Former Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston has incredible 81-yard punt
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeye is making a case to make the Eagles 53-man roster.

The NFL preseason got underway (for real) on Thursday, and there were a lot of big plays by former Buckeyes in the first night’s slate of game. One of those highlights belongs to former Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston.

After being signed by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent, Johnston didn’t end up making the active roster and missed what would have been his rookie season. The team re-signed him right after their Super Bowl win in early-2018 and he’s been the sole punter on their roster throughout the offseason.

He made a pretty good case for keeping the job on Thursday against the Steelers, when he nailed an 81-yard punt heading into the fourth quarter. Yes, an 81-yard punt!

LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY:


Ultimately, a flag called back the kick, so it didn’t end up getting added to his stat sheet, but preseason games are less about the numbers and more about potential.

The Eagles’ head coach, Doug Pederson, had a lot of confidence in the Buckeye heading into the preseason, and his first performance has to give the staff a good feeling as they continue to develop his skills.

AN 81-YARD PUNT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

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Busload of Buckeyes stop at Katie's Korner for cool treat - Record-Courier
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Busload of Buckeyes stop at Katie's Korner for cool treat
Record-Courier
Buckeye balloons, an extra tent, a crowd of scarlet and gray were reading to greet the visitors as two members of The Ohio State University dance and cheer team bounded from the bus, along with Brutus, the ubiquitous buckeye-headed mascot that ...


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Top Buckeye 2020 targets – reshuffling the database - 247Sports
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Top Buckeye 2020 targets – reshuffling the database
247Sports
The Buckeyes have six verbal commitments from the class of 2020. The six are quarterback Jack Miller, running back Darvon Hubbard, offensive tackles Paris Johnson and Jake Wray, center/guard Luke Wypler and defensive back Lejond Cavazos. Those six ...


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With Urban Meyer on paid leave, Mickey Marotti still has the keys to Ohio State’s football program
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The annual “passing of the keys” from Marotti to Meyer was originally scheduled to take place at the team dinner before fall camp, a day after Meyer was placed on paid leave.

“Coach Mick is basically the head coach when Coach Meyer is on vacation or on the road recruiting. He works with everyone. He has a united front with coach Meyer as well, so there is a sense of continuity.”

Former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry on strength coach Mickey Marotti via Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group


After strength coach Mickey Marotti spends May, June, and July getting players ready for fall camp, Marotti “hands the keys” to Urban Meyer at a team dinner before camp, signifying the start of practices and games. With Urban Meyer’s paid leave starting a day before that tradition was supposed to take place, Marotti is still the engine that is driving Ohio State while Meyer is absent.

Technically offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day is serving as interim head coach while Meyer is on leave; Marotti is the one that is in charge. Day may be the face of the program while Ohio State gathers information and decides what to do with Meyer in the wake of former wide receiver coach Zach Smith’s domestic violence scandal, but Marotti is who has all the trust of Meyer and the players.

Meyer and Marotti have known each other since the mid-80s, and Marotti has been a part of Meyer’s coaching staff since 2005, which is why Marotti has so much of Meyer’s trust. This isn’t meant to take anything away from Day, but with how long Marotti has worked with Meyer, he knows exactly what Meyer expects from his players and coaches.

Even though there is nothing normal about the situation that Ohio State is going through right now, having Marotti on staff is at least providing the Buckeyes with a bit of normalcy when it comes to the beginning of fall camp. Marotti has been a part of enough of Meyer’s fall camps that he can run them as close to as how Meyer would. If Meyer does return to the team, the transition when Marotti hands him back the keys will be seamless.

“Nearly one full week into fall camp, numerous position battles continue to play out and with that, a lot of eyes are on the linebackers where Greg Schiano and Billy Davis look to replace two starters from last season while also finding a third to potentially fill in for Tuf Borland as he rehabilitates an Achilles injury suffered in spring drills.”

