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LGHL Ohio State and Michigan look to avoid upsets in Week 12’s Big Ten college football bets, odds

Ohio State and Michigan look to avoid upsets in Week 12’s Big Ten 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


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A lot will be on the line in Columbus next week if both teams are able to win this week.

If you didn’t catch yesterday’s national game picks, you missed out on MC&J calling a Houston cover over Louisville. You can get four picks for Saturday’s games here.

Last week ATS: 6-5-1 (3-2 National, 3-3-1 B1G)

Season ATS: 65-74-4 (25-34-1 National, 40-40-3 B1G)

B1G games:


No. 2 Ohio State (-22) v. Michigan State - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN

After a sluggish middle part of the year, it looks like Ohio State is firing on all cylinders once again. The Buckeyes have a nice mix of run and pass going on that is keeping opposing defenses guessing. Two straight 62-3 wins have many thinking once again that Ohio State might be the only team that could challenge Alabama this year for the national title. Redshirt freshman running back Mike Weber needs just 65 yards to reach 1,000 rushing yards this year. Quarterback J.T. Barrett is also in fine form right now, as he hasn’t thrown an interception since the Wisconsin game, and has thrown for at least 220 yards in each of the last five games.

Michigan State finally snapped a seven-game losing streak last week with a 49-0 win over Rutgers, but it’s hard to take much away from the game since Rutgers is a dumpster fire. Even with that, no matter the record of the Spartans it is always nerve wracking for Buckeye fans when they play Michigan State because of past history. Add in that Michigan State doesn’t really have much to play for the rest of the year, aside from trying to spoil the season for Ohio State and Penn State, who they play next week.

It definitely would be easy for Ohio State to look ahead to Michigan next week, but I feel like Urban Meyer will have his team focused on the Spartans, especially after what happened last year in Columbus. The Buckeyes are playing to well in all facets of the game right now for me to think this one will even be close. The weather in East Lansing isn’t going to be pretty, but I don’t think it slows down the rushing attack of Ohio State.

Ohio State 37, Michigan State 10

Iowa (-10) v. Illinois - 12:00 PM EST - Big Ten Network

The bright spot on what has been an underwhelming season for Iowa came on Saturday night when the Hawkeyes upset Michigan in Iowa City. Running back Akrum Wadley pretty much did it all on offense for Iowa against the Wolverines, rushing for 115 yards to go along with 52 receiving yards.

Illinois at least got senior quarterback Wes Lunt back against Wisconsin, but it didn’t really matter since the Badgers were way too much for the Fighting Illini. Iowa doesn’t quite have the caliber defense as Wisconsin this year, but the Hawkeyes will still make life miserable for Lunt and the rest of the offense since Illinois is terrible this year. In this spot I’d usually be leery of a letdown after Iowa’s big win last week, but I just can’t trust Illinois to do anything positive right now.

Iowa 31, Illinois 17

Maryland v. No. 18 Nebraska (-14) - 12:00 PM EST - ESPNews

After such a promising start to the season, everything is falling apart for Maryland. Not only did the Terrapins get pasted by Ohio State last week, but running back Lorenzo Harrison, who has rushed for 633 yards this year, has been suspended. If Maryland can’t upset Nebraska, they’ll need a win against Rutgers next week to become bowl eligible.

After the scary scene at Ohio Stadium a couple weeks ago, it was good to see quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. back on the field last week for Nebraska. The senior is dealing with ankle and hamstring injuries but I wouldn’t put it past him to start for the Cornhuskers on Saturday in his final game in Lincoln.

Maryland has lost their last two games by a combined score of 121-6. Nebraska might not quite be Michigan and Ohio State, but the Cornhuskers are still very talented. Mike Riley’s team adds to Maryland’s recent woes on senior day .

Nebraska 44, Maryland 21

No. 7 Wisconsin (-28) v. Purdue - 12:00 PM EST - ABC

After not running the football quite like in years past, Wisconsin got back to their roots last week against Illinois, rolling up a season-high 363 yards on the ground against the Fighting Illini. More of the same could be in store against a Purdue defense that is allowing nearly 250 yards per game on the ground to opponents this year.

There have been a number of times this year in which I thought Purdue might have the offensive tools to at least earn a late cover, but most of the time it hasn’t worked out. I’m done with all that. The Boilermakers have allowed at least 44 points in four of their last five games. Corey Clement and company run wild and send Purdue to their sixth straight loss.

Wisconsin 45, Purdue 13

Indiana v. No. 3 Michigan (-23.5) - 3:30 PM EST - ESPN

Not only did Michigan’s dream of a perfect season end with last week’s loss to Iowa, quarterback Wilton Speight suffered a shoulder injury against the Hawkeyes. Houston transfer John O’Korn is likely to start against Indiana, and it’s unknown how long Speight will be out of action for. O’Korn isn’t a slouch though, as he was the American Athletic Conference’s Freshman of the Year in 2013 before Greg Ward Jr. won the job from him.

