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LGHL Pitt’s 2007 upset of West Virginia changed the course of Ohio State history

Pitt’s 2007 upset of West Virginia changed the course of Ohio State history
Colton Denning
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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Podcasting with our own Matt Brown about his new book on the greatest ‘What if’s?’ in college football history!

One person you should probably thank for the incredible run that Ohio State football is on under Urban Meyer? Dave Wannstedt.

No, really.

As crazy as it sounds, Wannstedt played a key role in the series of events that ultimately led to Meyer at Ohio State, and him turning the Buckeyes back into a national powerhouse after Jim Tressel’s ugly exit before the 2011 season.

How, you ask? It all began in Morgantown, WV on December 1, 2007.

Wannstedt’s 4-7 Pitt Panthers entered the 100th Backyard Brawl against No. 2 West Virginia as 28 1⁄2 point underdogs, in a game that looked to be a coronation for Rich Rodriguez’s dominant Mountaineers squad on their way to the national championship game. Instead, Pitt shocked the world. The Panthers escaped Morgantown with a 13-9 win, kicking West Virginia out of the BCS title game, and setting off a chain of events that effected Ohio State, LSU, Michigan, and Texas, to name a few.

On this edition of The Hangout in the Holyland, LGHL and SB Nation’s own Matt Brown joined host Colton Denning to discuss his new book, ‘What if?: A closer look at college football’s great questions,’ the process of writing, some of the great ‘What if’s?’ from the book, and more.

The guys talked extensively about the chapter devoted to the 2007 Pitt-WVU game, and how a West Virginia win may have changed the course of Ohio State history, including:

  • Why Terrelle Pryor’s recruitment would have been different.
  • Tressel probably avoiding the tattoo scandal that led to his departure, and a possible 2nd national championship in 2007.
  • Rich Rodriguez not taking the Michigan job (Hello, Les Miles!).
  • No Urban Meyer era, and Luke Fickell coaching an 8-4 Ohio State team in 2016, instead.
  • Tom Herman not ending up at Texas, and more!

We strongly recommend everyone purchase Matt’s new book, and learn not only about how different Ohio State history would be in this scenario, but also about some of the greatest ‘What If’s?’ in college football history!

You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.

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Google Ohio State football: Urban Meyer has Buckeyes running like well-oiled machine - NCAA.com

Ohio State football: Urban Meyer has Buckeyes running like well-oiled machine - NCAA.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Urban Meyer has Buckeyes running like well-oiled machine
NCAA.com
After five seasons in Columbus, Meyer has the Buckeyes running as smoothly as any business enterprise in the land. He's won a third national championship there (to go along with two from Florida), a conference title and two division titles, and Ohio ...
Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017Sporting News
Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for BuckeyesMansfield News Journal
Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with BuckeyesAshland Times Gazette (subscription)
Landof10.com -247Sports
all 83 news articles »


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Google Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum

Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes
Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
CHICAGO – New Indiana football coach Tom Allen is hyping Thursday night, Aug. 31, as the biggest season opener in school history. But it will be special for Ohio State, too. The Buckeyes will be opening against a Big Ten opponent for the first time ...
Meyer: Buckeyes have put Fiesta Bowl loss behind themDayton Daily News
Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big TenThe Columbus Dispatch
Urban Meyer on sixth season: 'Hard to imagine how time flies'MyDaytonDailyNews
247Sports -Landof10.com
all 174 news articles »


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Google Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017 - Sporting News

Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017 - Sporting News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's Urban Meyer blends even better future for Buckeyes beyond 2017
Sporting News
CHICAGO — Perhaps for the last time, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer addressed the Buckeyes' recent past. He's been asked to recount the 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl in the College Football Playoff enough by now. What's one more time?
Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for BuckeyesMansfield News Journal
Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with BuckeyesAshland Times Gazette (subscription)
What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hypeLandof10.com
247Sports -Ironton Tribune
all 61 news articles »


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Google Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum

Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite
Bucyrus Telegraph Forum
CHICAGO – Ohio State's football team is getting the usual preseason love from the Big Ten media and national pundits, but judging by the position battles coach Urban Meyer says are "wide open" you'd think the Buckeyes are starting from scratch. "Ohio ...


