buckeyemania11 said:

only able to muster 38 carries on a 6 win TCU team?

So bad I forgot he was even still around until this thread popped up again.

Click to expand...

Amazing, considering how enamored everyone was about him while was in high school...

Former Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott might be one of the best NFL rookies of all-time
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


He is running his way close to the NFL record books.

“But when you compare what Prescott and Elliott are doing in 2016 to the best offensive rookie seasons of all time, it all comes back to them.”

– Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News


The Dallas Cowboys escaped with a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night football, now improving their record to an eye-popping 11-1. In the 17-15 win on the road, the Cowboys were lead by quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Between Zeke and Prescott, it’s almost certain that one of them will walk away with the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. On a bigger level, both rookies are trending on ground of being considered the best rookies of all-time.

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer wrote about that topic, and gave suggestions that either have a case to be considered best rookie of all-time. For Zeke, he is projected to get less rushing numbers than the current record holder in a rookie season, Eric Dickerson, but the former Buckeye also is dealing with less touches than Dickerson. In the projection for season totals, Zeke would top off with 351 carries for his rookie campaign; Dickerson had 390 in his record setting 1983 campaign for the Los Angeles Rams.

On the quarterbacking side, Prescott is having a more efficient season in the air compared to the last QB to claim the rookie of the year honor, Robert Griffin III.

Iyer went on to compare Elliott and Prescott to the stellar seasons Gale Sayers (1953), Randy Moss (1998) and Odell Beckham Jr. (2014) had when they bursted onto the NFL scene.

When dealing with different eras, it’s hard to come up with a conclusive ‘who is better’ answer. One thing is for certain: of all the top rookies seasons, the NFL hasn’t seen two offensive rookies blow expectations out of the water playing on the same team.

“But there's also something to be gained from a loss like this. Ohio State didn't crumble in a raucous environment against a team that could make a deep NCAA Tournament run.”

– Bill Landis on Ohio State basketball, cleveland.com


Moving to the hardwood, Ohio State basketball is shaking off the loss suffered on Wednesday night against Virginia. The Buckeyes get a chance to get back on the winning side of the things on Saturday, as they are set to take on Fairleigh Dickinson back in the friendly confines of Value City Arena.

But before we look ahead to the Buckeyes journey to being 7-1, Bill Landis wrote about OSU gaining a moral victory in Charlottesville, Va. on Wednesday night. Even though the Scarlet and Gray squandered a 16 point lead on the road, they didn’t get run out of the arena – something that happened time and time again in last year’s campaign.

Landis pointed out that turnovers by JaQuan Lyle (eight of them) and Jae’Sean Tate’s foul trouble are part of the struggles of the Buckeyes adapting to the half-court offense. At the same time, OSU is in search for consistent play, rather than relying on one member of the team to carry the team on each night.

It’s still a work in progress, but the Buckeyes are off to a nice 6-1 start, and have plenty of time to improve in both the non-conference and conference schedule before March rolls around.

“It’s insane that Penn State could be left out in favor of the Buckeyes. And although the committee seems to be hinting otherwise, I’m not willing to concede that Ohio State is a “lock” to make the Final Four.”

– Aaron Torres, FOX Sports


As Ohio State football rests this week, their fate of being in the College Football Playoff is almost a certain lock. However, there are some critics of the No. 2 in the playoff rankings.

With Penn State and Wisconsin battling in Indianapolis, Ind. for the Big Ten crown, there is a chance that both those teams will be left out of either semifinal contest at the Peach Bowl or Fiesta Bowl. In the case that Penn State does somehow, someway pull out a victory on Saturday night, the pitchforks are out to plead why the Nittany Lions should go to the playoff over the Buckeyes.

Aaron Torres of FOX Sports wrote about five reasons on why PSU should get to the playoff over OSU. One reason being the head-to-head contest. That makes sense. PSU did beat OSU, but got smoked by Michigan. Torres also believes Michigan should get in over both the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes, sighting the Wolverines being only “a bad referee’s call away’ from winning The Game.

He has four other decent reasons why the Nittany Lions have a case for the CFP.

Personally, my OSU take is: 1 loss is less than 2, the Bucks are No. 2 right now, and no matter how the officiating was, Michigan had chances to win the game. Officiating didn’t cause the Wilton Speight pick-6, nor the UM fumble on the one nor Curtis Samuel being able to set the Buckeyes up for a 4th-and-1.

