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LGHL Numerous standout recruits made the trek to Ohio State on Thursday

Numerous standout recruits made the trek to Ohio State on Thursday
Charles Doss
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


DaDBCMHWsAECesX.0.jpg

The Buckeyes played host to a solid list of prospects yesterday.

Did you miss out on what took place in the world of Ohio State Buckeyes recruiting on Thursday? Don’t worry, that’s why Land-Grant Holy Land is here.

4-star WR visits OSU


Nearly all spring long, Urban Meyer and the rest of the Ohio State football coaching staff have been trying not to just get the current Buckeyes ready for the upcoming season, but have also been busy playing host to a long list of prospects from across the country.

On Thursday, one of the prospects who made the trip to Columbus to spend time with Meyer and crew on campus was class of 2019 four-star wide receiver Trey Knox of Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.


Columbus, Ohio

— Trey Knox Snag Crew CEO (@Fbu1Tk) April 5, 2018

A former high school teammate of current OSU true freshman running back Master Teague, Knox once again got the opportunity to not only mingle with the coaching staff, but also more of a personal view at what it would be like to be a student athlete for the Buckeyes.

One of the most sought after wide receiver recruits on the market, Knox, who finished his junior campaign with over 650 yards and five touchdowns, is ranked at the moment as the No. 29 wide receiver, and 174th overall prospect in the talent rich class of 2019, according to the latest 247Sports Composite.

Locking in around 20 scholarships so far, Knox will have a hard time ahead of him when it comes to making his pledge to a program. While some believe he could follow his friend, Master Teague, to Columbus, Clemson, Florida, Louisville, Ole Miss, and his home state Tennessee Volunteers are just a few of the schools trying their hardest to make sure that doesn’t happen.

From Florida to Columbus


Trey Knox wasn’t the only four-star wide receiver to make it to the Ohio State campus on Thursday. Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL) playmaker John Dunmore also made the trek to Columbus to get more familiar with what the Buckeyes are working with.


They Like To Talk Alot, But We Mute ‍♂️’s #Zone6 ⭕pic.twitter.com/ZBQnbw4A9o

— Jdsunn__ (@JohnDunmore2) April 5, 2018

Making it to the OSU campus for the first time, Dunmore, who played at American Heritage High School last season before transferring, might be a hard recruit to pluck away from the south.

With offers on the table from most of the heavy hitters, the Buckeyes will more than likely have their work cut out for them to land a pledge from the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder. Michigan; Arkansas; Auburn; Georgia; and Florida State, where some around the recruiting scene have him pegged to continue his dreams to the NFL, are just a few of the programs currently trying to add the former University of Florida verbal commit to their future roster.

A couple things are playing in the Buckeyes favor though, as Dunmore is building a solid bond with wide receiver coach Zach Smith, and current OSU standout Binjimen Victor, a fellow Sunshine State native.

Will those relationships be enough to sway Dunmore to relocate to the Midwest? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

2019 LB makes it back to Campus


For the first time since October, and fresh off visiting with the team up north, and Notre Dame, Virginia five-star inside linebacker Brandon Smith finally made it back to Columbus for an unofficial visit to the Ohio State University campus.


#GoBucks

— Brandon Smith (@brand0n_smith12) April 5, 2018

Once thought as a Buckeye lean early on in the process, programs such as Florida State, and Penn State, where he plans to visit soon, have made his recruitment interesting.

Earning his chance to wear the Scarlet and Gray last summer while on a visit to campus, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Smith stated the following to Land-Grant Holy Land on what the offer from the Buckeyes meant to him, and his recruitment.

“Coach Davis extended the offer during my visit yesterday. I have been talking with Coach Davis since he visited my school. I am very excited and honored to get the offer. It definitely means a lot and it’s a special offer that I am thankful for. I think of rich football tradition [when I think of OSU football].”

