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LGHL Billy Price’s consistency has allowed Ohio State to find its best balance in years

Billy Price’s consistency has allowed Ohio State to find its best balance in years
Matt Tamanini
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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Chris Holtmann is trying to buy your affection with fried chicken!

“He cares not because the story is particularly important, but because in Billy Price's life, nothing is trivial, nothing is overlooked, nothing slides.”

- Doug Lesmerises, cleveland.com


With all of the accomplishments that senior Billy Price has, and will have, under his belt by the time that his Ohio State playing career concludes at season’s end, perhaps the one that has had the biggest impact on his team is his school record of starting 51 games in his career; a number that could get as high as 56 if everything breaks the Buckeyes’ way.

Whether it was at guard, or now at center, the consistency that Price has afford the offensive line, as well as the leadership that he has provided his younger linemates, has allowed the team to settle into as good of an offensive balance as they’ve had in his time on the field.


Chances are Carries and Targets. The 2017 Buckeyes have relied less on the QB to carry the ball this year than either of the three previous seasons. pic.twitter.com/1SUvaOSXqt

— Neal Watson, CFP (@NealWatson) November 15, 2017

If you take a look at this chart from everyone’s favorite certified financial planner (that’s what the CFP stands for, not College Football Playoff), you will see that the number of QB runs (designed or otherwise) that the Buckeyes have relied on this year is the lowest in Price’s time on the line, and the split between running back, H-back, tight end, and wide receiver is as balanced as it’s been.

These are the things that Urban Meyer is referencing when he talks about how having a mature and experienced offensive line can pay huge dividends in all aspects of the offensive gameplan. While it hasn’t happened all at once, and likely not as quickly as many had hoped, the Buckeyes are at the point now where they seem to have found the proper workload for backs Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins, as well as quarterback J.T. Barrett.

If they are able to recreate the balance and “chances” that led to the demolishing of Michigan State last weekend over the next three weeks, the Buckeyes should be able to put themselves in position to sneak their way back into the College Football Playoff, should a number of teams falter above them.


ATTENTION ALL OSU STUDENTS: Hurry up and get to @Raising_Canes on High St! Coach @ChrisHoltmann will be buying student lunches until 12:40pm

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) November 15, 2017

Look, let’s call this what it is. New Buckeye men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann is trying to buy the attention and affection of the normally football-obsessed Ohio State student body, especially before all focus turns to Michigan Week. And if I were still a student at OSU, it would totally work on me.

As I discussed with 97.1 The Fan’s Lori Schmidt on the Hangout in the Holy Land podcast, Holtmann is actively attempting to find ways to connect with OSU fans and his program’s history.

And, if that includes buying some delicious fast food fried chicken for some poor, hungry college students, what’s the harm in that? Well, of course that assumes that the poor hungry college students are not also scholarship athletes, as that would get into a gray area that we would need compliance to weigh in on first.


Can he buy a football player lunch too or is that a violation? Asking for a friend https://t.co/8H9dppXQmG

— Jamarco Jones (@jjones_74) November 15, 2017

The Last Lace Up: JAMARCOOOOOOO JONESSSSS!!!! Salute to this guy @jjones_74 in his final game in #TheShoe! It’s been a absolute pleasure watching you grow as a man and a Buckeye! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/EWZVNOBlJN

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 15, 2017

This Saturday’s matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini will mark the final game for this year’s Buckeyes at The Horseshoe, and with Senior Day comes all of the requisite emotions about ending one chapter of a young man’s life and beginning another.

Though we like to think of our college football players as warriors who only show emotion when it comes to running someone over, the nostalgic memories of camaraderie shared over the years can be overwhelming for even the most grizzled of athletes. That is why the fact that OSU is playing Illinois in its final home game of the season should (and I emphasize “should”) allow the Buckeyes time to settle into the game after the sentimental pregame ceremony.

Of course, don’t tell Lovie Smith and his crew that, but the Buckeyes are fortunate that with less than zero margin for error, that they are hosting the Illini, rather than the Spartans or Wolverines on Senior Day.

“Although it’s not two top 10-ranked opponents coming to Columbus as over the past weekend, the next stretch of games for the Ohio State women’s basketball team will be another significant test.”

