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LGHL Oval and Out: Ohio State breaks more records, Saquon Barkley dazzles, and why Iowa was the...

Oval and Out: Ohio State breaks more records, Saquon Barkley dazzles, and why Iowa was the real winner this weekend
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


usa_today_10299523.0.jpg

We’re back again to get you caught up on the news, notes, and notable bits from Columbus and beyond.

In life, there are times you’ll have to make important business decisions for yourself.

And on Saturday I made a big one.

I decided not to go to the Ohio State game because I knew it’d be really hot outside. I’m a naturally warm person. I would’ve quickly turned into a human swamp. Nasty, but true from experience. The quality of game wasn’t worth it, either.

So I didn’t go. That was a good business decision in my book (but tell me if it wasn’t in the comments section).

An example of a poor business decision, however, occurred when this poor Rebel defender tried to tackle J.K. Dobbins.


Defenses are going to have to start buying ankle insurance before they play J.K. Dobbins pic.twitter.com/VwNt1jDEaU

— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) September 23, 2017

Dobbins could probably start an ankle insurance agency, NCAA rules permitting.

In any case, the freshman phenom’s ankle-breaker was just a small part of what turned out to be a fantastic Saturday of college football. Purdue made things interesting against Michigan, Saquon Barkley bolstered his Heisman resume, and Iowa still won even though they lost.

Oh, and OSU rolled UNLV to improve to 3-1 on the season.

Let’s take a look at how the Buckeyes got it done over the weekend.

Review: UNLV


This one was over before it began.

I mean, it was actually over when the Rebels lost as a 45-point favorite to Howard in Week 1, but you get what I’m saying.

The Buckeyes were hitting on all cylinders Saturday. J.T. Barrett completed 12-of-17 passes for 209 yards and five touchdowns until backup Dwayne Haskins came in and added another 228 yards and a pair of scores. In all, OSU threw for a school record 474 yards.


Dwayne Haskins first career passing TD! Buckeyes lead 44-7. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/MeYaV9LfCw

— Buckeye Videos+ (@BuckeyeVideos) September 23, 2017


Not a shabby first career touchdown toss there by Dwayne Haskins.

Parris Campbell and C.J. Saunders each had big days, totaling over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown apiece. Campbell also had an 82-yard kick return and everyone’s favorite frosh J.K. Dobbins again dazzled in limited minutes, finishing with 95 yards on 14 carries.

The defense was opportunistic and it seems like this team is starting to settle into its own skin a bit, albeit against mediocre competition.

Next up, the Buckeyes play host to Rutgers under the lights.

Play of the Game


The Buckeyes had more than a few big plays on Saturday.

But it was Parris Campbell that set the tone in the opening quarter when he caught a screen pass and raced 69 yards for the first touchdown of the day.


Parris Campbell is so fast... #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/2GwavnQnq6

— Buckeye Videos+ (@BuckeyeVideos) September 23, 2017


He fast, y’all.

Now, I’d remiss if I didn’t include Rashod Berry’s 38-yard rumble to the end zone. All 6-foot-4, 260 pounds of Berry shrugged off defenders as if they were buzzing gnats as the third quarter came to a close.


UNLV couldn’t touch Ohio State all day long...

Buckeyes win 54-21 pic.twitter.com/UMJTV4F54Z

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 23, 2017


A former defensive end shouldn’t be able to move like that.

Looking Ahead: Rutgers


First, to anyone complaining about Rutgers-OSU being a night game, get over it. Good Lord, people. Honestly of all the things you could whine about.

Now onto Rutgers.

As usual, this is a bad football team. They’re 1-3 heading to Columbus, losing to Washington, Eastern Michigan, and Nebraska last week.

The Scarlet Knights pose little threat to the Buckeyes, who are trying to rack up as many blowout wins as possible before facing Penn State late October.

State of the Big Ten


While a number of Big Ten teams were off this weekend, there were still some solid matchups within the conference.

Maryland’s hot streak came to a screeching halt after getting rocked by UCF, 38-10. Indiana took care of business against Georgia Southern, and Nebraska overcame a halftime deficit to beat Rutgers, 27-17.