Also, the spot on the 4th-and-1 was good, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Stick to Sports


• An Alabama man, and enemy of Venezuela, is putting a dent in the Venezuelan economy.

• Limited Stores LLC is going through a layoff at its New Albany, Ohio location.

• Columbus Metropolitan Library will stop issuing overdue charges on Jan. 1.

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still undefeated

The Big Ten Championship and Ohio State - a strange shared history: Doug Lesmerises - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


The Big Ten Championship and Ohio State - a strange shared history: Doug Lesmerises
cleveland.com
In the six years since, the Buckeyes have won two. While they have emerged as a dominant and consistent force on the national scene, an odd combination of events has led the Buckeyes to serve as a bystander more often than not for the showcase game of ...
The Ohio State Buckeyes Are Flagrantly OverratedHuffington Post
CFP: Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, Washington in top 4; Michigan at 5ESPN
Curtis Samuel impresses Ohio State Buckeyes coaches, teammatesWKYC-TV
Columbus Dispatch -247Sports -Gallipolis Daily Tribune
all 851 news articles »

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Women's volleyball: Buckeyes see familiar face in first round of NCAA tournament - OSU - The Lantern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Women's volleyball: Buckeyes see familiar face in first round of NCAA tournament
OSU - The Lantern
The Buckeyes finished off their regular season with two consecutive wins, while Missouri State split 1-1 with a win over Illinois State and a loss to Wichita State. OSU coach Geoff Carlston said the match against Missouri State will be the culmination ...


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Taosman said:

If he don't win Big Ten Coach of the Year it's rigged!
Rigged, I tell ya!

Click to expand...

I would guess that it's rigged. Most coaches don't even like Urbs.................must be doing something right.

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Clemson and Washington hope to avoid upsets in Week 14’s college football bets, odds
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Tigers and Huskies look to stake their claim to be included in the College Football Playoff.

A short review of the previous week usually goes here. The spot was good. Ohio State won. That is all.

Last week ATS: 6-7 (4-2 National, 2-5 B1G)

Season ATS: 80-84-4 (34-36-1 National, 46-48-3 B1G)

No. 17 Western Michigan (-19) v. Ohio - Friday 7:00 PM EST - ESPN2

Western Michigan will try and continue their dream season on Friday night when they take on Ohio in the MAC Championship Game in Detroit. The Broncos haven’t played in the MAC title game since 2000, when they played Marshall, who isn’t even in the conference anymore. After going 1-11 three years ago, Western Michigan is knocking on the door of an undefeated season. The turnaround by the Broncos has been so impressive that P.J. Fleck has been a hot candidate for a number of Power Five coaching jobs.

Ohio has won four their last five games, with their defense being a major reason why Frank Solich’s team has turned their season around. The Bobcats have not only recorded 41 sacks this year, but the 105 rushing yards they are giving up to opponents this year is fifth-best in the country. Ohio will need even more out of their defense if they want to slow the Western Michigan offense which is powered by quarterback Zach Terrell, who has thrown for 30 touchdowns and just one interception, and his favorite target Corey Davis, who last week set the FBS record for career receiving yards.

This very well could turn into a Western Michigan, but all the pressure is on the Broncos in this one. Not only is Western Michigan trying to secure a Cotton Bowl bid, but they also have to deal with the possibility that Fleck could be leaving soon to take a bigger job. I’m not saying Ohio is going to ruin Western Michigan’s undefeated season, but they’ll at least keep it closer than many expect.

Western Michigan 35, Ohio 20

No. 8 Colorado v. No. 4 Washington (-7.5) - Friday 9:00 PM EST - FOX

We got a couple first timers here! Both Colorado and Washington will be participating in the Pac-12 Championship Game for the first time. The stakes are a little higher for Washington in this one, as the Huskies need a win to stay in the conversation for the College Football Playoff.

Aside from a loss to USC, Washington has had little trouble throughout the year, and that held true in the Apple Cup last week. Quarterback Jake Browning now has 40 touchdown passes on the year with 16 of those going to John Ross and 14 going to Dante Pettis.

Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau doesn’t quite have the stats that Browning does, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t any less important to his team. Colorado was leading Michigan in Ann Arbor earlier in the year when Liufau suffered an ankle injury, and the quarterback barely played in Colorado’s other loss this year to USC. Just as impressive for the Buffaloes has been their defense, but they’ll face quite a test from the Washington offense.

Many expected Washington to be in this position heading into the season, but the same can’t be said for Colorado. At this point the Buffaloes are playing with house money, and if Washington makes the College Football Playoff then Colorado should be heading to the Rose Bowl. Washington’s offense will be just a little too much for Colorado to handle.

Washington 37, Colorado 24

Temple v. No. 19 Navy (-3.5) - Saturday 12:00 PM EST - ABC

This will be the first time in 136 years of football in which Navy will be playing for a conference championship. Alright it might not be quite impressive considering Navy was an Independent for 134 years. The Midshipmen will be trying to state their case that they should be the Group of Five representative in the Cotton Bowl and not Western Michigan (presuming the Broncos win on Friday night).

Quarterback Will Worth will have his work cut out for him against a Temple defense that is allowing just 273.4 total yards per game. Worth has rushed for 25 touchdowns this year, and has scored in 11 straight games, which is the longest active streak among FBS players. Not bad for a guy who was thrust into action when Tago Smith was injured in the season opener.

Navy has put up a ridiculous amount of points since losing to Air Force earlier in the year. The Midshipmen have scored at least 42 points in six of their last seven games, including 66 against East Carolina and 75 against SMU in their last two games. Even with that, I think Temple has the tools to slow down Navy with their stingy defense and actually upset the Midshipmen here.

Temple 24, Navy 21

No. 10 Oklahoma State v. No. 9 Oklahoma (-11) - Saturday 12:30 PM EST - FOX

Bedlam should have plenty of offensive fireworks on Saturday as the Cowboys and Sooners battle for the Big 12 title in Norman. Wide receiver Dede Westbrook will look to add to a stellar year so far that will likely get him invited to New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony next week. Westbrook has caught 70 passes for 1,354 yards and 15 touchdowns so far this year.

I’m not going to dive too much farther into this game since I think this might just be a few too many points to be laying with Oklahoma. Sure the Sooners have tightened up some on defense of late, but Mason Rudolph and the Cowboys should be able to get enough points to keep this within double digits. This should be a fun back-and-forth affair, but Bob Stoops gets his 10th Big 12 title.

Oklahoma 45, Oklahoma State 38

No. 1 Alabama (-24) v. No. 15 Florida - Saturday 4:00 PM EST - CBS

This will be the perfect game to take a nap during to make sure you are fresh for the late games. Alabama has been squeezing the life out of their opponents all year long. How good has Alabama’s defense been? The Crimson Tide hasn’t allowed a touchdown since they played Texas A&M in late October.

Florida has been struck by injuries all year long, but somehow they still made it to Atlanta. The SEC Championship Game will be no different, as the Gators could be without seven starters on defense. Austin Appleby will start for Florida, but there is a chance Luke Del Rio could also see some time.

With all the injuries for Florida I’m tempted to take Alabama here, but I just can’t quite do it. Aside from a third straight SEC title, there isn’t much at stake for Alabama here. Even if the Crimson Tide lose, they’ll still be in the College Football Playoff. Alabama will assert their normal dominance here, but I’m not convinced it’ll be by 24 points in the end.

Alabama 31, Florida 10

No. 3 Clemson (-10.5) v. No. 23 Virginia Tech - Saturday 8:00 PM EST - ABC

If there was going to be an upset of the three teams that current make up the four College Football Playoff teams, this is where I could see it happening. Virginia Tech has had a tremendous first season under head coach Justin Fuente. So good in fact that Fuente was named ACC Coach of the Year earlier this week. Quarterback Jerod Evans has set Virginia Tech single-season records with 26 touchdown passes and 3,752 yards of total offense.

Deshaun Watson hasn’t been quite as good as last year, but the standard coming into this year was pretty high. Watson has thrown for 34 touchdowns, but what has hurt him has been 14 interceptions. The Tigers looked sharp last week as they had little trouble taking care of rival South Carolina.