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Google What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hype...

What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hype - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


What they're saying: Ohio State opponents see Buckeyes as big game, but won't buy into hype
Landof10.com
That, however, doesn't mean the Buckeyes' opponents are cowering and awaiting defeat. In fact, from talking to people here in the Windy City on Day 1 of Big Ten Media Days, you almost could make the case that teams are looking forward to seeing Ohio ...
Urban Meyer updates on Marcus Baugh, Baron Browning, others247Sports
Ohio State's final game of 2016 football season still stingsMinneapolis Star Tribune
The Diminishing Creativity in Ohio State's Option Game Over the Past Three SeasonsEleven Warriors
The Athletic -10TV
all 32 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State WR target sets commitment date

Ohio State WR target sets commitment date
Dan Hessler
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 hope to add the first WR to their top-ranked 2018 recruiting class.

Urban Meyer is in the middle of building one of Ohio State’s top recruiting classes in program history. Currently the Buckeyes hold the top spot in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings for 2018; however, the program has yet to earn a commitment from a wide receiver. The team is hoping to change this sooner rather than later as one of their top WR targets is scheduled to announce his collegiate decision in the coming weeks.

L’Christian “Blue” Smith (Dayton, OH/Wayne) has been viewed by most recruiting databases as an athlete, with some schools looking at him as a WR and others at TE. However, if Smith’s performance at Ohio State’s recruiting camp Friday Night Lights this past weekend tells us anything, it's that the Buckeyes view him as a WR, and one of their favorites.

Smith is being heavily recruited by Ohio State, Kentucky, Cincinnati and Michigan and he hopes to come to a conclusion soon. Bill Greene of Scout.com spoke with Smith at FNL and Smith told him he plans to make an official announcement Aug. 27.

The battle for the four-star recruit appears to be a two dog race, with Ohio State and Kentucky being the front runners to land him. Both schools have been heavily targeting him throughout his recruitment and he has yet to hint at which direction he is leaning.

Ohio State is viewed as the favorite to land Smith, who is the No. 4 recruit in the state of Ohio and the No. 115 overall prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Along with Smith, the Buckeyes are also heavily recruiting four-star WR target Kamryn Babb (Saint Louis, MO/Christian Brothers College). The two would make for an exciting duo to go along with five-star tight end commit Jeremy Ruckert and four-star all-purpose back Jaelen Gill.

5-star 2019 WR to announce top schools soon


Continuing with the WR position, Ohio State is hoping that it will make the cut when one of the best in the 2019 recruiting class releases his top schools.

Five-star WR Theo Wease (Allen, TX/Allen) holds offers from the top football programs in the country, with 33 reported scholarship offers including Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Houston, TCU, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Florida State, Miami, UNC, Michigan, Nebraska and plenty of others. Wease has yet to list his favorites among the impressive group, but plans to narrow them down soon.


Top schools coming soon... #Royal

— Theo Wease Jr (@_TheoWeaseJr) July 24, 2017

Ohio State is one of the favorites to make the cut, along with Oklahoma and home-state schools Texas and TCU. The Buckeyes have yet to add a verbal commitment to their 2019 recruiting class, focusing most of their attention on finalizing their No. 1 ranked 2018 class.

If the No. 6 WR and No. 35 overall recruit in next year’s class does include Ohio State in his top schools, expect the coaching staff to try their best to get him to visit Columbus multiple times over the next two years.

Ohio State offers 4-star PG


Since Chris Holtmann took over the Ohio State basketball head coaching gig, he has been hard at work hitting the recruiting trail. This trend continued this week as the program offered one of the country’s top recruits yesterday.


