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WR Brendan Skalitzky (Official Thread)

Or Brandon, according to the OSU roster. Anyways, Chicago-area kid added to the roster now that the season is underway and the 105-man preseason cap is lifted.

Some background from the Chicago Tribune:
The 6-foot, 180-pound quarterback delivered a memorable senior season, passing for 3,805 yards and 38 touchdowns while rushing for 1,084 yards and nine TDs in leading the RedHawks (9-5) to a state runner-up finish in Class 8A.

Skalitzky, who was named the Daily Southtown Player of the Year, had never played quarterback before attending Marist. He did have roster-spot college offers from the next tier in Dayton and Valparaiso.

But Skalitzky took a chance and sent out his 10-minute Hudl.com tape to numerous colleges throughout the country.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/subur...brendan-skalitzky-st-0308-20160307-story.html

tBBC Buckeyes On Your Computer

Buckeyes On Your Computer
Joe Dexter
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


OSU2016SCHEDULE-150x150.png

Our friend Kevin Dearth is at it again! Much thanks to the best Buckeye Graphics man out there for sharing this wallpaper for your desktop or laptop.



For the full-size wallpaper, left-click the image above. To download, right click “save as.”

The post Buckeyes On Your Computer appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Urban Meyer ‘doesn’t agree’ with Torrance Gibson’s suspension

Urban Meyer ‘doesn’t agree’ with Torrance Gibson’s suspension
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Meyer.0.JPG

Says it wasn’t an athletic department or football decision.

Shortly after the University announced that redshirt freshman quarterback-turned-receiver Torrance Gibson would be suspended for Fall semester, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer took the podium ahead of the team’s first game of the season.

With less than a week until the 2016 football seasons kicks-off, there are still position battles and depth chart questions that loom over the coaching staff. As game plans begin to formulate, there are at least a few “givens” that the team can build on. J.T. Barrett is still looking like a Heisman contender, and Curtis Samuel is still expected to be the playmaker for the Buckeyes on offense.

Meyer also answered some questions about Ohio State’s first opponent -- Bowling Green -- and where some of the young guys stand less than a week out.

  • Meyer was quick to point out that Torrance Gibson’s suspension did not come from the football team, but rather the University, and that he “doesn’t agree with it”. While he doesn’t agree with it, the situation is “not unique and we have dealt with it [before]”
  • Captains J.T. Barrett, Raekwon McMillan, and Pat Elflein were announced just after the Fiesta Bowl win — first time Meyer has announced them so early.
  • Meyer lauded Mark Pantoni and his staff who helped recruit some of the important impact players like Raekwon McMillan.
  • The ideal balance for this year’s offense is 50/50 — especially compared to last year — and Meyer said fortunately, he feels they are pretty close to that. He’ll know more after Week 1, but he feels good heading into the season.
  • Meyer is looking for 250 rushing/250 passing yards per game. Lofty goals.
  • Tyler Durbin will start this week on kick-offs and field goals with usual starter Sean Nuernberger nursing injuries, and despite Meyer not being 100% sure of his name, said he’s doing great ahead of the season and has earned the starting role.
  • Marcus Baugh and Jerome Baker returned from injuries Monday, and the unit is pretty close to game ready. Meyer noted though, that most of the starters are set, but there are a couple players who are still on the bubble.
  • Joe Burrow is the No. 2 guy at QB behind J.T. Barrett.
  • Meyer has to bite his tongue from being too excited for this year’s team, but it does feel like 2014 and he has high expectations despite the number of young guys on roster.

On Bowling Green

  • Meyer feels a special way about his former employer, Bowling green. “I love that school,” Meyer touted before speaking on his being hired in 2001 and why he took the job.
  • He went on to talk about how Bowling Green has one of the most tradition rich programs in the MAC. He doubled down with how much respect he has for the program.
  • Meyer told a story about how he went to Adidas to work out a deal worth ~$2,500 for matching shoes for the team when he coached at Bowling Green. Adidas came through with blue and grey shoes -- Bowling Green’s colors are brown and orange — but the players were just excited to match.
  • The head coach is looking forward to seeing how the young guys react to their first game in front of a packed house in The ‘Shoe.

Misc.

  • The head coach was also asked about Tim Tebow and his budding baseball career. Meyer said, “Incredible. He’s an incredible baseball player.” He went on to say that his athleticism was what stood out to him when he was recruiting the college quarterback back in high school.

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Google Buckeyes suspend receiver Torrance Gibson for fall semester - Comcast SportsNet Chicago

Buckeyes suspend receiver Torrance Gibson for fall semester - Comcast SportsNet Chicago
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes suspend receiver Torrance Gibson for fall semester
Comcast SportsNet Chicago
Ohio State announced Monday what amounts to a season-long suspension for wide receiver Torrance Gibson. "Ohio State redshirt freshman wide receiver Torrance Gibson has been suspended from The Ohio State University for the 2016 fall semester for a ...

and more »


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Google Future Buckeyes in action: QB's and others shine - 247Sports

Future Buckeyes in action: QB's and others shine - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Future Buckeyes in action: QB's and others shine
247Sports
Every Monday during football season I wrap up the weekend that was in high school football in Ohio and elsewhere, focusing on those who will continue their careers playing for the Buckeyes. Over the weekend a number of future Buckeyes played in ...

and more »


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tBBC Torrance Gibson Suspended for Fall Semester

Torrance Gibson Suspended for Fall Semester
Ben van Ooyen
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


hi-res-024bc3c29d9f28d01dafb2308842183e_crop_north-150x150.jpg


Ohio State just sent out a release suspending freshman WR Torrance Gibson. pic.twitter.com/bBZwMHOjbA

— Tim Shoemaker (@TimShoemaker) August 29, 2016


The Buckeyes depth chart took another hit today, as it was reported by Tim Shoemaker at 11 Warriors that red-shirt freshman Torrance Gibson has been suspended for the fall semester, meaning he will not be a part of the team for the entire season. He will also not be allowed to attend classes at Ohio State for the fall semester as he has been suspended by the University for an undisclosed violation of the University’s student code of conduct. He would be eligible to return to the team at the earliest on January 9th which is when Spring semester begins at Ohio State.


Something to note is that Torrance Gibson isn't just suspended from the football team, he's suspended from the entire university.

— BuckeyesNews (@BuckeyesNews) August 29, 2016


The post Torrance Gibson Suspended for Fall Semester appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Ohio State WR Torrance Gibson suspended for the football season

Ohio State WR Torrance Gibson suspended for the football season
Luke Zimmermann
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa-today-9276221.0.jpg

Less than ideal.

Ohio State released a short statement Monday morning before Urban Meyer's weekly OSU football press conference concerning the status of redshirt freshman Torrance Gibson.

The statement reads in its entirety:

Ohio State red-shirt freshman wide receiver Torrance Gibson has been suspended from The Ohio State University for the 2016 fall semester for a violation of the University's student code of conduct.

The specifics of the circumstances surrounding his suspension were not made available.

While transitioning from highly touted high school prep quarterback to wide receiver, Gibson sat out his freshman season. There had been rumblings of a potential transfer, but after sticking around in Columbus, Gibson looked ready to make an impact with his dynamic athleticism and improvements at the receiver position.

Gibson had some issues in high school, allegedly related to an altercation with a teacher. Rumors surrounding a possible departure from OSU surfaced last fall after he failed to dress against Penn State.

"He's on the team," Meyer said during the following week's press conference. "You have to earn the right to dress, and he didn't do it last week."