Indiana played Penn State tight most of the way last before a couple late Nittany Lion touchdowns opened up the score a little. What’s concerning this week about the Hoosiers is the turnover issues quarterback Richard Lagow has had this year. Against this Michigan defense it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lagow throw a couple picks and set the Wolverines up with some short fields.

While it might take O’Korn a little bit to get into the rhythm of the offense, I don’t see a big drop off between him and Speight. After the loss last week, Harbaugh has to be going nuts and I feel like he isn’t going to show any mercy to Indiana as the Wolverines head into next week’s showdown with Ohio State.

Michigan 41, Indiana 14

Northwestern (-1) v. Minnesota - 3:30 PM EST - Big Ten Network

Take away the loss to Illinois State and the four losses Northwestern have suffered this year have been to teams with a combined five losses. The Wildcats are well-coached, and have strong skill position players. Clayton Thorson is nearing 20 passing touchdowns for the year, while running back Justin Jackson and wide receiver Austin Carr have both cracked 1,000 yards for the year.

Remember when there were some that were touting Mitch Leidner as a first round pick? That was hilarious. This year Leidner has more interceptions than touchdowns, and has cracked 200 yards passing in just three of his nine games. Good thing the Golden Gophers have running back Rodney Smith and a tough defense or else they wouldn’t be anywhere close to seven wins.

Northwestern still needs a win to become bowl eligible and I think they get it here. The Wildcats just have too much talent on offense, and while their defense has been shaky at times, I don’t think Minnesota has the personnel to exploit some of the holes.

Northwestern 27, Minnesota 20

No. 8 Penn State (-28) v. Rutgers - 8:00 PM EST - Big Ten Network

Penn State good. Rutgers bad. Do I really need to say more? If Michigan State can beat up on Rutgers 49-0, imagine what Penn State is going to do to the Scarlet Knights.

Penn State 48, Rutgers 10

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Google Naples Buckeyes host fashion show to fight cancer - Naples Daily News

Naples Buckeyes host fashion show to fight cancer - Naples Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Naples Buckeyes host fashion show to fight cancer
Naples Daily News
A widow, native of France, and Estero resident, she turned to the Naples Buckeyes and the fund after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Compassionate Care Fund provides assistance to those with cancer who have expenses they are struggling ...


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Google Week 12 Big Ten previews: Should Buckeyes, Michigan be on upset alert? - Comcast SportsNet...

Week 12 Big Ten previews: Should Buckeyes, Michigan be on upset alert? - Comcast SportsNet Chicago
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Week 12 Big Ten previews: Should Buckeyes, Michigan be on upset alert?
Comcast SportsNet Chicago
With all the talk over the College Football Playoff rankings and the various scenarios that might land the Buckeyes in the final four, it's perfectly justifiable to wonder: Can the Spartans pull the upset? It might seem outlandish to suggest the second ...

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Google Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes tight end Rory Nicol - Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes tight end Rory Nicol - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes tight end Rory Nicol
Columbus Dispatch
Dispatch sports reporter/columnist Rob Oller each week finds a former Buckeye for a question-and-answer session. Rory Nicol Age: 30. Years at Ohio State: 2004-2008. Current residence: Dublin Rory Nicol started at tight end for three seasons under coach ...
Ted Ginn Jr. reps Ohio State on TNF postgame show247Sports

all 2 news articles »


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Google Ohio State men's basketball | Derek Funderburk to redshirt this ... - Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State men's basketball | Derek Funderburk to redshirt this ... - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State men's basketball | Derek Funderburk to redshirt this ...
Columbus Dispatch
When Keita Bates-Diop was sidelined Thursday night against Providence with what was later revealed to be a sprained right ankle, it left Ohio State without one ...


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LGHL Ohio State can make its playoff case versus Michigan State

Ohio State can make its playoff case versus Michigan State
Colton Denning
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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The Buckeyes must take care of business in East Lansing before next week’s epic showdown.

Coming into the season, Ohio State’s matchup with Michigan State was one of the most anticipated games of the year. With storylines aplenty —Ohio State looking for revenge after last year’s loss, and a possible elimination game between Big Ten and playoff contenders— Saturday was supposed to be a marquee showdown between two Big Ten heavyweights. It was also supposed to be the first leg of a brutal season ending back-to-back for the Buckeyes, concluding with Michigan next week. But as college football routinely teaches us, what’s supposed to happen sometimes doesn’t.

After rising to No. 8 in the week four AP Poll, Michigan State cratered, losing their next seven games, before finally beating Rutgers last week which really shouldn’t count, if we’re being honest. To put in perspective just how crazy the losing streak was, consider that Sparty lost five games total from 2013-2015, with three of those to teams that either played in, or won, the national championship that year.

While a few of this year’s losses are excusable (Wisconsin, Michigan), losses to BYU, Northwestern, Indiana, Maryland (!), and Illinois (!!!!) have to really sting for a program that’s been at the upper crust of college football since 2010. For a number of reasons, they haven’t been able to replicate that success in 2016, and unless they find a way to beat both Ohio State and Penn State —and get outside help— won’t even make a bowl. Not quite the showdown we all envisioned in early August, but the good news is that everything is still on the line for the Buckeyes.