Chris Lauderback, Eleven Warriors


As if trying to replace departed starters on the defensive line and secondary weren’t enough, Ohio State will have to find at least two new starters at linebacker ahead of the upcoming, and possibly a third if Tuf Borland’s rehabilitation from an Achilles injury doesn’t go as planned. For many teams this might seem like a daunting task, but it should be made easier for the Buckeyes with the talent they have amassed on their roster.

The biggest task for the Ohio State linebacking corps is to find replacements for Jerome Baker and Chris Worley at outside linebacker. Malik Harrison looks like the most obvious replacement, especially after Harrison not only started against Michigan State, but he was also a part of Ohio State’s nickel package. The junior linebacker was on the field for nearly 500 plays last year, so a transition to a starting role shouldn’t take very long.

Keandre Jones seems like the favorite to secure the other outside starting linebacker position, but Pete Werner is stating his case to be considered for the starting role. Jones does have the edge in experience, so he’ll likely earn the spot, but Werner will likely see some time in the rotation.

Another option for Ohio State at outside linebacker is redshirt senior Dante Booker, who has seen high expectations upon his arrival in Columbus derailed by injuries throughout his career. If Booker is able to stay healthy, he’ll give the Buckeyes some much needed depth at linebacker.

It is possible that Borland suits up against Oregon State, but the smart thing for Ohio State to do is ease Borland back into the role following his offseason Achilles injury. In the time being, Baron Browning seems like the obvious choice to fill in for Borland. Once Borland is healthy, this could give Browning an opportunity to slide over to outside linebacker and expand Ohio State’s flexibility at the position.

Even though Ohio State’s linebackers don’t have much experience, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot of talent at the position. If the Buckeye linebackers don’t find their footing early, it could spell trouble, especially with games with TCU and Penn State early in the season. But if the new starters adjust to their roles early on, it could be another dominant season for the Ohio State defense.


Another linebacker who is stating his place for playing time this season is freshman Teradja Mitchell, who had his black stripe removed today. Mitchell is now the third freshman to see his black stripe removed this year. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai had his black stripe removed back in April, while fellow linebacker Dallas Gant had has black stripe removed on Wednesday.

Mitchell is the first Ohio State freshman that didn’t enroll early this year to have his black stripe removed. The linebacker needed just six practices to have his black stripe removed, falling just short of the five practices that transfer cornerback Kendall Sheffield needed in 2017 to see his black stripe removed.

The short amount of time it took Mitchell to have his black stripe removed should come as no surprise, as he came to Ohio State as the second ranked inside linebacker in the country. Coming out of high school, Mitchell has been compared to former Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan. If those comparisons come to fruition then Ohio State will have found themselves another star at linebacker.

STICK TO SPORTS

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Buckeyes rally from deficit, finish Spanish exhibition tour 3-0 - 247Sports
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Buckeyes rally from deficit, finish Spanish exhibition tour 3-0
247Sports
The Ohio State men's basketball team wrapped up its tour of Spain at 3-0 after a tight 68-66 win over the Catalan All-Stars in a game played in Barcelona. Coach Chris Holtmann's team will wrap their 11-day tour and travel home on Saturday. Here was the ...


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Ohio State men's basketball | Buckeyes close Spain trip undefeated - The Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio State men's basketball | Buckeyes close Spain trip undefeated
The Columbus Dispatch
In winning its first two games on its foreign exhibition trip to Spain in runaway fashion, Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann expressed his hope and belief that the final game of the trip would present a stiffer challenge. Today at Pavello Esportiu ...

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Ohio State football | Line depth allows Buckeyes to try Michael Jordan at center - The Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio State football | Line depth allows Buckeyes to try Michael Jordan at center
The Columbus Dispatch
Seeing Michael Jordan at center at Ohio State's football practice Tuesday was more affirmation than revelation. Word had been circulating for months that Jordan, a first team all-Big Ten left guard in 2017, would get a look at center during preseason camp.
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Two more Buckeyes lose their black stripes in fall camp - 247Sports
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Two more Buckeyes lose their black stripes in fall camp
247Sports
To be a member of the Ohio State football team is special. Players don't just become Buckeyes. They have to earn that right. Head coach Urban Meyer has a creative way of forcing players to prove they merit the right to officially be called Ohio State ...
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Buckeyes going for another 3-peat in TVC-Ohio - Vinton County Courier
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Buckeyes going for another 3-peat in TVC-Ohio
Vinton County Courier
Note: This story appears in the Wednesday, Aug. 8 newspaper on Page B1. In essence, the past two decades have been — sans a season here and there — all about the Buckeyes. Entering this season's Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division campaign, ...