- Josh Horton, The Columbus Dispatch


If you hadn’t heard, over the weekend, the No. 9 Ohio State women’s basketball team knocked off No. 14 Stanford and fell to No. 5 Louisville in overtime to start the 2017-2018 season. Kevin McGuff’s squad is looking to make it to the Final Four, which will be held at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena this spring, and while the challenges might not be as significant this week as they were last, the Buckeyes are in for a grueling three games in five days at the Value City Arena.

Facing off against Idaho on Wednesday, Quinnipiac on Friday, and Washington (McGuff’s old school) on Sunday will very much recreate the intensity and turn around that OSU will need to make a run in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

While Horton explains that postseason preparedness was not the purpose of scheduling the games as they are, no doubt that these early season challenges should provide McGuff’s team opportunities to test themselves early on in a potentially historic season.

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Google College Hockey News: Buckeyes Goaltender Transition Smooth So Far - College Hockey News

College Hockey News: Buckeyes Goaltender Transition Smooth So Far - College Hockey News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


College Hockey News: Buckeyes Goaltender Transition Smooth So Far
College Hockey News
Whatever voodoo Romeo uses, from his particular phone habits to general OCD and keeping to himself on gamedays, has been working. The goaltender transfer has started 11 of 12 games for the Buckeyes, helping Ohio State to five wins this young season.


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LGHL Just how good was Ohio State’s defense against Michigan State?

Just how good was Ohio State’s defense against Michigan State?
Ian Hartitz
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 defense dominated on all three levels against Sparty.

Ohio State’s beat down of Michigan State was the most complete performance the defense has put on all season. The fact it came without starters Jerome Baker and Dante Booker was even more surprising. Some notes from the Buckeyes’ 48-3 win:

  • Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke averaged a miserable 3.6 yards per pass attempt, by far his worst performance of the season. After allowing a plethora of big plays throughout the opening weeks of the season, the Silver Bullets didn’t allow a single completion over 20 yards last week.
  • L.J. Scott gave the Buckeyes fits in 2016, totaling 236 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage. His first run went for 20 yards last Saturday, but he gained just 10 yards on his remaining seven carries as the Spartans couldn’t establish a rushing attack all game.
  • Felton Davis III had racked up a 45-586-8 line going into Saturday, and left with the exact same statistics. Denzel Ward was attacked early and often (more on that in a bit), but stayed strong and managed to help take the Spartans’ best receiver completely out of the game.

Michigan State’s inability to either run or pass resulted in their fewest points since getting blanked by Alabama in 2015. The Buckeyes defense displayed plenty of speed and talent at all three levels Saturday, with more than a few players making numerous stand-out plays. Let’s take a look at some of the best highlights from the Buckeyes’ win.

Nick Bosa didn’t come to take part, he came to take over.


Part of the reason why Michigan State was able to play so many close games over the years was their ability to somewhat neutralize Joey Bosa. Jack Conklin, 2016’s No. 8 overall pick and now the starting right tackle for the Tennessee Titans, handled Bosa better than just about any other tackle in the country. Unfortunately for Michigan State, Conklin didn’t have a brother entering the program to pick up the slack.

Ohio State has been lucky enough to replace one game-wrecking Bosa with another, and Nick’s presence was felt from the first drive of the game:


It didn’t take long for Michigan State to realize they needed to at least chip Bosa on a play-by-play basis, and leaving any of the Buckeyes’ other defensive ends alone is a death sentence. When the Buckeyes are able to force the quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly, it naturally decreases the amount of time the defensive backs need to stay in coverage. Ohio State did a great job staying sticky in coverage and managed to make the Spartan passing game a living hell all over the field.

Denzel Ward made a serious case as Ohio State’s next first-round defensive back.


Michigan State wasn’t the first team to make a point of picking on Ward this season. Not that anyone had been overly successful, but it seemed as though opposing offenses weren’t nearly as afraid of the Buckeyes’ latest-stud corner as they had been in recent years. Well, Ward quickly closed the book on the idea that he was a part of the secondary worth attacking:


Ward’s viciousness in tackling is complemented by game-changing speed that helps him always have a chance to make a play on the ball. The Buckeyes were determined not to let the Spartan tight ends have success in the same manner of Iowa, and Ward, along with Kendall Sheffield, Damon Webb, Damon Arnette, and Jordan Fuller, all teamed up to make that goal a reality. It’s been an up-and-down season for the back end of the Buckeyes defense, but they demonstrated just how good they could be when everything is going right last Saturday.