After another dominant win, Ohio State not only appears to be peaking at the right time, but has everything to play for, despite not controlling their own destiny in the Big Ten. So, while tomorrow’s game doesn’t have the appeal it once did, it still stands as another opportunity for the Buckeyes to make their case for the playoff.

With that in mind, here are five things to watch for on Saturday:

From the start


After struggling to open games offensively for the better part of the last two seasons, Ohio State has looked stupendous the past three weeks, scoring touchdowns on each of their opening drives. Behind an efficient J.T. Barrett, a consistent running game, and actually giving Curtis Samuel the ball, they’ve kept defenses off balance, and set the tone for the rest of the game. Another 59 point showing isn’t likely, but starting fast again could at least squash whatever potential upset hopes the Spartans have.

Despite Michigan State’s status as #trash this year, I don’t think you need me to give you a lengthy history lesson on what they’ve done to Ohio State’s championship aspirations in 2013 and 2015, and why this still remains a game to be nervous about, even if it is a mismatch. While it’s still unlikely we see the same result as those games, the last thing the Buckeyes need is to give early hope to a team they should beat comfortably.

With a more consistent passing game, as well as Curtis Samuel’s involvement, Ohio State has seemingly cured the early game woes that hampered them earlier this year, and almost all of 2015. If they’re able to score on Michigan State from the jump, the Buckeyes offense should continue their roll from the previous two games.

Putting in work


One of the most intriguing subplots the past two weeks has been the offense’s continued work on the passing game, even in garbage time. Despite big halftime leads against Nebraska (31-3) and Maryland (45-3), the Buckeyes have come out throwing in each second half, with encouraging results. In the two second halves, JT Barrett went a combined 17-24, for 9.5 yards per attempt with two touchdowns, hitting 10 different receivers in the process. If the Buckeyes get out to another early lead, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the second half work continue.

The Spartans’ pass defense has been kind to opposing offenses, ranking 105th in Passing S&P+, consistently giving up yardage (95th in Passing Success Rate), and having almost no ability to get to the quarterback (100th in Adj. Sack Rate). They’ve done well enough limiting big plays (30th in Passing IsoPPP), but that’s about it. Those numbers would suggest another day of improvement for the Ohio State passing game is likely.

Obviously, this is all for naught if the Buckeyes aren’t able to get in a rhythm and we get a repeat of the 2015 game.

Curtis Samuel does it all

Samuel_does_it_all.gif

Seriously, wherever Curtis Samuel is, just watch him.

Samuel is no longer the only player in FBS with 500 or more yards both rushing and receiving, but is still having one of the most dynamic offensive seasons in program history. If Ohio State makes the playoff, 1,000 yards in each category is on the table, which is something that’s never been done at the FBS level.

Even if that doesn’t happen, he’s already one of the most explosive players in recent Buckeye history, and is currently in elite company as a receiver. Samuel’s 5.7 catches per game this season is the most for a Buckeye since David Boston’s insane 1998 campaign, in which he averaged just over seven per game. Not bad company, IMO.

Take time to focus in on everything Samuel does, and appreciate his versatility and explosiveness while you can, because he’ll be cashing NFL paychecks this time next year.

You can throw to them?


Humor me for a second. In the same vein as Justin Timberlake’s 2006 declaration to “Bring sexy back,” such has been Marcus Baugh’s on-field declaration to bring the tight end back to the Ohio State passing game.

Despite not putting up eye-popping numbers, Baugh has caught at least one pass in each of the last seven games, and flashed ability that should probably warrant a bigger role in the passing game:

Baugh_leap.gif


While Ohio State hasn’t utilized tight ends in the passing game frequently since Meyer’s arrival in 2012, Baugh is slowly breaking the mold, and emerging as not only a dependable target for Barrett, but a legitimate playmaker as well, in addition to his already superior blocking. I’ll be interested to see whether he’s even more involved in the passing game on Saturday, especially if Michigan State gets too focused on Samuel.

Confirmation


After the Nebraska game, it felt like Ohio State was beginning to turn a corner. The offense looked as fluid as it had all year, and the defense was back to its usual dominant play. It was almost like the Buckeyes were on the verge of evolving:


Ohio State feels like a level 35 Charmeleon. Good enough to burn you, but if they evolve into Charizard they're definitely going to kill you

— Paul Blogba (@Dubsco) November 6, 2016

Pardon me for getting a cheap Pokemon reference in (and posting my own tweet), but after what they’ve done to Nebraska and Maryland the past two weeks, Ohio State has certainly looked like the fire-spitting, ass-kicking team we all expected after the Oklahoma game.

With no #disrespekt intended toward the Michigan State football program, Saturday’s game is fantastic opportunity for the Buckeyes to take another step forward and build their case as the hottest team in the country.

If they’re able to repeat their performances from the prior two weeks, they’ll be in great shape heading into what could be a playoff play-in game next weekend, and in the minds of the playoff committee.

