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LGHL Ohio State releases hype trailer for Maryland

Ohio State releases hype trailer for Maryland
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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Going into homecoming weekend, this week’s trailer has a theme of: earn respect, be feared.

Once again, the creative minds behind the Ohio State hype videos have released their latest trailer for this week’s game against the Maryland Terrapins.

The trailer begins with a quick pan of OSU helmets, while three questions being asked to the team offscreen. As this is happening, the video cuts to players getting ready, then taking the field.

After that, Urban Meyer’s voice is heard, with him saying, “2017 Ohio State Buckeyes, what are we.” In between him describing what the Buckeyes are, highlights from previous games flash on the screen—with an emphasis on quarterback hits and big plays against last week’s opponent, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

This Saturday, Ohio State faces UMD for a 4 p.m. kickoff inside Ohio Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Fox, with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft on the call.

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Google Kyle Young has tonsils removed, will miss 'significant time' - 247Sports

Kyle Young has tonsils removed, will miss 'significant time' - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kyle Young has tonsils removed, will miss 'significant time'
247Sports
He was originally committed to Butler, but flipped to the Buckeyes in late July following Holtmann, who was the Bulldogs' head coach prior to coming to Columbus. Given Ohio State's lack of depth, the team could use Young, for an additional practice ...
Kyle Young out 'a few weeks' after tonsil surgery: Ohio State basketball newscleveland.com

all 4 news articles »


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Google Anthony Cook-Ohio State buzz, Brandon Smith to visit Columbus, Buckeyes cross state lines...

Anthony Cook-Ohio State buzz, Brandon Smith to visit Columbus, Buckeyes cross state lines for latest offer - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Anthony Cook-Ohio State buzz, Brandon Smith to visit Columbus, Buckeyes cross state lines for latest offer
Landof10.com
After an early September visit to Texas — and watching the host Longhorns lose to Maryland 51-41 — things were going in a pretty good direction for the Buckeyes and 5-star cornerback Anthony Cook. Ohio State has been the presumptive — and declared ...
Jordan Fuller starting, Erick Smith removed, more changes to Ohio State's depth chart: Buckeyes football newscleveland.com
UC Bearcats to open renovated Fifth Third Arena vs. Ohio State Buckeyes in 2018Cincinnati.com
Depth Chart: Maryland - Plenty of changes for the Buckeyes247Sports
The Columbus Dispatch -Inside the Hall -MyDaytonDailyNews
all 130 news articles »


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BTN Crispin: How early start to Big Ten play impacts preparation

Crispin: How early start to Big Ten play impacts preparation
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

College basketball season is officially upon us. To some, the start of the season came in the form of the FBI’s investigation into the numerous improprieties, which will affect the game for years to come. For coaches and players, particularly those in the Big Ten this year, the season started a long time ago. With an early start to conference play this season – Dec. 1, to be exact – let’s get ahead of the conversation and think about how this changes the approach, on a day-to-day basis. My initial thought is that the shift in the start of conference
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Google Basketball Buckeyes to open against Cincinnati in 2018 and 2019 - Waiting For Next Year

Basketball Buckeyes to open against Cincinnati in 2018 and 2019 - Waiting For Next Year
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Basketball Buckeyes to open against Cincinnati in 2018 and 2019
Waiting For Next Year
It may be college football season, but it doesn't mean that we can't talk about a little college basketball as well. From the moment Chris Holtmann was named the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team, he vowed that he wanted his ...

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Google Will Ohio State's defense let down the offense? Buckeyes football analysis - cleveland.com

Will Ohio State's defense let down the offense? Buckeyes football analysis - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Will Ohio State's defense let down the offense? Buckeyes football analysis
cleveland.com
For this Buckeyes team, the conversation around the offense dominates all things. That's been the case going on three seasons now. Struggles in the passing game and with play calling in 2015 and 2016 put Ohio State in the position of having a great, ...
Basketball Buckeyes to open against Cincinnati in 2018 and 2019Waiting For Next Year

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LGHL Urban Meyer had zero 1,000-yard rushers before Ohio State. Now, J.K. Dobbins could be his 7th.

Urban Meyer had zero 1,000-yard rushers before Ohio State. Now, J.K. Dobbins could be his 7th.
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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Each of Meyer’s first five seasons in Columbus have included at least one 1,000-yard rusher.

