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LGHL Ohio State has versatility, experience in their linebacker unit

Ohio State has versatility, experience in their linebacker unit
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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Even though they’ve been shuffled around, the Buckeye linebackers might be the best LBs in the country.

“The ability to move a player from one spot to another and not miss a beat makes the Buckeyes appear even deeper than they already are.”

Tony Gerdeman on the Ohio State linebacking unit, TheOzone.net


The defense is one of the strongest units throughout the history of Ohio State football. In the Urban Meyer era, the linebacking unit has seen numerous stars emerge, even though the unit keeps getting shuffled around.

Tony Gerdeman of the Ozone.net broke down how the Buckeyes will succeed at the linebacker position this season, even though the personnel were moved around the Mike, Will and Sam linebacker designations.

Versatility looks to be the name of the game, as this set of LBs has ample experience. For example, Chris Worley started his career in the weakside linebacker spot, before moving to the strongside position. This season, he will be in the role of middle-linebacker.

(Note: the name “Mike” goes with middle-linebacker, “Will” goes with weakside linebacker, and “Sam” goes with strongside linebacker).

Gerdeman also wrote about how Dante Booker, who opened last season as the weakside linebacker, is being moved to the strongside position this season. This move comes off the heels of Booker missing most of last season with knee injury. However, the true testament to Booker’s ability is this: Even though he missed a bunch of games, he’s bounced back to being the No. 1 strongside linebacker on the team.

At some places, you’re lucky to have a good linebacker – and are extremely fortunate if you have two – with experience. At Ohio State, the norm is a stacked roster that is not only talented, but has the experience in all facets of the position.

Land of 10 ranks the best Ohio State teams in history

Ben Axelrod breaks down Nos. 10-6, Landof10.com


With the offseason now reaching the middle summer months, the football season is getting closer and closer. This makes it the perfect time to look back at some of the history – and revisit some of the good ole days in Buckeye football.

Ben Axelrod at Landof10.com is doing just that, and he’s counting down the top 10 Ohio State football teams in history. (All of this coincides with the Big Ten turning 100 years old, too).

Today, Nos. 10-6 were unveiled – and there weren’t too many surprises. The National Champion team from 1957, a true blast from the past, found themselves on the list with the likes of Woody Hayes’ 1973 squad that finished the season undefeated, but with a tie to Michigan.

Additionally, recent teams like the 2015 squad cracked the top 10 list. We don’t want to spoil the rankings, just give you a sample of who’s on the list.

If you want to see how Axelrod has ranked Nos 10-6, you can click here.

“The elimination of two-a-day practices beginning with the 2017 season is playing a role in those discussion. As schools evaluate the effect of that change on their preseason schedules, a waiver is in place to permit schools to start their preseason practices up to seven days earlier than the rule allows.”

The NCAA on potential rule changes this season, NCAA.com.


Going into the 2017 season, there may be some rule changes that get made involving how the college football season operates. While the NCAA is still in the early stages of looking at making changes, the biggest potential change would make a 14-week standardized season.

The elimination of two-a-day practices is helping fuel the talks of making more changes, as schools begin to evaluate the effects of having said two-a-days removed from the schedules. Moving forward, the committee would prefer to have the preseason start in August, which then sets up the next potential change: determining what is a season of competition.

Currently, if a student-athlete participates in competition (i.e. a game), then a season of competition has been used. A new rule change would allow for a student-athlete to participate in a select amount of games before the season is counted against eligibility.

We’ll keep you up to date if more proposed changes are brought up.

