Ohio State commit, target heading to Columbus
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 Buckeye-Bishop Gorman (NV) connection continues.

Ohio State returns home this weekend as they look to get back on track and back to their winning ways when Northwestern heads to town. While last week was certainly tough and a major bump in the road, the positives to note are that the Buckeyes truly do still control their own destiny and this weekend’s contest versus the Wildcats is a step back on the path to Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship.

Garrett makes his way home


Of the three current commitments from Las Vegas high school Bishop Gorman, the first of the trio to give his pledge to the Buckeyes was none other than Haskell Garrett. Committing to Urban Meyer and Ohio State back in February, the Buckeyes knew exactly what their 2017 class was getting in Garrett. The nation’s fourth best defensive tackle and Nevada’s third best prospect at any position in the 2017 class, Garrett is clearly deserving of his four-star composite ranking.

Yesterday, Garrett took to Twitter to let Buckeye Nation know that he was heading to his future home for this weekend’s game in The Shoe. Accompanying Garrett on the trip to Ohio State is not just any visitor, but a huge 2018 target for the Bucks.

Teammate and cousin to Haskell Garrett, Palaie Gaoteote will be visiting the Buckeyes and checking out game day in Columbus this weekend. A major 2018 prospect, Palaie is currently ranked as the nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker and prospect at any position in the state of Nevada for his class. The Buckeyes certainly are off to a great start in this relationship as they own every early 247sports crystal ball prediction and are thought to be the clear-cut leaders in this recruitment.

There’s more than enough time to tell where Palaie will end up playing his college football, but Urban Meyer and his staff have made their presence clear in Nevada’s top prep program and it looks to continue well beyond just the 2017 class.

Diving into Carman’s recruitment


A hot topic as of late, Jackson Carman certainly isn’t a new name to Ohio State recruiting followers. The state’s top prospect in the 2018 class and the third best offensive tackle in the country is coveted by basically every college program in the country, but Meyer seems to be handling this recruitment personally.

In an interview article with Cleveland.com, Carman’s high school coach at Fairfield helps shed light on his star’s recruitment and just who may have the lead and inside track to landing the five-star. The good news, fortunately for Ohio State, Carman’s head coach made it clear in the article that the Buckeyes are No. 1 on the list.

In the Carman sweepstakes, it seems that it is as important as ever to solidify the border around Ohio and keep the best talent at home and in Columbus suiting up in the Scarlet and Gray. When it comes to recruiting, you’d be wise not to bet against Urban Meyer. In terms of the Carman recruitment, I’d put my trust once again in the “closer”.

OSU graphics team strikes again


If it isn’t said enough, let us say it again: Ohio State has hands down the best graphic design team in college football. The effort, design, and technology the team puts together is second to none and they’re back at again with the latest fire tweets.

Make no mistake about it, Ohio State and Urban Meyer love using their relationship with LeBron James as a recruiting selling point and to their advantage. Yesterday, Lebron and the Buckeyes were connected again as several commits and recruit targets showed off the latest graphic design love between the Buckeyes, LeBron and the recruit himself.

Making the list, current OSU 2017 commit Brendon White. The Olentangy Liberty ATH checks in as the third best prospect at the “athlete” position in the class.


Next, Al Blades Jr., a 2018 defensive back from the Buckeye pipeline, St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Blades Jr. is currently ranked No.6 as the best cornerback in the class and a top 10 product at any position in the state of Florida.


Lastly, the top ATH in the country for 2018, Ohio’s own L’Christian “Blue” Smith from Dayton, Ohio’s Huber Heights Wayne. Blue is easily one of the top prospects Ohio State is after in 2018 and will be in it until the end. As things stand now, Ohio State is in great position for the two-sport phenom.



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A different offense for Ohio State basketball? Notes from Buckeyes preseason practice - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


A different offense for Ohio State basketball? Notes from Buckeyes preseason practice
cleveland.com
Jent, the former Buckeye player and assistant who made a return to Columbus in the spring for his second stint as a coach, is tasked with revamping a team that was 10th in the Big Ten in scoring and 138th in the country in Ken Pomeroy's adjusted ...