McDonogh/Team Melo 2018 G Noah Locke offered by Ohio State. @PrepHoopsMD @Kevin_Noon with it first.

— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) July 25, 2017

Four-star PG Noah Locke is the No. 15 PG in the 2018 recruiting class and is the nation’s No. 80 overall prospect in next year’s class. The 6'2, 160-pound guard holds offers from 33 different programs across the country, with the most recent coming from Ohio State.

Currently, Kansas is seen as the favorite to land Locke, with Michigan, Providence, and Cincinnati not far behind. However, the recent Ohio State offer puts the Buckeyes squarely in the mix.

Holtmann has shown his impressive ability to bring in top recruits, earning three commitments already in his short time at Ohio State. With three-star SG Torrence Watson already committed to the Buckeyes in 2018, Locke would be a tremendous addition to a team looking to add elite, young talent.

Look for the Buckeyes to do their best to get him on campus sometime this year.

Ohio State LB position begins to clear up


One-time Ohio State lean and four-star inside linebacker Michael Harris (Tucker, GA / Tucker) committed to Auburn yesterday over schools like Ohio State, Alabama, Oklahoma, and multiple others.


Committed !!! @CoachGusMalzahn pic.twitter.com/hlcMWEUEPK

— Money Mike (@Illionairemike) July 24, 2017

Harris had worked out for Ohio State earlier this summer and had told multiple sources that he held the Buckeyes as his top school of choice. However, with space being limited in this year’s class, Harris committed to Auburn instead.

Ohio State already holds verbal commitments from four-star ILB Teradja Mitchell and four-star OLB Dallas Gant. The team is also likely to be landing a commitment from four-star ILB K’Vaughan Pope, who is now scheduled to commit between Ohio State and Georgia August 4.


God works in mysterious ways . there's a blessing with my name on it . August 4th i will be making my commitment! STAY TUNED‼️

— THE POPE (@Pop3Bad_81) July 22, 2017

Pope has long been an Ohio State lean and has been wanting to commit to the Buckeyes for a while now but has been unable to do so due to academic reasons. However, it appears as though the University is ready to accept his commitment and Pope will likely be a Buckeye baring any last-second surprises.

Ohio State is also in the mix for four-star ILB Solomon Tuliaupupu and four-star OLB Christopher Oats. It appears that for Harris, Ohio State’s inability to guarantee him a spot in the class led him to commit to Auburn and had nothing to do with him losing interest in the school. This is one of the few negative side effects of being one of the most popular schools among the country’s top recruits. However, it appears that both the Buckeyes and Smith have decided to do what was best for both by going on their separate ways.

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Google Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with Buckeyes - Ashland Times Gazette (subscription)

Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with Buckeyes - Ashland Times Gazette (subscription)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Barrett prepares for pivotal final season with Buckeyes
Ashland Times Gazette (subscription)
1 of 2 Photos | Ohio State fifth-year senior J.T. Barrett studies video from last season and takes notes in the quarterback room at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on The Ohio State Universitys campus. Barrett is preparing for his final season with the ...

and more »


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Google Kurelic: Georgia 5-star loves FNL; OSU commit defuses recruiting - 247Sports

Kurelic: Georgia 5-star loves FNL; OSU commit defuses recruiting - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic: Georgia 5-star loves FNL; OSU commit defuses recruiting
247Sports
The Buckeyes have two 2018 commitments from Georgia, defensive end Brenton Cox and quarterback Emory Jones. “I talk to Brenton,” Hinton said. “I met Emory at Ohio State this weekend. I'll start talking to him.” The 6-foot-4 and 265-pound Hinton is a 5 ...


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Google Golf: Buckeyes' Holtmann pitches in for charity - ThisWeek Community News

Golf: Buckeyes' Holtmann pitches in for charity - ThisWeek Community News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Golf: Buckeyes' Holtmann pitches in for charity
ThisWeek Community News
New Ohio State men's basketball coach Chris Holtmann is embracing his role in the community. Holtmann, who was named coach June 9 and faces the task of rebuilding the Buckeyes, was pleased to serve as honorary co-chair for the 31st annual Joe ...