STICK TO SPORTS


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Google BH: Grimes Time? | Smith making move - 247Sports

BH: Grimes Time? | Smith making move - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BH: Grimes Time? | Smith making move
247Sports
The Buckeyes have won some important recruiting battles against Florida State, most recently their win over the Seminoles for linebacker Teradja Mitchell. So, we found it interesting what one of our Florida State related sources had to say when it ...
Ranking Ohio State football's top 10 teams of all time: Nos. 10-6Landof10.com
Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court pressLand-Grant Holy Land
Former commit Goodwin making official visit to OSUAshland Times Gazette (subscription)
isportsweb.com (blog) -MilTech
all 9 news articles »


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Google Hoops Notes: Illinois standout Horton-Tucker set to visit - 247Sports

Hoops Notes: Illinois standout Horton-Tucker set to visit - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Hoops Notes: Illinois standout Horton-Tucker set to visit
247Sports
Ohio State men's basketball welcomes in Illinois wing Talen Horton-Tucker for an unofficial visits. Plus more recruiting headlines for the week. Steve Helwagen - 17 minutes ago; 0; Tools. Edit; Slot to 247Sports Home; Slot to Ohio State Buckeyes ...


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Google Open thread: Buckeye commits and targets at The Opening - 247Sports

Open thread: Buckeye commits and targets at The Opening - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Open thread: Buckeye commits and targets at The Opening
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! I will be on hand and posting on the thread below each day. Today practice goes from 1:00 pm ET to 3:00 pm ET. Check back ...
The Hurry Up: Top-Rated Tight End Discusses Urban Meyer's Recruiting Strategy While Four-Star Wide Receiver ...Eleven Warriors
See Kamryn Babb, Jeremy Ruckert and other Ohio State recruits at Day 2 of The Opening Finalscleveland.com
This week in Michigan recruiting: Top TE target Jeremy Ruckert says Urban Meyer texts his girlfriendMLive.com

all 2 news articles »


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Google Ranking Ohio State football's top 10 teams of all time: Nos. 10-6 - Landof10.com

Ranking Ohio State football's top 10 teams of all time: Nos. 10-6 - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ranking Ohio State football's top 10 teams of all time: Nos. 10-6
Landof10.com
After suffering a loss to TCU in their season opener, the 1957 Buckeyes reeled off nine straight wins, closing the year with a 10-7 victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. That was enough to earn Ohio State the No. 1 ranking in the UPI coaches poll at ...
Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court pressLand-Grant Holy Land
Former commit Goodwin making official visit to OSUAshland Times Gazette (subscription)
OSU Buckeyes Football Tickets: CapitalCityTickets.com is Slashing Their Prices on Ohio State Buckeyes Football ...Press Release Rocket (press release)

all 6 news articles »


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Google Potential Browns to watch for 2018 NFL Draft: Ohio State Buckeyes - Browns Wire

Potential Browns to watch for 2018 NFL Draft: Ohio State Buckeyes - Browns Wire
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Potential Browns to watch for 2018 NFL Draft: Ohio State Buckeyes
Browns Wire
Furthering our preparation for the 2017 college football season, we will continue to keep an eye out for the best potential NFL talent and today we will focus on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have been a consistent pipeline for the NFL and most ...


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LGHL Ohio State football single-game tickets are now on sale

Ohio State football single-game tickets are now on sale
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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Get yours before they’re gone!

We are one step closer to football season, and it all starts with the release of single game football tickets for the 2017 season. The tickets went on sale Friday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (phone at 800-745-3000 or online) or in person at the Ohio State University Athletics Ticket Office in the Jerome Schottenstein Center.


Another option includes getting re-sale tickets from season ticket holders via the Buckeyes Ticket Exchange —but the seller will set the asking price. The tickets are sent electronically, and can be printed at home by the purchaser.


*Valid OSU ID required for entry

Ohio State University adheres to the Big Ten Conference policy of requiring that all guests, regardless of age, must present a valid ticket for entrance into football, men's basketball, and men's ice hockey games.

Small children under the age of 2 can attend via a lap ticket, purchased at a discounted rate. Lap tickets are only available on game day and can be purchased at the ticket office. Only children under the age of 2 are eligible for the lap ticket discount.