We’ll have more on this development as it comes to light.

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BTN Power Rankings: Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan State lead the way

Power Rankings: Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan State lead the way
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

The BTN tour bus has been put in park. It’s time for some football! I have had a few days to absorb and contemplate what I have seen and here is my inaugural Big Ten Football Power Poll, presented by ArcelorMittal. Speaking of the summer football tour, it’s not too late to go back and catch up on our 14-campus trip and all of the coverage. We started at Indiana, ended in Purdue, and BTN produced a whole bunch of video right here. With that said, here is a look at 1. Ohio State. Yes, lots of key personnel has
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tBBC Buckeye Opponets: Who to Follow in the Media

Buckeye Opponets: Who to Follow in the Media
Brandon Zimmerman
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


tBBCannouncement-150x150.png

Well folks, the football season is finally upon us! I’m sure you have already gobbled up as much information about the Buckeyes as you possibly could but what about their opponents? Sure I know thinking about the demise of the Buckeyes is the cool thing to do because they lost 16 starters BUT what if other teams lost key players too? I know it seems like we are supposed to pretend like every team on the Buckeyes schedule are returning 22 starters but they really aren’t. Each team has lost key players and they may even be forced to replace them with inexperienced players.

I’m here to help you find out all you need to know about their opponents by giving you members of the media who specialize in the Buckeyes opponents. Keep this page bookmarked and come back to it often!

Bowling Green, Sept 3

John Wagner > Toledo Blade @JWagnerBlade
Thomas Schmeltz > The Sentinel-Tribune @Thomas_Schmeltz



Tulsa, Sept 10

Kelly Hines > Tulsa World @KellyHinesTW



Oklahoma, Sept 17

John Shinn > Norman Transcript @John_Shinn
Jason Kersey > Daily Oklahoman @JasonKersey
Ryan Aber > Daily Oklahoman @RyAber
Guerin Emig > Tulsa World @GuerinEmig
Eric Bailey > Tulsa World @EricBaileyTW
Chuck Carlton > The Dallas Morning News @ChuckCarltonDMN
James Hale > OU Insider (247Sports) @OU247
Joey Helmer > OU Insider (247Sports) @JoeyHelmer10
Brandon Chatmon > Sooner Nation @BChatmon
Carey Murdock > Sooner Scoop @SoonerScoop
Cliff Brunt > Associated Press @CliffBruntAP



Rutgers, Oct 1

Keith Sargeant > NJ Advance Media @KSargeantNJ
Dan Duggan > NJ Advance Media @DDuggan21
Ryan Dunleavy > Asbury Park Press @RyDunleavy
Brian Lewis > New York Post @NYPost_Lewis
Richard Schnyderite > Scarlet Insiders (247Sports) @TheChopNation
Sam Hellman > Scarlet Report (Scout) @SamHellmanScout
Brian Dohn > Scarlet Report (Scout) @ScoutRutgers
Bobby Deren > Scarlet Nation (Rivals) @BobbyDeren
John Otterstedt > Scarlet Nation (Rivals) @RivalsNewJersey
Tom Luicci > ScarletKnights.com @TomLuicci
Tom Canavan > Associated Press @APTCan



Indiana, Oct 8

Mike Miller > Bloomington Herald-Times @MikeMillerHT
David Woods > Indianapolis Star @DavidWoods007
Zach Osterman > Indianapolis Star @ZachOsterman
Pete DiPrimio > Fort Wayne News-Sentinel @PDiPrimio
Alex McCarthy > Inside Indiana (247Sports) @AKMcCarthy
Justin Albers > All Hoosiers (Scout) @Justin_Albers
Matt Weaver > Peegs.com (Rivals) @MB_Weaver
Mike Marot > Associated Press @APMarot



Wisconsin, Oct 15

Jeff Potrykus > Milwaukee Journal Sentinel @JayPo1961
Jason Galloway > Wisconsin State Journal @Jason_Galloway
Tom Oates > Wisconsin State Journal @TomOatesWSJ
Jim Polzin > Wisconsin State Journal @JimPolzinWSJ
Ben Worgull > Badger Nation (Scout) @TheBadgerNation
John Veldhuis > BadgerBlitz.com (Rivals) @JohnVeldhuis
Evan Flood > Badger247 (247Sports) @Evan_Flood
Mike Lucas > UWBadgers.com @LucasAtLarge
Genaro Armas > Associated Press @GArmasAP



Penn State, Oct 22

Ben Jones > StateCollege.com @Ben_Jones88
Mike Poorman > StateCollege.com @PSUPoorman
Joe Juliano > Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News @JoeJulesInq
David Jones > PennLive @DJonesHoop
Bob Flounders > PennLive @BobbyFlo7
Audrey Snyder > Pittsburgh Post-Gazette @AudSnyder4
Bob Cohn > Pittsburgh Tribune Review @BCohn_Trib
Jourdan Rodrigue > Centre Daily Times @JourdanRodrigue
Mark Wogenrich > Allentown Morning Call @MarkWogenrich
Cory Giger > Altoona Mirror @CoryGiger
Neil Rudel > Altoona Mirror @NeilRudel
Mike Gross > Lancaster Newspapers @MikeGrss
Rich Scarcella > Reading Eagle @NittanyRich
Donnie Collins > Scranton Times-Tribune @PSUBST
Derek Levarse > Wilkes-Barre Times Leader @TLDLevarse
Frank Bodani > York Daily Record @YDRPennState
Jeff Rice > Lions247 (247Sports) @JeffRice247
Sean Fitz > Lions247 (247Sports) @SeanFitz247
Greg Pickel > Fight On State (Scout) @GregPickel
Mark Brennan > Fight On State (Scout) @MarkXBrennan
Nate Bauer > Blue-White Illustrated (Rivals) @NateBauerBWI
Travis Johnson > Associated Press @ByTravisJohnson



Northwestern, Oct 29

Fred Mitchell > Chicago Tribune @Kicker34
Louie Vaccher > Wildcat Report (Rivals) @WildcatReport
Henry Bushnell > InsideNU.com (SBNation) @HenryBushnell
Chris Emma > CBS Chicago @CEmma670
Andy Seligman > Associated Press @ASeligmanAP



Nebraska, Nov 5

Brian Rosenthal > Lincoln Journal Star @HuskerExtraBR
Brian Christopherson > Lincoln Journal Star @HuskerExtraBC
Steve Sipple > Lincoln Journal Star @HuskerExtraSip
Rich Kaipust > Omaha World-Herald @RKaipustOWH
Sam McKewon > Omaha World-Herald @SWMcKewonOWH
Jon Nyatawa > Omaha World-Herald @JonNyatawa
Michael Bruntz > Huskers Illustrated (247Sports) @MichaelBruntz
Josh Harvey > Big Red Report (Scout) @JoshHarveyScout
Sean Callahan > Husker Online (Rivals) @Sean_Callahan
Mike Babcock > Hail Varsity @MDBabs
Eric Olson > Associated Press @EricOlson64



Maryland, Nov 12

Daniel Gallen > Baltimore Sun @DanielJTGallen
Roman Stubbs > Washington Post @RomanStubbs
Keith Cavanaugh > Terrapin Times (Scout) @MDTerrapinTimes
Jeff Ermann > Inside MD Sports (247Sports) @InsideMDSports
David Ginsburg > Associated Press @Ginzy3