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Ohio State's other head coach: Mickey Marotti's crucial role as Buckeyes navigate camp without Urban Meyer - cleveland.com
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Ohio State's other head coach: Mickey Marotti's crucial role as Buckeyes navigate camp without Urban Meyer
cleveland.com
Amid the university's investigation of Urban Meyer that has the Buckeyes' head coach on paid administrative leave, we've been wondering how exactly acting head coach Ryan Day is handling his new role, suddenly in charge of a program that ranks in the ...
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Looking at Which Buckeyes Could Be Directly Impacted by New NCAA Basketball Rules - Eleven Warriors
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Looking at Which Buckeyes Could Be Directly Impacted by New NCAA Basketball Rules
Eleven Warriors
Some of the rules have already gone into effect while others will go into effect a year from now. With the jury still out on whether or not these rule changes will be beneficial for college basketball, we decided to take a look at which three Buckeyes ...

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Ohio State Football: Opinions on Buckeyes' fortunes vary - Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State Football: Opinions on Buckeyes' fortunes vary
Scarlet and Game
Opinions vary on how good this year's Ohio State football team will be. A recent poll has the Buckeyes ranked No. 3, another Top 25 list has them at No. 9. Many are now wondering how the Ohio State football team will perform this season because of the ...
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Ohio State training camp: Don't rule out under-the-radar Buckeyes as factors - Lettermen Row
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Ohio State training camp: Don't rule out under-the-radar Buckeyes as factors
Lettermen Row
COLUMBUS — The sample size to evaluate at Ohio State could hardly be any smaller. But even just a couple open periods of training camp on Tuesday were enough to glean some new information about the Buckeyes. And since that's all anybody has had ...
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A trio of Ohio State players is considered among the best in college footballLand-Grant Holy Land

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Recent visit secures Ohio State among leaders for 2020 offensive tackle
Charles Doss via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Kansas native loved his time in Columbus.

The Ohio State Buckeyes football squad is already off to a rather fast start to their 2020 recruiting class, and from the looks of things, that momentum isn’t close to stopping anytime soon.

Among the leaders for a long list of solid prospects, four-star offensive tackle Turner Corcoran took to his Twitter page earlier this month to let fans know he too has the Buckeyes towards the top of his college recruitment.

Focusing on seven schools at the moment, OSU finds themself up against the likes of Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State for the 6-foot-6 280-pound Lawrence, Kan., native.


Taking time over the spring to check out what Ohio State has to offer, it was that trip to Columbus that helped secure the Buckeyes spot on Corcoran’s leader list.

“I visited Ohio State back on June 7 and it really gave me a good feel on what the program was like. The place had a home away from home feel to where I can see myself succeeding at. Also when I think of Ohio State I think of the success they’ve had in recent years and years past. They’ve got an unbelievable program and a great community surrounds the University.” Corcoran stated to Land-Grant Holy Land.

Though some recruits would probably cut their leader list again, Corcoran is taking some time to think over when he would like to shut down his recruitment.

“I would say that the next (step) would be a commitment whether it be after this season or signing day just depends on what I feel.”

Before he announces his commitment to a program, Corcoran, the 10th offensive tackle, and 95th overall offensive tackle in the entire junior class, according to the 247Sports Composite, has a few things he’s looking for on, and off the field.

“(I’m looking for) Just a place to call home, be with my teammates and having a fun and great community is huge too. Not many kids take that into consideration, but just something that I have a gut feeling on.”