If there was one concern with Urban Meyer when he signed on to become the next head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, it was that no team of his ever had a 1,000-yard rusher.

That’s kind of a thing in Columbus. Especially when your program is built on the legs of prolific runners. Archie Griffin, Eddie George, Beanie Wells, and more recently Ezekiel Elliott, just to name a few.

But any doubts surrounding Meyer’s ability to coach runner were quickly put to rest.

Each of his first five seasons at OSU have included a 1,000-yard rusher. He’s coached six total, with Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde both crossing the mark in 2013.

Here’s a full list of the Buckeyes that’ve ran for at least 1,000 yards with Meyer at the helm.


At the pace freshman phenom J.K. Dobbins is going, Meyer will tally his seventh consecutive 1,000-yard rusher this season.

Dobbins has churned out 573 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He racked up 205 yards of offense Week 1 in Bloomington and had a 172-yard, two-touchdown performance against Army.

Despite the extra rest that the coaching staff is giving him – coupled with the return of Mike Weber – he’ll still likely to break 1,000 yards.


#Buckeyes stud RB J.K. Dobbins goes over 100 yards on the day thanks to this 52-yard touchdown run! #OSU leads 24-7 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/j5pnh5jfyk

— Tino Bovenzi (@TinoBovenzi) September 16, 2017

In 10 seasons of coaching before OSU – at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida – the closest thing Meyer had to a big-time runner was Utah’s Brandon Warfield.

He totaled 976 yards on the ground during the 2003 season. Tim Tebow was the only other player to reach 900 rushing yards under Meyer.

And you would’ve thought Tebow had surpassed 1,000 yards at Florida, but he never really came close. As a starter, Tebow finished his Heisman Trophy winning campaign in 2007 with 895 rushing yards, 2008 with 673 yards, and 2009 with 910 yards.

Below is a chart of Meyer’s top three rushers throughout his coaching career.


Dobbins is on track to join Meyer’s short list of 1,000-yard tailbacks.

And at this rate, he’ll breeze past that mark next year, too. Maybe Weber can get himself up to snuff and we’ll see two 1,000-yarders. Who knows? We’ll save that conversation for another day.

What we do know is that Meyer has adapted beautifully to Big Ten football. Guys like Miller and Elliott have powered the Buckeyes’ impressive five-year run.

Now it’s Dobbins turn.

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Venzell Boulware (OL Tennessee, transfer to ???)

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/t...venzell-boulware-announces-decision-transfer/

Tennessee offensive lineman Venzell Boulware announces his decision to transfer

Tennessee is coming off the worst loss in the history of Neyland Stadium after the 41-0 humiliation at the hands of SEC East foe Georgia. Making matters worse? One of the team’s offensive linemen has just announced he will leave the program.

Backup guard Venzell Boulware announced Monday morning he will leave the team following the program’s 3-2 start to the season. The Vols are currently on a bye week and are set to host South Carolina looking to avenge last seaosn’s loss to the Gamecocks.

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Google Ohio State football | Jack Looks Back: '57 Buckeyes celebrate 60th anniversary of national...

Ohio State football | Jack Looks Back: '57 Buckeyes celebrate 60th anniversary of national title - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Jack Looks Back: '57 Buckeyes celebrate 60th anniversary of national title
The Columbus Dispatch
OSU football team starting-line-up on Main Street at Disneyland, December 22, 1957, before their Rose Bowl game against Oregon. Linemen, L to R, are Leo Brown, Jim Marshall, Aurelius Thomas, Bob White, Bill Jabko, Rusty Bowermaster and Jim Huston.


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Google BM5: Should there be limit on B1G road night games per year? - 247Sports

BM5: Should there be limit on B1G road night games per year? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: Should there be limit on B1G road night games per year?
247Sports
Every team treats playing the Buckeyes as their personal Super Bowl, but should this be permitted without any restrictions? Also, OSU head coach Urban Meyer says the Buckeyes basically have two starting running backs with J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber.
Ohio State Working on Dual Running Back Packages With JK Dobbins, Mike WeberEleven Warriors

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LGHL Bovada: Ohio State has third best odds at winning national title

Bovada: Ohio State has third best odds at winning national title
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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On the Heisman odds list: Barrett holds 33-to-1 odds, Dobbins back on board with 50-to-1 odds.

After a Week 5 shut out win on the road against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Ohio State Buckeyes go into homecoming weekend with 9-to-1 odds at winning the national championship, according to Bovada.