Michigan State, Nov 19

Graham Couch > Lansing State Journal @Graham_Couch
Chris Solari > Lansing State Journal @ChrisSolari
Mike Griffith > MLive.com @MikeGriffith32
Joe Rexrode > Detroit Free Press @JoeRexrode
Matt Charboneau > Detroit News @MattCharboneau
Mike Wilson > SpartanTailgate.com (247Sports) @MikeWilson247
Hondo Carpenter > Spartan Nation @HondoCarpenter
Jim Comparoni > Spartan Magazine @JimComparoni
Larry Lage > Associated Press @LarryLage
Noah Trister > Associated Press @NoahTrister



Michigan, Nov 26

Nick Baumgardner > MLive.com @NickBaumgardner
Mark Snyder > Detroit Free Press @Mark__Snyder
Angelique Chengelis > Detroit News @Chengelis
Rachel Lenzi > Toledo Blade @RLenziBlade
Steve Lorenz > Wolverine247 (247Sports) @TremendousUM
Sam Webb > The Michigan Insider (Scout) @SamWebb77
John Borton > The Wolverine (Rivals) @JB_Wolverine
Larry Lage > Associated Press @LarryLage

The post Buckeye Opponets: Who to Follow in the Media appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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tBBC Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 8/29/2016

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 8/29/2016
Ben van Ooyen
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


ohio-stadium-night-150x150.jpg

Welcome to your tri-weekly look at all things Ohio State recruiting. Let’s get started!

The Other OSU QB Recruit:

Since the commitment of Tate Martell to Ohio State, Danny Clark has taken a back seat even though he has been committed for what seems like 10 years now. Clark and his team at Archbishop Hoban started off his senior season in a big way on Friday. Clark finished 14-23 passing for 196 yards and 2 TD’s as well as rushing for 3 more TD’s in their 42-14 win over Canton McKinley. In speaking with 247 after the game he mentioned the recruitment of Trevon Grimes and Tyjon Lindsey among other things relating to OSU.

“It’s an awesome addition to the class,” Clark said. “Two great players, two great kids, you always wonder with some of those out-of-state guys but they know where the fun is at, they know where the wins are at, so it was a great addition with Trevon and Lindsey. It was awesome to hear.”

“I cannot wait for the Buckeyes,” Clark said. “And Buckeye Nation it’s going to be a good year, I can feel it. It’s going to be a good year Buckeye Nation.”

He also talked about the recruitment of one of his close friends Jaylen Harris.

“Me and Jaylen are tight,” he said. “Jaylen, he doesn’t like to talk about it a lot, he’s really focused on this season right now and he’s going to go out and be the best player he can. And when the (time for the) decision comes, he’ll make the decision. He knows what he’s doing, he’s doing the best for him and his family.”

Next week Archbishop Hoban take on the defending Division I High School champions Lakewood St. Edward in what will be a real test for Danny Clark.


Battle of Top 5 High School Teams:

The other Quarterback recruit in this class was also on center stage on Saturday playing a top 5 matchup against Cedar Hill. Tate Martell shined as he was 10-22 passing for 135 yards and also rushed for 148 yards and 3 TD’s. He was without top wideout and Buckeye commit Tyjon Lindsey, who was out because of transfer rules, but still lead the Gaels to a 44-14 victory, their 40th consecutive win.


Martell rolls left, throws across his body & throws a dart on 3rd-and-12. #Buckeyes https://t.co/Y5RUNgKR4w

— Christopher Jason (@cjason112) August 28, 2016


Haskell Garrett also plays for Bishop Gorman and although he was double teamed most of the night, he still made some plays on the defensive side of the ball. The real star on defense is 2018 prospect Palaie Gaoteote a 4-star linebacker. Ohio State has been the leader in the clubhouse in his recruitment and it doesn’t hurt at all that he has 3 future Buckeyes in his ear telling him to join them in Columbus when he graduates.


Palaie Gaoteote (@ie_2018) living in the Cedar Hill backfield @BishopGormanFB https://t.co/aQC5SSytCZ

— D1 Gridiron (@D1Gridiron) August 28, 2016


Oh So Close!:


Somehow this wasn't a touchdown. Jake Allen intercepted the next play. STA in trouble. pic.twitter.com/MSQQA7RYTk

— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) August 27, 2016


Somehow the refs did not get the call correct on this one, and Trevon Grimes and St. Thomas Aquinas ended up losing the game as a Jake Allen interception on the play after this sealed the win for Booker T. Washington High School. Since there is no replay in High School football, the refs were unable to see what we all see, that Grimes broke the plane of the goal line before his body hit the ground. Grimes did finish with 9 catches for 161 yards, but he certainly would have loved to have that game winner. St. Thomas Aquinas fell 27-23 in their opener.


At the 1 pic.twitter.com/uFbNkYn33X

— Josh Darrow (@joshdarrow) August 27, 2016


Injuries Suck:

The Buckeyes lone running back commitment for the class of 2017 went down on the first play of the game last Friday with an injury and did not return.


Bad news. La Grange RB JK Dobbins hurt on 1st play at Liberty Hill. @spillmanphoto @statesman #centexpreps pic.twitter.com/yI2SqpifvO

— Rick Cantu (@Rickyprep) August 27, 2016


However, the news is not terrible as it looks like it was just a bad sprained ankle. Although it will take some time to heal, Dobbins should be able to return to action this season. Unfortunately for Dobbins the game ended up being canceled after weather made it unplayable. Too bad the game wasn’t called before they took the field, and maybe this injury could have been avoided.

Buckeye Commitments in Action:

Tate Martell – 10/22 for 135 yards, 148 rushing yards and 3 TD’s in 44-14 win.

Danny Clark – 14/23 196 yards, 3 rushing TD’s in 42-14 win.

JK Dobbins – 1 carry, 12 yards, injured in canceled game vs Liberty Hill

Trevon Grimes – 9 catches for 161 yards in 27-23 loss to Booker T. Washington

Tyjon Lindsey – DNP

Josh Myers – Lead the way for 4 rushing TD’s in 44-0 win.

Wyatt Davis – Pancaked his team to a 34-0 win over St. Xavier (OH)

Jake Moretti – Out for the Season, Torn ACL

Chase Young – Lead the defense to a 42-7 win against Oscar Smith HS out of Virginia

Haskell Garrett – Led the defense to a 44-14 win, held Cedar Hill to only 8 first downs.

Antjuan Simmons – Muffed a punt, and his team got defeated 51-14.

Brendan White – Passed for 160 and ran for 126, his last second TD gave Olentangy Liberty the win.

Amir Riep – Lead Colerain to a 31-28 victory, 45 yard punt return.

Isaiah Pryor – Along with Marcus Williamson, held Grayson to 152 total yards in 26-7 win.

Marcus Williamson – Shut down Greyson (GA) to the tune of 26-7

Jerron Cage – Winton Woods was downed 32-23 against Northmont.

Shaun Wade – Caught a TD pass, but lost to former Buckeye commitment Bruce Judson’s Trinity team 26-23









The post Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 8/29/2016 appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Ezekiel Elliott makes his NFL preseason debut and demands respect

Ezekiel Elliott makes his NFL preseason debut and demands respect
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa-today-9500271.0.jpg

After missing the first two games with a hamstring issue, Elliott finally took the field for the Cowboys in his NFL debut.

With only one week left before the start of the regular season, this is the last chance for a lot of rookies to make their case for a spot on their team’s final 53-man roster. The Buckeyes are still leading the charge for youngsters in the NFL, contributing right away and notching out roles in the preseason on both offense and defense.