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Ohio State notebook | WBNS shuts out callers on Meyer's radio show - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State notebook | WBNS shuts out callers on Meyer's radio show
Columbus Dispatch
Meyer said last week that Booker, out since the season opener because of a sprained knee, would be available against Penn State, but he didn't play. Jerome Baker has been a force since taking over for Booker. He leads the Buckeyes in tackles with 43, ...
Urban Meyer Coach's Show Recap: Moving Past Penn State ...Eleven Warriors

all 8 news articles »

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Ohio State women's basketball | Buckeyes sixth in preseason coaches poll - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State women's basketball | Buckeyes sixth in preseason coaches poll
Columbus Dispatch
Connecticut took the top spot and 18 first-place votes. Notre Dame is second, South Carolina third, Baylor fourth and Maryland fifth. The Buckeyes will play three of the teams ranked ahead of them: South Carolina on Nov. 14, UConn on Dec. 19 and ...


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Kurelic: Country's No. 1 LB wants to see OSU again; next commit - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic: Country's No. 1 LB wants to see OSU again; next commit
247Sports
Foxr2001: We've all been armchair quarterbacks this season, criticizing this or that about the Buckeyes, but its been even more of an issue since the loss last weekend. So if you were Meyer, what specifically would you have done this week to address ...

and more »

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Ohio State football | Defense looks to improve after defeat - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Defense looks to improve after defeat
Columbus Dispatch
That's probably a good call. Northwestern, the opponent Saturday at Ohio Stadium, will challenge the Buckeyes with an offensive array that includes the Big Ten's leading rusher, Justin Jackson, as well as quarterback Clayton Thorson and receiver Austin ...
Penn State Nittany Lions savoring signature win over Ohio State BuckeyesUPI.com
Young Buckeyes Ready to Rebound and Get Back in the Big Ten RaceScarlet and Game
Big-play capability helps Penn State overcome Ohio State's statistical edgeTribune-Review
cleveland.com -isportsweb.com (blog) -Philly Soccer News
all 258 news articles »

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Get closer than ever to the Buckeyes… For a price - NBC4i.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Get closer than ever to the Buckeyes… For a price
NBC4i.com
$500 – Buckeye Walk Experience – Walk with the team from the Blackwell Hotel to Ohio Stadium, surrounded by players, cheerleaders and other Buckeye fans. $500 – On-Field for Carmen Ohio – Be on the field as the band plays Carmen Ohio after the game.

and more »

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Bob Hunter commentary | Rumblings: What's leaving Vegas might be coming to Ohio State - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Bob Hunter commentary | Rumblings: What's leaving Vegas might be coming to Ohio State
Columbus Dispatch
The Buckeyes have commitments for 2017 from Gorman quarterback Tate Martell and four-star receiver Tyjon Lindsey. They are slated to make official visits next week for the Nebraska game and are expected to be joined by uncommitted safety Bubba Bolden ...


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Just 7 games into his rookie season, former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott is already one of the NFL’s best
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Not only is the running back leading the NFL in rushing, but he has a shot at breaking Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record.

“As a competitor we want to be the best at what we do. That’s what I think I’ve done a good job with kind of becoming a well-rounded player and kind of working on everything, not just focused on running the ball, catching it, or being a third-down guy out of the backfield. Just being a guy you don’t have to take out, who can do a little bit of everything.”

Former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott via Jonathan Jones, Sports Illustrated


It’s not like the rest of the football world didn’t know who Ezekiel Elliott was a year and a half ago, but the play of Elliott really caught the eye of former Dallas Cowboys star running back Emmitt Smith. So much that Smith told Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett that he should keep an eye on Elliott. 15 months later the Cowboys took Elliott with the fourth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and through seven games Elliott is more than living up to the hype.

As a rookie Elliott is leading the NFL in rushing and it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities that Elliott could break Eric Dickerson’s rookie record of 1,808 rushing yards that was set in 1983. It isn’t just running that Elliott can do, as he is also able to catch the football out of the backfield, and he is already a tremendous blocker in pass coverage. It also doesn’t hurt that Elliott is running behind what many think is the best offensive line in the NFL. Elliott has rushed for at least 134 yards in each of his last four games, and if he continues to excel many will be placing him right next to Smith on the list of greatest running backs in Cowboys history.

“We have to play better. I have to do a better job. We have to do a better job coaching. Play better. Execute better. That all starts with the coaching staff and the preparation, and giving our kids a chance.”