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LGHL Ohio State has 8 commits competing in The Opening Finals this weekend

Ohio State has 8 commits competing in The Opening Finals this weekend
Patrick Mayhorn
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The_Opening_Logo_original.0.jpg

Plenty of future Buckeyes will be competing in Oregon this week.

Nike’s annual “The Opening Finals” event kicks off from Beaverton, Oregon today. The three day event features a lineman competition, various Nike skills tests and drills, and finishes with a 7-on-7 tournament on Monday. Unlike past years, the full event will not be televised, but the 7-on-7 finals on Monday will be aired on NFL Network. The full event can be followed through SB Nation’s live blog, and at @SBNRecruiting on twitter, as well as on our twitter, @Landgrant33.

Ohio State, as per usual, will have a number of commits and targets at the event. In total, eight current Buckeye commitments, and roughly 17 “top targets” for the 2018 class will be in attendance at the prestigious camp. The Opening always serves as a great way to determine the most talented players in the country, and if the Buckeye commits and targets in attendance put up a good showing, they could see big jumps in their recruiting rankings.

So who all will be there that Ohio State fans need to pay attention to?

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Player Photos via 247Sports
BUCKEYE COMMITS


5-Star DT Taron Vincent, Bradenton, FL, Vapor Speed: Ohio State’s highest ranked recruit in the 247sports composite rankings, Taron Vincent, will be in attendance this weekend, and competing for team Vapor Speed, along with the seven other Buckeye commitments at the event (how convenient!). Obviously, Vincent will not be playing in the 7-on-7 tournament, but he will participate in everything else, in hopes to cement his standing as one of the best recruits in the nation.

5-Star DE Brenton Cox, Stockbridge, GA, Vapor Speed: One of the three defensive line commits that will be in attendance, Cox will have the chance to jump up the rankings with a good showing. Both Cox and Andrew Chatfield are thought of as being athletic edge rushers, and the Nike trials will be a great chance to show off that athleticism.

4-Star S Jaiden Woodbey, Bellflower, CA, Vapor Speed: The other position, along with linemen that Ohio State has an abundance of at The Opening, is defensive backs, and Woodbey is the highest ranked of the three that will be in Beaverton. He will be playing in 7-on-7, and if team Vapor Speed makes it to the finals, you’ll be able to watch him, and his fellow commits play on Monday.

4-Star APB Jaelen Gill, Westerville, OH, Vapor Speed: The only commit on the offensive side of the ball for Ohio State at The Opening this year, Jaelen Gill has more to prove than pretty much anyone at the event. He injured his ankle last season, and questions about his speed and health have come with that injury, as they would with any leg injury. Gill will have the chance to show that he hasn’t lost a step from last year, as he participated at The Opening last season as well.

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247Sports
Jaelen Gill has a lot to prove this weekend.

4-Star ILB Teradja Mitchell, Virginia Beach, VA, Vapor Speed: The most recent Buckeye commit that will be competing at The Opening this year, Teradja Mitchell will be looking to make up for some poor camp showings that resulted in a rankings drop. Mitchell has a chance to silence some of his critics with a good performance, especially in the 40 time.

4-Star S Josh Proctor, Owasso, OK, Vapor Speed: Josh Proctor, similar to fellow safety Jaiden Woodbey, doesn’t really have a game that’s well suited for 7-on-7 environments. He’s a big hitting safety, and won’t really get to showcase that talent anywhere but on the field for his high school this fall. That doesn’t mean he won’t be able to put on a show at The Opening, as Proctor is one of the most athletic players in the country, and his final Nike+ Football numbers should reflect that.

4-Star CB Sevyn Banks, Orlando, FL Vapor Speed: Banks, similar to Jaelen Gill, has something to prove at The Opening. He also suffered an injury last season, and is looking forward to this chance to show off why Ohio State loves his game so much. Banks is an absolute freak of an athlete, and should put up monster numbers, and an impressive performance in the speed-oriented 7-on-7 tournament.

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247Sports
Sevyn Banks is ready to show the world how good he is.