A few players have missed time with injuries, but most are expected to suit up for Week 1 of the regular season — and everyone will just have to wait and see if Joey Bosa ends up playing at all in 2016.

Offense


Ezekiel Elliott

The prodigal son has returned for the Cowboys and saw his first set of snaps in an NFL preseason. The running back didn’t disappoint. Building on his penchant for lowering his shoulder and taking a hit, Elliott was out to prove he belonged when he tried running though Seattle’s Legion of Boom’s Kam Chancellor.


So how'd he do?

Every run from @EzekielElliott's NFL debut! #DALvsSEA https://t.co/34vLA0RJvP

— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2016

Elliott’s role will be even more critical now that Tony Romo’s fate is up in the air; the quarterback suffered another fractured bone in his back, with his return time unknown. He is off to a good start with 48 yards on seven rushing attempts.

Jalin Marshall

At halftime of the Jets-Giants game, there was a familiar name at the top of the offensive stats list — J. Marshall. The undrafted free agent actually started for the Jets in their Week 3 preseason game, and had a varying performance. He had a few good catches that made up for earlier bobbles -- and a fumble — and finished the day with 30 yards on three catches. His inconsistency is something Buckeye fans know all too well, but his ceiling is high enough for the team to stick with Marshall through the season.

Braxton Miller

The former quarterback is impressing his coaches down in Houston and has stayed consistent through the preseason. In Week 3, he completed three catches for 29 yards, one for 17 yards on a critical 4th and 3 that got the team right up to the goal line.


@BraxtonMiller5 with the Versatility . #AZvsHOU #Texans @HoustonTexans #1way pic.twitter.com/BaSeNdDiUq

— DANIEL DAVID (@DannyDavid) August 29, 2016

Michael Thomas

The wideout saw less action in the Saints’ Week 3 matchup against the Steelers, only recording one catch for 23 yards. Despite his only catch coming from backup quarterback Luke McCown, Thomas still lined up and saw snaps when Drew Brees was still in the game.

Offensive line


Taylor Decker

So far, Decker is the only rookie for the Lions who is expected to start at the opening of the regular season. Despite a good camp, the Buckeye didn’t look that great in his preseason debut; he’s since stepped it up each week and in Week 3’s matchup against the Ravens, he allowed only one pressure on 31 passing plays.

Chase Farris signed on with the Lions as an undrafted free agent, but of all the lineman in that group, the Buckeye isn’t expected to land on the team’s final 53-man roster. Joel Hale signed on with the Buccaneers, and has some seen some snaps in the preseason; he’s not expected to garner an active roster spot, but could be primed for the practice squad.

Defense


Eli Apple

Back in action after missing Week 2’s preseason game, the cornerback started for the Giants and had one pass defended during the outing. He was the targeted quite a few times, but expected the Jets to try and exploit his inexperience, and was able to hold his own against veteran receiver Eric Decker.

Vonn Bell

The Saints have hit the jackpot with their second round pick. The Buckeye lead his team in tackles for the second week in a row — six total tackles, two less than in Week 2. His production has been unquestionable, and his ceiling could be among the best in the league. Bell might not be starting at the beginning of the regular season, but he is such to have a bit impact on the Saints’ defense in 2016 and beyond.

Darron Lee

Already taking reps with the first team for the Jets, the Buckeyes is slowly making his way into the starting rotation. He’s been battling eight year veteran Erin Henderson for the spot with the No. 1s, but an injury has pushed Lee ahead.

Tyvis Powell

Continuing to make waves in Seattle on both defense and special teams, Powell is almost a lock to make the final 53-man roster. He’s shown his contributions to both would be a good addition to the team. His Week 3 performance included being beaten in the endzone for a Cowboys touchdown, but also saw his NFL game high of five tackles.

Adolphus Washington

The defensive end keeps being one of the steals in this year’s draft for the Bills, recording three tackles in Week 3. Washington has been a nice addition to the pass defense, and could work his way into a starting spot — especially with the load of injuries the Bills have faced this preseason.

Noticeably absent


Cardale Jones sat out of Friday’s Week 3 preseason game with a sore shoulder, and missed additional time at the team’s facility over the weekend for ‘personal reasons’ that haven’t been made public.

Nick Vannett was expected to contribute to the Seahawks run blocking right away, but after suffering an ankle injury in the team’s second preseason game against the Vikings, the tight end is hoping to be back in action for Week 1 of the regular season.

Another preseason game, and another week the Chargers carry on without their first-round pick Joey Bosa. Things took an ugly turn last week, when the team went public with their offer to the defensive end (in an effort to make him look greedy), which was met by a public statement by Bosa’s agent (to make the Chargers seem unreasonable).

Other tidbits


The Jets placed Devin Smith on the PUP list.

John Simon did this against the Cardinals:


He tipped it.
He picked it.
He took it to the HOUSE.

Are you KIDDING, @johnesimon51?! #AZvsHOU https://t.co/8NBuzJNgjF

— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2016

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Google Future Buckeyes in action: QB's and others shine - 247Sports

Future Buckeyes in action: QB's and others shine - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Future Buckeyes in action: QB's and others shine
247Sports
Every Monday during football season I wrap up the weekend that was in high school football in Ohio and elsewhere, focusing on those who will continue their careers playing for the Buckeyes. Over the weekend a number of future Buckeyes played in ...
Heard Around the 'Shoe – 8/29/2016The Buckeye Battle Cry

all 2 news articles »


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Google NFL Preseason Update: Top Rookie Performances From Former Buckeyes - Eleven Warriors

NFL Preseason Update: Top Rookie Performances From Former Buckeyes - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


NFL Preseason Update: Top Rookie Performances From Former Buckeyes
Eleven Warriors
After Ohio State's historic 2015 draft class, it's no wonder former Buckeyes have been turning heads in their first NFL appearances. Here are some of the top rookie performances from former Ohio State players.


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tBBC Opinion: Will Ohio State Ever Be A Basketball School? Does it Matter?

Opinion: Will Ohio State Ever Be A Basketball School? Does it Matter?
Mike Meals
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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We are honored to introduce you to Mike Meals who is interested in becoming a writer for The Buckeye Battle Cry. Follow Mike on Twitter (@mmeals) where he is bound to win you over with his fantastic Twitter game. Please give Mike some feedback and let us know what you think.

The Oxford Dictionary defines pride as “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired”. There are thousands of things a person can have pride in; their family, their profession, or their sports teams are just a few.

Like most Ohio State fans, I take great pride in seeing the men of the Scarlet and Gray take the field every Saturday in the fall, putting my home state’s name on over their own name, and playing with everything they have. Being a Buckeye fan has given me more pride and things to boast about than almost every other college football program has in the 33 (starting of 34) falls I have been on this earth and able to witness.

However, like many Buckeyes, once fall gives away to winter, I tend to check out of my “live and die” attitude with our Buckeyes. I still root for the hoops teams. I am proud when our KnuckleBucks do well in hockey. I love seeing our non-money teams win national championships. With all that said, I mellow out once the confetti has fallen at the bowl game.

Will that ever change? Will Ohio State ever become anything other than a “Football School”?