Both teams are hard to get a read on since at times they have destroyed opponents, while at other times they have played down to their competition. I think both teams come out sharp, with Clemson securing the win late. Virginia Tech plays Clemson tough and shows the future is bright in Blacksburg under Fuente.

Clemson 34, Virginia Tech 27

No. 6 Wisconsin (-2.5) v. No. 7 Penn State - Saturday 8:00 PM EST - FOX

Wisconsin will be hoping this trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game goes nothing like their last trip. What happened the last time you ask? Well that time a third-string quarterback led Ohio State to a 59-0 win over the Badgers. Something like that certainly won’t happen this time, as this should be a competitive game throughout.

Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook suffered a concussion last week in the win over Minnesota, but has been cleared to play on Saturday. The Badgers have both Hornibrook and Bart Houston take snaps to try and keep the Nittany Lions off guard. Wisconsin will need Corey Clement to continue a strong season in which he has rushed for 1,140 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Penn State isn’t fully healthy on offense either, with Saquon Barkley nursing a foot injury he suffered last week against Michigan State. Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorley will have to try and find a way to solve a Wisconsin defense that not only leads the country with 21 interceptions, but is allowing opponents less than 300 yards of total offense per game.

Something has to give in this contest, with Wisconsin having won six straight games, while Penn State has won eight straight games since losing to Michigan earlier this year. This game will look exactly what you’d expect a Big Ten game to look like. It won’t be pretty but Wisconsin takes home a close victory, and since they likely won’t make the College Football Playoff, the Badgers secure a spot in the Rose Bowl.

Wisconsin 24, Penn State 20

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nomatta said:

We have to start winning games like this or we won't even be watching the television come Selection Sunday.

Click to expand...

On a different note, can we bring backs the dings? I want them for posts like this.

Buckeyes' victory in 2 OTs sets FanQuake record - Canton Repository
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes' victory in 2 OTs sets FanQuake record
Canton Repository
Geologists measuring vibrations caused by boisterous Ohio State football fans say the Buckeyes' game-winning touchdown in double overtime against rival Michigan had Ohio Stadium rocking more than any other time this season. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File).

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Ohio State took advantage of Michigan’s over aggressiveness in overtime
Christopher Jason via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Michigan played sound defense until it mattered most.

Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown devised the perfect game plan to stifle Urban Meyer’s Ohio State offense. Through four quarters, the Buckeyes ran 75 plays for 280 yards, which averages out to about 3.73 yards per play. Their front seven pressured Barrett 18 times on the day and the secondary locked down the Buckeye receivers on the perimeter.

In the run game, they were ready for every type of Curtis Samuel wrinkle that worked so well throughout the season and honestly made him a non-factor. As we mentioned, J.T. Barrett’s legs kept them in the game and won the game for the Buckeyes, but Michigan did an excellent job all day of being one step ahead of Ed Warinner’s offense — until late in the fourth quarter and the overtime period.

Ohio State only had to run seven plays in overtime to score twice, including just two plays to score in the first overtime. After Curtis Samuel took a simple speed option — a play that had no chance earlier in the game — down to the 7-yard line, the Michigan defense turned into a group of individuals rather than a well-coached team defense. Ohio State took advantage.

• 
  After Samuel ran for 18-yards on the prior play, Michigan’s defense was clearly in shambles — and Ohio State’s staff knew they could exploit it. Peppers lined up at middle linebacker and they knew that he would most likely freelance himself out of the play. With the defense as a whole keying on Samuel, they flared him out as a decoy.
  
  
  
  
  
  When Samuel went out on a fake route, linebacker Mike McCray (No. 9), the safety and Peppers (at middle linebacker) all flowed to Samuel. Peppers and the safety completely took the bait and abandoned the middle of the field.
  
  
  
  
  
  With the middle of the field wide open and all three players converging on Samuel, Barrett had an incredibly easy path to the end zone.
  
  
  
  
  
  With no linebackers or safety in the middle of the field, Barrett gives the Buckeyes the lead.
  
  
  
  
  
  2.
  
  Once Michigan forced a second overtime and then hit a field goal to go up three, it was now Ohio State’s chance to win the game or send it into a third overtime. After converting a semi-controversial fourth-and-one to extend the game and their season, they decided dial up their bread and butter with Samuel — the outside zone.
  