Ohio State offensive coordinator Ed Warinner via Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch


Earlier in the season Ohio State’s offensive was rolling along, scoring at least 38 points in each of their first five games of the season. The last two have seen that number drop to 30 points against Wisconsin in overtime, followed up by just 21 points against Penn State. While some of it can be attributed to Ohio State playing on the road in those two contests, as well as facing off against some better defenses, that doesn’t explain all of the issues. There are a number of areas that players and coaches have targeted as to why the Buckeyes have struggled on offense the last two games.

A common reason as to why Ohio State hasn’t seen as much offensive success lately is because of the execution. Both Warinner and Urban Meyer acknowledged that this football team isn’t executing as well as they are possibly of doing. Also, Ohio State had so many problems against Penn State because they were struggling on first down, averaging just 2.8 yards on first down, with 18 first down plays going for a yard or fewer. The Buckeyes also need a few more wide receivers to step up to compliment Noah Brown. While the loss to Penn State hit the team hard, now both the players and coaches know all they can do is to learn from their mistakes and move on to Northwestern.

“At some point, (Prince) has to improve as a player and he has. He didn’t have a good day. We’re not giving up on anybody. It’s his first year starting, and he’s going to get better.”

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer via David Jablonski, Dayton Daily News


It’s easy after a loss to start pointing fingers and blaming others for what went wrong. Ohio State isn’t doing that after losing to Penn State on Saturday night. The easiest person to blame would be Isaiah Prince, who had a rough go of it in Happy Valley. Meyer and the rest of the Ohio State coaching staff wouldn’t take the bait though, saying that while Prince had his issues against the Nittany Lions he still has improved a lot in his first year as a starter.

The coaching staff has gone over the areas where Prince struggled and where he needs to improve going forward, but a lot of what went wrong is just being chalked up to a bad game. Some of the issues on Saturday night can also be attributed to the coaching staff and the game plan. A lot of times a loss can make a team come out stronger, and with the history of Urban Meyer’s teams after a loss, it likely won’t take too long for the Buckeyes to get back to their winning ways.


The USA Today women’s college basketball coaches poll was released earlier today and Ohio State will start out the season tied with Texas, ranked sixth in the country. Last season Ohio State finished 26-8, making it to the Sweet Sixteen before losing 78-62 to Tennessee. The Buckeyes will have to try and replace seniors Ameryst Alston and Cait Craft, but should still be strong this year with star Kelsey Mitchell, as well as Shayla Cooper and Alexa Hart returning. Ohio State will tested early in the season, when they hosted third-ranked South Carolina on November 14th in Columbus.

With Mitchell returning there are high expectations for the Buckeyes, since the junior is the type of player who could lead a team deep into the tournament. Last year Mitchell averaged 26.1 points per game, and on four separate occasions scored at least 40 points in a game. The play from Mitchell last year, as well as what many expect her to do this year, earned her the Big Ten’s Preseason Player of the Year award. The Buckeyes will need Mitchell to have a huge game on December 19th when Ohio State travels to Hartford to take on defending national champion UConn. The only other Big Ten teams included in the top 25 poll were Maryland, who was ranked fifth, along with Michigan State, who was ranked 22nd.

STICK TO SPORTS

• Denny’s will be back in Columbus by the end of the year.
• Chipotle’s Tasty Made burger restaurant opened earlier today in Lancaster.
• Arby’s is testing venison burgers, but not in Ohio.
• Apparently going to the World Series game is a valid excuse for missing class.

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Northwestern will be a good test for Ohio State offensive improvements
Chad Peltier via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Northwestern isn't Penn State or Wisconsin, but they're still good enough to challenge the Buckeyes.

Northwestern vs. Ohio State may not move the needle much nationally, but it is interesting for two reasons: 1. How does Ohio State respond to losing last week but not being out of the playoff picture? 2. Can the offense fix its obvious problems during their three-game slide?

The issues last week were mostly obvious, including special teams errors and passing/offensive line struggles, but other problems were more subtle, like the gradually less efficient run game. Northwestern is a large step down in difficulty from the last three weeks, but should still challenge the Buckeyes' offense.

Avg team talent Turnover margin Net explosiveness (10+) Net explosiveness (20+) IsoPPP
Ohio State 91.43 +9 +44 +12 1.22(84th)
Northwestern 84.21 +4 -16 -9 1.19(100th)


Northwestern is significantly less talented than Ohio State, doesn't turn the ball over all that often, and isn't very explosive on offense.