Upset-minded Purdue led 10-7 in the third quarter before Michigan’s offense threw up 21 unanswered points. In-state rival Michigan State wasn’t able to do the same with Notre Dame in town, dropping that one 38-18.

My game of the week between Penn State and Iowa lived up to the hype. It featured incredible plays from both sides as the two went back and forth for much of the night.

The final snap would decide the outcome.


Walk-off touchdown for Penn State pic.twitter.com/Pi03QSArk2

— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) September 24, 2017

That was quite the risk-laden throw there off the back foot by Trace McSorley.

Hopefully next weekend’s Big Ten slate is just as a fun.

Play of the Week


It’s impossible to ever narrow this down to one play.

So we’ll begin with another example of why defense and the Big 12 don’t go together.


Abdul Adams goes 99 yards for Oklahoma. pic.twitter.com/QtKqVxOCl8

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 23, 2017

C’mon, Baylor.

Next we have North Carolina’s quarterback getting destroyed by an Army defender. As Barstool Sports so eloquently put it, that quarterback’s insides got rearranged.


His insides just got rearranged pic.twitter.com/DKlM0tqSEX

— Barstool Sports (@barstooltweetss) September 23, 2017

Did he actually get the first down? After a hit like that, you don’t deserve forward progress.

We’ll finish with a flurry of insane plays from Penn State-Iowa. Like I said before, my game of the week pick more than lived up to the hype.


Akrum Wadley does it ALL on this 70-yard TD catch! #PSUvsIOWA pic.twitter.com/TZe2ppAwyF

— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 24, 2017

This is one of the most unreal moves I have ever seen on a football field. #PSUvsIOWA #WeAre #SaquonBarkley pic.twitter.com/7CCLWLJGj8

— YSL (@Philip0Turner) September 24, 2017

Saquon Barkley made of rubber pic.twitter.com/TFnSeRZXi9

— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) September 24, 2017


That Barkley guy is pretty good, huh?

Heisman Watch


A carousel of Heisman contenders keeps rotating around.

Last week, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield held court. He enjoyed another nice outing in Waco, but it’s Saquon Barkley that took the lead here.

On the road in Iowa, Barkley’s 28 carries, 12 catches, and three kick returns totaled 358 yards from scrimmage.


That Saquon Barkley guy? He's pretty good.

His Saturday night dominance in Iowa City is covered in the @CapitalOne Recap. pic.twitter.com/QvVdyVqaRf

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) September 24, 2017


It was a historic performance from a player many regard as the best in college football right now.

Expect more of the same when Penn State hosts Indiana Saturday afternoon.

Week 5 game to watch: Clemson v. Virginia Tech


No team has been able to dent Clemson’s (4-0) armor thus far, but Virginia Tech (4-0) has an opportunity to be the first Saturday night in Blacksburg.

Led by one of the best defensive lines in the country, the defending national champs have been nearly impenetrable this season. Kelly Bryant already has fans forgetting about Deshaun Watson and the Tigers have shown no signs of slowing down.

While the undefeated Hokies have intriguing talent with guys like quarterback Josh Jackson and wide receiver Cam Phillips, it’s hard to imagine them pulling off the upset.

Monday Morning #HotTakez

  • Donald Tru – nope. Not even going there.
  • Saquon Barkley is the best and most exciting player in college football. Bar none.
  • I believe J.T. Barrett can still lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. The playcalling has to improve but Barrett can get it done.
  • I play it, but fantasy football is meaningless and anyone who thinks it legitimately plays an important role in sports needs to have their head examined.
  • Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke is already the best quarterback in the state of Michigan. Truth.
  • If a team from the Big 12 makes the playoff, they’ll get blown out. More truth (well, more of a prediction).
  • Jim Harbaugh’s inexperienced Michigan squad can play. They’ll have a say in things at season’s end.
Oh, the Interweb


I saw this on the news last week and was pleasantly surprised to see that Iowa had adopted it, too.

Have a look.