First, let’s look at some facts. Only one other school besides Ohio State has played for a football national title and a basketball national title in the same year, the University of Florida. Only 5 schools have ever won a football, basketball, and baseball national championship (OSU, TTUN, Stanford, Cal, and UCLA). In fact, only a couple schools have even won a bowl game the same year they won an NCAA Basketball Championship in my lifetime: ‘82 North Carolina, ’02 Maryland, ’04 UConn, ’06 Florida (see above), ’08 Kansas, ’13 Louisville, and ’15 Duke. This means 7 out of 33 autumns have ended with a basketball champion winning their bowl game.

There are definitive “football schools” and definitive “basketball schools”…and they rarely cross paths. There are plenty of times that one of the football schools has a good run in the other money sport but they are never able to maintain that momentum. Fans of that TTUN tried to act like they were becoming a basketball school a few years ago when they played for the basketball championship but as good of a job as John Beilein has done in AA since he arrived, they are not a basketball school. Some (like myself) would argue they are not much of a football school recently either.

That brings up the next question. Is it ok to accept that you are not a basketball school? With conference realignment recently showing that football is the only money sport that matters anymore, it seems the universities across America have said it is ok. Unfortunately in the NCAA, we all know at the end of the day the money in the bank is the only thing that matters.

What would it take to become a basketball school? The one-year rule hurts anyone not willing to be as dirty as Kentucky is now. You’ll never have a Michael Jordan staying in school long enough to make an impact. These schools already have dumped money into making the 12,000 seat arenas as nice as they can be. The athletic departments have all the nicest facilities for student-athletes. The free education is always there to dangle in front of these students but it doesn’t work. All the money brought in by football can’t turn a basketball program around. They are two completely different trains of thought in the athletic department. You simply can’t merge them in today’s economic landscape.

But as a fan, is it okay? Can you maintain your pride? Damn right you can. When you see that a “football” program like Ohio State finished 3rd in the Men’s Capital One Cup standings, a standing gained based on the overall Men’s athletic program’s performance, you sure as hell can. At the end of the day, when Urban is holding up that bowl championship trophy, my pride in our boys of fall will carry me through to the next year. Is it enough for you?

The post Opinion: Will Ohio State Ever Be A Basketball School? Does it Matter? appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Future Buckeye small forward Justin Ahrens talks Ohio State commitment

Future Buckeye small forward Justin Ahrens talks Ohio State commitment
Charles Doss
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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See what led the junior to pick OSU, and much more.

While Urban Meyer and the Ohio State football coaching staff usually steal the headlines, it was Thad Matta and the Ohio State basketball team that took attention away from the future Silver Bullets over the weekend.

Holding a verbal commitment from Upper Arlington guard Dane Goodwin for nearly two years, the sharp shooter is no longer the loan member of the Buckeyes class of 2018.

On Friday afternoon, a pair of the top prospects the state of Ohio has to offer decided enough was enough and verbally committed to coach Matta, Chris Jent, Greg Paulus and the Buckeyes during an un-official visit to Columbus.

Joining the Columbus native as future Buckeyes are forwards Darius Bazley of Finneytown, and Versailles standout Justin Ahrens, the younger brother of Michigan State hooper Kyle Ahrens.

“Me and Darius met up before we went in the visit and called coach Jent and told him we were committing, and we asked him if he could get coach Matta out of his office for a couple minutes so we could sneak in. Then when coach Matta walked back in the room me and Darius were behind his desk and we acted like we had a microphone in our hands and we announced that we were going to commit to The Ohio State University, then we put on our hats and shirts,” Ahrens, a 6-foot-5, three-star prospect, stated to Land-Grant Holy Land soon after his commitment to the Buckeyes.

The 6-foot-7 Bazley chose Ohio State over programs such as Florida, Cincinnati and others; while Justin decided that suiting up for Matta and crew was the right spot for him over the likes of Miami (OH) and St. Louis.

“I chose Ohio state because I love everything about it. It feels like home. The academics, the coaching staff, the people, the campus. I just love it,” Ahrens, the 33rd small forward and 128th class of 2018 prospect, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings added on his OSU pledge.

“The connections I was able to make with the coaching staff made it easy for me to decide it was right. They are coaches that I can learn from, and also just have a good conversation with and they are so easy to get along with. Me and the coaches have a great relationship with each other.”

With Goodwin, Bazley, and Ahrens now in the fold the Buckeyes class of 2018 is currently the second overall class in the country behind the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Looking to add to the star studded group, Justin has another in-state recruit on his mind.

Dwayne Cohill is one guy I'm trying to get. I played AAU with him two years ago. They already offered him too.”

Cohill (Cleveland,OH/Holy Name), arguably the top player in the state, isn’t just recruited by OSU, but also has Penn State, West Virginia and many more other schools . Can Ahrens, and the Buckeyes seal the deal, and close the border around the state or will Cohill end up elsewhere? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Stick with Land-Grant Holy Land for the latest.

Quick Hits

  • Two future Ohio State running backs watched their games cut short on Friday. Class of 2017 commit JK Dobbins (La Grange,TX/La Grange), and 2018 pledge Brian Snead (Seffner,FL/Armwood) both left their respective games early. Dobbins’ night ended on the first play of La Grange’s win over Liberty Hill due to an sprain ankle. A lower back injury kept Snead from returning to action. Dobbins is expected to miss two or three weeks of game action, while it is unclear if Snead’s problem will keep him off the field.
  • While Dobbins, and Snead’s night didn’t go as planned, many of the future Buckeyes shined under the lights this weekend. Which Ohio State commit did enough to grab your MVP vote? You have until Tuesday to pick your player of the week.

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Google Days since Michigan's last win over OSU in football: - Columbus Dispatch

Days since Michigan's last win over OSU in football: - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Days since Michigan's last win over OSU in football:
Columbus Dispatch
Not only were the Buckeyes coping with the one-game suspensions of defensive end Joey Bosa, wide receiver Corey Smith and H-backs Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, but arguments over which quarterback should start — Cardale Jones or J.T. Barrett ...
The Football Fever: Going 1 on 1 with head coach Urban MeyerABC6OnYourSide.com

all 5 news articles »


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Google Watch: Buckeyes still finalizing starting O-line - 247Sports

Watch: Buckeyes still finalizing starting O-line - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Buckeyes still finalizing starting O-line
247Sports
As of late last week, offensive line coach Greg Studrawa said the Buckeyes had not finalized their five starting O-linemen. For that and more from Studrawa -- including his thoughts on true freshman Michael Jordan -- watch the embedded video.


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LGHL 5-star wide receiver or 4-star QB? Which Ohio State commit is your MVP for Week 1?

5-star wide receiver or 4-star QB? Which Ohio State commit is your MVP for Week 1?
Charles Doss
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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Who gets your vote?

Football is finally back in action. With most high school programs across the nation kicking off their seasons many of the Ohio State class of 2017 and 2018 verbal commits were back on the gridiron over the weekend.

Wanting to prove that rankings don't mean anything if you can't back it up on the field, quite a few of the future Buckeyes shined during their time in the spotlight for their respective teams.

Just like the future Buckeyes, Land-Grant Holy Land is geared up for this season. Always wanting to hear your opinion, we are once again giving you a chance to have your voice heard, and vote for our Future Buckeye of the Week.

While many of the OSU pledges put up solid numbers, only one can be the MVP. Here are your five Week 1 nominees:

Trevon Grimes


Just days after committing to Ohio State, the St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) standout was one of the top players on the field all evening. In a tough fought match-up against Booker T. Washington (FL), Grimes, a 2017 OSU pledge, hauled in nine receptions for 161 yards.