  
  
  
  
  Barrett held the ball at the meshpoint, which froze the two backside players. Peppers, Ben Gedeon (No. 42) and Dymonte Thomas (No. 25) all flowed with Samuel out of control and each looking to make an individual play.
  
  
  
  
  
  Peppers overran the play terribly, allowing Mike Weber to block both him and Thomas at once — thus allowing a gigantic cutback lane for Samuel to see.
  
  
  
  
  
  Weber and Jamarco Jones were able to block all three Wolverine defenders out of the play and Samuel ended the game.
  
  
  
  
  
  Overall, Michigan showed throughout the game how well-coached they were defensively, as they kept one of the nation’s best offenses in-check. But as the momentum switched, Michigan’s defense began to turn into a bunch of individuals rather than playing the sound technique that they displayed throughout the majority of the game. Ohio State ended up using the Big Ten’s most decorated defender’s flaws against them in overtime, and it resulted in a Buckeye victory.

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What needs to happen to keep Ohio State in the playoff
Chad Peltier via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


All signs point to the Buckeyes in the playoff, but a Penn State blowout could knock them out.

Ohio State, currently ranked second in the current College Football Playoff rankings, is probably headed to the playoff after conference championship weekend, despite not winning the Big Ten Easts, let alone the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are considered a playoff lock due to the numbers (quality wins and advanced stats) and the committee’s explanations of their selection criteria and the rationale behind their current rankings.

But it’s possible that a blowout win by either Wisconsin or Penn State could tilt the balance in favor of the new Big Ten Champions over Ohio State, assuming Clemson, Washington, and Oklahoma all win as well. A blowout win by either the Badgers or Nittany Lions might give the committee enough evidence that they’re as good as the Buckeyes (and better than Michigan, too).

I don’t think a narrow win will be enough for either team to jump the Buckeyes, and further, I’d argue that only a blowout Penn State win threatens Ohio State — an unlikely Wisconsin blowout still wouldn’t be enough.

Why a Penn State blowout is the worst-case scenario for Ohio State


As Stewart Mandel explains,


He then lists each team’s selling points: A Penn State win would give the Nittany Lions the head-to-head over OSU, a conference championship, a 2-1 record against the top ten, and a 3-2 record against the top 25. Ohio State is 3-1 against the top ten, 4-1 vs. the top 25, lost the head-to-head against Penn State, but has the head-to-head against Wisconsin. A Big Ten champion Wisconsin team would be 1-2 vs. the top ten, and 4-2 vs. the top 25, but would have lost head-to-head against both teams the Badgers would have to jump (Ohio State and Michigan). Penn State would need to jump a Michigan team that beat them by 39 points (which could be problematic) and an Ohio State team that they beat at home by only 3 points.

Ohio State’s worst case scenario for the Big Ten Championship is if Penn State has a huge win (i.e., >17 points or so) because it not only gives the Nittany Lions the conference championship, a head-to-head win over the Buckeyes, and another top-10 win, but also a blowout win over a common opponent (Wisconsin) who the Buckeyes only beat in overtime. That might be enough (though it’d still be unlikely) to convince the committee that Ohio State and Penn State had similar resumes.

Your rooting interests this weekend are:

1. A loss by either Washington or Clemson (there is almost no scenario where Ohio State is left out if either of these teams lose)
2. A close Wisconsin win (or a close Penn State win, but that’s definitely less ideal)
3. Oklahoma over Oklahoma State (a Cowboys win hurts the Buckeyes’ strength of schedule)
4. An Alabama loss (very unlikely, but this scenario might further decrease the likelihood of conference championships being the defining metric for playoff inclusion. There is no way Alabama gets left out, even without an SEC championship)

So how will the Big Ten Championship play out?


The good news is that this is very likely to be an extremely close game. S&P+ currently gives Wisconsin a 51% chance of winning, and by a .3 point margin (24.5-24.2). F/+ likes Wisconsin by just over a point as well.