#Iowa fans show their love & support for patients at children's hospital next to stadium. Chills.
pic.twitter.com/H4v5BTOBd2

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) September 24, 2017

Chills.

I hope this provides a little perspective for you considering the everyday lunacy that is our world.

Buckeyes Bits


Land-Grant Holy Land has you covered on everything that is OSU. Win or lose, we’ve got your back.

Oval and Out


It might be smooth sailing for the Buckeyes right now, but the real fun begins Oct. 28.

The day I started dating my fiancée.

It’s also when Penn State hits the road for their showdown with OSU in Columbus. From then on out, the Scarlet and Gray schedule is as follows: Iowa (away), Michigan State (home), Illinois (home), ending with Michigan at the Big House.

For five straight weeks, it’s win or go home, playoff atmospheric football for Urban Meyer and Co.

So enjoy the UNLVs of the world while you can.

Because when my anniversary day hits, you’ll be begging for that Illinois game.

Have questions? Comments? Send them my way! Email me at [email protected] or follow me @Kyle_McKinnon6 on Twitter.

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Google Buckeyes dropping in polls but still time to be relevant - FanRag Sports (blog)

Buckeyes dropping in polls but still time to be relevant - FanRag Sports (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes dropping in polls but still time to be relevant
FanRag Sports (blog)
If you're a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes — and you pay close attention to the weekly Associated Press Top 25 poll — you might be hyperventilating right about now. The No. 11-ranked Buckeyes are falling … falling … falling. But they will have the ...
3 questions for Ohio State as it heads back into Big Ten play at RutgersLandof10.com
Urban Meyer's bounce, Parris Campbell's house calls: 5 Doug Lesmerises observationscleveland.com
Oval and Out: Ohio State breaks more records, Saquon Barkley dazzles, and why Iowa was the real winner this weekendLand-Grant Holy Land
The Columbus Dispatch
all 11 news articles »


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Google Ohio State football's rankings, Buckeyes hoops get fourth commitment, Dwayne Haskins...

Ohio State football's rankings, Buckeyes hoops get fourth commitment, Dwayne Haskins impresses - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football's rankings, Buckeyes hoops get fourth commitment, Dwayne Haskins impresses
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, ...
Justin Ahrens, a one-time commitment of Thad Matta, commits to new Ohio State basketball staff: Buckeyes recruitingcleveland.com
Ahrens picks Ohio State, writes 'There's no place like home'Dayton Daily News
Ahrens on OSU verbal: 'This was the place for me all along'247Sports
Land-Grant Holy Land -BT Powerhouse (blog) -Eleven Warriors
all 13 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State basketball stays hot on the recruiting trail

Ohio State basketball stays hot on the recruiting trail
Charles Doss
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Chris Holtmann and crew locked up another big time pledge on Sunday.

When class of 2018 small forward Justin Ahrens de-committed from Ohio State after the departure of Thad Matta, the three-star prospect from Versailles (OH) said the following to Land-Grant Holy Land:

“I reopened my recruitment because with the new coach at OSU, I'm going to have to build a whole new relationship.”

A few months later, Ahrens, Chris Holtmann, and the new-look Ohio State coaching staff must’ve done just that, as the 6’5 sharpshooter is once again a future Buckeye student-athlete.

Verbally committing to Holtmann and company on Sunday after getting to spend the weekend with them during his official visit, Ahrens’ pledge was the cherry on top of one of the most impressive weeks in OSU basketball recruiting history.

Despite starting the week off with zero pledges, Ahrens was the fourth class of 2018 standout to give the Buckeyes a commitment in as many days, joining fellow senior standouts Jaedon LeDee, Duane Washington Jr., and Luther Muhammad in Ohio State’s star-studded class of 2018.

As a junior, Justin, the younger brother of current Michigan State shooting guard Kyle Ahrens, led Versailles to an overall record of 27-2, averaging 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists a contest for the Tigers last season.

Named the Division III Co-Player of the Year in Ohio for his play on the court, Ahrens is currently considered the 40th small forward and 170th overall prospect in the class of 2018, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Udeze up next?


Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes could lock up commitment number five later this week.