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Google Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes - Mansfield News Journal

Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes - Mansfield News Journal
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Opening with Big Ten foe? Almost unheard for Buckeyes
Mansfield News Journal
CHICAGO – New Indiana football coach Tom Allen is hyping Thursday night, Aug. 31, as the biggest season opener in school history. But it will be special for Ohio State, too. The Buckeyes will be opening against a Big Ten opponent for the first time ...
Meyer: Buckeyes have put Fiesta Bowl loss behind themDayton Daily News
Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big TenThe Columbus Dispatch
Urban Meyer updates on Marcus Baugh, Baron Browning, others247Sports
Landof10.com -Springfield News Sun -Centre Daily Times
all 194 news articles »


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Google Ohio State's battle for Jayson Oweh, Dwan Mathis continuing to grow relationship with Ryan...

Ohio State's battle for Jayson Oweh, Dwan Mathis continuing to grow relationship with Ryan Day and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's battle for Jayson Oweh, Dwan Mathis continuing to grow relationship with Ryan Day and more
Landof10.com
If the Buckeyes want to continue to be at the front of his mind, they may not have a whole lot more time to extend that scholarship. Mathis was previously committed to Iowa State and isn't overly interested in the recruiting process. But a potential ...
Could Mathis be Buckeyes' quarterback of the future?247Sports
Emory Jones, leverage and how Ohio State has to handle five-star QB taking visitsThe Athletic
Miamisburg grad Myers fitting in well at Ohio StateMyDaytonDailyNews

all 4 news articles »


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Google Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite - Mansfield News Journal

Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite - Mansfield News Journal
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Top billing: Buckeyes will lean on leadership as Big Ten favorite
Mansfield News Journal
"Ohio State is always going to be there," Meyer said at Big Ten Media Days on Monday, commenting on the Buckeyes being cast as the Big Ten favorite in a media poll conducted by cleveland.com. "It should always be one of the top schools in the conference.
Meyer: Buckeyes have put Fiesta Bowl loss behind themDayton Daily News
Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big TenThe Columbus Dispatch
Urban Meyer updates on Marcus Baugh, Baron Browning, others247Sports
Springfield News Sun -Landof10.com
all 167 news articles »


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BTN Kevin Wilson wasn’t at media days, but he was a hot topic

Kevin Wilson wasn’t at media days, but he was a hot topic
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

CHICAGO — Kevin Wilson wasn’t at Big Ten media days, but he was a hot topic. Why not? The new Ohio State offensive coordinator may be the most important assistant coach in the Big Ten in 2017. Wilson was hired by Urban Meyer in the offseason to get the Buckeye offense back on track. And, in the process, get Ohio State back on top in the Big Ten. It’s hoped Wilson can restore the roar an offense that has lost its edge since coordinator Tom Herman left to coach Houston after a run to the 2014 national championship. Ed Warinner
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LGHL Vegas odds favor Alabama, Florida State, USC and Ohio State for the College Football Playoff

Vegas odds favor Alabama, Florida State, USC and Ohio State for the College Football Playoff
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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This wouldn’t be a bad CFP.

Bovada has some fresh odds for who they think will make it to the fourth installment of the College Football Playoff. Alabama, last season’s runner up, is leading the pack, while past CFP participants Florida State and Ohio State aren’t too far behind. USC, who made it to the Rose Bowl last season but never a CFP, has the third best odds of making it to the semifinals, behind Alabama and Florida State.

If we use the odds as a way of seeding the teams, it appears the semifinal contests would be Alabama-Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, and Florida State-USC in the Rose Bowl.

The Big Ten East dominates the odds list, with Penn State and Michigan also cracking the top 10 list. Penn State has the seventh best odds, while Michigan has the ninth best. Neither of these teams have ever appeared in the College Football Playoff.