S&P+ margin Volatility Floor Ceiling
Ohio State 24.9 25.2 -.3 50.2
Northwestern 2.4 13.8 -11.4 16.2

Going off of the volatility ceiling and floor (which have successfully captured the last two games for Ohio State), all the Buckeyes need to do is give an average performance to get a win. But due to S&P+ performances of 50% and 49% over the last two weeks, the Buckeyes are one of the most volatile teams in the country. Northwestern is only slightly better than the national S&P+ average, but an upset is still possible.

When Ohio State has the ball

S&P+ Rush S&P+ Rush SR Rush IsoPPP Pass S&P+ Pass SR Pass IsoPPP Avg FP Drives
Ohio State 14 2 56.7%(2) 75 56 37.6%(96) 31 33.6(12) 5.98(4)
Northwestern 37 37 42%(67) 6 17 42.4%(83) 34 27.4(30) 3.73(19)


Just a few notes about the data in the chart here -- all numbers are rankings except for the success rate percentages, the average field position (which is just the actual average starting field position), and the drives number not in parentheses, which is the average points scored per trip inside an opponents' 40 yard line.

• Ohio State really struggled to run the ball against Penn State, but their season-long rushing averages still have them as the second-best rushing team in the country. But it's possible that the trend in declining rushing efficiency continues. Nothing about the Northwestern front seven suggests that it will -- they're ranked in the middle of the pack in defensive rushing success rate, adjusted line yards (41st), and opportunity rate (51st). So I'd expect Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel to run more efficiently against the Wildcats than they have the last few weeks -- and for J.T. to get far fewer carries unless the game is tight in the fourth quarter.
• Expect to see J.T. throw the ball much more often on standard downs. Northwestern has a great passing downs defense (10th), and their success rate on passing downs (24.1%) is far better than their overall passing success rate (42.4%). That suggests that opponents haven't been effective throwing on obvious passing downs, but have seen some success otherwise. Given the passing game' struggles as well as Northwestern's strength on passing downs, I'd expect plenty of passing on early downs. Just don't expect these passes to go for explosive plays, because Northwestern is much better at keeping successful plays from becoming explosive ones than just preventing efficient passes in the first place. Given Ohio State's struggles completing deep passes anyway, this likely isn't the game where they figure things out, either.
• One big reason for Northwestern's passing downs success relative to their standard downs pass defense is how much more effective their pass rush is: the Wildcats jump from 112th to 32nd in adjusted sack rate. Their only pass rusher to watch is former Ohio State recruit Ifeadi Odenigbo, who has 8 sacks and 9 tackles for loss this year. Shut him down on passing downs (and avoid third-and-long in the first place) and J.T. shouldn't have to run for his life like he did last week. It's also worth watching how the offensive coaching staff changes schematically to support Isaiah Prince in pass protection.
• First down may win Ohio State the game: Northwestern's defense is 11th and 22nd in second- and third-down S&P+, but 90th on first down. Ohio State's offense is just about the opposite: 5th on first down, 54th on second, and 25th on third down.
• Northwestern plays with good field position (30th) and only allows 3.73 points per scoring opportunity (19th). That's a frustrating combination for a lot of offenses, because it means that the Buckeyes might have to string longer drives together, then there's potential to come up short in the red zone. Ohio State had to settle for field goal attempts against Penn State, but they're typically excellent at getting touchdowns from their scoring opportunities.

When Northwestern has the ball

S&P+ Rush S&P+ Rush SR Rush IsoPPP Pass S&P+ Pass SR Pass IsoPPP Avg FP Drives
Ohio State 7 23 35.4%(16) 62 5 32.9%(7) 96 25.7(7) 3.61(18)
Northwestern 75 106 35.7%(120) 48 66 44.2%(35) 120 29.3(78) 4.41(93)