After he racked up nearly 120 total tackles and six quarterback sacks as a junior last season for Louisa County, see why so many programs are hoping Smith signs on the dotted line with their program with these highlights, courtesy of the team at Hudl:

Quick Hits

  • Chris Holtmann and Ohio State assistant coach Ryan Pedon made the trek to Glens Falls, NY to meetup with 2019 three-star guard Joseph Girard on Thursday. Blowing up on the scene over the last few months, Duke, Michigan, Oklahoma and Syracuse are just a few of the schools that join the Buckeyes on the hunt for the standout soon-to-be senior.
  • Per Corey Evans of Rivals, Ohio State we’re also among the programs to check in on Bettendorf High (IA) four-star rated point guard D.J. Carton yesterday. A 6-foot-1, 180-pound class of 2019 prospect, Carton currently holds a scholarship from not just OSU, but also from the likes of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Marquette.

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Google Ohio State hosting five-star prospects Brandon Smith and Faatui Tuitele on Friday: Buckeyes...

Ohio State hosting five-star prospects Brandon Smith and Faatui Tuitele on Friday: Buckeyes football recruiting - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State hosting five-star prospects Brandon Smith and Faatui Tuitele on Friday: Buckeyes football recruiting
cleveland.com
Ohio State hosting five-star prospects Brandon Smith and Faatui Tuitele on Friday: Buckeyes football recruiting. Updated April 5, 2018 at 5:43 PM ; Posted April 5, 2018 at 5:42 PM. Five-star linebacker Brandon Smith from Virginia is visiting Ohio State ...
Buckeyes expected to ink Meyer to extensionThe News Center
Buckeyes extend Meyer, gets $1.2M raisewww.brproud.com
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer up for two-year extensionDayton Daily News
CBSSports.com -10TV -Bleacher Report
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Google Silver Bullets Podcast: Buckeyes a 'Next Man Up' Team - The Ozone

Silver Bullets Podcast: Buckeyes a 'Next Man Up' Team - The Ozone
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Silver Bullets Podcast: Buckeyes a 'Next Man Up' Team
The Ozone
Shannon Sommers and Chip Minnich get together to talk a little Ohio State Buckeyes football. Topics include the quarterback battle currently unfolding in Columbus, the linebackers and all of the movement going on between them, and Shannon asks Chip if ...


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Google Minnesota Duluth ousts Buckeyes - Ironton Tribune

Minnesota Duluth ousts Buckeyes - Ironton Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Minnesota Duluth ousts Buckeyes
Ironton Tribune
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Louie Roehl and Jared Thomas scored in the first 3:04 and Minnesota Duluth held off Ohio State 2-1 on Thursday night to reach the NCAA championship game for the second straight year. Hunter Shepard made 19 saves for the Bulldogs ...

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Google Bad start dooms Buckeyes in Frozen Four - The-review

Bad start dooms Buckeyes in Frozen Four - The-review
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Bad start dooms Buckeyes in Frozen Four
The-review
But instead, the Buckeyes repeated history. Making the Frozen Four for just the second time, the Buckeyes saw Minnesota-Duluth jump to a two-goal just 3:04 into their semifinal at the Xcel Energy Center. The Bulldogs, with a pugnacious defense, made ...
Sylvania native Myer embracing Buckeyes' Frozen Four chanceToledo Blade
Minnesota Duluth beats Ohio State 2-1 in NCAA semifinalsESPN
As the Frozen Four awaits, Buckeyes' Matthew Weis remains just as valuable off the ice as onThe Athletic
Grand Forks Herald
all 184 news articles »


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Google Minnesota Duluth beats Ohio State 2-1 in NCAA semifinals - ESPN

Minnesota Duluth beats Ohio State 2-1 in NCAA semifinals - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Minnesota Duluth beats Ohio State 2-1 in NCAA semifinals
ESPN
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Louie Roehl and Jared Thomas scored in the first 3:04 and Minnesota Duluth held off Ohio State 2-1 on Thursday night to reach the NCAA championship game for the second straight year. Hunter Shepard made 19 saves for the Bulldogs (24 ...
After failing in Fargo, Buckeyes have unfinished business with ...West Central Tribune
Buckeyes Can't Overcome Early Goals and Fall to Duluth in NCAA SemifinalEleven Warriors
Minnesota-Duluth moves to finalSioux City Journal