While St. Thomas Aquinas is used to blowing teams out every week, things were different on Friday. Down with under a minute in fourth quarter to Booker T. Washington, Grimes, and his Raider teammates were driving down the field looking to take a lead, and walk away with the win.

Hauling in a reception from Florida quarterback commit Jake Allen, Grimes appeared to cross the goal line to give St. Thomas Aquinas a chance at the come from behind win, but was called down at the one. After a turnover, the Raiders hopes of a national championship were more than likely plucked away by the Tornadoes, falling to Booker T. Washington by a final score of 27-23.

Did Grimes score or was he down? You be the judge.


Ohio State WR commit Trevon Grimes. TD or no TD? pic.twitter.com/juOodT8fIp

— Luke Stampini (@LukeStampini) August 27, 2016
Brendon White


While Grimes was close to leading his team to a late victory, his soon-to-be teammate was a key factor in Olentangy Liberty getting past North Allegheny (PA) on Friday night.

White, who could end up on the defensive side of the ball at Ohio State came up huge at quarterback for Liberty.

Trailing 29-22 with half a minute left in the game, the four-star standout -- and son of former OSU defensive back William White -- scored a touchdown on a one yard run, giving the Patriots a chance to head back to leave Pennsylvania on a high note. Needing a two point conversion, White connected with Johnny Wiseman for what was the game winning score to give the Patriots a huge, 30-29 win over North Allegheny.

A threat through the air and on the ground all night, White connected on 15-of-27 passing attempts for 160 yards, while toting the rock 23 times for another 126 yards, and two touchdowns.

Danny Clark


Taking on Miami (OH) commit Dominique Robinson and Canton McKinley, Clark and Akron Archbishop Hoban rolled to an easy 42-14 blowout win over the Bulldogs.

Looking to lead Hoban to another state title, the longtime Buckeye quarterback pledge left off where he did last season. Starting the season off hot, the four-star prospect completed 14 of his 23 passing attempts for nearly 200 yards, and two scores, including a 52 yard pass to Garrett Houser. His pair of passing touchdowns weren't his only trips to pay dirt on the night. Clark also scored not one, not two, but three rushing touchdowns in the runaway Knights victory.


Danny Clark to Garrett Houser for a 52 yd TD. Archbishop Hoban leads Canton McKinley 21-7 w 540 left 2Q #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/Bm6dXU4t4w

— Ryan (@Isley23) August 26, 2016


Wyatt Davis


The five-star offensive guard had to leave Saturdays match-up against Cincinnati St. Xavier for a bit, but returned to help lead John Bosco (CA) run all over the Bombers defense live on ESPN.

Without lineman their wouldn't be touchdowns. Davis, and the John Bosco big men definitely proved that in their 34-0 shutout win over St. Xavier. Going up against a more than stellar defense, the future Buckeye road block and his teammates helped pave the way to nearly 500 yards of total offense.


Left tackle Wyatt Davis opening a big hole. pic.twitter.com/B0FVV8bEs6

— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) August 28, 2016


Tate Martell


Also playing on the ESPN network was Martell and his Bishop Gorman (NV) squad. Battling with Cedar Hill (TX), the four-star signal caller might not of had the best game of his career, but still put up impressive numbers against one of the top programs in high school football.

Coming out early and never looking back, Martell helped pace the Bishop Gorman offense to over 500 total yards from scrimmage. Connecting on 10 of his 22 passing attempts for 135 yards, Tate did his most of his damage with his legs. Taking full advantage of holes in the Cedar Hill defense, he rushed for 147 yards, and three touchdowns in the big 44-14 national television win for Bishop Gorman.


This Tate Martell kid is a touchdown machine pic.twitter.com/o8WrpQtNmP

— Renato Mazariegos (@RPMSports18) August 28, 2016


Poll
Which future Buckeye is your MVP?

  • Trevon Grimes
  • Brendon White
  • Danny Clark
  • Wyatt Davis
  • Tate Martell

0 votes | Results

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tOSU Recruiting Discussion

Ohio State's 2014 Recruiting Class Finally Getting Their Shot

If the waiting is the hardest part, then should we consider this coming season a piece of cake for the Buckeyes' third-year players who have spent their collective time at OSU sitting behind established starters?

Ohio State signed 23 players in the 2014 recruiting class, which ended up being ranked the No. 3 class in the nation per the 247Sports Composite. Only a few of those players contributed on the field to the Buckeyes' national title that season, and all of them — save for place kicker Sean Nuernberger — sat behind older players and learned what it took to actually get onto the field.

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The funny thing, however, is that the players they were learning from weren't that much older than they were. In fact, in many cases, they were behind players from the 2013 class. It was that class — powered by J.T. Barrett, Ezekiel Elliott, Jalin Marshall, Billy Price, Joey Bosa, Darron Lee, Vonn Bell and Eli Apple — which led Ohio State to their national championship.

But even leading up to the title game against Oregon, there were those who cautioned people not to forget about the then-freshman class.

"I can sit here and tell you that there are guys you haven’t even seen yet that are gonna be really, really good football players here," linebacker Darron Lee said in January of 2015. "The 2014 class is special. You haven’t really seen anything from it yet."

Fast-forward to the present day and 18 of those 23 signees are going to be on the field for the Buckeyes this season, with a dozen of them in a battle to start.

As you may imagine, this group is hungry and they realize that their time is here and waiting for them.

"We definitely talk about how everybody’s getting on the field and we’re making plays," said redshirt sophomore receiver Parris Campbell. "When we came in we talked about what we wanted to do as a class. We always say we’re the best class here. I definitely think we’re the best class right now because we just have a lot of guys who can do a lot of things on the field. This is basically our year. It’s time for guys to step up. We have a lot of guys to lead, so they’re definitely depending on a lot of guys in our class, so it’s time to go."

The 2014 class is as close as it is talented. Many of them redshirted as true freshmen, but they remained a cohesive unit. In fact, they all participate in a group text in which they talk about what they are going to do this season...and probably other things.

"Yeah, that’s constant," Campbell said of the texting. "That’s every day. Non-stop. Sometimes I have to put it on ‘Do Not Disturb’ because it’s just vibrate, vibrate, vibrate. It’s fun though. The class of 2014 we’re all really, really close. So it’s good."

There could be as many as 10 new starters emerging from the 2014 class, which has all of them amped up for the possibilities of this team with them in charge.

Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...4-Recruiting-Class-Finally-Getting-Their-Shot
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LGHL What Mike Weber needs to do for Ohio State to reach the playoff

What Mike Weber needs to do for Ohio State to reach 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


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He doesn’t need to be Zeke, but he does need to do this.

Over the past few weeks we’ve discussed Ohio State’s three potential weak spots — the secondary’s ability to contain explosive plays, the defensive line’s run-stopping ability (particularly in the middle of the line), and the offense’s ability to stretch the field vertically with explosive passing. But all of that assumes that the running game will be A-OK under a combination of J.T. Barrett, Curtis Samuel, and most importantly, Mike Weber.

We have good reason to expect Mike Weber will be fantastic. They were similarly elite recruits, with Weber rating .9603 and Elliott at .9693 in the 247 Composite. The offensive line should reload similarly to the 2014 campaign, but with increased depth. And Weber will have Samuel and Barrett to take some of the carries when he needs a breather.

But what the run game critically needs to replace is Ezekiel Elliott’s dependability on third and short. When the offense was in a must-convert situation, the team could almost always count on Zeke picking up the yardage necessary.