With such a close projected margin, turnovers, field position, and taking advantage of scoring opportunities will be all the more important. Here’s the bullet point summary of how the advanced stats suggest the game will go:

• Wisconsin may have trouble running running on the Nittany Lions’ front seven. At 53rd in overall rushing S&P+, 51st in adjusted line yards, and 111th in opportunity rate, Wisconsin has had trouble consistently running the ball well this season. Penn State has gotten better as their linebackers have gotten healthier, now ranking 18th in rushing S&P+ and 15th in adjusted line yards.
• That puts a lot of pressure on Alex Hornibrook and Bart Houston to have a big day against the 28th ranked S&P+ pass defense. Surprisingly, the Badgers are 12th in passing S&P+ themselves, mostly due to decent efficiency (37th in success rate, just 96th in IsoPPP). The key will be on passing downs: Wisconsin is efficient on passing downs while Penn State’s defense is decently worse on passing downs. But Houston or Hornibrook will likely have some problems with the Penn State pass rush in those situations — they allow sacks on nearly a tenth of passing downs attempts (101), while that’s about the same rate that Penn State gets sacks on passing downs (19th).
• If you’re looking for an easy, non-advanced stats metric to watch to get a read on this game, just check Wisconsin’s third down conversion percentage (they average 34.7% against ranked teams this year and are 20th overall in third down S&P+).
• Wisconsin plays excellent field position football (18th and 28th) but struggles to finish drives, averaging just 4.3 points per scoring opportunity (86th). Penn State’s defense is 31st here.
• The Nittany Lions’ offense has really gotten going since the Ohio State game. Trace McSorley averages over eight yards per attempt as they’re led by extreme explosiveness — 4th overall in passing IsoPPP and 3rd in overall passing S&P+. The Badgers are 9th in passing S&P+ defense. The key will be preventing explosive pass plays, especially on passing downs, where they’re the most explosive in the country.
• Look for the Badgers to pick up a high number of tackles for loss. They rank 34th in stuff rate, but Penn State is 119th in stuff rate on offense, allowing a tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage on almost a quarter of runs.
• Finally, this game likely won’t be decided until the fourth quarter. Even if Wisconsin enters half time with a lead, Penn State’s offense goes from 57th and 44th in offensive S&P+ in the first half to 4th and 2nd in the second half. Wisconsin’s defense, on average, is good no matter what quarter it is.

All of this adds up to what’s likely to be a very close game. If Penn State can rip off explosive passes, then I doubt Wisconsin will be able to keep up. The Badgers will have to count on converting third downs behind Hornibrook and Houston. Neither run game will be all that efficient.

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Ohio State football: How Pat Elflein became the Buckeyes' heart and soul - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: How Pat Elflein became the Buckeyes' heart and soul
Landof10.com
That's the impression Pat Elflein made in the moments following Ohio State's 30-27 double-overtime win over Michigan last weekend. His eyes glossy partly due to exhaustion, but mostly because of emotion, the Buckeyes center attempted to articulate ...


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BM5: No B1G title game = Great for OSU; CFP predictions; More - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: No B1G title game = Great for OSU; CFP predictions; More
247Sports
It's a rare season when not playing in the Big Ten championship game is actually good for Ohio State. In fact, you could argue it's great. Why? Because not only do the Buckeyes avoid playing in another football game where they would risk: 1. Losing the ...

and more »

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WATCH: Ezekiel Elliott asks Michigan grad Rich Eisen 'How 'bout them Buckeyes?' - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


WATCH: Ezekiel Elliott asks Michigan grad Rich Eisen 'How 'bout them Buckeyes?'
Landof10.com
The former Ohio State standout and his Dallas Cowboys won their game on Thanksgiving, Elliott watched his beloved Buckeyes edge Michigan in double overtime on Saturday, and then Elliott scampered for 86 yards and a score as the Cowboys beat the ...
Ezekiel Elliott Bombs Rich Eisen with a 'How About Them Buckeyes' on NFL Network Postgame ShowEleven Warriors
Ezekiel Elliott gives Michigan grad Rich Eisen a hard time247Sports

all 4 news articles »

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Buckeyes have experience going into new season - Athens Messenger (registration)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes have experience going into new season
Athens Messenger (registration)
NELSONVILLE — The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes won't be short on experience going into the 2016-17 season. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Sign Up · Log In · Purchase a ...

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Ohio State, SEC schools in pursuit of 5-star OT
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes go into SEC territory for another 2017 star.

While the Buckeyes await their fate coming this Sunday when the College Football Playoff is decided, the coaching staff is still hot on the recruiting trail. With the football staff in all four corners of the country, the Buckeyes may have a leg up on other teams preparing for another game this weekend as they dedicate a large portion of their effort to recruiting before the Dec. 12 dead period.