Already holding pledges from three standout linemen, Jake Wray, Paris Johnson, and Luke Wypler, Corcoran could be the cherry on top for the Buckeyes haul of 2020 hogs up front. See for yourself with these highlights, courtesy of Hudl:

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Listen: Helwagen with latest on Meyer developments - 247Sports
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Listen: Helwagen with latest on Meyer developments
247Sports
Talented players come to the Buckeyes knowing how good they are but need to be reminded that they are now in a group of supremely talented players. One way Urban Meyer and his staff and done that is by placing a black stripe down the center of each ...

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Kurelic: Lining up for Michigan game; Georgia worries? And more - 247Sports
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Kurelic: Lining up for Michigan game; Georgia worries? And more
247Sports
Good evening Bucknuts subscribers! There is plenty going on with Ohio State football recruiting so let's get started! I will of course have plenty more throughout the night and tomorrow. 1) The Buckeyes offered a scholarship to Southlake (Texas ...
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Scarlet and Game -Land-Grant Holy Land
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Bucknuts Recruiting Radio: Bank talks recruiting in turmoil - 247Sports
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Bucknuts Recruiting Radio: Bank talks recruiting in turmoil
247Sports
The previous episode of BRR featured Lions247's Sean Fitz breaking down the recruiting battles between the Buckeyes and Penn State. This next episode features 247Sports' Bill "Bank" Greene breaking down the latest on Ohio State recruiting during the ...


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So are you guys still doing the draft version? I'm in a cap league and would join this one if it's that format.

Urban Meyer was hired as the Buckeyes' boss following the 2011 season, and Miller soon took his game to another level. - 247Sports
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Urban Meyer was hired as the Buckeyes' boss following the 2011 season, and Miller soon took his game to another level.
247Sports
As a sophomore in 2012, Miller threw for 2,039 yards and 15 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,271 yards and 13 touchdowns. The rushing yards are the most in school history by a quarterback, and the second-most ever by a Big Ten QB. Miller was named the ...


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Ohio State’s open practice gives insight into multiple position battles
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


We all know the names Haskins, Bosa, Dobbins, etc., but who are the under-the-radar guys who could make a difference?

“These are guys that haven’t necessarily received all that much buzz during spring camp or the offseason but look like they might potentially wind up playing key roles for the defending Big Ten champs.”


-Austin Ward, Lettermen Row

We haven’t been able to see much of Ohio State’s football practices yet this fall, but with the partial opening of Tuesday’s workout, we got a glimpse at just how much work certain Buckeyes have put in since the end of spring ball back in April.

We all know the bigger names of Dwayne Haskins, Nick Bosa, J.K. Dobbins, and the like, but Ward has a good look at some under-the-radar Buckeyes who— based on the small sampling— could be looking at an increased role this fall.

The first player that Ward highlights is sophomore linebacker Pete Werner. Bill Davis’ corp from last year was clearly the weak link in the otherwise stout OSU defense. However, expectations seem to be higher this year with the idea that Tuf Borland should be back sooner, rather than later, and a group of young guys ready to compete.

However, Ward notes that Werner received more reps than anticipated on Tuesday, and has the versatility to move around enough to play either inside or outside, depending on what defensive coordinators Greg Schiano and Alex Grinch need from him.

Ward also mentions freshmen Jaelen Gill (H-back) and Amir Riep (safety) as players who could have an unexpected impact on the season. While both are insanely talented athletes, they each have an uphill climb over more experienced players in order to see the field consistently. However, if the Buckeyes are able to burst out to sizable leads early in the season, getting both some minutes when games are in hand, could allow them to prove themselves enough to have their numbers called more often as the season moves on; but I wouldn’t expect them to contribute significantly when games are close, especially early in the season.

With the OSU offense seemingly changing it’s philosophy with the new “throw-first, dual-threat” quarterback in Haskins, how the offensive line is constituted will likely have to change this season as well.