After recently taking visits to the campuses of Ohio State, Butler, and Wichita State, three-star center Morris Udeze of Montverde Academy (FL), the same program that produced former and current Buckeyes D’Angelo Russell and Micah Potter, will announce his college commitment on Wednesday evening.


I will be Commiting this Wednesday at 6pm☑️.#ProveThemWrong.

— Morris (@MorrisUdeze34) September 24, 2017

While the 6’8 post presence told Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com that “Ohio State is a great school that fits my style of play and I love the coaches down there," most around the recruiting scene at the moment believe he will end up in Holtmann’s old stomping grounds at Butler.

The Buckeyes might not have a true big man in the class as of yet, but have already landed a commitment from inside/outside threat Jaedon LeDee, who stands around 6’8 and well over 200 pounds.

Quick Hits

  • For the second time this season, four-star class of 2019 offensive tackle Michael Tarquin visited Ohio State. A Belleview, Florida native, Tarquin doesn’t just hold an offer from the Buckeyes, but also has programs such as Clemson, Michigan, and Miami currently pursuing him.
  • The Buckeyes also played host to three-star Mentor (OH) defensive end Noah Potter, the younger brother of current OSU basketball player Micah Potter, on Saturday. Although he has yet to earn an offer from the Buckeyes, Boston College, Iowa State, Minnesota, North Carolina, and North Carolina State are among some of the schools to throw their hat in Potter’s ring.

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Sorry guys

Awesome stuff Steve. I agree wholeheartedly.

I just don't want BP to get to a point where folks are afraid, within reason, to voice an opinion, because they will be consistently shouted down. When we descend into pettiness and bickering and open debate and conversation are non existent, then we have truly lost.

Personally, I have taken my own hiatus from BP (I know no one even knew I was gone when I did it :sad:), as have others and come back to enjoy what is the BEST Buckeye site on the interwebs. I appreciate Clarity, our Mods, and the overwhelming majority of posters on the site.

Go Bucks!
Maybe it is just that I live overseas and I miss something, but if you post something and others don't like it, so what? Don't take it personally. Move on. Maybe YOU ARE that person with the insight everyone else lacks. Your day will come to remind us that you told us so...or to thank goodness everyone forgot you said something so silly.

I guess my point is that social media should not be that important in anyone's life (and I'm not referring to anyone here). We have a generation that conflates "likes" with real affection, supportive comments with friendship, posts with meaningful contributions to civilization. It's not.

It can however enrich your life. I have become friends for life with several people, even the best man at one's wedding. Watched people change over years. Enjoyed the looks of happiness that I see on their faces with their families and known, after so many years away from my birthplace, that I do not hope alone every year that the Buckeyes stomp the living daylights out of TSUN. I know that people on this site are tailgating together before games and among the faces I see in the stands. So, although my life is far richer than I ever imagined it might be, it is enriched by being part of this community.

So, really. My point is to take it all in perspective. Be well. Be happy.
Upvote 0

CFB Weekly Thread 2017 CFB Week 4 Open Thread

Didn't watch the game. Was Iowa that good or were the pedsters underwhelming playing their first team with a pulse?

Iowas defense played textbook bend but don't break until the bitter end. Problem with Joe Moorhead's offense is that it really exploits the seams between the 20s because all receivers have a hot skinny post route if the safeties cheat up to stop the run, and McSorely hits em. That's magnified when you've got a talent like Barkley that can rush and run routes like a receiver.

The downside to Moorhead's offense is that it can't do what it's designed to exploit in the red zone because there is not enough room.

Make your open field tackles and clamp down in the red zone. Iowa did that. Ohio States secondary right now though... I don't know.