• There's not too much to fear from the Northwestern offense. It's not very efficient on the ground (120th in success rate, 106th in overall S&P+), they struggle to create explosive passes through the air, and the struggle getting touchdowns from their scoring opportunities. The Buckeye defense should have a good game.
• Northwestern has a decently effective short passing game -- quarterback Clayton Thorson has a 44.2% success rate but averages only six yards per attempt. They rank 120th in passing explosiveness, meaning that despite their decently high passing success rate, they struggle to create anything explosive. Penn State was able to exploit a few Buckeye defensive backs in man coverage (even the typically elite Lattimore and Conley), but there's nothing here to suggest Northwestern can do the same. Their clear top receiver is Austin Carr -- he gets a third of the targets in the passing game -- and he is fairly reliable with a 67% success rate.
• The biggest thing to watch may be in how much time the front seven spends in the Northwestern backfield: they rank 86th in adjusted sack rate and 103rd in rushing stuff rate, meaning Ohio State (9th in overall havoc rate, first in stuff rate) should at least stop the run, and likely pressure Thorson in the passing game as well.

The 3 most important stats

• Rushing success rate for Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel: Will the declining rushing efficiency continue even against a mediocre run defense?
• Passing success rate (on standard downs): After last week's abysmal passing performance, the Buckeyes will have to show some improvement to stay in the playoff hunt. Adjusted sack rate would be the key metric here, but Northwestern only has one proven pass rusher.
• First down S&P+: The Ohio State offense is elite on first downs (except for last week), and Northwestern's defense is terrible on first down but elite on second and third. Ohio State will need second- and third-and-short.

Picks


S&P+: Ohio State 39, Northwestern 14, 92.6% win probability

F/+: Ohio State by 19.5

My Pick: Ohio State 38, Northwestern 14

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Get closer than ever to the Buckeyes… For a price - WDTN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Get closer than ever to the Buckeyes… For a price
WDTN
$500 – Buckeye Walk Experience – Walk with the team from the Blackwell Hotel to Ohio Stadium, surrounded by players, cheerleaders and other Buckeye fans. $500 – On-Field for Carmen Ohio – Be on the field as the band plays Carmen Ohio after the game.


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Ohio State’s trailer for the Northwestern game is just what we all needed
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


After a loss, it’s time to get back to winning ways.


Ohio State is coming off of a rare loss. The Buckeyes just didn’t have it last Saturday against Penn State on the road in a tough environment. It happens.

But the loss doesn’t entirely damage their national championship aspirations. The Buckeyes will have a nice little recovery game against the Northwestern Wildcats this Saturday, before facing the Nebraska Cornhuskers in yet another test on the season.

Winning out would likely mean the Buckeyes are yet again in the College Football Playoff. Urban Meyer and his staff are undoubtedly making changes to help their young squad recover from their loss, which has been a rare occurrence, but typically a successful one.

Go Bucks.

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A different offense for Ohio State basketball? Notes from Buckeyes preseason practice - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


A different offense for Ohio State basketball? Notes from Buckeyes preseason practice
cleveland.com
Jent, the former Buckeye player and assistant who made a return to Columbus in the spring for his second stint as a coach, is tasked with revamping a team that was 10th in the Big Ten in scoring and 138th in the country in Ken Pomeroy's adjusted ...


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Buckeyes in the NBA: Conley Scores 24 on Opening Night Win for Grizzlies - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes in the NBA: Conley Scores 24 on Opening Night Win for Grizzlies
Eleven Warriors
The NBA season is upon us. Two days into the action, Ohio State's members of the Association have fared decently well out of the gate. Let's take a look at how Buckeyes in the NBA have performed.


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Ohio State Buckeyes refuse to play blame game - MyDaytonDailyNews
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes refuse to play blame game
MyDaytonDailyNews
If the Buckeyes were going to shake things up, they would have done so on the offensive line. Ohio State allowed six sacks, and right tackle Isaiah Prince struggled more than anyone. According to the College Football Film Room, a website devoted to ...
Ohio State notebook | Meyer: Buckeyes need to keep pushing, grindingColumbus Dispatch
Buckeyes' loss a byproduct of a better Big TenMansfield News Journal
How Penn State took full advantage of Ohio State's problems on offenseSB Nation
247Sports -cleveland.com -Scarlet and Game
all 63 news articles »

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Decision 2016: Examining Ohio State's championship chances - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Decision 2016: Examining Ohio State's championship chances
ESPN
What FPI says: According to the FPI, the Buckeyes have a 25.4 percent chance of winning out through the regular season and conference title game and a 19.7 percent chance of winning the Big Ten. Their remaining schedule -- which includes a matchup ...