Yesterday, we told you that Michael Jordan— normally a guard— got quite a few snaps at center during the open practice (more on this later). However, Ward also thinks that fifth-year senior Malcolm Pridgeon could factor into the discussion at guard, especially if Jordan shifts inside. Pridgeon will have to compete with a healthy Branden Bowen, Demetrius Knox, and a young Wyatt Davis to crack the starting lineup. But, at 6-foot-7, 310 pounds, Ward thinks that with his ever-improving skills, he has a shot.

“What I was most interested in on Tuesday was how the coaches ran things with Urban Meyer still on paid administrative leave pending the university’s ongoing investigation of the OSU head coach. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day is acting head coach, and I wanted to see how he handled that.”


-Bill Landis, cleveland.com

Aside from what could be gleaned from a short, scripted practice, OSU’s beat reporters were also interested in seeing how practice would be run without Urban Meyer in charge. Landis notes that interim head coach Ryan Day spent most of the practice with the offense, specifically quarterbacks, while the position coaches oversaw their individual units. Schiano, who doesn’t oversee a specific position this season, wandered amongst the D.

Landis also pointed out that it was strength coach Mickey Marotti who gave the pre-practice speech, rather than Day. With all due respect to the acting head ball coach, if I’m looking for somebody to pump up the team before a practice, Mick is the guy.

In other practice news, Landis wrote that he felt like Brady Taylor was still the team’s No. 1 center, but that Jordan taking snaps certainly raised some eyebrows. He said that by moving Jordan to center, that would give the Buckeyes the most experienced line possible, with Jordan, Knox, Bowen, and Isaiah Prince all having starting experience. He doesn’t think that that is the most likely option at this point, but it is an intriguing possibility when it comes to putting the most experienced group in front of a quarterback starting for the first time.

Another interesting note is that Landis noted that freshman QB Matthew Baldwin seemed to be 100 percent coming off of an ACL injury in late 2017. I would imagine that, if healthy, the plan will be for him to see some sort of action in four games this season, in order to preserve his redshirt. However, he is far more like Haskins than Tate Martell is, so, if the starter goes down at any point this season, you have to wonder if it would be easier on the offense to slide in a more traditional pocket-passer than the smaller, run-first Martell, and therefore having to focus on a new part of the playbook.


Look, I understand that these trips are about practice, education, and team-bonding, but man does it look like the basketball Buckeyes are having one heck of a vacation in Spain. Yes, they are undefeated. Yes, they are playing respectable competition. Yada yada yada, but Joey Lane is conducting post-game interviews, and the team is cruising the Mediterranean on a catamaran (see below).

Now mind you, I’m not mad about this; I’m jealous! In all seriousness, I think this is exactly what this particular team needs. With the unusual mix of young and/or unheralded players who will be asked to take on leadership roles this season, this trip could be the difference between 2018-19 being a bridge to next season’s top-flight recruiting class, or another entertaining performance by Chris Holtmann’s scrappy underdogs.

Either way, I think that what Holtmann is building has been—and will continue to be—very special for Buckeye fans for years to come.

In other Ohio State athletics news:

• The Buckeye men’s basketball team ventured into the Mediterranean Sea on a catamaran.
• OSU’s men’s lacrosse team introduces its 2018 Leadership Council.
• Ohio State women’s soccer team opens the season at No. 23 in the the preseason poll.

STICK TO SPORTS

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• Will at home fitness programs put gyms out of business?
• Swipe right! Tinder’s business will double to $800 million this year.
• Bryan Cranston will return to Broadway in a stage adaptation of the classic film “Network.”

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Buckeyes, Hartline battle Penn State for top Midwest WR - 247Sports
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Buckeyes, Hartline battle Penn State for top Midwest WR
247Sports
Want the latest scoops and news on the Buckeyes? Try our 7-DAY FREE TRIAL AND BECOME A BUCKNUTS SUBSCRIBER! Zach spoke with 105.7 The Zone on Friday, as well as doing an interview with ESPN, and stated that Ohio State knew of the 2015 ...
Let's not forget that Courtney Smith is the victim, not Buckeye footballLand-Grant Holy Land