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Google Ohio State basketball: Where do JaQuan Lyle, Buckeyes go after win over Providence? -...

Ohio State basketball: Where do JaQuan Lyle, Buckeyes go after win over Providence? - cleveland.com
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Ohio State basketball: Where do JaQuan Lyle, Buckeyes go after win over Providence?
cleveland.com
Lyle finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 72-67 Buckeyes win. He was closing in on the second triple-double of his career, but ran out of time. With the way Lyle's first two games of the season went, simply staying on the ...
Longtime Ohio State commitment Jake Moretti decommits, Buckeyes back to 16 verbalsLandof10.com
McCurdy | Buckeyes show growing maturity in winMarion Star
Buckeyes top FriarsLima Ohio
BuckeyeGrove.com (subscription) -OSU - The Lantern -The Providence Journal
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Google Urban Meyer on Ohio State's Pat Elflein - ESPN

Urban Meyer on Ohio State's Pat Elflein - ESPN
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Urban Meyer on Ohio State's Pat Elflein
ESPN
"He just put his head down and said, 'I've got another story to tell you,' " Campbell said. "I went, 'Oh no, he's going way over. Pat what are you doing?' "Then he starts telling this story about his friend, I had never heard it because it just ...

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LGHL Ohio State vs. Michigan State 2016: Game preview, prediction, and 6 things to know

Ohio State vs. Michigan State 2016: Game preview, prediction, and 6 things to know
E.L. Speyer
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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With revenge on the table and a playoff bid on the line, Ohio State has no margin for error in East Lansing this weekend

Ohio State fans have circled Saturday’s contest with Michigan State on their calendars since before the season began. Since before the year began, if we’re being honest. Ever since Michael Geiger pinwheeled his way through the Horseshoe on that cold, wet and dark November afternoon, Buckeye Nation has sought revenge on its lesser rival from that state up north.

With Michigan State again taking the penultimate slot on Ohio State’s schedule, the Buckeyes and Spartans seemed destined to yet again battle for Big Ten supremacy and a trip to the playoff. And on the weekend when the entire SEC shamelessly feasts on the sisters of the poor from college football’s subdivision, East Lansing seemed an obvious destination for ESPN’s College Gameday to celebrate this tense midwestern rivalry.

But as Lee Corso says, not so fast my friends.

After starting the season 2-0 and rising as high as No. 8 in the polls, Michigan State dropped seven consecutive games, until finally finding a win last weekend against an even more hapless Rutgers side. The Spartans’ free fall from playoff participant to non-bowl eligible program has been one of the more surprising storylines of the entire season.

Still, if you’re expecting Ohio State to fall victim to a trap game the week before its showdown with No. 3 Michigan, then you don’t know Urban Meyer very well.

It’s a rare feat to beat an Urban Meyer coached team. The man has lost just 28 times in 15 years as a head coach, and boasts the third-best winning percentage in the history of college football with an 85% success rate.

It’s almost equally as rare to get the best of Meyer in consecutive seasons. On 12 occasions Meyer’s teams have had the opportunity to avenge a loss from the previous season. His teams have overwhelmingly played with a controlled rage in those games, winning 10 of the contests by an average margin of 17.2 points.

Meyer is absolutely ruthless in revenge games, a trait he most memorably displayed when he was coaching at Florida. In 2007 Florida and Georgia squared off for their annual rivalry game, and tensions escalated quickly when the entire Bulldog team ran onto the field to celebrate their first touchdown of the game. Georgia went on to upset the Gators, and Meyer carried that loss and the celebratory slight with him all offseason.

A year later, Meyer never called off the dogs as his Gators drubbed the then-No. 8 Bulldogs, 49-10. As the Georgia faithful waited for the merciful final whistle, Meyer called not one but two timeouts in the closing minute of the game, ostensibly allowing the Bulldogs to marinate in their misery for just a while longer.



Those 2008 Gators are considered to be Meyer’s best team ever, but the 2015 Buckeyes would’ve been held in the same esteem had they taken care of business against Michigan State a season ago. It’s a fact that likely still lingers with Meyer, his staff and this team as they prepare for the Spartans with revenge on the mind.

Ohio State’s biggest advantages


A single-minded focus: Ever since the Buckeyes fell to Penn State in mid-October, Meyer has distributed a simplistic message to his team; focus on the upcoming opponent and nothing else. When reporters ask forward-looking questions, he diverts attention back to the game at hand. Any graphic in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center containing Ohio State’s schedule has been altered to show only the most forthcoming match. It seems a bit heavy-handed, and maybe even corny, but the young team has responded well to its coach’s tunnel-vision approach.

Michigan State shouldn’t beat Ohio State this weekend, but they shouldn’t have won last season in Columbus on senior day with a backup quarterback either. The coaches know this team is more talented than its 3-7 record indicates, and are preparing as such.