Below is the table of odds for the top 10 teams that have the best chance of making the playoff.


If you don’t know what the numbers mean, don’t worry. In the case of Ohio State (Yes +150, No -200), if you bet that they were going to make the CFP, you would need to bet $100 in order to win $150. If you bet that OSU wouldn’t make the CFP, you would need to bet $200 in order to win $100.

When the odds are updated, or if new ones get created, we’ll have you covered.

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Google Meyer: Buckeyes have put Fiesta Bowl loss behind them - Dayton Daily News

Meyer: Buckeyes have put Fiesta Bowl loss behind them - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer: Buckeyes have put Fiesta Bowl loss behind them
Dayton Daily News
Ohio State's Urban Meyer speaks on the Big Ten Network on Monday, July 24, 2017, during Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. Story Highlights; Buckeyes lost 31-0 in Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1. 0. Share. Facebook Twitter Google+ Reddit Email. Share this with your ...
Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big TenThe Columbus Dispatch
Two Buckeyes receive preseason Big Ten honors247Sports
Big Ten Media Days means Ohio State football season is finally hereLandof10.com
ESPN (blog) -WKYC-TV -cleveland.com
all 139 news articles »


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LGHL Darius Slade leaves Ohio State football program

Darius Slade leaves Ohio State football program
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Slade_Darius.0.jpg

The junior DL is reportedly heading to Arizona State.

Junior defensive lineman Darius Slade has left the Ohio State football program. Urban Meyer made the announcement of the personnel change at Big Ten Media Day.


Urban Meyer said defensive end Darius Slade has transferred. Flipped to Ohio State on National Signing Day in 2014.

— Ryan Ginn (@rmginn) July 24, 2017

Slade, a product of Montclair, N.J., was coming off a leg injury that kept him sidelined last season. Before the injury, Slade played sparingly in the 2015 campaign in games against Virginia Tech, Rutgers and Michigan. Arizona State is seen as a probable landing spot for Slade, according to coach Meyer and reports.

A member of the 2014 recruiting class, Slade entered Ohio State graded as a three-star product.

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LGHL Diversity may be the secret to Ohio State’s outstanding defensive line

Diversity may be the secret to Ohio State’s outstanding defensive line
Meredith Hein
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9551086.0.jpg

Each player brings a unique skill to the table. And the line has benefited as a whole.

“Depth helps. You want to have the depth to play a lot of guys, but the most important thing is getting a lot of different pieces and getting them all to fit together to take advantage of their skill set.”

-Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, via Dan Murphy, ESPN


Larry Johnson may be one of the most prolific defensive line coaches in the history of college football, churning out players like Courtney Brown, Tamba Hali and, more recently, Joey Bosa. But while any one of these individuals would make a near-perfect recruiting pitch, the veteran coach of two decades knows that unique skills--not cookie-cutter repeats of the same players--are what have built truly great defensive lines at Ohio State and Penn State. And it is this cumulation of distinct abilities that has made Ohio State’s defensive lines one of the most formidable in the nation heading into this season.

The philosophy surrounding talent on the defensive line underwent a shift several years ago, as offensive lines began to account for individual, dominant pass rushers. Johnson recognized this change, and began to add more diversity to his repertoire, which enabled his line to respond to the myriad of looks the offense might give.

That diversity is exemplified by the Ohio State defensive line. Anchored by defensive end Tyquan Lewis, each player brings a unique skillset that stops the offense regardless of situation. Lewis himself is an expert at stopping the run, while fellow end Sam Hubbard (who played safety in high school) can either rush the quarterback or drop into coverage on a given play. The same goes for the interior of the line, with players like Dre’Mont Jones, a converted end who is now slotted at tackle. And with so much depth across the line, each individual player can stay fresh with fewer plays per game, while going in when they will be most impactful.