Smith becoming a real possibility?


Ohio State’s offensive line recruitment has had its share of interesting changes lately. The most recent change that has been discussed several times in the last few days: five-star offensive tackle Trey Smith (Jackson, TN / University School Of Jackson) and the likelihood of him considering the Buckeyes for his final destination.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has been long linked to the home state Tennessee Volunteers, but lately, recruiting powers Alabama and Ohio State, as usual, are in the mix. It’s unknown who will land the monster talent, but ever since the official visit Smith took to Ohio State for The Game, his feelings toward the Buckeyes have done nothing but increase.

With each day passing, it seems that the two parties are becoming more and more fond of each other, but until the final word from Smith himself is given, it’s anyone’s guess. Luckily, Ohio State remains a strong horse in this race to the finish.

5-star boom worthy


In case you missed it last night, the Buckeyes picked up their sixth five-star recruit for the 2017 class when Baron Browning (Kennedale, TX / Kennedale) made it public via his Twitter account that he was headed to Columbus, Ohio to suit up in the Scarlet and Gray.


A major hats off to Urban Meyer, Tim Beck and the rest of Ohio State’s staff for going into Texas and picking up what will be a massive piece to the middle of the defense in the 2017 class. Though this recruitment was a roller coaster, the official visit Baron and family took for the game against arch rival, Michigan seemed to be what sealed the deal.

It will be interesting to see if Alabama will try and make one last pitch to Browning, but with four linebackers already in the fold for their 2017 class, Ohio State may have struck gold with Browning. With his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame, Browning’s athleticism and intangibles are exactly what Urban Meyer and Ohio State hoped to have in the fold to an already loaded 2017 recruiting class.

Okudah’s constant rumblings


It seems that every storyline covering Jeffrey Okudah (Grand Prairie, TX / South Grand Prairie) concerns his commitment to Ohio State as a matter of not if, but when. Okudah is the second best player in Texas and the top cornerback in the country for the 2017 class. Yet another five-star talent that Urban Meyer has recruited and recruited very well.

Yesterday, we learned another piece to the Okudah puzzle, as he is set to give his final college plans this coming Dec. 10. While Ohio State has to wait for the commitment a little bit longer, it’s important to note that the Buckeyes sit better than very well with the No. 1 cornerback.

To make matters more interesting, when Baron Browning picked Ohio State last night, rumors were swirling around that Okudah was a big help in his recruitment towards Ohio State. If so, that correlates strongly with the relationship between the Buckeyes and Okudah.

Smith heads to Vegas


Ohio State has hit the jackpot in Vegas as they’ve currently claimed three of the nation’s top recruits from Bishop Gorman. Yesterday, receivers coach Zach Smith made his way west to visit Gorman and keep the Ohio presence strong in Nevada’s top prep program.


One key recruit Smith surely was in to check on was four-star safety prospect Bubba Bolden. Bolden, a USC commit at one time has since been linked strongly with Ohio State – and rightfully so. With three teammates heading to Columbus to play their college ball, the pipeline to Las Vegas has been created.

Bolden visited Ohio State on Nov. 5 with his teammates. After the official visit, it seemed that Bolden was a lock to OSU. However, since then, USC and Ohio State are both in the thick of things to land the nation’s ninth best safety. This one will come down to the wire, but once again, the Buckeyes sit well for another top prospect from Bishop Gorman.


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Quake scale: Ohio State win vs Michigan rocked stadium the most - ESPN
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Quake scale: Ohio State win vs Michigan rocked stadium the most
ESPN
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Geologists measuring vibrations caused by boisterous Ohio State football fans say the Buckeyes' game-winning touchdown in double overtime against rival Michigan had Ohio Stadium rocking more than any other time this season.