4-Star DE Andrew Chatfield, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Vapor Speed: One of the bigger surprises thus far in the 2018 recruiting cycle for Ohio State is Florida product Andrew Chatfield. The dangerous edge rusher was expected to land at LSU for much of his recruitment, but a push from the Buckeyes in late May led to a quick and unexpected commitment. Chatfield will have the chance to show Buckeye fans what they’re getting this weekend, as he may very well be the most athletic defensive lineman in attendance.

BUCKEYE TARGETS


5-Star DE Micah Parsons, Harrisburg, PA, Untouchable: Uncommitted

5-Star ILB Palaie Gaoteote, Las Vegas, NV, Alpha Menace: USC Commit

5-Star CB Anthony Cook, Houton, TX, Vapor Speed: Uncommitted

5-Star OG Jamaree Salyer, Atlanta, GA, Alpha Menace: Uncommitted

5-Star OT Jackson Carman, Fairfield, OH, Vapor Speed: Uncommitted

5-Star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Anaheim, CA, Alpha Menace: Uncommitted

5-Star WR Brennan Eagles, Houston, TX, Vapor Speed: Uncommitted

5-Star CB Tyson Campbell, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Hyper Strong: Uncommitted

4-Star WR Kamryn Babb, St. Louis, MO, Mach Speed: Uncommitted

4-Star CB Houston Griffith, Bradenton, FL, Alpha Menace: Uncommitted

4-Star ILB Soloman Tuliaupupu, Santa Ana, Vapor Speed: Uncommitted

4-Star TE Jeremy Ruckert, Lindenhurst, NY, Alpha Menace: Uncommitted

4-Star DE Tyreke Smith, Cleveland, OH, Alpha Mencace: Uncommitted

4-Star L’Christian Smith, Dayton, OH, Mach Speed: Uncommitted

4-Star ILB K’Vaughn Pope, Dinwiddie, VA, Mach Speed: Uncommitted

2019 5-Star DE Zach Harrison, Lewis Center, OH, Mach Speed: Uncommitted

2019 5-Star OLB Owen Pappoe, Loganville, GA, Alpha Menace: Uncommitted

2019 5-Star OT Devontae Dobbs, Belleville, MI, Vapor Speed: Uncommitted

2019 4-Star DT Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati, OH, Untouchable: Uncommitted

SCHEDULE


There will be plenty of news and highlights from this weekend, so be sure to keep an eye on SBNation dot com and Land-Grant Holy Land.

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Google Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court press - Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court press - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court press
Land-Grant Holy Land
With the players currently going through the grueling summer workouts, you'd think all of the attention would be solely focused on the gridiron Buckeyes. However, since his hire, Coach Holtmann has the Ohio State men's hoops squad with several pairs of ...
Ohio State football players keeping busy, Trevor Thompson gets an NBA shot and moreLandof10.com

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LGHL Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court press

Ohio State basketball recruiting stays on the full-court press
Caleb Houser
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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Another basketball offer goes out as Holtmann continues momentum.

We are only nine weeks away from the highly anticipated season opener for Ohio State football as they take on Big Ten conference foe, Indiana. With the players currently going through the grueling summer workouts, you’d think all of the attention would be solely focused on the gridiron Buckeyes. However, since his hire, Coach Holtmann has the Ohio State men’s hoops squad with several pairs of eyes glued to its every move. As his first season begins to take shape in his new home, Holtmann and the rest of his former Butler staff have wasted no time at all as they look to put their mark on Buckeye basketball.

4-star baller receives OSU offer


Recruiting and being as active as they can, Buckeye fans have to be pleased with what they are seeing out of this new staff as their first season approaches. With his former success at Butler and already pulling a former Bulldog commit to Ohio State’s recruiting class in Ohio’s Kyle Young, it’s not hard to see that recruiting will take a serious priority.