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Survey: Which Big Ten football team has the best home-field advantage?
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Of the 14 Big Ten football stadiums which one offers the best home-fiel advantage? We asked a few writers who have been around more than a few. We also let you vote.

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Clemson-Florida State and Washington-Utah lead the way in Week 9’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


Two undefeated teams have tough road tests to navigate this week.

Last week MC&J was pretty much treading water. We lost a couple games on .500 but things probably could have turned a lot worse. Huge misses on Ohio State and Arkansas were tough to swallow, but on to another week.

Last week ATS: 5-7 (2-3 National, 3-4 B1G)

Season ATS: 50-55-3 (20-24-1 National, 30-31-2 B1G)

National games:


No. 10 West Virginia (-4) v. Oklahoma State - 12:00 PM EST - FOX

Mike Gundy will be trying to notch his 100th career win as a head coach, but to do so he’ll have to do it against some familiar faces. Not only will Gundy be matching wits with West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen, who spent the 2010 season as Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator, but current West Virginia offensive coordinator Joe Wickline was previously the offensive line coach at Oklahoma State from 2005 to 2013.

The Mountaineers are one of just seven Power 5 conference teams that is currently undefeated. What has propelled West Virginia to an unbeaten record so far this year has been their defense. Not only did West Virginia hold Texas Tech to 17 points in Lubbock a couple weeks ago, but last week the Mountaineers only gave up 10 points to TCU.

Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph has had a strong start to the season, throwing 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions. The Cowboys could have a chance at the upset if freshman running back Justice Hill ran like he did last week, gaining a career-high 162 yards in the win over Kansas.

At first glance I thought this might be a game where one of the unbeatens fell, but I just think West Virginia’s defense is playing too good. Mike Gundy will have to wait another week before getting his 100th win.

West Virginia 34, Oklahoma State 24

No. 14 Florida (-7.5) v. Georgia - 3:30 PM EST - CBS

Here we have The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (or whatever they call it these days) sponsored by Nick Saban. Florida head coach Jim McElwain was part of Saban’s staff at Alabama, serving as offensive coordinator from 2008 till 2011. During that time, Kirby Smart was also in Tuscaloosa as Saban’s defensive coordinator. Both head coaches look to have bright futures ahead of them, but let’s not think they are challenging Saban anytime soon.

Both teams certainly should be fresh for this game since they both had the luxury of a bye week last week. The extra week to prepare came at the right time for Georgia, as the Bulldogs have lost three of their last four, including a 17-16 loss to Vanderbilt in their most recent outing. At least the Bulldogs have Nick Chubb or else Georgia would be even more unwatchable than they are now. If the Bulldogs have any hopes of winning this game they’ll need a performance out of Chubb like in the season opener, where he ran for 222 yards against North Carolina.

It’s highly unlikely that we’ll see Chubb run for quite that much, since Florida is playing tremendous defense this season. The only time this season Florida has allowed more than 14 points in a game came in the loss to Tennessee. The offense of the Gators is still a work in progress, but I think they won’t need much as the Florida defense will suffocate the struggling Georgia offense.

Florida 24, Georgia 13

No. 4 Washington (-10.5) v. No. 17 Utah - 3:30 PM EST - FOX Sports 1

Washington continues their march towards the College Football Playoff, but on Saturday they face what might be their toughest test the rest of the regular season. Aside from an overtime win against Arizona, every victory by the Huskies this year has been by at least 24 points. It might be a little much to ask the Huskies to win by 24 points at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but right now all Washington needs are wins to be a part of the playoff, it doesn’t matter by how much.

Utah quarterback Troy Williams will have a little extra motivation in this game since he started his college football career at Washington before transferring to Utah following the 2014 season. The Huskies will most likely be a little more worried about another Williams in the Utah backfield, though. After a brief retirement, running back Joe Williams has burst back onto the scene for the Utes. After rushing for 179 yards against Oregon State a couple weeks ago, last week Williams ran for a school record 332 yards against UCLA.

Utah is tough to top at home, but Washington is in a whole different class right now. What sets the Huskies apart from a lot of other teams right now is that Washington jumps on teams early and doesn’t let up. In the first half this year, Washington has outscored opponents 200-24. Jake Browning has already passed for 26 touchdowns this year and he certainly is going to add to that total on Saturday, as the Huskies jump out early and don’t let Utah get back into the game.