Those odds are the third best in college football, as the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers lead the way heading into Week 6. Nick Saban’s Tide have 7-to-5 odds; the reigning national champions hold 15-to-4 odds at repeating.

The big wins from ‘Bama and Clemson in Week 5 moved their odds up a tad bit. However, for the rest of the teams with the 11 best odds, their odds dipped. Even in victory, the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin and Georgia saw their odds get longer.

USC, who lost to the Washington State Cougars on Friday night, had one of the bigger drop of odds, going from 15-to-2 last week, to 14-to-1 this week.

From Monday afternoon to Tuesday evening, there wasn’t much fluidity amongst the teams with the 11 best odds.

Below are the odds for those teams heading into Week 6.


On the Heisman circuit, Saquon Barkley put together another dazzling performance on Saturday afternoon. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown, and helped Penn State throttle the Indiana Hoosiers, 45-14.

Barkley is the leader in the Heisman race, with odds currently sitting at 5-to-4. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is right behind him with 9-to-4 odds.

For the second straight week, Buckeye QB J.T. Barrett is holding at 33-to-1 odds at bringing home the Heisman. Running back J.K. Dobbins is back on the board this week, with odds at 50-to-1.

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LGHL 4-star 2019 Ohio State target may make another visit to Columbus

4-star 2019 Ohio State target may make another visit to Columbus
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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The Buckeyes also made some moves in the 2018 class, securing a commitment from a preferred walk-on.

As we hit hump day, we’re just a few short days away from the Ohio State Buckeyes taking the field again inside Ohio Stadium. With the Maryland Terrapins coming to town for a 4 p.m. contest, the Buckeyes have an up-and-coming program on their slate this homecoming weekend.

That game is on Saturday, though. Recruiting, on the other hand, never stops. One in-state prospect accepted a preferred walk-on spot, while another made his preferred walk-on offer known on social media. But before we reach those two, a four-star athlete talked about returning for an OSU visit.

The New Jersey Rocket coming back to Columbus?


Ronnie Hickman, a four-star athlete from New Jersey, already has an offer from Ohio State. According to an article by Bill Kurelic of 247sports, his father says they are trying to make their way from New Jersey for a Saturday game in The ‘Shoe. Hickman has made one trip to Columbus for the spring game.

A member of the 2019 recruiting class, Hickman is graded as the second-best prospect in the Garden State, according to 247sports. Additionally, the 247sports composite has the 6'1 native of Wayne, N.J., as the seventh-best athlete in his class.

Ohio State has some stiff competition for the athlete, as the likes of Michigan, Penn State, Maryland, and Boston College have already made offers. While 2019 National Signing Day is a ways away, creating the rapport now is paramount.

Good news, though: According to that article from Kurelic, Ohio State has been a school that Hickman has liked since “he was little.”

We’ll keep you posted on any updates with Hickman and the return visit to Ohio State.

Like father, like son


Cade Kacherski (Dublin, OH/Dublin Jerome) was the one to accept the preferred walk-on role with the team. Kacherski is a linebacker, and stands at 6'3, 190 pounds; he is also slated as a member of the 2018 class, according to MaxPreps.

This season, Dublin Jerome is off to a 4-2 (3-0 conference) start, and are fresh off a 33-32 win against Thomas Worthington.

Kacherski won’t be the first in his family to spend his time at Ohio State. His father, John Kacherski, played for the Buckeyes from 1987-1991, according to 247sports. In 1991, with John Cooper as the coach, John played in 13 games as a linebacker and recorded one interception, according to sportsreference.com.

After Ohio State, the elder Kacherski had a short stint in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.

Now with Urban Meyer as the coach, will the younger Kacherski work his way up to the NFL like his father? Only time will tell.

A Buckeye offer


The other Ohio product to pick up a preferred walk-on spot with the Buckeyes is 2018 prospect Jack Jamieson. Jamieson, a center/guard, comes from Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School.

Jamieson divulged on Twitter that he had a preferred walk-on offer.


Very excited to say that I have received a preferred walk-on offer to The Ohio State University! pic.twitter.com/xVQv17I1Lv

— Jack Jamieson (@JackJamieson16) October 2, 2017

With the help of the 6'2, 285-pound senior, St. Ignatius is off to a 6-0 start to their season. According to MaxPreps, they are the second-best team in the state of Ohio.