Yesterday, Holtmann pitched his latest offer when Eric Ayala (Wilmington, DE/Putnam Science Academy) came on the receiving end of the most recent Ohio State offer. Ayala, a four-star guard, can play multiple spots on the floor and with his 6-foot-5, 180-pound frame, he creates the serious ability for miss-matches. Ranked as the No. 5 combo guard in the country and the top overall player in his home state of Delaware, it’s easy to see why Eric has nearly 30 scholarship offers.


Eric Ayala, a class of 2018 guard playing for We R1 (DE), just picked up an offer from Ohio State.

— Pat Lawless (@PatLawless_) June 29, 2017

Schools offering Ayala consist of the likes of Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, LSU, Illinois and Oregon. Currently though, the smart pick for this 2018 star is Syracuse. With every 247sports crystal ball prediction in favor of the Orange, this race may already have a strong leader. Can Holtmann and the new momentum behind the Buckeye program find time to draw interest from Ayala? With the possibility that he could re-classify to the 2017 class, sooner may happen faster than later.

Top WR trending toward OSU?


Ohio State’s 2018 recruiting class sits not only at the top of the Big Ten, but the entire country. With a loaded list of commits, Ohio State football fans have the thinking this can (and will be) the year the Buckeyes claim the recruiting national championship crown. Meyer and his staff are scouring the country on the daily and their pursuits are definitely paying off as the momentum in the 2018 class doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon.

One position that hasn’t yet seen a commit for the Buckeyes is in the receivers corps. However, top prospects such as Missouri’s Kamryn Babb and in-state Huber Heights Wayne star L’Christian “Blue” Smith are thought to be leaning towards the Buckeyes – so there hasn’t been a realconcern for why their isn’t a receiver in the fold for 2018. When the time is right, it’s nearly guaranteed the Buckeyes will land two, maybe three studs at the receiving position; but in recruiting, patience is key.

As recent as Wednesday night however, some rumblings surfaced when a 247sports crystal ball prediction favored Ohio State when it comes to current five-star receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown (Anaheim, CA/Mater Dei). The 6-foot, 190-pound phenom boasts nearly 30 college offers and a top three ranking at his position as well the third best player from a loaded state of California for the 2018 class. Easily a top wishlist type prospect for any program in the country, a crystal ball prediction in favor of the Buckeyes is certainly worth mentioning.

Though St. Brown is most closely associated with Notre Dame and USC, when it comes to Urban Meyer and recruiting, the efforts can’t go unnoticed. It looks as though both parties have each other’s attention and if adding a player like Amon-Ra is possible, the saying “the rich get richer” may just find a whole new meaning. We will see if there is substance to this single crystal ball prediction, but one thing is always for certain: when it comes to recruiting, never count out Urban Meyer.

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Google Buckeyes, Bobcats, and football - Parkersburg News

Buckeyes, Bobcats, and football - Parkersburg News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes, Bobcats, and football
Parkersburg News
The Buckeyes are in the top three by all, but always behind Alabama. The others in the top four are Florida State and USC, except one Washington vote at No. 4 pushed the Trojans down to fifth. Both Street & Smith's and Phil Steele's see 'Bama versus ...


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Google Buckeyes hang on at Geneva - SalemNews.net

Buckeyes hang on at Geneva - SalemNews.net
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes hang on at Geneva
SalemNews.net
Davidson found Larimer for a 19-yard go-ahead touchdown pass with 5:34 left and the Ohio defense snuffed out a potential game-winning two-point conversion to give the Buckeyes an exciting 21-20 win at Geneva College. “The last couple of weeks we've ...

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Google On The House: Buckeyes buy, sell homes - The Columbus Dispatch

On The House: Buckeyes buy, sell homes - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


On The House: Buckeyes buy, sell homes
The Columbus Dispatch
Kevin Wilson, the new offensive coordinator for the Buckeye football team, has bought the Powell home of former OSU star receiver Brian Hartline. Meanwhile former OSU basketball standout Greg Oden has bought a home in Dublin. Wilson and his wife, ...

