
Eleven Warriors -Pregame.com
all 63 news articles »


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Google Alford and Buckeyes making strong bid for country's No. 1 RB - 247Sports

Alford and Buckeyes making strong bid for country's No. 1 RB - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Alford and Buckeyes making strong bid for country's No. 1 RB
247Sports
It's that time of year, the middle of the season, when little injuries start to pile up and that's what's happening to the Buckeyes. But there will be no excuses. "My foot hurts," Matta said. "You know what I'm saying? We've got to play. We are a ...

and more »


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Google Buckeyes offer Duke commit - 247Sports

Buckeyes offer Duke commit - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes offer Duke commit
247Sports
Ohio State has been looking to add another wide receiver to its Class of 2017, and one player they have been in touch with since the dead period ended is Penascola (FL) West Florida Tech's Damond Johnson. Want daily inside scoop on the Buckeyes?


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LGHL Which incoming freshman can make the biggest impact for Ohio State next season?

Which incoming freshman can make the biggest impact for Ohio State next season?
Colton Denning
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


4829905.0.jpg

Much like the spot, the Buckeyes’ 2017 recruiting class (and our newest podcast) is good

We don’t like to redshirt around here.

While Urban Meyer’s usual signing day statement about incoming freshmen has become somewhat of a running joke among Ohio State fans, no one will blame him for saying it about the Buckeyes’ incoming recruiting class.

With national signing day 2017 a week away, Ohio State currently sits at No. 2 in the 247Sports composite rankings, while having the highest average player rating at 95.19. On paper, it’s the best class in school history, and one filled with players who may see significant playing time next season.

On this episode of The Hangout in the Holyland, Matt Brown and Colton Denning talk about another drama-free (probably) signing day for Ohio State, which recruits they think will make an impact in 2017, and why it’s likely that one (or more) of the Buckeyes’ talented defensive back recruits become a household name by the start of the season.

They also take a look at the rest of the Big Ten’s recruiting, including:

  • Maryland(!) having a secretly good class
  • Why Minnesota hiring PJ Fleck should make Iowa and Northwestern nervous
  • Why Nebraska’s uptick in recruiting will turn up the pressure on Mike Riley and co. to win the Big Ten West soon

Finally, the guys pick which program they think can become the first school since Florida in 1996 to win its first national championship, and whether or not it’s possible for it to happen in the playoff era. For reference, you can find a list of schools that have claimed at least one national championship here, and leave us a comment if you have a program you think can pull it off.

You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we strongly encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, the SB Nation podcast page, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.

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tBBC Senators Acquire Tommy Wingels from Sharks

Senators Acquire Tommy Wingels from Sharks
T6S
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


632537656.jpg

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 23: Tommy Wingels #57 of the San Jose Sharks advances the puck against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 23, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Thanks to the announcement prospective top-six forward in Clarke MacArthur would miss the remainder of the season with a concussion, speculation as to how the Senators would fill that void led to wondering about whether the team would attempt to bring in a top-six forward or find a depth forward.

The answer came yesterday afternoon when the Senators announced that the organization had acquired centre/winger Tommy Wingels from the San Jose Sharks for Buddy Robinson, Zack Stortini and a seventh round pick.

Wingels is in the last year of a three-year contract that carries an average annual value of $2.475-million, but he’ll be paid $2.6-million in real salary this season. To help the Senators absorb that money, as part of the trade, San Jose agreed to retain 30-percent of Wingels’ salary. In other words, the Senators are on the hook for 70-percent of Wingels’ prorated salary. Full contract details can be found over at CapFriendly.com.

The 28-year old Wingels had a modest five goals and eight points in 37 games while averaging 10:03 of ice time per game this season, but he has posted double-digit goal totals before. In the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, he tallied 16 and 15 goals respectively before his production waned in recent years.

Why the spike in production during those years?

In 2013-14, his most common linemate was Patrick Marleau, who had 33 goals and 70 points. The following season, he played alongside Marleau and Logan Couture. Not surprisingly, during these two years, Wingels’ production took a nosedive when he played away from these two offensive catalysts in the same way Zack Smith’s play suffers when he’s removed from Mark Stone’s line.

Looking at Wingels’ underlying numbers, there’s much left to be desired.

The possession numbers are consistently sub-50 on what’s been a good Sharks team. The relative Corsi numbers are worse, although that’s to be expected when you’re a depth player on a good team. Despite the modest point production, even that may be inflated somewhat because his individual shooting percentage this season is at a career high.

And even with the Sharks picking up a chunk of the tab on Wingels, it’s not like he’s that cheap either – which helps explain why the Sharks were so eager to dump him. With their budget pressed near the top of the salary cap ceiling coupled with the return to health of players like Tomas Hertl, they had to trim the fat.

As an impending UFA, maybe the Senators look at Wingels’ baseline production and see a guy who’s put up some decent offensive numbers playing alongside some skilled players. Barring an injury or two, the opportunity to play with skilled guys probably won’t exist, but maybe they look at him favorably and see a player who can not only move up and down the lineup, but can also play multiple positions.

It’s probably not a stretch to believe that better or cheaper alternatives exist, but maybe the Senators can catch lightning in the bottle here and hope he chips in offensively while playing bottom-six minutes. Moreover, it’s not like Ottawa’s fourth line is bringing much to the table either. Wingels should be an improvement over a player like Curtis Lazar, but for that matter, almost anyone else would be an improvement too because the bar has been set so low.

Even if I don’t like the inclusion of another draft pick (I know, I know, it is just a seventh-rounder after all), it’s not like it’s a significantly valuable asset. Buddy Robinson and Zack Stortini will never be mistaken as players of consequence either, but given what’s hit the waiver wire this season, Ottawa probably could have found a comparable replacement level player without having to give anything up in return.

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