Johnson uses examples of these skills in his recruiting pitch, by identifying what each individual brings to the table and how he would develop that skill to fill a role on the defensive line. And the five-star recruits have followed.

“Even after some weaknesses were laid bare in recent games, it’s clear that Ohio State can have a great offensive line in 2017. Having four returning starters certainly helps.”

-Ryan Ginn, Land of 10


Ohio State’s offensive line should be one of the top returning position groups in 2017. With four returning starters, including All-American Billy Price, the team is already an experienced unit. However, the loss of fellow All-American Pat Elflein, who earned the Rimington Trophy last year as the nation’s best center, looms large. Price will also be replicating Elflein’s shift to center from right guard, with the battle to replace Price still ongoing. Redshirt junior Demetrius Knox and redshirt sophomore Matthew Burrell are the main contenders. Both Knox and Burrell saw limited action last season. The Buckeyes are also bringing on Wyatt Davis, a five-star recruit from California, but it is unlikely he’ll get a starting role straight away.

Senior left tackle Jamarco Jones is entering his second season as a starter after earning second team All-Big Ten honors last season. On the other side of the line, junior right tackle Isaiah Prince, who had some struggles last season, is also coming into his second year as a starter. Finally, sophomore left guard Michael Jordan started all 13 games as a true freshman last season on his way to freshman All-American honors.

Price is a natural anchor to the unit, and will bring stability even from his new position. Coincidentally, Price practiced at center for much of the spring leading into the 2014 season. The left side of the line is similarly solid behind Jones and Jordan, who formed an effective duo last season. And while Prince has at times been a liability, Price has acknowledged that those types of struggles are common for a first-year starter. A former four-star recruit, the 6-foot-7 Prince has massive potential and, if Price’s comments are accurate, he will be a force to be reckoned with as he settles into his second season as a starter.

“Harbaugh won’t be working in any extra Ohio State prep a week early. Not with the Badgers, the clear favorite in the Big Ten West, to get ready for.”

-Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com


If there was ever a time that Michigan truly had the upper hand on Ohio State in The Game, it was last season. A senior-heavy Michigan team faced off against a far-more youthful Buckeye squad that returned just six starters from 2015. Now, the tables have turned, as the Wolverines bring back a paltry five starters, and will be relying on the talents of freshmen and sophomores for most position groups. These young players are members of head coach Jim Harbaugh’s dual top-10 recruiting classes from 2016 and 2017. Previously, Harbaugh had been relying primarily on Brady Hoke recruits. Even as Ohio State rebuilds its entire secondary, it still brings back significantly more experience than Michigan. The question will be if the young Wolverines will be able to catch up.

Fortunately for Michigan, however, the Wolverines will have 11 games to prep for Ohio State, including a Week 1 matchup against what is expected to be a tough Florida squad in Arlington. Like Oklahoma did last year for the Buckeyes, a tough game early helps to legitimize the young team and give valuable experience in high-pressure situations. On the flip side, the Wolverines will also face Wisconsin the week prior to Ohio State. Wisconsin is the preseason favorite in the Big Ten West, and a projected top-15 team. It will be a quick-turn for Michigan, akin to Ohio State’s back-to-back matchups against Michigan State and Michigan held the last two seasons. This season, Ohio State faces Illinois Week 11.

Despite the lack of returning starters and the tough schedule, Michigan does still have the advantage of the game being played in Ann Arbor. And this rivalry series, despite being severely lopsided in favor of Ohio State, has been played closer than it should have been at times, with the Buckeyes winning by five points or less in three of the last five years.

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Google Could Mathis be Buckeyes' quarterback of the future? - 247Sports

Could Mathis be Buckeyes' quarterback of the future? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Could Mathis be Buckeyes' quarterback of the future?
247Sports
Ohio State has had a good run of late on the recruiting trail when it comes to bringing in top notch quarterbacks. In Joe Burrow (2015), Dwayne Haskins (2016), Tate Martell (2017), and Emory Jones (2018), it appears the Buckeyes are set for a long time ...