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Google Buckeyes CB Denzel Ward making pre-draft visit to Bills - Buffalo News

Buckeyes CB Denzel Ward making pre-draft visit to Bills - Buffalo News
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Buckeyes CB Denzel Ward making pre-draft visit to Bills
Buffalo News
Former Ohio State standout Denzel Ward, widely viewed as the best cornerback in this year's NFL Draft, is scheduled to make a pre-draft visit to the Buffalo Bills, according to a report by NFL.com. Ward has already visited the Chicago Bears and San ...


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LGHL Ohio State falls down early and loses to Minnesota-Duluth, 2-1, in Frozen Four

Ohio State falls down early and loses to Minnesota-Duluth, 2-1, in Frozen Four
Matt Torino
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Bulldogs scored two goals early in the first and held off the Buckeyes for the rest of the game.

That feeling of flying high after the 5-1 win over Denver evaporated pretty quickly on Thursday night as Minnesota-Duluth scored twice within the first 3:04 to go up early on Ohio State, and they didn’t need to score another to hold off the Buckeyes, 2-1, in Thursday night’s Frozen Four matchup in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Buckeyes just looked outclassed most of the night, quite frankly. Duluth scored twice within the first three minutes, with the second coming on a breakaway, and that was that. Ohio State couldn’t generate any offense through the night and were getting stymied in the neutral zone on rush after rush.

When they dumped the puck in, UMD beat them to the puck. Duluth skated more crisply, didn’t miss nearly as many open passes and aside from a weird Tanner Laczynski third period goal, kept Ohio State from getting almost any high danger chances.

Louie Roehl scored the first for Duluth, at just 1:53 and it looked like Ohio State would really be in for a fight. Then they scored again at 3:04 of a breakaway for Jared Thomas and it looked like it was a dicey situation.

What really nailed this one down for Duluth was not allowing Ohio State to generate anything at even strength. They outshot one of the four top seeds in this tournament 17-4 in the first period. Ohio State needed to rebound after that disastrous start and not only did they not rebound, they were lucky they weren’t down by four or five at the first intermission.

The Buckeyes outshot Duluth 16-11 over the final two periods, but they were, for the most part, from the outside or on relatively harmless opportunities. Minnesota goalie Hunter Shepard was making stops but he wasn’t exactly stopping breakaways out there. There was the random loose puck or crossbar shot from Matt Miller, or stop on an odd man rush—but they were few and too far between for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State had three full power play opportunities in the second and third period, and did convert once, on a Tanner Laczynski goal on the power play in the third, but even that was only because of broken sticks and Minnesota’s defense legitimately thinking the puck was out of the zone.

Mason Jobst was by far Ohio State’s most effective skater on the ice tonight. Ohio State’s offense was at its most effective (though still not very effective) when Jobst freelanced on his own. Laczynski started to do the same toward the end, but Duluth upped the pressure and even that was stopped.

UMD’s speed really took Ohio State’s size, which they’d used to great advantage against Denver and Princeton, out of the game. Dakota Joshua was a game wrecking presence against Denver but when he can’t catch up to the Bulldog with the puck, there’s only so much his size can do. He did what he could in front of the net, but when Ohio State’s most effective power play maneuver was a saucer pass to a guy backing down in front of the net, there was only so much opportunity.

After the Laczynski goal at 9:27 of the third, Duluth re-upped the pressure and Ohio State finally had run out of answers. You wouldn’t have thought they were the team desperate for a goal in the ten minutes. Duluth kept them off the puck and pretty much out of their defensive end. The announcers stopped saying what OSU could do for a goal and started talking about what they needed to do just to get the puck into the Minnesota-Duluth defensive end. That’s how well they played defensively.