The Buckeyes front seven completely eliminated the Spartans rushing game.


Ohio State’s defensive line has been the most-consistent unit all season, but their performance Saturday was only rivaled by how well they played during the second half of the Penn State game. The Spartans tried all the tricks in the book to put their over-matched offensive line in a position to succeed. Draws, misdirection, option looks: Nothing worked against this front.

Linebackers Tuf Borland and Malik Harrison filled in admirably beside Chris Worley. With the Buckeyes linemen causing plenty of disruption and garnering loads of attention, it was up to the linebackers to finish the play and fill their gaps. Other than the aforementioned first run of the game, they were able to consistently shut down Sparty:


It wasn’t uncommon to see a swarm of scarlet jerseys around the football at the end of any given play. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard, but Michigan State found out what it’s like to deal with talent that does work hard.


The Buckeyes quest for Indianapolis remains very much in reach, but they can’t be looking ahead against a Fighting Illini team that will undoubtedly be prepared under head coach Lovie Smith.

The final: 48-3, Ohio State

Defensive player of the game: Tuf Borland (11 tackles, 8 solo, 2 TFLs, 1 sack)

Defensive play of the game: Damon Arnette interception.

Next Victim: Illinois. Keep it classy, Columbus.

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Google Future Buckeye D-tackle Antwuan Jackson receives big honor - 247Sports

Future Buckeye D-tackle Antwuan Jackson receives big honor - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Future Buckeye D-tackle Antwuan Jackson receives big honor
247Sports
Coming out of high school Jackson had a Buckeye offer and was a big Ohio State target. However, the Buckeyes finished second to Auburn. Jackson spent one year at Auburn before transferring to Blinn College. The 6-foot-2 and 302 pound Jackson ...


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2017 Ticket Prices

Apparently the "bad weather" forecast is driving down ticket prices for the Illinois game:

444 SEAT HAS TICKETS FOR SATURDAY'S SENIOR DAY AGAINST ILLINOIS FOR JUST $43 – WELL BELOW FACE VALUE

Saturday marks Senior Day at Ohio Stadium, an opportunity to send J.T. Barrett, Jamarco Jones, Billy Price and the rest of the Buckeyes out in style as they play their final game in Ohio Stadium. It will be an emotional day and Illinois is very bad at football, so there's that, too.

Luckily, 444 SEAT, the Official Travel and Hospitality Partner of Eleven Warriors, has seats for 3:30 p.m. kickoff with Illinois starting at just $43 – well below face value. Tailgate and hospitality packages for the game are sold out, but you can still grab a ticket, head to any of the hundreds of tailgates around the Shoe and salute the gentlemen who have given so much to this football program.

Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/spon...st-illinois-for-just-43-well-below-face-value

Actually the forecast is getting a little better, i.e. no snow, etc.; The Weather Channel now has 70% chance of rain with a high of 56°.
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LGHL The future is bright for freshman receiver Ricky Smalling despite Illinois’ losing season

The future is bright for freshman receiver Ricky Smalling despite Illinois’ losing season
Kyle Sumner McKinnon
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 Fighting Illini have a star in the making on their hands.

There hasn’t been much for Illinois to celebrate this year.

The Fighting Illini own a 2-8 record and haven’t won a game since Week 2, back in September. They’ve yet to beat a Big Ten team and are headed towards their sixth straight losing season.

For all their shortcomings, Illinois can take solace in the young talent currently on their roster.

Before they got injured, freshmen running backs Ra'Von Bonner and Mike Epstein were tearing it up on the field, combining for eight total touchdowns. Freshman tight end Louis Dorsey has also led the way on offense, tallying 18 receptions, 332 yards and three touchdowns.

But the biggest threat Ohio State should be on the lookout for on Saturday is wide receiver Ricky Smalling.

A Chicago native, Smalling has grown into a legit playmaker for coach Lovie Smith and Co. He’s compiled 28 catches for 488 yards and a pair of scores despite being virtually nonexistent the first two weeks of the season.

Here’s how Smalling has fared as a true freshman.