Washington 41, Utah 27

No. 8 Baylor (-3) v. Texas - 3:30 PM EST - ABC

For the fourth straight year, Baylor has started the season 6-0, which is something no other FBS team has done over the same time period. The Bears will likely make it 7-0 and since Charlie Strong and the Longhorns are a mess. Who knows what Strong would give to have a 6-0 start right now.

I just can’t see how Texas is going to stop Baylor in this game. The Longhorns are giving up 32.6 points per game this year, so to call the Texas defense a dumpster fire might be a bit of an understatement. Baylor might score double that on Saturday, as the Bears are averaging nearly 550 yards of total offense per game.

Texas actually has a pretty good offense that can put points on the board, but it is wasted with how bad the defense is. Shane Buechele has thrown 15 touchdowns this year, while running back D’Onta Freeman has 855 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. The contributions from Buechele, Freeman, and the rest of the Texas offense won’t be enough since they’ll get no help at all from the defense trying to stop this potent Baylor offense.

Baylor 48, Texas 31

No. 3 Clemson (-5) v. No. 12 Florida State - 8:00 PM EST - ABC

Saturday night in Tallahassee should be quite a treat. Florida State has their backs against the wall, since they need some losses from Clemson and Louisville to get back into the ACC Atlantic division race. With games left against Syracuse, Pitt, Wake Forest, and South Carolina following this game against the Seminoles, Clemson faces their last true test of the regular season on Saturday night.

Prior to the North Carolina State game, Clemson received a boost with the return of Hunter Renfow after the tight end missed the previous four games with a broken bone in his hand. The good news didn’t last too long for the Tigers, since Wayne Gallman suffered a concussion during the game, and Clemson nearly lost to the Wolfpack. The bye week last week certainly helped Gallman, who will return to the field on Saturday night.

Florida State has to be wishing they were getting healthy like Clemson is, but it seems like key players keep getting injured. Not only is talented defensive back Derwin James still on the sidelines following a knee injury earlier this year, but the Seminoles lost another defensive back when Nate Andrews was injured for the season against Miami. Even with the injuries, Florida State’s defense has improved immensely of late, allowing just 25 points over the last two games after allowing 177 in the first five games of the year.

With talents on offense like running back Dalvin Cook and quarterback DeAndre Francois, it isn’t crazy to think that the Seminoles could take down Clemson, but I just don’t see it happening. Clemson looks more like the offense we saw in the couple games before the close loss to North Carolina State, while Florida State reverts back a little into some of the poor play they exhibited earlier in the season.

Clemson 30, Florida State 20

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The Indians aren't the Buckeyes only World Series connection - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


The Indians aren't the Buckeyes only World Series connection
247Sports
Urban Meyer has made it clear he's an Cleveland Indians fan and is pulling for the Tribe in the World Series, but that is not the only connection between the Buckeyes and baseball's championship decider. Kyle Schwarber has grabbed headlines recently ...

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Nebraska, Penn State headline Tom Dienhart’s latest Big Ten football thoughts
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

We are about to find out how good 7-0 Nebraska is. Don’t be shocked if Penn State finishes 10-2. Has there been a more surprising team in the Big Ten than Maryland? Tom Dienhart offers up his weekly Big Ten football thoughts.

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Highlights from Urban Meyer's radio show 10/27 - Columbus Dispatch (blog)
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Highlights from Urban Meyer's radio show 10/27
Columbus Dispatch (blog)
Meyer said it tears at him to see could-have-been Buckeyes playing against them. Meyer again speaks about lack of spring practice in football in Ohio. Said it makes it harder to project how a player might develop. Meyer on effect of an early signing ...

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Meet Northwestern’s Austin Carr, the best receiver in the Big Ten
Christopher Jason via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Austin Carr leads the Big Ten in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Can Ohio State slow him down?

Austin Carr is to Clayton Thorson what Julian Edelman is to Tom Brady. The dude just gets open and moves the sticks.

The redshirt senior came to Northwestern as a preferred walk-on and currently leads the Big Ten in receptions with 50 — Curtis Samuel and Minnesota’s Drew Wolitarsky are second with 37. Carr also leads the conference with 720 yards receiving and 9 receiving touchdowns — including six straight games with a score. He averages 7 receptions and 102.9 yards per game, and is the key cog to the Wildcat offense, which is improving on a weekly basis.