Ohio State didn’t play well tonight, but all the credit for that has to go to Minnesota-Duluth. Ohio State doesn’t have the elite, high end talent to compete with a team that can skate like that while not making mistakes. Laczynski and Jobst did what they could, but they’re not Connor McDavid and Taylor Hall out there. They’re both possible NHLers but they’re not winning you a title on their own.

Romeo kept Ohio State in the game, saving 26 out of 28 and allowing nothing after the first 3:04 of the game. But those first two goals were momentum killers and allowed UMD to sit back and disrupt anything through the neutral zone. Ohio State couldn’t outskate them and just didn’t have the offensive talent to come back against a team like that.

And so it goes. Laczynski may turn pro and Jobst possibly will as well. But most of the Buckeyes will be back next year and with some underclassmen development, there’s no reason this team can’t come back here next year for revenge.

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Google After failing in Fargo, Buckeyes have unfinished business with ... - West Central Tribune

After failing in Fargo, Buckeyes have unfinished business with ... - West Central Tribune
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After failing in Fargo, Buckeyes have unfinished business with ...
West Central Tribune
ST. PAUL — Making their first NCAA tournament appearance in eight years, Ohio State was poised to pull a major upset last year in Fargo. The fourth-seeded Buckeyes had rallied in the third period from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime against Minnesota ...
UMD beats Ohio State 2-1 in NCAA semifinalsKARE11.com
Minnesota Duluth beats Ohio State 2-1 in NCAA semifinalsABC6OnYourSide.com

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Google Bulldogs use big inning to top Buckeyes, 6-2 - Athens Messenger

Bulldogs use big inning to top Buckeyes, 6-2 - Athens Messenger
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Bulldogs use big inning to top Buckeyes, 6-2
Athens Messenger
Locked into a tie game, the Athens Bulldogs had the right part of the lineup coming up against Nelsonville-York ace Shakim Williams. The Bulldogs had their No. 2, 3 and 4 hitters due up in the bottom of the sixth inning, locked into a 2-2 game at ...


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Google Ohio State recruiting: Buckeyes' visitor list includes multiple 5-star recruits - Landof10.com

Ohio State recruiting: Buckeyes' visitor list includes multiple 5-star recruits - Landof10.com
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Ohio State recruiting: Buckeyes' visitor list includes multiple 5-star recruits
Landof10.com
Solomon recently committed to Miami over offers from Michigan and other programs and was not a serious candidate to play for the Buckeyes. Davis remains on the board, but I think he's behind a few other cornerbacks at this point. So, about the visitors ...
Ohio State hosting five-star prospects Brandon Smith and Faatui Tuitele on Friday: Buckeyes football recruitingcleveland.com

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Google Ohio State investigating sexual misconduct allegations against former wrestling team doctor...

Ohio State investigating sexual misconduct allegations against former wrestling team doctor - ESPN
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Ohio State investigating sexual misconduct allegations against former wrestling team doctor
ESPN
Ohio State has opened an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against a former physician for the wrestling team, the school announced Thursday. Dr. Richard Strauss has been accused of misconduct that extends from the mid-1970s through ...

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LGHL Ohio State men’s hockey takes on Minnesota-Duluth tonight in the Frozen Four

Ohio State men’s hockey takes on Minnesota-Duluth tonight in the Frozen Four
Brett Ludwiczak
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes will be looking to reach their first national title game in school history

“A lot of people overlooked us, even though we are a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. We go up against a team like Denver, who is highly touted. But to put up five on them and only give up one, I think that’s unbelievable. It says a lot about our team. I think moving forward, teams are going to have to worry about us, not the other way around.”

-Ohio State men’s hockey forward Tanner Laczynski via Cameron Thompson, The Lantern


Ohio State will be competing in their first Frozen Four since 1998 tonight, as they’ll be taking on Minnesota-Duluth. The winner will move on to face the winner of the second semifinal later tonight between Michigan and Notre Dame.