Considering he’s only a first-year, playing for talent-devoid Illinois no less, that’s not a bad way to start off a college football career.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Smalling has had success outmuscling defenders to gain separation. He isn’t the most refined receiver, but his soft hands and ability to make plays after the catch are why No. 4 is one of the better freshmen in the Big Ten.

In a losing effort to Rutgers last month, Smalling racked up 111 receiving yards and a touchdown on just five receptions.


With two games to go before the regular season ends, Smalling leads all Illinois pass-catchers in receptions and receiving yards, and is second in average yards per reception and receiving touchdowns.

He’s third among all eligible FBS freshmen in average yards per reception.

Once Smalling gets more talent around him on offense, let alone a competent quarterback, watch out. You’ll see him produce like he did against Minnesota with frequency, when he caught eight passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.


A third win doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Illinois. But the final score isn’t of much concern to the Fighting Illini at this point.

Building a steady, sustainable program is what Smith and his staff are focused on. And it’s players like Smalling that represent the first steps in that process. He’s a difference-maker at receiver and will play an important role in whatever future success his team has.

Keep an eye out for Smalling on Saturday when Illinois takes the field in Columbus. You’ll be seeing a lot more of him down the road.

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Google BH: Five for fighting? | Baker goods - 247Sports

BH: Five for fighting? | Baker goods - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BH: Five for fighting? | Baker goods
247Sports
The Buckeyes attempted to add a fifth member to the class but were unable to close any targets before the initial signing period. Could they add a fifth recruit before the final spring period? "We do have one more spot," a source close to the program said.


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Google Highly coveted 4-star defensive tackle to visit Ohio State this weekend - Land-Grant Holy Land

Highly coveted 4-star defensive tackle to visit Ohio State this weekend - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Highly coveted 4-star defensive tackle to visit Ohio State this weekend
Land-Grant Holy Land
There's only one more home game left in the 2017 season for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The time just flies by when you're having fun. Anyway, Urban Meyer has already had his weekly press conference, and we are now at the midway point of the workweek.

and more »


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LGHL Ohio State alumnus Evan Turner appreciates Blake Shelton being named People Magazine’s...

Ohio State alumnus Evan Turner appreciates Blake Shelton being named People Magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
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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In a move that surprised many, Turner couldn’t help but troll the Shelton selection.

Every year People Magazine releases their Sexiest Man Alive honor, with past winners including the swoon-worthy George Clooney, Brad Pitt and The Rock. In a bit of a surprising move this year, the magazine chose “The Voice” judge and country crooner Blake Shelton to represent sexy men everywhere.

This decision has received quite a bit of push back. From those arguing he’s a racist, to those who just don’t think he’s that attractive, Shelton has to be one of the more controversial choices for the completely subjective distinction.

One guy who isn’t mad, though: former Buckeye baller Evan Turner.


I️ heard my dude Blake Shelton won People Magazine’s “Sexiest man Alive.” Way to hold It down for all the 7s out there. We appreciate you ✊ ✊

— Evan Turner (@thekidet) November 13, 2017

Hey, 7’s need love too!

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Google Jack Looks Back: Buckeyes faced Fighting Illini in Cleveland during World War II - The...

Jack Looks Back: Buckeyes faced Fighting Illini in Cleveland during World War II - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Jack Looks Back: Buckeyes faced Fighting Illini in Cleveland during World War II
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State has played Illinois more times that any Big Ten opponent except Michigan. Saturday's home finale will be the 103rd with the Fighting Illini, while next week's contest at Ann Arbor will be the Buckeyes' 114th against the Wolverines. Ohio ...

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Google BM5: The 'awfully' good edition - 247Sports

BM5: The 'awfully' good edition - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: The 'awfully' good edition
247Sports
If Ohio State wins out, will the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff? * Ben's thoughts on J.T. Barrett, who will be playing his final game in Ohio Stadium this Saturday. All of that and much more in a 21-minute edition of the Wednesday extravaganza.

and more »


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LGHL Ohio State's run game is the story, but Binjimen Victor and the WRs can't be ignored

Ohio State's run game is the story, but Binjimen Victor and the WRs can't be ignored
Chuck McKeever
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 sophomore Buckeye WR has all the tools to dominate.