What separates the quick slot receiver from other receivers in the nation, is his knack to move the chains. Out of his 50 grabs, 36 of them have resulted in a first down. Out of his 16 third down receptions, he has gained first down yardage 15 times and has averaged 17.19 yards per reception on that down. When the sticks read fourth down, he’s converted all six of his receptions for a first down.

Sure, he’s Thorson’s security blanket, but he’s also more than that.

He’s clutch. Six of his nine touchdowns have came on third or fourth down. And all nine of his touchdowns have came when they were losing by 14 points or less or when they were leading by two possessions or less. He’s not padding his stats in games that are over; they’re all meaningful, game-changing scoring plays.

Carr is a savvy, precise route-runner who feasts in the slot. He takes advantage of defensive coordinators who put a linebacker on him, or when there’s a lapse in coverage. The coaches do a great job of play design and always find a way to help him exploit coverage. But it’s Carr who possesses the smarts, talent and route-running to execute the play call.

***

Trailing Michigan State 17-7 in the second quarter, Carr lined up in the slot. Michigan State decided to blitz their nickleback on 3rd-and-5 from the 9-yardline and cover Carr man-to-man with their strong safety. Poor choice. Carr is too quick for the linebackers and strong safeties of the Big Ten.



Carr is running a simple 10-yard corner pattern and he gains separation with ease. The camera angle does not show it, but he most likely jabbed inside to make the safety pause, and then hit the corner route. He had an easy two steps on the defender.



Thorson drops the ball in the bucket and it’s an easy pitch-and-catch for the Wildcats. Northwestern went on to defeat the Spartans — at Michigan State — 54 (!) to 40.



Against Indiana, once again Carr found himself on the inside slot, matched up one-on-one with a linebacker. When will these defensive coordinators learn to keep a nickel or an elite athlete on him at all times?



Carr recognizes the coverage and the distinct speed advantage that he has on the linebacker. He goes inside the linebacker and then bends his route towards the middle of the field — away from the safety — leaving the linebacker in the dust.



The quarterback leads his receiver and places the ball right in the middle of the three defenders. Carr ran his route inside just enough to keep his distance from the safety and he outran the Hoosiers’ defenders for six.


How Ohio State should play him


What the Buckeyes possess that other teams in the Big Ten do not, is elite speed and athleticism in the secondary at multiple positions. With Carr lining up mainly in the slot, it will be Damon Arnette’s main responsibility to stick with him when they’re in Nickel.

Luckily, the Buckeyes have safety Malik Hooker’s elite range to help Arnette when he is on the field, or they can even use Hooker to cover Carr if they’re in base man-to-man. Hooker has had his lapses in coverage at times, but hopefully he has learned to trust his eyes and stick to his keys, rather than biting on double moves when he’s looking for a pick-six. Carr’s precise route running could leave Hooker susceptible in coverage. Per CFB Film Room, Hooker, Arnette, Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore only allowed three completions on 14 targets against the Nittany Lions.

This will be a mighty challenge for Austin Carr and an even bigger test for the Buckeye secondary.

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Gameday+ | Recruiting: Buckeyes tap Colerain connection with Amir Riep - Columbus Dispatch
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Gameday+ | Recruiting: Buckeyes tap Colerain connection with Amir Riep
Columbus Dispatch
But since Urban Meyer and then Coombs arrived at Ohio State five years ago, no Colerain player has become a Buckeye. Amir Riep is going to change that. The four-star cornerback is part of Ohio State's 2017 recruiting class. “He wasn't going to go under ...


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Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes defensive end Simon Fraser - Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes defensive end Simon Fraser
Columbus Dispatch
After tearing apart quarterbacks and running backs as a defensive end for the Buckeyes, Simon Fraser now puts people back together as a physician in Columbus. Upon leaving Ohio State, he played three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and one with the ...


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Bulldogs battle Buckeyes for TVC Ohio title - Athens Messenger (registration)
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Bulldogs battle Buckeyes for TVC Ohio title
Athens Messenger (registration)
Recent history has been on Athens' side, but the Buckeyes have been a virtual juggernaut over the last half of the season. Senior tailback Alex Mount has posted a dominant season with 1,569 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, nine straight 100-yard games ...

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