The most telling metric here is power success rate, where the Buckeyes ranked seventh in total last season. Power success rate is the percentage of runs on third or fourth down, with two or fewer yards to go, that pick up the first down or a touchdown. Ohio State was able to do this an astounding 77.2% of the time (7th in the country), which is likely why they ran the ball on 44% of passing downs (14th-most in the country).

In short, the Buckeyes were able to convert over 3⁄4 of third and fourth downs by running the ball, so they ran the ball on nearly half of all passing downs last season. That’s because Zeke could be trusted to pick up the first down.

On third down with three or fewer yards to go, Zeke averaged 5.77 yards per carry and picked up first downs on 71% of his carries. He also had nine fourth down carries, converting six, including three runs of ten yards or more. That means that Elliott had an explosive run on a third of his fourth down attempts.

If you know that you’re going to be successful 71% of the time that you hand the ball to your running back in pressure-packed, must-convert situations, then you have an incredible advantage. That kind of dependability is what Weber must work towards for Ohio State to have a shot at the playoff this season — Warinner and Meyer must be able to trust Weber enough to convert third and short.

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OL Dave Foley (Official Thread)

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I just like this guy's retro pictures and some of his captions. Some of the younger guys on the board may not remember Dave Foley was part of the Bill's offensive line back in the mid 70s that was called the "Electric Company" because they turned on "The Juice". Dave is the 3rd guy from the left in the back row.
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Google Ohio State names 7 captains for 2016 football team - NBC4i.com

Ohio State names 7 captains for 2016 football team - NBC4i.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State names 7 captains for 2016 football team
NBC4i.com
COLUMBUS (WCMH)–Ohio State University football coach Urban Meyer has announced seven of his players will captain the Buckeyes this year. Ohio State's 2016 football captains. CREDIT: The Ohio State University. Meyer had already tapped junior ...

and more »


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LGHL Raekwon McMillan, Curtis Samuel, and Ohio State’s promise of everything and nothing

Raekwon McMillan, Curtis Samuel, and Ohio State’s promise of everything and nothing
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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Stocks are calculated risks at best, but we’re feeling bullish about these Buckeyes.

Frank Ocean’s Blonde is the culmination of over four years of patience, two (or more) titles, two standalone releases, and internet memes a plenty.

Nearly five years after the release of his six-time Grammy nominated debut Channel Orange, Ocean’s sophomore studio album had begun to take on characteristics of Dr. Dre’s lost-in-time Detox. The only party arguably thirstier for a second proper Frank Ocean release than his fans was the press. And after at least one false start and “a visual album” — a lo-fi demo on steroids with an hourlong accompanying music video of Ocean literally doing woodwork — a second album materialized. Finally.

A love letter to excess and minimalism alike, the duality of Ocean on a personal level is captured perfectly in Blonde. The LP reflects the lateralization of his brain function to perfection: creativity and pragmatism slow dance together as science and art coexist.

Listening to Blonde isn’t splitting an atom, but there’s something quick, fleeting, and overwhelming about the 60-minute experience. The album builds to a slow burn while you’re in it, yet feels almost abruptly instantaneous when it’s over. The record isn’t perfect, but there’s something undeniably sexy about the wedding of near limitless potential and time.

College football’s offseason is both short-lived and imperishable. There’s no longer offseason in sport, but somehow the final week feels even more unbearable than the seven months and change after the bowl game. It’s been 230 long days since college football of consequence was in our lives. In six even longer days, Ohio State will take the field.

These Buckeyes marry limitless potential with the kind of self-governing realism we attach to youth. Asking 18- to 22-year-olds to consistently do something a few weeks in a row can be difficult. Asking that same group to do it 15 times in a little over four months is practically impossible.

Is this incarnation of OSU football the rewarding payoff of two years of cultivation and development? Or will it be but a trailer of something greater still a year (or more) away?

We’re six days from beginning to be able to answer that, but probably months from knowing for sure. And then the process starts anew.

The four-month season is certain to feel too short as well as too long. And these Buckeyes are sure to toe the line between being capable of accomplishing anything and failing to realize that potential.

Nothing is promised in sports and life. But when it all comes together — whether foreseeable or not — little is sweeter. Especially when you’ve had to wait for it.


This marks the dawn of five years of our projecting/reviewing Ohio State through the lens of the stock market — sort of. That’s longer than the seemingly impossibly long wait for Blonde. Almost everything good in life takes time. And patience is paramount to some of the market’s highest yields.

Urban Meyer’s fifth group of Buckeyes is arguably his most talented, but also his rawest. If these Bucks are going to emulate the improbable rise of their predecessors from two seasons prior, the margin for error will be razor thin.

Can these Buckeyes endure the growing pains necessary to reach their full potential without forcing an abrupt recalibration of expectations leading to an even longer wait? We’re about to find out.

Blue chip stocks


Raekwon McMillan - McMillan’s commitment felt like the consummation of one of the earliest silos fired from Urban Meyer’s Ohio State industrial recruiting complex. Very seldom do players from the South make their way up north, particularly when their in-state school of rooting allegiance is nipping at their heels.

Besides giving Buckeye faithful a reason to celebrate in the middle of December 2013, McMillan’s arrival from Georgia as an early enrollee less than a month later started a process that saw him contribute as a true freshman during OSU’s improbable national championship run.

Last season as just a sophomore, what McMillan brought to the table was undeniable. On a defense loaded with future NFL Draft picks, McMillan shined bright, epitomizing the kind of modern era do-it-all linebacker elite Power 5 schools and NFL front offices both covet.

Now on virtually every defensive player watchlist in existence, McMillan looks to capitalize on being chosen a 2016 captain just days after the end of last season.

If you want to bet on one player on either side of the ball making a difference week in, week out, it’s No. 5 on defense.

Cameron Johnston - There’s something perfect about an Ohio State punter being the surest of sure bets. With the emphasis on special teams first established during the Jim Tressel era, Urban Meyer has taken OSU’s recent special teams love affair — from dishing out long snapper scholarship offers to flipping the field with authority every chance he gets — and continued to establish it as part of his teams’ identity.

Since coming over from the Australian Football League by way of Prokick Australia, the now 24-year-old’s been one of the steadiest parts of each OSU game since he first took the field in Ohio Stadium back in the fall of 2013.

After three seasons of high-level, rugby-style punting and already graduating from OSU, you wouldn’t have been faulted for expecting him to follow in the footsteps of former LSU specialist Brad Wing and turn pro. Instead, the Buckeyes are fortunate to trot out one of the best punters in the nation for one more year, and with him, an inherent special teams advantage.

Solid investments


Curtis Samuel: If there’s one player Ohio State coaches have talked up more than any other, it has to be the Brooklyn speedster. The latest in a long-ish line of “make sure you say he plays the Percy Harvin position” commitments under Meyer, Samuel has managed to show flashes of things to come during his two seasons in Columbus, but hasn’t really exploded in the offense the way many recruiting analysts projected he would.

With the skills to play running back, H-back, and wide receiver, 2016 has all the makings of the year the Ohio State offense embraces Samuel’s versatility for what it is.

And with a career average of 6.9 yards per carry on the ground and 14.8 per touch receiving, it’s easy to understand why the OSU offensive coaches are thrilled they’ll have a weapon in the mold of Samuel for at least one more season.

Junk bonds


The kicking game: Sean Nuernberger is one of our favorite players on the Ohio State football team. Any scholarship kicker with the audacity to make his Twitter handle @Sean4Heisman1 can’t be anything but likable.