A major reason why Ohio State has been able to advance all the way to the Frozen Four is because of the many doubters out there, who didn’t give the Buckeyes much of a chance when the brackets were announced. Ohio State has used the doubts as motivation, and are playing some of their best hockey of the season at the perfect time.

Ohio State will have a bit of revenge on their mind as well, after Minnesota-Duluth sent the Buckeyes home in last year’s NCAA Tournament, beating Ohio State 3-2 in the first round. A win over the Bulldogs tonight would give Ohio State their first appearance in the national title game in school history.

Head coach Steve Rohlik is trying to keep his team loose for tonight’s game, and telling the Buckeyes to control their emotions and play their game. Defeating Minnesota-Duluth won’t be easy though, as the Bulldogs have five underclassmen who represented the United States in the World Junior Hockey Championship. At least if there is a team with the confidence to topple such a tough foe, it is the Buckeyes.

“I played with this injury senior year of high school, my junior year of high school, and my freshman year at Ohio State. I’m kind of interested to see if there will be a change in performance now that I’m getting back to being fully healthy.”

-Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah via Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch


It’s scary to think that cornerback Jeffrey Okudah could even be better on the football field this year. After dealing with a shoulder injury over the past three years, in January, Okudah had surgery to repair a torn labrum. The surgery has limited the sophomore to individual drills during spring practice, but there is no question big things are on the horizon for Okudah.

New cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson hasn’t been able to work with the Buckeye yet since taking over for Kerry Coombs, but Johnson is impressed with what he has seen on tape from Okudah. Between the CB’s intelligence and physical skills, Johnson is excited to be able to get to work with Okudah once he is healthy.

While Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield are returning starters at cornerback for Ohio State, Okudah figures to be in the mix heading into fall camp. The Buckeyes have used a cornerback rotation over the past few years, and with talents like Okudah sitting behind the starters, there’s no reason to think the Buckeyes won’t be able to utilize the same practice that became popular under former CB coach Kerry Coombs.

“There’s no set three-rotation now. We’re not set in stone with that yet... It hasn’t been that rotation just set in stone for the spring.”

-Ohio State cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson via Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts


During Kerry Coombs’ time at Ohio State as cornerbacks coach, the Buckeyes flourished by using a rotation at the position. With the talent Ohio State has been able to amass in the defensive backfield, corners like Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore, and Denzel Ward have all been able to make a name for themselves in the Ohio State cornerback rotation.

While Coombs joined Mike Vrabel’s staff with the Tennessee Titans, Ohio State brought back a familiar face to fill Coombs’ place. Taver Johnson was a part of Jim Tressel’s staff from 2007-11 before making stops at three different schools over the past six seasons.

Johnson is hoping to utilize Coombs’ strategy of rotating CBs, but the practice will depend on if the players step up to earn those spots. As of now, Johnson hasn’t started using the cornerback rotation in practice, but he knows the talent is there to make it successful.

Starters Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield return this year, while talented corners Jeffrey Okudah, Marcus Williamson, and Shaun Wade are others who could demand more playing time with their play. Once Okudah is back on the field, Johnson’s rotation vision should start to take shape.

“Injuries are tough. It’s not only a physical battle, but I would say mostly mental. I’ve been blessed to have a lot of the guys behind me, who are some of my best friends, always pushing me through to never let me feel sorry for myself. It’s tough, but you get through it.”

-Ohio State linebacker Justin Hilliard via Tim Bielik, Northeast Ohio Media Group


So far, Justin Hilliard’s time at Ohio State has been marred by injuries. The Cincinnati native was a part of Ohio State’s 2015 recruiting class, but since then, the linebacker has suffered two torn biceps and a torn meniscus. Hilliard was able to play for the Buckeyes in 2017, but most of the action he saw was as part of the special teams unit.