Gonna be a tall task. Unfortunately all Ohio States elite DBs are playing on the wrong day of the week this year.
Upvote 0

Google Buckeyes' romp over Rebels gets passing grade - Canton Repository

Buckeyes' romp over Rebels gets passing grade - Canton Repository
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes' romp over Rebels gets passing grade
Canton Repository
But some games serve as one. Thanks, UNLV, for your time, and enjoy your $1.3 million check for showing up. No. 10 Ohio State's 54-21 victory over the sacrificial Rebels in front of 106,187 sun-baked fans at Ohio Stadium will be a footnote in this season.
Ohio State opens as a 28.5-point favorite against Rutgers: Buckeyes football newscleveland.com
Buckeyes get well in rout of UNLVRichland Source
JK Dobbins has Buckeyes thinking about new looks in the backfieldESPN (blog)
Dayton Daily News
all 385 news articles »


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Google Harrison hopes to return soon; photo's of the 5-star DE - 247Sports

Harrison hopes to return soon; photo's of the 5-star DE - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Harrison hopes to return soon; photo's of the 5-star DE
247Sports
What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! The 6-foot-6 and 240-pound Harrison, a 5-star prospect, is currently the country's No. 4 overall class of 2019 prospect in ...

and more »


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Google Watch: Walk-on CJ Saunders realizes dream with touchdown catch - 247Sports

Watch: Walk-on CJ Saunders realizes dream with touchdown catch - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Walk-on CJ Saunders realizes dream with touchdown catch
247Sports
He had college opportunities to do different things. But he took former OSU assistant Luke Fickell's invitation to walk on to the Buckeyes' football team seriously. Saunders had grown up watching OSU receivers catch touchdowns at Ohio Stadium. On ...

and more »


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Google Ohio State builds big halftime lead vs. UNLV - Dayton Daily News

Ohio State builds big halftime lead vs. UNLV - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State builds big halftime lead vs. UNLV
Dayton Daily News
Ohio State's Parris Campbell runs after a catch for a 69-yard touchdown against UNLV in the first half on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. COLUMBUS. The No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes set a school record with six touchdown catches by ...


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Google Ohio State football: Buckeyes stay put in Land of 10 Power Poll - Landof10.com

Ohio State football: Buckeyes stay put in Land of 10 Power Poll - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Buckeyes stay put in Land of 10 Power Poll
Landof10.com
Plus, Ohio State's last two wins told us pretty much nothing about how the Buckeyes fit into the conference hierarchy. Other than that, there's not a lot of excitement down the rest of the ballot. I still maintain that Indiana is a really good team ...
Buckeyes get the bounce to edge HuskersLincoln Journal Star

all 622 news articles »


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Google Ohio State opens as a 28.5-point favorite against Rutgers: Buckeyes football news -...

Ohio State opens as a 28.5-point favorite against Rutgers: Buckeyes football news - cleveland.com (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State opens as a 28.5-point favorite against Rutgers: Buckeyes football news
cleveland.com (blog)
Ohio State opens as a 28.5-point favorite against Rutgers: Buckeyes football news. Comment. Updated on September 24, 2017 at 8:05 PM Posted on September 24, 2017 at 7:54 PM. J.K. Dobbins and the Ohio State Buckeyes opened as 28.5-point favorites ...


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Google Ohio State dropped again in the AP Top 25, but it doesn't matter - Landof10.com

Ohio State dropped again in the AP Top 25, but it doesn't matter - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State dropped again in the AP Top 25, but it doesn't matter
Landof10.com
The Buckeyes fell from second to eighth following their loss to Oklahoma, an understandable demotion given the nature of that defeat. But a 38-7 win against Army led to a drop from eighth to 10th, and AP voters moved Ohio State back another spot to ...
Buckeyes Upset #12 Purdue In West Lafayette In Four Grueling SetsVolleyMob
Women's Volleyball: Ohio State upsets No. 13 Purdue on the road in a 3-1 victoryOSU - The Lantern

all 7 news articles »


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Google Ohio State visit 'the best' yet for Noah Potter, plus what happens with Dwan Mathis...

Ohio State visit 'the best' yet for Noah Potter, plus what happens with Dwan Mathis committing to Michigan State - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State visit 'the best' yet for Noah Potter, plus what happens with Dwan Mathis committing to Michigan State
Landof10.com
6 dual-threat quarterback in the Class of '19 by the 247Sports composite — has considered Michigan State his dream school for months, but significant interest from the Buckeyes in recent months had piqued his interest. He told Land of 10 he's ...
OSU closing in on Florida OL after second visit in three weeks?247Sports
Offensive Tackle Michael Tarquin "Thought About Committing" During Visit While Urban Meyer Won't Let Mentor's ...Eleven Warriors

all 3 news articles »


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Google Justin Ahrens, a one-time commitment of Thad Matta, commits to new Ohio State basketball...