Despite a national championship to his name, Nuernberger has struggled to find consistency during each of his first two years in scarlet and gray. Last season, Duke graduate transfer Jack Willoughby had every opportunity to take Nuernberger’s job from him due to the instability.

Though Nuernberger managed to regain a foothold on the gig by 2015’s end, few would feel particularly assured about kickoffs and field goal attempts alike heading into the fall.

If the German-born son of a former Olympian can discover his zen place while continuing to improve on his form, the sky’s the limit. If he doesn’t, you could see the Buckeyes go for it on fourth down more than any other time in recent memory.

Buy/Sell


Buy: Noah Brown — Expected to be the No. 2 wide receiver behind Michael Thomas a year ago, Brown is back after a broken leg robbed him of what was set to be his breakout season.

There’s a lot of reasons to feel optimistic that Brown can be J.T. Barrett’s most reliable target from September up through the postseason.

Sell: Tight end depth — Marcus Baugh reportedly showed up to camp out of shape after a brilliant spring.

With just true freshmen behind him, if Baugh can’t stay out of Urban Meyer’s doghouse, particularly given the inexperience at wide receiver, the narrative about the Buckeyes ignoring their tight ends might just have legs another season.

Buy: One of the young defensive backs breaking out — While it’s green as can be, there’s too much talent in the Buckeye secondary for someone not to be a household name by year’s end.

Whether it’s Malik Hooker, Erick Smith, Marshon Lattimore, or Damon Webb, you’re going to have a new favorite player by the holidays.

Sell: The increased schedule strength being all good — It’ll be fun not to be reminded over and over what a weak schedule Ohio State’s playing. It won’t be fun sweating taking an extremely young team on the road to face the defending Big 12 champion Oklahoma Sooners.

Throw in OSU’s most rigorous Big Ten slate in years and you’re staring down a slate of perpetual trap games.

The Buckeyes will be battled tested if they survive the gauntlet. That’s a mighty big if at this point, though.

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tBBC Sunday Morning Coffee: November 06, 1920

Sunday Morning Coffee: November 06, 1920
jcollingsworth
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


coff-150x150.jpeg

Gaylord Stinchcomb, the consensus All-American halfback for the Buckeyes, had just stepped from his dorms at the German House on West 11th. He stood momentarily looking toward the darkening sky as the threat of rain appeared imminent.

It was just a few days following the Presidential elections in which two Ohioans were the top of the two major party tickets – Senator Warren G. Harding and Governor James Cox. Harding won. That was news, of course, but the biggest issue was this was the first election that women were allowed to vote. It was all cause for celebration – so he had been told by his fiancé Anne Jane Summers, of whom he was now journeying over to North High Street and the Bowen House to visit.

On his way a few people, recognizing him, would nod and shout “Great game Pete!” He would nod in return and simply smile.

Gaylord was known among friends, and in the world of sports as ‘Pete’; never had it been a big deal – to be called Pete – it rolled so much better off the lips than Gaylord, or his given middle name of Roscoe. But as a child a neighbor back in Fostoria, Ohio would always call him Pete. She was an elderly widower who was often confused, so he never found a need to correct her. The mistake though picked up quickly with his friends, and then eventually among his siblings, and both Mother and Father, and in good humor, seemingly his name changed to Pete overnight.

At five foot and eight inches ‘Pete’ was not the striking mammoth athlete many had heard he was. What people were mistaking when their active interpretations imagined him to be bordering seven feet, was the descriptions they read of him in local news articles, was of his gifted activities on the football field. Thus ‘Pete’, when first met – in the human form – was just an average guy. But football was his gift, and he was far from an average guy once he stepped onto a football field.

Just the afternoon before, right down the street at Ohio Field, the Buckeyes had beaten the University of Michigan for the second year in a row. The stadium was easily beyond its capacity of 14,000. There were rumors that it bordered more of 16,000. The crowd was eager throughout the game, often distracting the Michigan quarterback John Dunn and his eventual replacement when he suffered a badly sprained ankle, Theodore Banks.

The game was hardly the explosive ‘theater’ that the papers predicted it would be. From the sounding gun there was little to no action, just a turning over the ball on downs to one another, until the half gun rang out. The score would be 0-0.

In the Buckeyes dressing room Coach Wilce lit into the Buckeyes – something so uncommon of him. His demeanor was often mild, academic-like. But ‘Pete’ noticed an intensity in Coach that afternoon, just as he felt a vibe from the enormous crowd, there was a ‘need’ to beat this Michigan team. The desire to ‘no-longer’ be their doormat was a governing reality. The team finally sensed this as well. Something special was being born in this match-up against that team up north.

The third quarter did not start so well. Michigan quickly scored a touchdown after receiving the opening kickoff, marching it seventy-one yards in eight plays. The point after was good. The Wolverines led 7-0.

But ‘Pete’ and the Buckeyes soon turned it around. Quarterback Harry Workman rounded the corner on an end-around and marched the ball for forty-seven yards to the Wolverines eight. It took two plays, but finally, ‘Pete’ plowed it in from outside the six for the score. The point after was good. The score was now tied 7-7.

Michigan’s replacement quarterback, Theodore Banks, had come in after John Dunn limped off the field following a vicious take down from the Buckeyes defensive tackle Dean Trott. Dunn lay, and squirmed for a few minutes before finally jumping up and limping badly to the sidelines. Banks was there to just hand off the ball to halfbacks Edward Usher and Frank Stekettee and fullback Viggo Nelson. That generally worked well – until a slip up in a hand off attempt to Nelson after Stekettee ran for twenty-nine yards to the Buckeyes twenty-seven and a first down. In the hand off attempt it hit Nelson in the hip, bouncing freely backwards, generating more attention than a bucket of gold would have. Dean Trott pounced on the ball as if it were in fact a bucket of gold.

‘Pete’ smiled as two elderly women passed him, nodding and smiling. It was polite he thought that they hadn’t said anything, though clearly they knew who he was – everyone in these parts of Columbus did. He was a star.

‘Pete’ continued making his way now onto North High Street. In that short moment before he approached the Bowen House where he’d be picking his fiancé up as they planned to head to the corner diner for breakfast, but most importantly, at least to ‘Pete’, a cup of coffee, he recalled the moment that won the game for the Buckeyes the day before.

After Trott’s fumble recovery the Buckeye’s offense went right to work. From their own twenty-seven, in three plays they got the ball to the Wolverines thirty-four. It was then when ‘Pete’ showed the crowd why he had been chosen as a consensus All-American. He took the pitch-out from Workman and scampered thirty-four yards, breaking four tackles on the way, for the go ahead TD. The point after would be good. The Buckeyes now led 14-7 – which would be the final.



“What took you so long?” Anne stood on the steps to the entrance of the Bowen House. She smiled as she made her way to the sidewalk. Anne’s glow was delightfully present, as it always was when she saw her future husband.

They embraced as if they hadn’t seen one another for weeks, when in fact it had only been hours. It was now nearing ten in the morning on Sunday, having stayed together until almost eleven in the evening as they and their friends celebrated the victory against Michigan the day before.

The Buckeyes were now 2-15-2 against the Wolverines. They looked forward to improving that record too. Many had even suggested that they put Michigan on their schedule twice within the year so that they could improve the record more rapidly. Of course, that wasn’t happening – but the mere suggestion certainly was cause, perhaps unbeknownst of all participants, to create a rivalry of Biblical proportions.

The post Sunday Morning Coffee: November 06, 1920 appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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