An improved and angry offensive line: Ohio State has had its fair share of problems this season on the offensive side of the ball, none more obvious than the disastrous play of the offensive line against Penn State. In the Buckeyes’ lone loss of the season J.T. Barrett was harassed on seemingly every snap, as the Nittany Lions exposed Ohio State’s pass protection, sacking the quarterback six times.

It was a strikingly similar callback to last season’s loss to Michigan State, when the Spartans bullied Ohio State in trenches for sixty minutes. The Spartans were simply tougher, stronger and grittier in that game, a message that was undoubtably drilled into the heads of this Ohio State team as it prepared for the season during offseason conditioning. And it’s something they won’t forget heading into this weekend.

Since the Penn State loss the offensive line has been the most improved unit on the team, keeping Barrett untouched for the better part of three games and paving the way for massive rushing performances. They’ll look to build on that success against a program that traditionally serves as a litmus test for The Slobs.

#4 in your playbook, #1 in your heart: After the offense sputtered against Penn State, the ever-reactive Buckeye faithful clamored for an overhaul of Ohio State’s offensive coaching staff. It turns out simply getting the ball in Curtis Samuel’s hands is an easier remedy.

The team’s most talented playmaker has been featured prominently as the Buckeyes bounced back from the Penn State loss, averaging 37 yards rushing and 93 yards receiving while scoring six touchdowns in the three games since. Ohio State will likely only play two more games this season as it makes its case for a spot in the playoffs, so there’s little reason to hold Samuel back. The junior from Brooklyn made his debut as a punt returner last weekend, and could use his expanded workload as a platform for a late-season Heisman push.

Michigan State’s biggest advantages


A familiar foe: After suffering losses to the likes of BYU, Maryland and Illinois, it seems unlikely that Michigan State would regain its championship-level form from recent years against No. 2-ranked Ohio State. But the Spartans are the only team to beat the Urban Meyer-led Buckeyes more than once in the last five years, and should carry a quiet confidence coming into this game with that in mind.

This is not the first time that the Spartans have faced unlikely odds against a highly ranked rival this season either. Michigan also visited East Lansing as the second-ranked team in the country, and while the Wolverines led by as much as 20 in the fourth quarter, Michigan State turned in a resilient performance and kept the final margin closer than expected.

An encouraging atmosphere: Michigan State fans have had little to cheer about this season at Spartan Stadium, as their team is just 2-4 at home. Nonetheless, the Spartan faithful will undoubtably turn out to celebrate a senior class that’s won two Big Ten Championships, a Rose Bowl, a Cotton Bowl and a trip to last year’s playoff. And what better way for those seniors to go out than to ruin an Ohio State championship bid for a third time in their final home game ever?

Furthermore, this noon eastern kickoff is fairly unfamiliar territory for the Buckeyes, who have been scheduled just twice in the early television slot in a pair of home games. Three of Ohio State’s four road tests have kicked off at 8:00 p.m., and Ohio State can’t afford to sleepwalk into this game, giving the Spartans confidence early. That will be especially true if the forecast holds, as a rainy climate will mitigate the Buckeyes’ speed on the perimeter as it did a season ago.

An uncommon offensive approach: It seems odd, but in the era of spread offenses it’s uncommon to see a team align in the i-formation and pound the ball with a power run game like Michigan State. It’s certainly not an approach Ohio State has had to deal with much this season, but it is one that’s given the Buckeyes problems in the past.

Of course, Michigan State sucked the life out of the game in 2013 and 2015 with its game-controlling ground attack, finding wins in part by keeping Ohio State’s offense off the field. But the Buckeyes struggled this year too against Wisconsin, as the Badgers deployed a similar strategy while rushing for 236 yards, by far the most Ohio State has allowed all season.

Michigan State’s run game isn’t as prolific as Wisconsin’s, but the Spartans did seem to find something last weekend when they ran for a season-high 277 yards against Rutgers. They’re best bet this weekend is to shorten the game with a similarly effective approach.

Summary

F/+ Projection: Ohio State 41, Michigan State 15

Win Probability: Ohio State 93.4%



To no surprise the numbers clearly favorite Ohio State, which is looking more and more like a national title contender for every week that passes since the Penn State loss. The numbers, however, don’t take into account the fact that Mark Dantonio has had Meyer’s number in recent years, or that this Michigan State team is more talented than records indicate.

It’s important that Ohio State comes out firing from the first possession, looking to quickly demoralize a Spartan side making its last stand. With an offensive line trending in the right direction and the passing attack finally finding its rhythm, Ohio State is poised to turn in one of its most complete performances of the season. A trip to the Big Ten title game is in serious doubt, so the committee will be looking for style points this weekend, and the Buckeyes will answer the call in a four-score win.