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LGHL Despite having only one preseason All-American, Ohio State is poised for much more

Despite having only one preseason All-American, Ohio State is poised for much more
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Also, can Holtmann add a top-5 guard for 2017?

The Sporting News released its preseason All-America list on Tuesday, and Ohio State wasn’t particularly well represented. Don’t take that as a sign that the Buckeyes are down on talent this year, however. Instead, treat these types of lists for what they are: A compilation of the best returning players in the country.

-Ryan Ginn, Land of 10


Preseason lists, be they of the All-America or ranking variety, are generally little more than useless reflections of the previous season and preconceived opinions. However, in college football, they are especially fraught, as time and change can quickly upend the universally expected status quo.

Case and point, over the last two seasons, the Ohio State football team has lost 19 players to the NFL; a situation that would be worrisome for even the most blue-blooded of programs. However, instead of slowly drifting back to the rest of the Big Ten pack, the Buckeyes have continued to extend their lead in on-field productivity and off-field recruiting.

While those two strengths create a bit of a chicken-and-the-egg conundrum as to which begat which, they have combined to allow Urban Meyer and his staff to routinely fly beneath the radar, despite boasting a 61-6 record, five straight division titles, two College Football Playoff berths, and a National Title in their five years in Columbus.

There doesn’t seem to be any indication that OSU’s recipe of reloading rather than rebuilding will slow down this season, so it is a safe bet that Buckeyes both heralded and un will receive recognition come season’s end.

Holtmann got the job late. By the time he arrived in Columbus earlier this month, almost all of the potential players the Buckeyes could recruit this year had signed or committed elsewhere. Makes sense. But perhaps Ohio State is not quite done.

-Bill Landis, cleveland.com


Nearly every move that new Ohio State basketball coach Chris Holtmann has made since being named Thad Matta’s replacement has been well-received and widely-praised. So, it’s easy to accept that due to his late start, that he doesn’t want to sign a player that didn’t fit his plan simply out of desperation.

However, if Eric Ayala, 2018’s No. 5 combo guard reclassifies his class after his AAU season concludes in July, one would have to assume that he would be a welcome addition to the class. With multiple scholarships still available for the upcoming season, Holtmann and company had been recruiting Ayala while they were at Butler, and the Delaware native (who plays at Connecticut’s Putnam Science Academy) said a few weeks ago that OSU is an option should he start his college career in the fall.

At 6’5, and with skills that currently have him as the 126th ranked player in the 2018 class, he would be a much-needed ball handler to go along with returning JuCo transfer C.J. Jackson and true freshman Braxton Beverly.

For all the tangible progress he's made in two season, Jim Harbaugh has yet to beat the Buckeyes. The only coach to ever start his Michigan career 0-3 against the school's biggest rival is Rich Rodriguez.

-Dan Murphy, ESPN.com


In his recent “B1G Ultimate Road Trip 2017” articles, Murphy lists five Buckeye games as the best of their given day or week. Since OSU kicks off its season on Thursday, August 31st against Indiana, they get that slot by default, but when you mix in games at Nebraska (October 14th), Iowa (November 4th), and Michigan (November 25th) and at home on October 28th against Penn State (not to mention the Week Two matchup with Oklahoma), you realize that this coming season has a few more exciting contests, and potential speed bumps, than in recent years.

However, knowing that OSU is the biggest game on every opponent’s schedule, I, for one, am going to keep my expectations for this Buckeye team in perspective. As my grandfather always said, “Expect the worst, and hope for the best.”

In college football, anything can happen, App State can defeat Goliath, early season losses (to VA Tech) can be eventually overcome, and despite Ohio State’s unparalleled modern dominance of Michigan (winning 14 of the last 16 match-ups), eventually the Maize and Blue will find a way to win again.

So, as we rev ourselves up for another hopefully historic season of Buckeye football, keep an eye on the big picture, because no matter how the season winds up, things still look pretty good for the Scarlet and Gray.