This spring marks the first time during his time in Columbus that Hilliard hasn’t been recovering from an injury. The Buckeyes are going to need Hilliard to stay healthy this offseason with the loss of Tuf Borland to an Achilles injury. While Borland should be healthy for the start of the regular season, his absence has allowed for Hilliard to take first-team reps this spring.

Ohio State is going to need Hilliard at full strength this year even when Borland is back, especially with the losses of Chris Worley and Jerome Baker to the NFL. Hilliard knows he still has plenty to prove, and he is working to put himself in position to make people remember why he was the top-rated recruit in Ohio State’s 2015 recruiting class.

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Google On the Beat: 'Roamer' role on Ohio State coaching staff perfect fit for Greg Schiano -...

On the Beat: 'Roamer' role on Ohio State coaching staff perfect fit for Greg Schiano - Landof10.com
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On the Beat: 'Roamer' role on Ohio State coaching staff perfect fit for Greg Schiano
Landof10.com
That, too, might be underselling Schiano's role as he returns for a third season with the Buckeyes and a new, big-picture role overseeing the defense. Schiano was already a coordinator for Ohio State, but he previously was responsible for the safeties ...

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Google Urban Meyer up for two-year contract extension - 10TV

Urban Meyer up for two-year contract extension - 10TV
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Urban Meyer up for two-year contract extension
10TV
Ohio State University head football coach Urban Meyer is expected to receive a two-year contract extension pending approval by the University Board of Trustees. The Athletic Department says a committee approved the extension which Meyer would remain ...
Ohio State football: Urban Meyer's contract extension makes him top-paid coach in Big TenLandof10.com
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer up for two-year extensionDayton Daily News
Ohio State, coach Urban Meyer reach agreement on contract extension through 2022 seasonCBSSports.com
Fox 28 -OSU - The Lantern
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Google Offensive line 'reload' is key for Buckeyes to make title run - 247Sports

Offensive line 'reload' is key for Buckeyes to make title run - 247Sports
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Offensive line 'reload' is key for Buckeyes to make title run
247Sports
Listen to any clip of Urban Meyer talking to the media this off-season and his focus is primarily on one area. It's not at quarterback, where three young players are fighting to replace a school and conference legend. It's not at linebacker, where two ...

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Is the NIT obsolete?

They really underachieved with all the talent they had. Couldn't get any big wins other than OSU and had some bad losses which kept them out of the NCAAs.

This goes to prove that if the NIT was not obsolete before this year it certainly is now.

Re: Penn State beat Utah to win the 2018 NIT championship.

Yeah, (just sayin') the NIT win makes Penn State the 69th best team in the country.......:boogie:
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MotS&G What If Former Michigan And Ohio State Players Joined Forces To Make Their Own NFL Team?

What If Former Michigan And Ohio State Players Joined Forces To Make Their Own NFL Team?
Billy George
via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


What has 19 national championships, ten Heisman trophy winners, 80 Big Ten titles, bitter hatred yet mutual respect, and 1,841 total wins? That, my friend, is the Ohio State-Michigan college football rivalry, which has produced a ton of NFL talent. In fact, as of the 2017-2018 season, 33 former Michigan Wolverines players and 42 former Ohio State players were on NFL rosters. Well, what would happen if all 75 of those players joined forces and created their own NFL team? Let’s find out, shall we? Without further ado, below I have constructed the best two-deep roster possible for former participants in ‘The Game’

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Cardale Jones

The Game features Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time under center. Brady is widely recognized as being one of the most clutch quarterbacks of all time and has a ton of accolades to back that up, being a five-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, and thirteen-time Pro Bowler etc.

Behind him is Cardale Jones who has proven throughout his career that he is a reliable backup.

Running back: Ezekiel Elliott, Carlos Hyde

At running back, The Game features two former Ohio State stars in Ezekiel Elliott and Carlos Hyde. Despite the fact that Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was suspended for the first six games of the year, he and Hyde rushed for a combined 157.1 rushing yards per game in 2017. To put that in perspective, the Jacksonville Jaguarsled the NFL in 2017 with 140.2 rushing yards per game as an entire TEAM!