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Providence vs. Ohio State, Thursday, 7 PM BTN

Enjoy your fries and the W. And hopefully KBD is not too banged up. Not too impressed so far with the team. It feels like a team compromised completely of role players. To become a top tier team, someone needs to step up in a major way. I thought KBD, Lyle, or Kam would do so. That's TBD. Loving should not be starting.
This is probably the most accurate statement. It's water long under the bridge, but damn I can't help but think what this team would look like if this team still had D.Russ. It feels like they need a dude that can just straight up take over a game.
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Google O'Connor back for another round vs. Buckeyes - Gallipolis Daily Tribune

O'Connor back for another round vs. Buckeyes - Gallipolis Daily Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


O'Connor back for another round vs. Buckeyes
Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Just short of a year ago this week in his first career start, the Lima Central Catholic graduate quarterbacked Michigan State to a 17-14 upset of Ohio State as an emergency replacement for the injured Connor Cook to derail the Buckeyes' hopes of ...


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LGHL Ohio State not in top defensive back’s top 5

Ohio State not in top defensive back’s top 5
Caleb Houser
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


18162979380_ba531daae2_o.0.0.jpeg

Wade leaves Buckeyes off top 5; Thomas to visit for The Game.

This weekend the Buckeyes will continue their quest for a Big Ten Championship birth on the road. They’ll need some help, but that’s another story. This weekend in East Lansing, Michigan, Ohio State will be hosts of the Spartans a week before their ultimate state of Michigan rivalry. The Buckeyes hope to go 2-0 in the state up north, but as Urban Meyer has preached in the last few weeks, it’s one game a time.

Wade moves on from OSU


Originally, Lamont Wade (Clairton, PA / Clairton) was thought to be a Buckeye lock when his recruitment was starting to take off. Since then, the two parties have drifted apart. To nobody’s fault, Ohio State is in the midst of a numbers crush with their 2017 class and Wade saw the load of talent being brought in by the Buckeyes. Especially at defensive back where Wade does his business.

Yesterday, the two parties drifted for what looks like the final time as Wade announced publicly, via his twitter account, his final five schools he is considering before making a final decision on where he will play his college football.

Making the cut, Wade listed West Virginia, Tennessee, Penn State, Pitt and UCLA. When Wade makes the final call on Dec. 17, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see Penn State as the landing spot – but only time will tell. Wade is currently ranked the No. 5 cornerback in the country and the No. 2 best prospect overall in the state of Pennsylvania for the 2017 class.


One month away, December 17th is decision day ✅ pic.twitter.com/lom92qlvp6

— TreOcho® (@Goony_38) November 17, 2016
Thomas heading back to Columbus


In just over a week, arguably the fiercest rivalry in college football will take place in its annual showdown. This time, Ohio State will be the host when the Wolverines come to town. With this game, the competition, tradition and visits are never in short supply.

One visitor who will make the trip is Jamir Thomas.

Returning to Columbus just weeks after his visit when Nebraska rolled in, Thomas has plans to see The Game and once again see what his in-state Buckeyes have to offer.

Thomas, projected to stay at inside linebacker at the next level is currently 6-foot, 212 pounds and is only a high school sophomore. While he does not have a current recruiting ranking yet, offers from schools such as Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, West Virginia and more prove that Thomas is certainly a prospect worth a high ranking when available.

There’s no secret that Urban Meyer and staff want to make an early effort in building a strong relationship with Thomas due to his talent and potential, but being an Ohio prospect, that relationship may be even more important as one goal for Meyer in recruiting is protecting the border around the state of Ohio.

Currently, all signs are pointing towards the Buckeyes as his leader and while an offer is not yet owned by Jamir, the two parties may change that in the near future. One thing’s for sure: Thomas certainly likes Ohio State and the Buckeyes certainly have a mutual interest.

Where to look on the offensive line


Last night, it what came as no surprise to Buckeye fans after the latest rumblings, Colorado native, Jake Moretti flipped his commitment from Ohio State to stay home and play his college football for Colorado. While unfortunate for Ohio State as Moretti was a great talent and kid, Ohio State will surely land another prospect at the position or at another position entirely.

One name to look at if Urban Meyer and staff do want to fill the offensive lineman whole may be just up the road in Massillon, Ohio. Insert the name Thayer Munford, and you may have the missing link.

Munford, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle hails from the Ohio prep historical power Massillon Washington. Currently ranked as the 31st best offensive tackle in the country, Mumford is also a top 15 player in the entire state of Ohio for the 2017 class. The four-star does not currently own an Ohio State offer, but with Moretti now out of the picture, that leaves only Josh Myers as the lone offensive tackle commit.

If Ohio State looks to add one more to their offensive line, Munford would surely fill a need. If the two parties begin building a relationship, look for Thayer to become the most recent Ohio State scholarship offer.

As always, only time will tell how this plays out.

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Google Ranking Reaction: Ohio State's rise sets up Big Ten for possible two teams - USA TODAY

Ranking Reaction: Ohio State's rise sets up Big Ten for possible two teams - USA TODAY
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Ranking Reaction: Ohio State's rise sets up Big Ten for possible two teams
USA TODAY
The Buckeyes, meanwhile, would tout victories against Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Michigan. Here's what makes the team's current ranking interesting: Ohio State might give the committee no cause to be dropped in the rankings between now ...