Justin Ahrens, a one-time commitment of Thad Matta, commits to new Ohio State basketball staff: Buckeyes recruiting - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Justin Ahrens, a one-time commitment of Thad Matta, commits to new Ohio State basketball staff: Buckeyes recruiting
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Justin Ahrens knew everything there is to know about Ohio State and the Buckeyes basketball program. So his official visit this weekend was in some ways just a formality. Prospects come to get the red carpet treatment, some to get a ...
Justin Ahrens re-commits to Ohio State: Buckeyes land in-state recruit — againLandof10.com
Ahrens picks Ohio State, writes 'There's no place like home'Dayton Daily News
2018 4-star SF Justin Ahrens commits to Ohio StateLand-Grant Holy Land
OSU - The Lantern
all 7 news articles »


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Google OSU closing in on Florida OL after second visit in three weeks? - 247Sports

OSU closing in on Florida OL after second visit in three weeks? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


OSU closing in on Florida OL after second visit in three weeks?
247Sports
Tarquin was impressed with the Buckeyes' offensive line. “They have a great offensive line,” Tarquin said. “They are really physical, aggressive, tough, very athletic. I like the way they play.” The 6-foot-5 and 290-pound tackle has 18 scholarship ...


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Google Watch: Breakout day for converted defensive end Rashod Berry - 247Sports

Watch: Breakout day for converted defensive end Rashod Berry - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Breakout day for converted defensive end Rashod Berry
247Sports
In his first real significant minutes as an offensive performer at Ohio State, redshirt sophomore Rashod Berry recorded his first career touchdown reception in the Buckeyes' 54-21 rout of UNLV. Berry scored on a 38-yard catch-and-run from Dwayne ...
Get in there: Great day to be a walk-on as OSU rompsMansfield News Journal

all 8 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State drops to No. 11 in AP Poll

Ohio State drops to No. 11 in AP Poll
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


852458422.0.jpg

The blowout win of UNLV did not help the Buckeyes.

The Ohio State Buckeyes smashed the UNLV Rebels on Saturday, 54-21. However, that win didn’t help Urban Meyer’s program at all in regards to the AP Poll. The Buckeyes fell back one spot to No. 11, as TCU and Georgia leaped into the Top 10 after big wins over the weekend.

Below is how the new AP Top 25 Poll looks heading into Week 5.


As mentioned, the big movers on the week were the TCU Horned Frogs, who beat then-No. 6 Oklahoma State on the road, 44-31. Georgia, the other team to leap into the Top 10, beat then-No. 17 Mississippi State, 31-3, at home.

Expect more movement in the next edition of the polls, as the headline matchup this Saturday is No. 2 Clemson traveling to take on No. 12 Virginia Tech.

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Google Justin Ahrens re-commits to Ohio State: Buckeyes land in-state recruit — again - Landof10.com

Justin Ahrens re-commits to Ohio State: Buckeyes land in-state recruit — again - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Justin Ahrens re-commits to Ohio State: Buckeyes land in-state recruit — again
Landof10.com
Justin Ahrens decommitted from Ohio State after the program parted ways with Thad Matta. Now he's a Buckeye again. Ohio y'all ready? There's no place like HOME..❤ COMMITTED ⚪ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/H40nvDr0XM. — Justin Ahrens•• ...
Ahrens picks Ohio State, writes 'There's no place like home'Dayton Daily News
2018 4-star SF Justin Ahrens commits to Ohio StateLand-Grant Holy Land
Justin Ahrens, a one-time commitment of Thad Matta, commits to new Ohio State basketball staff: Buckeyes recruitingcleveland.com

all 7 news articles »


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LGHL 2018 4-star SF Justin Ahrens commits to Ohio State

2018 4-star SF Justin Ahrens commits to Ohio State
Patrick Mayhorn
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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Ohio State has their fouth commit in a week.