You can check out highlight clips of Jamieson at MaxPreps by clicking here.

Locke to Florida


As mentioned in yesterday’s recruiting roundup from Dan Hessler, four-star shooting guard Noah Locke made his decision on Tuesday evening on where he will be taking his talents to for college basketball.

The Owings Mills, Md., native made his decision: the Florida Gators.


CHOMP CHOMP!! #COMMITTED #BLESSED #P&C pic.twitter.com/KgBBvazvwk

— Noah Locke (@noah_nikeisme) October 3, 2017

While Ohio State did make an offer to the SG, they were an outsider. Florida and Michigan were two of the main contenders to get the commitment from Locke, and as mentioned, Gainesville, Fla., will be where Locke spends his time on the college circuit.

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Google Jordan Fuller starting, Erick Smith removed, more changes to Ohio State's depth chart:...

Jordan Fuller starting, Erick Smith removed, more changes to Ohio State's depth chart: Buckeyes football news - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Jordan Fuller starting, Erick Smith removed, more changes to Ohio State's depth chart: Buckeyes football news
cleveland.com
He's been removed from the depth chart as well, with no starter named at his spot. * Kicker Sean Nuernberger is now the top guy at kickoff specialist, replacing freshman Blake Haubeil. Ohio State's full depth chart for Saturday is below. The Buckeyes ...

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Google OSU legacy Kacherski commits to Buckeyes as preferred walk-on - 247Sports

OSU legacy Kacherski commits to Buckeyes as preferred walk-on - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


OSU legacy Kacherski commits to Buckeyes as preferred walk-on
247Sports
The Buckeyes currently have 18 commitments in a 2018 recruiting class that is expected to number between 23 and 25 come National Signing Day. It is the country's No. 1 recruiting class in the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings. With five to seven ...


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LGHL Ohio State has little room for error in pursuit of College Football Playoff

Ohio State has little room for error in pursuit of College Football Playoff
Ian Cuevas
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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With the early loss to Oklahoma, anything less than perfection will cost the Buckeyes a chance at playing in the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl semifinals

“[Teams with no margin for error] 1. Ohio State (4-1): The Buckeyes are favored by FPI to win each of their remaining games, but the Oct. 28 matchup against Penn State looms the largest. The Buckeyes lost this game last season and still finished in the top four, but that wouldn't happen this time because of their Week 2 loss to Oklahoma.”

- Heather Dinich, ESPN


It’s not really a secret at this point: Ohio State can’t afford another loss this season if the Buckeyes expect to make the College Football Playoff. After the home loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, Urban Meyer has turned his team around on offense (albeit against much weaker teams) and have now got their eyes sight on Maryland and Nebraska. But a couple of weeks from now, Penn State comes into town with an opportunity for Ohio State to prove that they’ve grown since Week 2. They’ll have their work cut out for them, too, since the Nittany Lions have looked great every week and have Heisman contender Saquon Barkley at running back doing it all.

Every win from here on is a must-win for the Buckeyes, and if they want to rise in the rankings they have to take advantage of when they play teams like Penn State or Michigan.

“I thought to myself last year (at Butler) that I might have made a mistake by doing it, but it ended up allowing us to have a four-seed in the NCAA Tournament. It was all a byproduct of the non-conference schedule.”

- Chris Holtmann via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


One of the knocks on Thad Matta and Ohio State basketball, especially towards the end of Matta’s tenure, was that the Buckeyes hardly had any important or big-name programs for non-conference games. New head coach Chris Holtmann has mentioned several times that he’d like for that to change in a hurry. And avoiding marquee non-conference matchups were even more obvious when it came to scheduling teams from within the state of Ohio such as Xavier, Dayton, Cincinnati, and even Akron. With the recent scheduling of the Bearcats, however, it appears that is all behind Gene Smith and Ohio State.

From his time with Butler, Holtmann knows the importance of a strong non-conference schedule, particularly when it pertains to being selected for the NCAA tournament. Of course, one could argue that Matta simply felt his teams wouldn’t have much success against top competition and even though it hurt their strength of schedule, would rather have wins over teams that don’t put up much of a fight than the alternative.

“We don't condone that. And I had a little chat with him. But you guys probably know Terry. He's everything you want. And don't do that. But there was a cheap shot on him early in the game, bad one. A tough guy like that, it carried with him for a while.”