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I think the little computer talks to the big computer talks to the little computer. There is some scumbag hanging around and butting into the conversation with "Inside Edition" stories about little pigs adopted in Ohio and some Trump supporter decking a protester at the Ohio Union. Most of the time, you cannot see the video, you just hear the audio in the background.

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Google Buckeyes over Sparty? A Mountaineers party? Pac-12 title preview? - Chicago Sun-Times

Buckeyes over Sparty? A Mountaineers party? Pac-12 title preview? - Chicago Sun-Times
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Buckeyes over Sparty? A Mountaineers party? Pac-12 title preview?
Chicago Sun-Times
Maybe Buckeyes-Spartans is just plain no contest. But that's what a lot of folks expected in 2013, when OSU — then 24-0 under Meyer — lost to the Spartans as a double-digit favorite in the Big Ten title game. That's what a lot of folks expected again ...
Should Ohio State make the CFP without winning B1G?ESPN
Ohio State's recruitment of Sam Johnson: Will Buckeyes next QB commit come from Michigan?cleveland.com
Ohio State Buckeyes football vs. Michigan State Spartans: What TV channel, time, how to watch live stream onlineOregonLive.com
Columbus Dispatch -Cincinnati.com -The Detroit News
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Google Longtime Ohio State commitment Jake Moretti decommits, Buckeyes back to 16 verbals -...

Longtime Ohio State commitment Jake Moretti decommits, Buckeyes back to 16 verbals - Landof10.com
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Longtime Ohio State commitment Jake Moretti decommits, Buckeyes back to 16 verbals
Landof10.com
Moretti, the country's 13th-ranked offensive tackle, committed to Ohio State in July of 2015 and for more than a year was as solid as any commitment on the Buckeyes' impressive list. His official visit to Columbus, which he made the weekend of Nov. 5 ...
Ohio State basketball: JaQuan Lyle leads Buckeyes to 72-67 win over Providencecleveland.com
Women's basketball: Buckeyes dominate the paint, struggle defensively in win versus Cleveland StateOSU - The Lantern
Lyle comes alive as Buckeyes turn back Providence 72-67247Sports
Columbus Dispatch -BuckeyeGrove.com (subscription) -Big East Coast Bias (blog)
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Google Ohio State basketball: JaQuan Lyle leads Buckeyes to 72-67 win over Providence - cleveland.com

Ohio State basketball: JaQuan Lyle leads Buckeyes to 72-67 win over Providence - cleveland.com
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Ohio State basketball: JaQuan Lyle leads Buckeyes to 72-67 win over Providence
cleveland.com
It's not a coincidence that it came on a night when the Buckeyes got a nice win. Lyle flirted with a triple-double, posting 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Ohio State's 72-67 win over Providence on Thursday night as part of the Gavitt ...
Longtime Ohio State commitment Jake Moretti decommits, Buckeyes back to 16 verbalsLandof10.com
Women's basketball: Buckeyes dominate the paint, struggle defensively in win versus Cleveland StateOSU - The Lantern
Buckeyes have first 2017 commit in state title game247Sports
Columbus Dispatch -Big East Coast Bias (blog) -The Providence Journal
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LGHL Big time offensive tackle Jake Moretti flips from Ohio State to Colorado

Big time offensive tackle Jake Moretti flips from Ohio State to Colorado
Luke Zimmermann
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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Bummer.

Churn happens in recruiting, even for the likes of the Alabamas and Ohio States of the college football landscape.

With chatter making the rounds that the Buckeyes were more prioritizing 2018 linemen, one time Ohio State commit Jake Moretti, a Arvada, CO native, decommitted from Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes on Thursday evening, instead pledging his college football playing future to the home-state Colorado Buffaloes.

Here’s Moretti’s statement from his Twitter account on the recruiting flip:


pic.twitter.com/8vbxajira9

— Jake Moretti (@J_Moretti17) November 18, 2016

It’s a bummer, but here’s wishing Moretti all the best. Colorado, currently 10th in the College Football Playoff rankings, is having a bit of a renaissance on the field. If Ohio State had other plans, this potentially works out better for everyone involved.

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Google Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop day-to-day with sprained ankle -...

Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop day-to-day with sprained ankle - cleveland.com
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Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop day-to-day with sprained ankle
cleveland.com
Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop day-to-day with sprained ankle. Keita Bates-Diop. Ohio State forward Keita Bates-Diop left Thursday's game against Providence with an apparent leg injury. (Paul Vernon, Associated Press).

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LGHL Ohio State vs. Providence 2016 final score: OSU takes step forward with 72-67 win

Ohio State vs. Providence 2016 final score: OSU takes step forward with 72-67 win
Matt Brown
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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A strong performance from JaQuan Lyle paced the most impressive Buckeye performance yet.

After two throughly underwhelming wins to start the season against Navy and North Carolina Central, Ohio State fans could be forgiven for adjusting their expectations downward. The Buckeyes previously struggled to get any separation against middling opposition, failed to convert at the stripe, and made hasty fouls.

But against Providence, the best team the Buckeyes have faced so far, they took a major step in the right direction.