On June 6, after months of being a member of Ohio State’s 2018 recruiting class, Justin Ahrens decommitted from the Buckeyes, just a day removed from Thad Matta stepping down as head coach. Ahrens shifted his focus to Michigan, Dayton, Xavier and Cincinnati, while Ohio State searched for a new coach.

Shortly after, Chris Holtmann was hired to replace Matta, and despite Ahrens’ decommitment, the new look Buckeye coaching staff was still highly intrigued by the Versailles, Ohio product. Ahrens received an official offer from the Buckeyes on July 17, and with Holtmann leading the way, Ohio State surged in the race for the four-star small forward.

After visiting Xavier and Michigan in August, Ahrens headed up to Columbus this weekend, taking in the sights of Columbus at the Ohio State-UNLV football game, and talking to Chris Holtmann and his staff about a possible recommitment to the Buckeyes.

Obviously, Ahrens was sold, as just moments ago, fresh off that visit, the 6-foot-5, 181-pound wing committed to the Buckeyes, spurning Michigan and Xavier, both of whom had been considered the teams to beat for months.


Ohio y'all ready? There's no place like HOME..❤️ COMMITTED ⚪#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/H40nvDr0XM

— Justin Ahrens•• (@ahrensjustin12) September 24, 2017

Ahrens is the fourth commit in Ohio State’s 2018 class, along with guards Duane Washington and Luther Muhammad, and forward Jaedon LeDee. All four recruits have committed in the past week, making this easily the most impressive week thus far of Chris Holtmann’s short tenure.

With Ahrens commitment, the Buckeyes moves up to ninth in the national class rankings and fifth in the Big Ten for the 2018 recruiting cycle.

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Google Buckeyes' romp over Rebels gets passing grade - New Philadelphia Times Reporter

Buckeyes' romp over Rebels gets passing grade - New Philadelphia Times Reporter
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes' romp over Rebels gets passing grade
New Philadelphia Times Reporter
But some games serve as one. Thanks, UNLV, for your time, and enjoy your $1.3 million check for showing up. No. 10 Ohio State's 54-21 victory over the sacrificial Rebels in front of 106,187 sun-baked fans at Ohio Stadium will be a footnote in this season.


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LGHL Ohio State’s passing game got plenty of practice vs. UNLV

Ohio State’s passing game got plenty of practice vs. UNLV
Chad Peltier
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Both Barrett and Haskins spread the ball around efficiently, but things got a little sloppy

Despite a record-setting performance, we didn’t end up learning a ton about the Buckeyes. However, the backups — including Dwayne Haskins! — got plenty of work in. With meetings with Penn State, Iowa and Michigan left on the schedule, Ohio State has some tough defenses that they’ll have to face, so at least the backups were able to get in playing time while they could.

With backups playing so much it’s no surprise that Ohio State had a little bit of a sloppy game, but some of the biggest mistakes were actually by starters, including Kendall Sheffield’s penalties and coverage, Campbell’s fumble, and the offensive line allowing a few sacks. But really we’re just nitpicking — the Buckeyes mostly took care of business while the game was competitive.


In the table above, scoring opportunity efficiency looks at the average points scored per scoring opportunity -- drives with a first down past the opponents' 40-yard line. Drive efficiency looks at the percentage of drives that were scoring opportunities. Rushing opportunity rate is the % of runs that gained five or more yards. Rushing stuff rate is the % of runs that were for no gain or a loss. Explosive plays are 12+ yard runs and 20+ yard passes here. This table only includes non-garbage time numbers — here, garbage time kicked in with 12:39 left in the second quarter when Ohio State went up 30-0. At that point both teams had run only 21 plays — so we’re dealing with very small sample sizes in the above advanced stats (not that you should take too much from them anyway)!