The commentators couldn't help themselves: the word they used most often to describe the Ohio State football team during Saturday's 48-3 rout of Michigan State was angry.

Truly, the Buckeyes had every right to be angry, a week removed from the most embarrassing loss of the Urban Meyer era in Columbus. They didn't just lose to Iowa on one or two bad calls or fluky plays; they got absolutely trounced. So they returned to Columbus angry, and the visiting Spartans got both barrels.

The bulk of that anger worked itself out in the run game. Mike Weber had arguably his best day as a Buckeye, finding the end zone twice, including at the end of an 82-yard bat-out-of-hell scamper, while J.K. Dobbins had his face taken off the proverbial milk carton and went for 144 all-purpose yards. It felt so good, so righteous, to watch the Buckeyes dominate by returning to the power run game for the first time in forever.

But the sound lashing the Buckeyes gave the Spartans showed itself off in the passing game, too. And one of the players that shone the brightest in the air last weekend also looks an awful lot like the future of the wide receiver position at Ohio State.

The stats


Name: Binjimen Victor

Number: 9

Position: WR

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 6'4, 195 lbs.

Line: 20 receptions, 310 yards, 5 TDs

If you were building an NFL-caliber receiver from scratch, you could do a lot worse than Binjimen Victor. Coming in at 6'4 and just under 200 lbs., Victor is a matchup nightmare for defensive backs at any level.

While he barely made an impact as a freshman, last year's Ohio State offense was operating during J.T. Barrett's nadir as a passer. Barrett is back to destroying worlds in 2017, and Victor has been there to help him do it—he's the third-most-targeted player on the team, with 20 catches going for 15.5 per and five scores on the year. It's not as though he's just picking on the hapless, either; watch this clip of Victor handling a defender on what was, until recently, regarded as a pretty fearsome secondary.


From the body control, to fighting off contact, making the catch, and breaking the tackle- just a ridiculously special play from Ben Victor pic.twitter.com/ra96R1pZVZ

— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) November 11, 2017
Opposition research


There's no reason to think Victor's trajectory won't continue against Illinois this Saturday. The Illini have just the 90th-ranked pass defense in the country, which is a real problem—the Buckeyes have a whole stable of guys they can throw to. (It actually gets uglier for Lovie Smith's squad in the run game, where they come in at just 113th nationally by S&P+. They're now facing down a Buckeye rushing attack that ate Michigan State alive last weekend. Yeesh.)

There are a few Illini defensive players to keep an eye on, especially as it pertains to their attempts to stop J.T. Barrett's receiving corps. Sophomore safety Patrick Nelson is a force when playing close to the line of scrimmage, and while he's struggled in open field coverage, his 6'2, 210-lb. frame makes him the Illini's best shot at a physical matchup with Victor. A rotating cast of DBs that combines veteran leadership (like Jaylen Dunlap) with raw young talent (Nate Hobbs, Bennett Williams) means that Illinois isn't short of options to throw at the Buckeye offense, but their results have been mixed this season, to put it generously.

What to watch for


Like the Iowa defense that so bedeviled the Buckeyes, the Illini—despite their many struggles—are one of the best teams in the country at containing explosive plays. So we might not see Mike Weber rip off another 80-plus yard dash in this one. But by getting back to basics, Ohio State showed it can dominate with or without the occasional huge play. The steady, chain-moving version of this team that forces opponents to respect both dimensions of the offense is the best version; barring some catastrophic collapse, that domination should continue on Saturday. The Buckeyes still have the second-most efficient offense in college football.

The most likely scenario is that the Buckeyes continue roughly the same game plan against the Illini that worked so well against the Spartans: a heavy dose of the power run, with enough short-to-mid-range passes to keep players like Patrick Nelson honest. (Given the secondary's struggles in 2017, they'll probably chance a few more deep throws like in the Victor video above.) Look for Dwayne Haskins, Antonio Williams, and a few more bench standouts to pad their season stats in the second half of this one.