- Urban Meyer via Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com


Remember that great block from Terry McLaurin against Rutgers that was eventually flagged (twice)? Urban Meyer still does, and he wasn’t a fan of the way McLaurin conducted himself during and after the play. There was a penalty for the over aggressive block but also a penalty for standing over the player and letting him hear about it. Meyer made sure McLaurin knew that it wasn’t okay. Still, Meyer was pleased with the overall effort and even graded the wide receiver as a champion this week— McLaurin hauled in five receptions for 51 yards.

Since McLaurin is collectively considered the best blocker among the wide receivers, it was all right to let this one slide, but Meyer made it a point to say that in the future this kind of play and the extra curricular activity afterwards wouldn’t fly.

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LGHL Bovada: Ohio State has third best odds at winning national title

Bovada: Ohio State has third best odds at winning national title
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


631426424.0.jpg

On the Heisman odds list: Barrett holds 33-to-1 odds, Dobbins back on board with 50-to-1 odds.

After a Week 4 shut out win on the road against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Ohio State Buckeyes go into homecoming weekend with 9-to-1 odds at winning the national championship, according to Bovada.

Those odds are the third best in college football, as the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers lead the way heading into Week 5. Nick Saban’s Tide have 7-to-5 odds; the reigning national champions hold 15-to-4 odds at repeating.

The big wins from ‘Bama and Clemson in Week 4 moved their odds up a tad bit. However, for the rest of the teams with the 11 best odds, their odds dipped. Even in victory, the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin and Georgia saw their odds get longer.

USC, who lost to the Washington State Cougars on Friday night, had one of the bigger drop of odds, going from 15-to-2 last week, to 14-to-1 this week.

From Monday afternoon to Tuesday evening, there wasn’t much fluidity amongst the teams with the 11 best odds.

Below are the odds for those teams heading into Week 5.


On the Heisman circuit, Saquon Barkley put together another dazzling performance on Saturday afternoon. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown, and helped Penn State throttle the Indiana Hoosiers, 45-14.

Barkley is the leader in the Heisman race, with odds currently sitting at 5-to-4. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is right behind him with 9-to-4 odds.

For the second straight week, Buckeye QB J.T. Barrett is holding at 33-to-1 odds at bringing home the Heisman. Running back J.K. Dobbins is back on the board this week, with odds at 50-to-1.

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Google Bortenschlager, Terps turn attention to Buckeyes - Herald-Mail Media

Bortenschlager, Terps turn attention to Buckeyes - Herald-Mail Media
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Bortenschlager, Terps turn attention to Buckeyes
Herald-Mail Media
Maryland quarterback Max Bortenschlager throws a pass against Minnesota during the first quarter of Saturday's college football game in Minneapolis. Bortenschlager led the Terps to victory and now prepares for another road date, this time at No. 10 ...
How will Ohio State manage its running back platoon against Maryland?Land-Grant Holy Land

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Google Ohio State recruiting: Buckeyes' October to-do includes needing a big splash … and a big...

Ohio State recruiting: Buckeyes' October to-do includes needing a big splash … and a big win - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State recruiting: Buckeyes' October to-do includes needing a big splash … and a big win
Landof10.com
Coaches around the country will use whatever spare time they find in their schedules to evaluate talent this month. Ohio State's top-ranked recruiting class doesn't have many spots left in it, but the time is coming for the Buckeyes' top targets to ...
UC Bearcats to open renovated Fifth Third Arena vs. Ohio State Buckeyes in 2018Cincinnati.com
Ohio State sets home-and-home series with Cincinnati: Buckeyes basketball newscleveland.com
Freshmen making early contributions for BuckeyesMyDaytonDailyNews
Inside the Hall -Herald-Mail Media
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Google Buckeye related Crystal Ball picks: Like, love, or leave them - 247Sports

Buckeye related Crystal Ball picks: Like, love, or leave them - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeye related Crystal Ball picks: Like, love, or leave them
247Sports
Each week I looked at current Crystal Ball predictions for several top Ohio State related recruits and gave my thoughts on whether I like the prediction, love it, or leave it – that is think the prediction is off. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make ...


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LGHL How will Ohio State manage its running back platoon against Maryland?

How will Ohio State manage its running back platoon against Maryland?
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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Questions abound regarding the state of the Buckeye backfield.