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Ohio State women's basketball | Calhoun's three can't save Buckeyes vs. Miami - Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio State women's basketball | Calhoun's three can't save Buckeyes vs. Miami
Columbus Dispatch
Turnovers on inbounds plays and poor shot selection hindered No. 9 Ohio State in the first half — something that coach Kevin McGuff emphasized his team needed to work on Wednesday at practice. The Buckeyes cut down on their errors in the second half, ...
No. 18 Miami women upset No. 9 Ohio State in overtime 94-89Sun Sentinel
Comeback falls short for Ohio State women's basketball, who fall 94-89 to Miami in overtimeLand-Grant Holy Land

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LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, others - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, others
ESPN
That in-home visit helped seal the deal for Browning and gave the Buckeyes 15 ESPN 300 commitments in the No. 2-ranked class overall. His commitment came only a day after the staff lost a commitment from ESPN 300 linebacker Antjuan Simmons, who ...
Ohio State football | Baron Browning, nation's top-rated linebacker, commits to BuckeyesColumbus Dispatch
Ohio State lands Baron Browning: 5-star Texas linebacker commits to the BuckeyesLandof10.com
Buckeyes get big addition for 2017 as Browning commits247Sports
Campus Insiders -247Sports -cleveland.com
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Ohio State football | Baron Browning, nation's top-rated linebacker, commits to Buckeyes - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Baron Browning, nation's top-rated linebacker, commits to Buckeyes
Columbus Dispatch
From Kennedale, Texas, and bearing five-star status from all of the major recruiting services, Browning picked the Buckeyes over Alabama, UCLA and others, and he plans to enroll at OSU in January. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Browning, the No. 4 overall ...
Dotting the 'Eyes: Ohio State hoping today is the day for Baron Browning, Trey Smith talk and Houston Griffith updateLandof10.com
LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, othersESPN
Baron Browning Commits To Ohio State BuckeyesCampus Insiders
247Sports -247Sports -Eleven Warriors
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Comeback falls short for Ohio State women’s basketball, who fall 94-89 to Miami in overtime
Ben Martens via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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The Buckeyes just couldn’t pull it out in overtime after a buzzer-beater tied the game at the end of regulation.

The Ohio State women’s basketball team could not overcome a slew of turnovers on Thursday night in Columbus, watching a second half comeback attempt fall short against No. 18 Miami, 94-89, in overtime in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup.

The comeback, after trailing for most of the game, was capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Sierra Calhoun to tie the game at 84 after 40 minutes of play. But Ohio State came up just short in the overtime period.

The Buckeyes have now lost two consecutive games, and sit at 5-3 overall. All three losses this season have come against ranked opponents.

Kelsey Mitchell scored a game-high 29 points and Shayla Cooper added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Ohio State committed 17 turnovers and missed 12 free throws on the night.

The Hurricanes, who improved to 6-1 on the season, were paced by 23 points from Keyona Hayes.

The game began with a frenetic pace, and Miami jumped out to an early 17-12 lead. Ohio State jumped in front, though, thanks to a Hurricanes scoring drought the last 4:49 of the quarter in which they missed seven consecutive shots and turned the ball over four times.

The Buckeyes pressed ahead to a 22-17 lead after ten minutes despite going 0-for-6 from three-point range. Mitchell led the way with seven points, while Shayla Cooper added six of her own.

Miami came out in a full-court press defense to begin the second quarter, and it paid dividends. Ohio State turned the ball over nine times, which led to a 41-30 Hurricanes’ lead going into the locker room. The Buckeyes managed just two made field goals the entire period

Though she led all scorers in the half with 10 points, Mitchell shot just 2-for-11 from the field. Ohio State shot just 10-for-31 (32.3 percent) from the floor, and 1-for-13 (7.7 percent) from deep. Nigia Greene scored nine points off the bench to pace Miami, which had seven players score at least four points in the half.

The Buckeyes rebounded in the third quarter, shooting 78.6 percent in the ten minutes, and showing better patience and care with the ball. Mitchell scored 11 in the frame, and four out of five three-point attempts fell for the scarlet and gray.

Hayes and Emese Hof carried the Hurricanes’ offense in the third, but Ohio State used a 10-0 run to storm back and take the lead 56-55 with just over a minute remaining, and trailed just 60-59 heading to the final ten minutes.

Mitchell and Miami’s Jessica Thomas put on a show to start the final quarter, scoring five and six, respectively, in the first five minutes. The two sides traded hoops the rest of the way, and Calhoun’s triple as time expired caused Value City Arena to erupt.

Up next for the Buckeyes is a home game on Sunday afternoon against in-state opponent Cincinnati. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live on Big Ten Network.

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