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Google Buckeyes' bounce-back creates interesting questions, starting with: 'What if?' - ESPN (blog)

Buckeyes' bounce-back creates interesting questions, starting with: 'What if?' - ESPN (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes' bounce-back creates interesting questions, starting with: 'What if?'
ESPN (blog)
That's where they stuck the Buckeyes in this week's ranking, making Auburn and Notre Dame the only two-loss teams ranked higher. It's tough to think about a team that was drubbed by the solid yet far from spectacular Iowa Hawkeyes as a College Football ...
Nike's LeBron James Ohio State Buckeyes T-shirt has 'M' crossed outCincinnati.com
Ohio State Buckeyes 2017: Probably no playoff, definitely no Roses -- Bill Livingston (photos)cleveland.com
Ohio State recruiting: Noah Potter sees Buckeyes again; new offers in PennsylvaniaLandof10.com
The Columbus Dispatch -247Sports
all 211 news articles »


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Google Ohio State football podcast: Playoff committee dislikes Big 12; oh, Buckeyes have game...

Ohio State football podcast: Playoff committee dislikes Big 12; oh, Buckeyes have game Saturday - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football podcast: Playoff committee dislikes Big 12; oh, Buckeyes have game Saturday
Landof10.com
Also discussed on the show Wednesday is the lack of excitement for previewing the Buckeyes' Saturday matchup with Illinois, whether Ohio State will continue to achieve optimal balance between pass or run, and a Big Ten showdown between Michigan and ...
Buckeyes ranked 9th in latest College Football Playoff pollNBC4i.com
Buckeyes up to No. 9 in third Playoff rankingsWaiting For Next Year
Ohio State football | Buckeyes move up to No. 9 in playoff rankingsThe Columbus Dispatch
Dayton Daily News -247Sports -Land-Grant Holy Land
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Google Ohio State's Billy Price cares so much, he almost gave it all up, then became a Buckeye...

Ohio State's Billy Price cares so much, he almost gave it all up, then became a Buckeye legend - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's Billy Price cares so much, he almost gave it all up, then became a Buckeye legend
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The 312-pound man has commandeered the private room at the campus Panera Bread, because Billy Price wouldn't have it any other way. This is the right place for an interview. He's concerned the classical background music may prove ...


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LGHL 20 Ohio State alumni added to 2018 NFL Pro Bowl ballot

20 Ohio State alumni added to 2018 NFL Pro Bowl ballot
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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Two Buckeye rookies and a couple questionable additions could make the final rosters.

The NFL season is in Week 11, and the 2018 Pro Bowl ballot has been released and is now open for fan voting. Among some of the best players in the league, 20 former Ohio State stars were included on the ballot. There’s a large contingency of Buckeyes playing at the next level, and nearly half were at least acknowledged as options for the all-star game.

Of the 20, more than a handful are quite the stretch -- including one Buckeye who hasn’t even played in 2017 — but there are quite a few who could make the final roster. Granted, even those that are named to the 2018 Pro Bowl might not play depending on how playoff runs pan out, but it’s still an honor to get the roster spot.

You can VOTE for your favorite Buckeyes now through Dec. 14th.

Check out some noteworthy inclusions and the full list below:

Two Buckeye rookies


After seeing another impressive number of Buckeyes make their way to the NFL early in 2017, many went on to meet and/or exceed expectations. The two to have found the most established and prolonged success are Pat Elflein and Marshon Lattimore. Both made the Pro Bowl ballot in their first year in the league, and deservedly so.

The Vikings haven’t exactly had consistency at quarterback as of late, but center Pat Elflein is doing wonders in creating a cohesive offensive line. The Buckeye rookie hasn’t missed a single offensive snap during the 2017 regular season, which is not a stat that many players can (or will ever) tout.

Although he missed a couple games this season, Saints’ CB Marshon Lattimore is already in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year. (Sound a little familiar? A la Bosa in 2016?) Through eight games played, he’s already claimed 36 total tackles (31 solo), 8 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions (including a 27-yard Pick-6) and a forced fumble. His coverage skills now speak for themselves, and quarterbacks are trying to avoid the Buckeye -- except for Jameis Winston that one time, and things got interesting.

Several rookies have been plagued by lingering injuries that would eventually sideline them for the remainder of the year, including: Raekwon McMillan (ACL), Malik Hooker (ACL/MCL), Gareon Conley (shin), and most recently, Curtis Samuel (ankle).