One of this college football season's biggest (and most cathartic, depending where your fanhood lies) early story lines was Maryland's then-upset of Texas in Week 1. D.J. Durkin's team hung 51 points on the Longhorns despite losing QB Tyrrell Pigrome to a torn ACL. It was an inauspicious start to Tom Herman's Texas career after his meteoric rise from architect of Ohio State's championship offense to Houston head man to holder of the most coveted job in the Lone Star State.

Durkin got his win against Urban Meyer's former student. But now he and his Maryland team have to go up against the master. Spoiler alert: things might not go very well for the Terrapins.

The stats


Name: Mike Weber

Number: 25

Position: RB

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 5'10, 214 lbs.

Line: 17 carries, 86 rush yards, 3 TDs

Weber carried the ball 10 times against Rutgers, recording 44 yards on the ground and three touchdowns as the Buckeyes shutout the Scarlet Knights, 56-0. Though his yards per carry line was hardly robust, Weber was absolutely tenacious near the end zone, picking up all three scores in short yardage by powering through defenders.

Still battling a nagging hamstring injury that almost caused him to have season-ending surgery, Weber hasn't been the version of himself we saw in 2016. But the emergence of speedster J.K. Dobbins means that he probably doesn't have to be. Will Maryland's defense be the one that allows the Buckeyes to establish a "thunder and lightning" style platoon?

Opposition research


Unlike Ohio State's last three opponents, Maryland is actually having a pretty good year! They're 3-1, including wins over decent Texas and Minnesota teams. One big problem for the Terps: their victories have been Pyrrhic in nature, with season-ending injuries to star players like Pigrome.

Defensively, Maryland is about as average as you can get. They're 58th in defensive S&P+, which is still worse than Rutgers, even with last week's drubbing accounted for. (That a 3-1 team with two quality wins statistically has a worse defense than a 1-4 team that just lost by more than 50 probably says more about Rutgers' historically inept offense than anything.) One place they really struggle? Containing explosive run plays. The Terps rank 73rd nationally in rushing defense IsoPPP+, the SB Nation metric that deals with explosive plays. More on that in a minute.

There are some solid contributors on the Maryland defense, even with senior linebacker Jesse Aniebonam out indefinitely with an ankle fracture. His fellow LB Jermaine Carter Jr. has been a stout contributor, recording eight total tackles last week against Minnesota and six more in the game against UCF. Cornerback Darnell Savage Jr. has lived up to his name, also finishing near the top of the team in tackles in each of Maryland's contests in 2017.

What to watch for


Okay, now that we've given praise to some admittedly excellent Terrapin defenders, we can get on to the good stuff without making #MarylandInternet mad. (Yeah, right.)

Remember that part above about explosive plays? That's the kind of stat that screams "155-yard night for J.K. Dobbins." Mike Weber is one week further along in his rehab, but even at 100 percent, he's a fundamentally different back than Dobbins: a punishing runner with great field vision and smart cuts, certainly, but not as much the kind of guy who hits the edge and is all of a sudden 50 yards downfield.

The Buckeyes will need both styles to be successful as the season wears on, legs get tired, and the defensive lines get beefier. How Weber and Dobbins—and hell, even Demario McCall, who shone in mop-up duty last weekend—are balanced by the coaching staff this week could be an indicator of what we'll see going forward.

However the split works out, the Buckeyes will need to put some points on the board, as Maryland presents the best offense Ohio State has faced since the Oklahoma game. Either way, it's great to see Weber getting back up to speed rather than getting Wally Pipp'd.

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LGHL Ohio State releases depth chart for Week 6 against Maryland

Ohio State releases depth chart for Week 6 against Maryland
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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With injuries and off-field issues, the Buckeye depth chart looks a little different this week.

As we close in on the halfway point of the 2017 college football season, Ohio State has started seeing some players come down with injuries and others not meeting the team’s standards in order to dress. Both of those things has caused a little shake-up in the Week 6 depth chart.

Some changes include kicker Sean Nuernberger handling kick-off duties this week, in addition to field goal and point after attempts. Both Dre’Mont Jones (injury) and Erick Smith (non-injury) are expected to miss Saturday’s matchup against Maryland, and Jashon Cornell has been moved to the starting DT spot in Jones’ absence.

The Buckeyes have only a few weeks left before diving into the heavy part of their conference play — Penn State on Oct. 28 — and this matchup against the Terps could help solidify several players’ spots on in the depth chart. As the season drudges on, more and more young guys are making the jump from deep in the roster.

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