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Google Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big Ten - The Columbus...

Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big Ten - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Buckeyes favored, but Meyer wary of rest of Big Ten
The Columbus Dispatch
Although the Buckeyes fell short of the conference title last year (but still made the College Football Playoff field), sixth-year OSU coach Urban Meyer understands why the expectations are there and he embraces them. “I think that's a respect factor ...
The Diminishing Creativity in Ohio State's Option Game Over the Past Three SeasonsEleven Warriors
Urban Meyer on Ohio State's status as the Big Ten favorite: "It's of no consequence at all"WKYC-TV
9 things to know from Urban Meyer at Big Ten Media Days (with video of his news conference)cleveland.com
HERO Sports (blog) -Landof10.com -247Sports
all 24 news articles »


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LGHL Big Ten Media Day: Urban Meyer places Ohio State-Michigan as the ‘greatest rivalry in all...

Big Ten Media Day: Urban Meyer places Ohio State-Michigan as the ‘greatest rivalry in all of sports’
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_10175981.0.jpg

Also, Meyer talked about leadership on the team, open spots on offense and defense, and the loss to Clemson.

The first day of Big Ten Media Days left the best for last, as Urban Meyer stepped up to the podium to address the media. Meyer talked about a wide array of topics, including the wide receiver and right guard spots, the loss to Clemson, and the rivalry with Michigan.

On the topic of Michigan, Meyer admitted that he tried to recreate the rivalry at past coaching stops. Like when he was at Bowling Green, he tried to make BGSU-Toledo the rivalry, and attempted to do the same thing with Utah’s rivals when he was there for two seasons. While Meyer also said he was biased in calling ‘The Game’ the greatest rivalry in all of college football and sport, some facts remain true, like his undefeated record against Michigan since taking control of the Buckeyes.

Since coming to Ohio State, Meyer has gone 61-6—which is some video game-esque stat. However, one of those losses was the worst in his career: last season’s debacle to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. It would make sense that Meyer and crew would’ve used that loss to the eventual national champions as fuel for this season. However, Meyer said at the podium at Media Day that they’ve “let the loss go...that ship has sailed.”

That loss featured six Buckeyes who would later go onto the NFL. Meyer addressed the holes left by his former starters, and said that spots are left in the tight end, defensive back and wide receiver positions. With this new crop of starters and leadership improvements, this Buckeye squad is expected to be just as good as last year. In fact, Meyer said the leadership among the team is some of the strongest he’s seen since taking over the program in 2012.

Consistency has been the key for OSU, which is a good thing, as the Big Ten East is once again going to be a battle. Meyer talked about how he thought the Big Ten and SEC didn’t really have a gap between the talent among teams.

The college football season can’t get here fast enough.

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Google Former Buckeyes James Laurinaitis and Stanley Jackson join BTN - 247Sports

Former Buckeyes James Laurinaitis and Stanley Jackson join BTN - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Former Buckeyes James Laurinaitis and Stanley Jackson join BTN
247Sports
Kirk Herbstreit and Robert Smith are two major examples on the football side of things, while Jim Jackson and Clark Kellogg handle things on the basketball side. The Big Ten Network announced on Monday at the start of Big Ten media days that two more ...

and more »


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Google One-time Ohio State lean Harris commits to Auburn - 247Sports

One-time Ohio State lean Harris commits to Auburn - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


One-time Ohio State lean Harris commits to Auburn
247Sports
Tucker (Ga.) linebacker Michael Harris worked out at Ohio State in June having already been offered a scholarship by the Buckeyes. At one time Harris had told Bucknuts the Buckeyes were at the top of his list. However, space is very tight in the ...
BREAKING: Michael Harris commits to Auburn over Ohio State, GeorgiaSECcountry.com
4-Star Linebacker Michael Harris Commits To Auburn!College and Magnolia

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