Paced by a resurgent performance by JaQuan Lyle, who had been benched in the second half against Navy and North Carolina Central, the Buckeyes attacked the basket early and often against Providence, en route to a big win in Ohio State’s first appearance in the Gavitt Games, 72-67.

Lyle was a major reason for Ohio State’s performance. After a somewhat shaky start, Lyle attacked the basket with abandon, utilizing his size advantage, to bully ahead for 15 first half points on 6-8 shooting. Jae’Sean Tate added 11, finding holes in the Friar zone, and Marc Loving, while scoreless in the first half, added seven rebounds. The Buckeyes lead for most of the first half, and went into the break up ten, 38-28. They held the Friars to 34.4% shooting. This happened even though Ohio State’s top two bigs, Micah Potter and Trevor Thompson, found themselves in early foul trouble.

A quick lead after halftime trimmed the Ohio State margin to four, and trimmed it again to a single point near the ten minute mark, as Ohio State’s offense began to drag. But a Trevor Thompson finish, a JaQuan Lyle drive and a Kam Williams splash helped push the margin again, and while the Friars threatened, the Buckeyes were eventually able to pull out the win.

A scary moment happened at the 14 minute mark, when Keita Bates-Diop went down after awkwardly landing on his leg after a hard screen, having to get helped off the court, leaving the game. Ohio State initially said he had an ankle injury, and was ruled out for the rest of the game. They later reported he had a hyper-extended right knee. His status is unknown at this time.

Another reason Providence was able to hang around? The stellar play of Rodney Bullock, who willed the Friars back into the game in the second half. He finished with a game high 27 points, including five threes, along with eight boards.

Jae’Sean Tate chiped in 14 points for the Buckeyes, while Marc Loving added eight points and ten rebounds. Trevor Thompson had 12 points and nine rebounds.

Here’s what we learned from the game:

1) Well actually, JaQuan Lyle is good at basketball. Ohio State has plenty of good basketball players, but perhaps nobody with the sheer upside and potential of Lyle, who certainly had not played like a star recruit at the start of the season.

Lyle’s probably never going to be a highly efficient distributor, but he has a huge size and strength advantage against most who will try to guard him, and he can use that to drive inside, get in transition, and either get to the basket, or set up his teammates. He did a great job of that tonight, and even hit a few tough threes for good measure.

His final line? 20 points, eight boards and seven dimes. Ohio State’s celling jumps up dramatically if Lyle is cooking, and that was enough to help them beat a team that should at least be in the NIT conversation tonight.

2) Ohio State has great defensive potential. Ohio State is still learning how to be a consistently good offensive team, but if there’s one place where they can hang their hat, it’ll be on defense.

Ohio State’s length across their lineup gave Providence problems all night, limiting their ability to get high percentage shots, while also jumping into passing lanes. The extent that Providence was able to hang around depended on their ability to hit really tough shots, as they shot under 40% for the game.

There is room to grow a bit on how well this team rotates, but there’s a lot of potential there, and if you can defend at a high level in the Big Ten, you’ll be able to stay in a lot of basketball games.

3) There’s still plenty of kinks to work out. Despite a decent amount of experience on this team, it’s clear this is not a finished product yet. Micah Potter has hinted at some impressive offensive potential, but he picked up his second foul before the second minute of the game, and was a total non-factor. Ohio State only shot 33% from downtown, and turned the ball over 11 times. Foul trouble across the team, even off the ball, was an issue, and they let a team that’s probably still worse than them hang around longer than they’d like.

There’s potential there, and Ohio State showed more flashes of it tonight than they did against Navy or North Carolina Central, but if they want to make a run in March, there’s still work to be done.

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Google Ohio State basketball: Why the Buckeyes are already thinking NCAA Tournament in November -...

Ohio State basketball: Why the Buckeyes are already thinking NCAA Tournament in November - cleveland.com
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Ohio State basketball: Why the Buckeyes are already thinking NCAA Tournament in November
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State basketball hosts Providence on Thursday night. Remember the outcome of this game when dissecting the Buckeyes' NCAA Tournament resume in February. Yeah, it's probably too early to talk about the tournament now.
Women's basketball: Buckeyes dominate the paint, struggle defensively in win versus Cleveland StateOSU - The Lantern
Ohio State football | Line's pressure key part of defensive dominanceColumbus Dispatch
What To Watch: Ohio State faces challenge from Providence247Sports
Eleven Warriors -WTOP
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Google Dotting the 'Eyes: What's going on with OL Jake Moretti and what could happen next for Ohio...

Dotting the 'Eyes: What's going on with OL Jake Moretti and what could happen next for Ohio State - Landof10.com
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Dotting the 'Eyes: What's going on with OL Jake Moretti and what could happen next for Ohio State
Landof10.com
The Buckeyes wants to sign Moretti in February. Moretti has planned to enroll early as he continues to rehab his surgically repaired knee. As numbers tighten, and with a limited number of early-enrollee spots needingto be sorted out, it made less sense ...
BH: It's time to go | No sleep 'til ... Heisman?247Sports

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