Linebackers and receivers


Six of the 20 Buckeyes on the Pro Bowl ballot stem from two position groups: linebacker (Darron Lee, Ryan Shazier, John Simon) and wide receiver. (Ted Ginn Jr., Terrelle Pryor Sr., Michael Thomas).

For the linebackers, Darron Lee has taken hold of the starting ILB position for the New York Jets in his second-year in the league. So far this season he’s tallied 67 total tackles, eight pass breakups, two sacks and two forced fumbles.

The do-it-all LB for the Steelers, Ryan Shazier, is on his way to having a career year in 2017. Finally healthy, the Buckeye has terrorized offenses to the tune of 69 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

John Simon started the season as a bright spot for the Colts defense, but, as has been the luck with Buckeyes in Indianapolis, he suffered a neck stinger in Week 7 and has been a week-to-week decision ever since. Before his injury, Simon had 39 total tackles, 3.0 sacks and a Pick-6.

The Buckeyes have sent many wideouts to the NFL over the years, with one old and one young coming together on the Saints offense. Ted Ginn Jr. has found a late-career resurgence the past few seasons and it has continued that in New Orleans; he has 483 receiving yards and three touchdowns this year.

Michael Thomas, in only his second-year in the league, is already playing like a veteran, with 662 receiving yards and two scores thus far. He hasn’t made it into the endzone much this season, but he did record his first 100-plus yard game of 2017 in Week 10, and always finds a way to make a big play to extend the drive.

Things that make you go “Hmmm...”


Scrolling through the ballot, two names familiar to Buckeye Nation stood out in a rather surprising way. First was offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, Taylor Decker. Don’t get me wrong, Decker had a great rookie season in 2016, but he was injured before the 2017 season even started — requiring surgery — and was only activated off the PUP list last week. I’m sure he would have made the ballot had he suited up this season, but he didn’t. So his inclusion is a bit odd.

Perhaps even moreso than Decker being a head-scratcher, was Washington wideout Terrelle Pryor Sr. being named on the ballot. Coming off his sole 1,000-yard receiving season (in Cleveland, mind you), Pryor has yet to find the same success by the hands of Kirk Cousins. He’s been seemingly phased out of the offense over the past few weeks, and has only claimed 240 receiving yards through Week 11.


Make sure your favorite Buckeye gets a spot on the final roster and VOTE.

Here’s the full list of Buckeyes on the Pro Bowl ballot.

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Google Ohio State football: Buckeyes have path to College Football Playoff; committee impressed...

Ohio State football: Buckeyes have path to College Football Playoff; committee impressed with Michigan State win - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Buckeyes have path to College Football Playoff; committee impressed with Michigan State win
Landof10.com
Ohio State football is the No. 1 topic in Wake Up Sloopy every day — 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, ...
Buckeyes ranked 9th in latest College Football Playoff pollNBC4i.com
Ohio State football: Buckeyes move back into College Football Playoff top 10Dayton Daily News
Buckeyes move up to No. 9 in College Football Playoff rankings247Sports
The Columbus Dispatch -Land-Grant Holy Land -Eleven Warriors
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LGHL Highly coveted 4-star defensive tackle to visit Ohio State this weekend

Highly coveted 4-star defensive tackle to visit Ohio State this weekend
Geoff Hammersley
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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Friday is considered the No. 3 DT in the 2018 class.

There’s only one more home game left in the 2017 season for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The time just flies by when you’re having fun.

Anyway, Urban Meyer has already had his weekly press conference, and we are now at the midway point of the workweek. That means OSU football is, once again, happening in just a few days. With Illinois coming to town, the Buckeyes will be playing more than just host to the football team from Champaign; they’ll be playing host to one of the country's best defensive recruits.

Friday visits on a Saturday


Defensive tackle Tyler Friday (Ramsey, NJ/Don Bosco Prep) will be coming to town this week to visit Ohio State. Midmorning Tuesday, he made the announcement on Twitter.


OSU official visit this weekend ‼️ #GoBuckeyes

— Big Smooth (@almighty_ty5) November 14, 2017

Friday is a member of the 2018 recruiting class, and is one of the more highly sought DTs. According to the 247sports composite, the New Jersey native is considered the No. 3 prospect at his position, the No. 2 talent in the Garden State, and the No. 64 prospect in the entire class.