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What did Urban Meyer know, and when? Some Buckeyes fans don't want the details - Chicago Sun-Times
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What did Urban Meyer know, and when? Some Buckeyes fans don't want the details
Chicago Sun-Times
Crass, oafish stupidity was on display in Columbus, Ohio, earlier this week. Or maybe you can think of better words to describe the male fan who stood outside Ohio State's football stadium and, at a rally in support of the Buckeyes' embattled head ...
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Dallas Gant has black stripe removed - 247Sports
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Dallas Gant has black stripe removed
247Sports
It's a right of passage at Ohio State. Talented players come to the Buckeyes knowing how good they are but need to be reminded that they are now in a group of supremely talented players. One way Urban Meyer and his staff and done that is by placing a ...
Toledo Linebacker Dallas Gant Second Buckeye to Lose Black StripeThe Ozone

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Let’s not forget that Courtney Smith is the victim, not Buckeye football
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


It’s about an entire system that failed a victim of domestic violence.

There’s an old saying that states there are three sides to every story: 1) his side 2) her side and 3) the truth. But in the Zach Smith-Urban Meyer situation, it feels like there are infinite stories, infinite “truths,” and infinite reasons to care.

I’m here to tell you that, unequivocally, there is only one question that all of Buckeye Nation and the rest of the country — football fan or not — should care about: Who failed Courtney Smith?

This isn’t an Urban Meyer question. This isn’t a question that in anyway would affect what happens on the football field in 2018. But this is the question that matters.


It is absolutely heart-breaking to consider what Courtney has been through.

Not only did she have to stand up to, and find the courage to leave, a man she’d spent years married to, but then she had to defend herself against one of the biggest college institutions in the country and their fan base. Not to mention having to deal with everything that comes with the family’s legacy — a family tree that ultimately still includes her children with this man.

Talk about standing up strong against all odds.

Whether Urban Meyer did or did not report the incident, supported the wrong person, or mishandled the information, at the bottom line this is all about a woman who deserved help and didn’t get it from those that she should have been able to count on — including police, the alleged abuser’s place of employment, colleagues, friends and family. She stood alone, and she seemingly continues to do so as she makes an effort to protect her children.

The buck starts and stop with Zach Smith. If he weren’t an allegedly abusive husband, this wouldn’t have been a thing to begin with. And while Smith denied getting arrested or charged for domestic violence in a weird interview with ESPN last Friday, he acknowledged eight altercations between he and Courtney.


With multiple visits from police and a clear pattern of altercations, there seems to be a long list of people who could have stepped in, even before it got back to Urban Meyer, but it appears that none of them did, for whatever reason.

As Richard Johnson of SB Nation pointed out:


There are almost an infinite number of “what ifs” involved in this situation, and a lot of them avoid Meyer’s desk altogether.

But none of those actually occurred, and things did escalate to the point that Meyer became aware of it.

If what Meyer said in his letter released on Friday is true, then he did what was contractually (if not morally) obligated to do, and reported Smith’s alleged abuse. From there, we assume that the information was given to Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, although he was never named in the letter.

We have a little less than two weeks to continue to ponder all of this as the investigation is underway, but the mobs for and against Meyer’s firing are growing in numbers by the day. Both sides should agree to a cease-fire immediately.

Because this is not about Urban Meyer.

This is about a woman who was allegedly being abused for almost a decade and is now being dragged through the mud by football fans with no real stake in her future. They are hoisting words and statements so sharp that they could have a serious and damaging emotional toll; all towards a woman who has already been through more than her fair share.

We won’t know who to blame, or what the outcome of this will ultimately be until the investigation wraps up, if then. But until that time, the victim-blaming and media-shaming must end.

While everyone is narrowly-focused on Urban Meyer and his future with Ohio State, the true focus should be on fully understanding who and what failed Courtney, in order to hopefully prevent it from happening again to anyone else.

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BH: Trail negativity | Saunders going big - 247Sports
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BH: Trail negativity | Saunders going big
247Sports
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Michael Jordan's Potential Move To Center Is About Putting Ohio State's Five Best Offensive Linemen On The FieldEleven Warriors
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