Offense: Work in the passing game


Key stats:

  • 67% passing success rate
  • 44% passing explosive rate
  • 100% drive efficiency

It was pretty clear that UNLV simply offered some extended passing practice for Ohio State’s offense. With five different receivers catching a touchdown in the first half and the team setting a school record for passing offense in a game, it was nothing more or less than passing practice. But for additional context, the offense’s 62 percent success rate was their third highest since 2014 — last week’s game against Army and the 2016 season opener vs. Bowling Green were higher.

Here are Ohio State’s success rates and explosive rates by down:


The third down success rate is a little deceptive because the offense only had two third down attempts in their five drives and 21 overall plays before garbage time took over.

That was because Ohio State dominated first and second down — and especially second down, where almost half of their plays went for 15 or more yards.

About all you can say about the offense’s performance here was that at least they took care of business against an inferior opponent — which isn’t guaranteed. Unfortunately I don’t have game-by-game passing success rate numbers, but J.T.’s 12.3 yards per attempt was his third-highest as Ohio State’s starting quarterback.

With a third of their plays going for 15+ yards in their first five drives, it’s no wonder that the offense was able to turn every single possession into a scoring opportunity (a first down inside the opponent’s 40 yard line). We saw a similar offensive gameplan as we did against Army — lots of perimeter passing and RPOs, with maybe a little more intermediate work.

And just for the curious: Haskins’ success rate = 52 percent (J.T. = 67 percent), Haskins’ explosiveness rate = 22 percent (J.T. = 44%). These aren’t really fair comparisons though, since Haskins was playing with second- and third-string offenses, and it’s unclear what personnel UNLV had on the field. Either way, Haskins sure does have a cannon though — he might have even had more zip on his passes than Cardale.

Defense: Disruptive, but sloppy


Key stats:

  • 44% rushing success rate
  • 33% rushing stuffed rate
  • 24% havoc rate allowed
  • 20% drive efficiency

In the preview I wrote that UNLV actually has a pretty decent offense, all things considered. And as Ohio State began to rotate in backups, we saw glimpses of that offense. Freshman quarterback Armani Reeves Rogers played well, all things considering. But pressure from the defensive line ultimately was too much to keep things close for more than a quarter.

Before the game entered garbage time, UNLV faced six third downs. They converted one of those through a 12-yard pass on third-and-5. One other was a complete pass, but short of the first down. Two were sacks (Jerome Baker for one, and Tyquan Lewis and Malik Harrison for the other). But the last two were first downs from penalties — both from Kendall Sheffield (holding and pass interference). Those penalties were the sole reasons that UNLV was able to create a scoring opportunity at all while Ohio State’s first team defense was on the field. Sheffield often had a tough assignment by having to cover Devonte Boyd, but it wasn’t a great look for the secondary nonetheless.

Besides the penalties and still shaky coverage, the defensive line continues to be dominant. They forced an interception, sack, or other tackle for loss on about a quarter of UNLV’s plays before rotating to a freshman-heavy unit. Overall about 19 percent of tackles were for a loss in the game, with Nick Bosa pitching in a team-high of three.

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Google Watch highlights as Teradja Mitchell has 17 tackle game - 247Sports

Watch highlights as Teradja Mitchell has 17 tackle game - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch highlights as Teradja Mitchell has 17 tackle game
247Sports
What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! The 6-foot-2 and 232-pound Mitchell is a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite. He is the country's No. 37 overall ...

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Google ET Football: Carthage scores 27 fourth-quarter points to overcome Gilmer, 48-28 - Longview...

ET Football: Carthage scores 27 fourth-quarter points to overcome Gilmer, 48-28 - Longview News-Journal
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


ET Football: Carthage scores 27 fourth-quarter points to overcome Gilmer, 48-28
Longview News-Journal
The Buckeyes went 86 yards in five plays to answer the Carthage score as Brown and Heath paired up from 20 yards out at 5:11. Keys plays in the drive were a 34-yard reception by Tra Fluellen and a 28-yard Rashard Ward run to move deep into plus ...
Buckeyes fall to CarthageGilmer Mirror
No. 1 Carthage beats No. 2 GilmerETFinalScore.com
Carthage Uses Second Half Surge To Pull Away From GilmerTexasHSFootball.com

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