Wide Receiver: Michael Thomas, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn Jr, Jalin Marshall, and Braxton Miller

In Michael Thomas, The Game has arguably the NFL’s best possession receiver who was sixth in the league with 1,245 receiving yards. It also has big-bodied Devin Funchess (840 receiving yards) and speedster Tedd Ginn Jr. (787 receiving yards) – both of which present big problems for secondaries.

Tight End: Nick Vannett, Jeff Heuerman

Although Nick Vannett and Jeff Heuerman provide solid blocking and are legit receiving threats, their 21 combined receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns last season weren’t all that impressive. However, you better believe that those numbers would increase with Tom Brady under center.

Offensive Tackle: Taylor Lewan, Taylor Decker, Darryl Baldwin, Chase Farris, Erik Magnuson

Led by rookie Pro-Bowl Selection Taylor Lewan, The Game has a respectable set of offensive tackles. Taylor Decker started in all 16 games as a rookie in 2016, but due to him undergoing shoulder surgery had to sit out for 2017. Nevertheless, the talent’s still there.

Offensive Guard: Andrew Norwell, Kyle Kalis, Patrick Omameh, Ben Braden

Anchored by All-Pro guard Andrew Norwell and an ultra-reliable Patrick Omameh, who started in all 13 games he saw action in last year, The Games guards aren’t so shabby. Kyle Kalis would make a solid option, too.

Center: Pat Elflein, Corey Linsley,

Pat Elflein started in every game of his rookie season for the Vikings, making the 2017 PFWA All-Rookie Team. Ironically, three years earlier, Corey Linsley made the PFWA All-Rookie Team as well and is the proven leader for the Packers up front.

Defensive End: Joey Bosa, Cameron Heyward, Brandon Graham, Frank Clark

I don’t know if there’s a rivalry in all of college football that has produced a better collection of defensive ends than ‘The Game’. Highlighted by pro-bowlers Joey Bosa and Cameron Heyward, the combination of those two and Michigan alumn Brandon Graham and Frank Clark recorded a combined total of 194 tackles and 44 sacks last year.

To put that in perspective, only four out of the 32 NFL TEAMS AS A WHOLE produced more sacks in the 2017-2018 season!

Defensive Tackle: Adolphus Washington, Michael Bennett, Ryan Glasgow, Willie Henry

Defensive tackle is by far the weakest of all positions for The Game. Adolphus Washington, Michael Bennett, Ryan Glasgow, and Willie Henry started in just 15 games combined in the 2017-2018 season.

But you better believe that with four stud defensive ends, the two that weren’t starting at their normal position could fill that void.

Linebacker: Ryan Shazier, Darron Lee, John Simon, Joshua Perry, Raekwon McMillan, Curtis Grant

Despite Ryan Shazier’s late-season injury, he is included on this list because he played throughout the entire regular season, having a solid, 89-tackle season, and putting up similar numbers to fellow Ohio State alumn Darren Lee. John Simon and Raekwon McMillan would also provide respectable skillsets at that position.

Safety: Malcolm Jenkins, Malik Hooker, Vonn Bell, Kurt Coleman

With veterans, Malcolm Jenkins and Kurt Coleman coupled with younger rising stars like Malik Hooker and Vonn Bell, The Game has a pretty good group of safeties. Ohio State has become defensive back-U over the last decade or so.

Cornerback: Marshon Lattimore, Bradley Roby, Doran Grant, Gareon Conley, Eli Apple, Channing Stribling, Jourdan Lewis, Jeremy Clark

Having two cornerbacks like Marshon Lattimore and Bradley Roby on your roster would be an NFL coach’s dream come true. Veteran Bradley Roby could teach a younger and arguably more talented Lattimore a lot, and Lattimore – who led all rookies in interceptions – could put some wide receivers in check.