Since joining the Big Ten, the New York area has become not only a big TV market, but a recruiting destination. Recently, the Buckeyes have gone to NJ to find their next star; back in 2013, Eli Apple committed to Ohio State after being a star at Voorhees (NJ).

But if the Bucks are going to get Friday, they’ll have to wrestle him away from other top programs. Currently, Michigan is seen as the real candidate to land the stud DT. Looking at the 247sports Crystal Ball, four of the six predictions point to Ann Arbor being the place Friday spends his college days. However, the latest prediction (added on Nov. 7) has been submitted as “foggy.” Could the upcoming trip to Columbus be a reason for that prediction?

Schools like Alabama, Penn State, UCLA, and Miami (FL) have already made offers to Friday. In total, 20 schools have put in the offer in hopes of getting the Don Bosco Prep prospect.

What would a program be getting in Friday? Well, there are video highlights of him posted to Hudl—and he looks like the real deal.


We’ll see what all happens on this visit, and we’ll keep you posted if any more news breaks.

Wray transferring to new high school


Max Wray (Franklin, TN/Franklin) already signed his letter of intent to be a Buckeye, and will be an early enrollee come January. His brother, Jake Wray, a member of the 2020 class, is seen a possible candidate to become a Buckeye—but that possibility may have gotten just a little bit tougher to fathom.

An article by Barton Simmons of 247sports stated that Jake Wray would be transferring from Franklin high school at the end of the semester. The new landing spot for Jake will be just outside of Atlanta at Marietta HS.


2020 four-star OT Jake Wray is leaving the state of Tennessee to play at Marietta HS next semester. He joins three other Top100 prospects out of the 2020 class on that roster: https://t.co/n88jFyrnZ3

— Barton Simmons (@bartonsimmons) November 14, 2017

The younger Wray brother won’t be the only star on the new team. Already a few other top-100 prospects are on the Marietta squad, according to 247sports. In addition to Ohio State, SEC programs Alabama and Georgia have already made offers to Jake. Of those future teammates who hold top-100 status, two of them are projected to go to Georgia, while the other one has Florida as a favorite.

Right now, the 247sports Crystal Ball has five votes in for the younger Wray—and all of them support the idea of him going to Ohio State. But those predictions were cast before this change of high schools.

Quick hits


• It was mentioned yesterday that the Buckeyes could be picking up a four-star cornerback in Christian Tutt. However, that didn’t happen; it was the Auburn Tigers who came out victorious in the recruitment of Tutt.

• Former Buckeye basketball forward Derek Funderburk has committed to NC State. Funderburk, who was dismissed from OSU in June by Chris Holtmann, is currently at a junior college, and will be eligible to compete with the Wolfpack in the 2018-19 season.

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Google Buckeyes ranked 9th in latest College Football Playoff poll - NBC4i.com

Buckeyes ranked 9th in latest College Football Playoff poll - NBC4i.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes ranked 9th in latest College Football Playoff poll
NBC4i.com
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Mike Weber #25 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores on an 82-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie ...
Ohio State has chaos-free path to College Football Playoff after latest rankingsLandof10.com
Ohio State football: Buckeyes move back into College Football Playoff top 10Dayton Daily News
Buckeyes move up to No. 9 in College Football Playoff rankings247Sports
The Columbus Dispatch -Land-Grant Holy Land -Eleven Warriors
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Google Ohio State: Who should start at middle linebacker for Buckeyes now? - Landof10.com

Ohio State: Who should start at middle linebacker for Buckeyes now? - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State: Who should start at middle linebacker for Buckeyes now?
Landof10.com
All week long, our Land of 10 reporters following the Buckeyes will address pressing questions on the mind of the Ohio State fan base with our new daily feature. To ask Austin Ward a question, follow along on Twitter and pass along a topic right here.
Depth chart: Illinois - Co-starters at linebacker247Sports

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Google Watch: Barrett discusses his Buckeye career as the end nears - 247Sports

Watch: Barrett discusses his Buckeye career as the end nears - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Barrett discusses his Buckeye career as the end nears
247Sports
While Barrett's Ohio State career will not come to an end on Saturday -- the Buckeyes still have plenty to play for in 2017, including getting the quarterback a fourth consecutive win over rivals Michigan the following week -- the home slate does conclude.

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