The verdict:

I imagine that with Tom Brady, Ezekiel Elliott and Carlos Hyde, the stable of wide receivers, the dominance on the defensive line, and all of the play-makers in the secondary, not only would The Game win in dominant fashion versus most teams in the NFL, it would produce a team that could easily win the Super Bowl.

The NFL talent produced by The Game is by far the best of any and every other rivalry, which further iterates the fact that there’s no better rivalry in college football.


sDMLfIegWeA


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Google Hilliard looking to make impact at LB for Buckeyes - Morrow County Sentinel

Hilliard looking to make impact at LB for Buckeyes - Morrow County Sentinel
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Hilliard looking to make impact at LB for Buckeyes
Morrow County Sentinel
Ohio State linebacker Justin Hilliard (left) celebrates along with Ohio Statewide receiver Austin Mack as they make a big tackle on the kickoff return of USC's Velus Jones Jr. during the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium Dec. 29, 2017 ...


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Google Five remaining questions for the Ohio State defense - 247Sports

Five remaining questions for the Ohio State defense - 247Sports
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Five remaining questions for the Ohio State defense
247Sports
Although it seems like it only started last week, Ohio State's spring practice is quickly coming to an end. The Buckeyes held their 10th of 15 allowed practices on Wednesday that will conclude with the annual spring game on April 14. Despite being ...


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Google Ohio State coach Urban Meyer up for two-year extension - Dayton Daily News

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer up for two-year extension - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State coach Urban Meyer up for two-year extension
Dayton Daily News
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl against the USC Trojans in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ...
Ohio State, coach Urban Meyer reach agreement on contract extension through 2022 seasonCBSSports.com
Urban Meyer up for two-year contract extension with Ohio StateFox 28
Ohio State's Urban Meyer will make $7.6 million this season after receiving raiseUSA TODAY
Bleacher Report -The Ozone
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LGHL Urban Meyer’s 2-year contract extension with Ohio State has been approved

Urban Meyer’s 2-year contract extension with Ohio State has been approved
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeye head coach will be staying in Columbus for at least another five years.

We knew a few months ago that Urban Meyer and Ohio State were working on a contract extension for the football head coach, and it looks like terms were finally agreed upon. The university’s Board of Trustees Talent and Compensation Committee has approved an extension for Meyer that will keep him as the program’s head coach through Jan. 31, 2023.

As part of the deal, Meyer will receive a raise of roughly $1.2 million, for a total salary of $7.6 million for the 2018 season — making him the highest paid coach in the Big Ten and third highest-paid nationally. The coach’s 2017 guaranteed salary was $5.7 million, plus incentives.

Meyer had noted during the time between the Early Signing Period in late-December and the official National Signing Day in February that his intention was to stay in Columbus for awhile longer, and that he was working with the university on an extension. Normally coaches aren’t so forthcoming with that kind of information, but a coach’s commitment to a team has been an increasingly important part of recruiting; especially as rivals begin to go negative.

You might remember that certain coaches— cough Dabo cough— were reportedly telling mutual recruits that Meyer was likely at the tail-end of his coaching career. Those rumors should be laid to rest now that Meyer is locked into leading Ohio State through the next few years.

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Google Ohio State podcast: Buckeyes doing well with several defensive backs - Landof10.com

Ohio State podcast: Buckeyes doing well with several defensive backs - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State podcast: Buckeyes doing well with several defensive backs
Landof10.com
The Buckeyes will need to replace departing defensive backs Denzel Ward and Damon Webb in 2018, but they're already hitting the ground running for key targets in the 2019 recruiting class. Land of 10 file photo. Kyle Lamb · @kylamb8. Posted 1 min ago ...

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Google Ohio State's Thayer Munford blossoming into larger role; latest on 5-star DE Zach...

Ohio State's Thayer Munford blossoming into larger role; latest on 5-star DE Zach Harrison's recruitment - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's Thayer Munford blossoming into larger role; latest on 5-star DE Zach Harrison's recruitment
Landof10.com
Ohio State football is the No. 1 topic in Wake Up most days — but we cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball ...

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