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Google Trevor Thompson gets a shot on Celtics' Summer League team - 247Sports

Trevor Thompson gets a shot on Celtics' Summer League team - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Trevor Thompson gets a shot on Celtics' Summer League team
247Sports
With one year of eligibility remaining, Ohio State center Trevor Thompson made the decision to leave the Buckeyes and try to make it as a professional basketball player. Thompson was not selected in the two-round NBA Draft earlier this month, but will ...

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Google Buckeyes offer Ayala, hope to add to 2017 class - 247Sports

Buckeyes offer Ayala, hope to add to 2017 class - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes offer Ayala, hope to add to 2017 class
247Sports
If Ayala does reclassify, Ohio State is expected to be firmly in the mix to land him, as the Buckeyes have a need for guards right now, and have the roster space as well. Sources indicate he would fit in well to the role JaQuan Lyle leaves behind, as a ...


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Google Five Swings: Most Memorable Comebacks in Buckeye Football History - Eleven Warriors

Five Swings: Most Memorable Comebacks in Buckeye Football History - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Five Swings: Most Memorable Comebacks in Buckeye Football History
Eleven Warriors
With nearly 900 wins in the bank, Ohio State stands among the select few true college football blue-blood programs. When you rack up that many victories many will be of the pedestrian variety while others will become the stuff of legend. The easy picks ...

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Google BH: Billy the GOAT? | Baker heating up - 247Sports

BH: Billy the GOAT? | Baker heating up - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BH: Billy the GOAT? | Baker heating up
247Sports
The Buckeyes have commitments from two of the country's top offensive linemen in Max Wray and Matthew Jones. They want to add at least two more great ones and of course Jackson Carman is the No. 1 target. They have also pursued Richard Gouraige ...


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Google Four-Star Buckeye Commit Sevyn Banks Could See His Stock Soar Following This Week's Opening...

Four-Star Buckeye Commit Sevyn Banks Could See His Stock Soar Following This Week's Opening Finals - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Four-Star Buckeye Commit Sevyn Banks Could See His Stock Soar Following This Week's Opening Finals
Eleven Warriors
Ohio State's top-ranked 2018 recruiting class features 14 commitments from many of the country's top prospects. Names like Emory Jones, Taron Vincent, and Jaelen Gill have gotten a lot of the buzz, and it's been for good reason as they are some of ...


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Google The Opening 2017: Ohio State commitments, top targets and key story lines at the summer's...

The Opening 2017: Ohio State commitments, top targets and key story lines at the summer's biggest recruiting event - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


The Opening 2017: Ohio State commitments, top targets and key story lines at the summer's biggest recruiting event
Landof10.com
No team in the Big Ten will have the presence the Buckeyes will, and only the Miami Hurricanes — with 10 commitments — will have more committed players in attendance. Of course, it's only June (OK, almost July) and there's a long way to go until ...
Taron Vincent, Jackson Carman and more: Ohio State commits and recruiting targets at The Opening Finalscleveland.com

all 47 news articles »


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Google Kelsey Mitchell to try out for USA basketball - 247Sports

Kelsey Mitchell to try out for USA basketball - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kelsey Mitchell to try out for USA basketball
247Sports
Last year, she led the Buckeyes to a 28-7 record, a Big Ten regular season title and a trip to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season. If things go right for Mitchell, she will set several more marks during her senior year including becoming the ...


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LGHL 4-star SG Dane Goodwin visits Ohio State

4-star SG Dane Goodwin visits Ohio State
Bret Favachio
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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Goodwin decommitted from the Buckeyes when Matta left the head coach spot. Could he recommit?

Goodwin makes official visit


For about seven months, dating back to December 2016, Ohio State had grasped the verbal pledge for ‘18 shooting guard Dane Goodwin of Upper Arlington (OH). It had seemed all but official that the 6-foot-4, 187-pounder, who plays his high school ball just about five minutes from the Buckeyes campus, would play collegiately in Columbus.

It wasn’t until the departure of head coach Thad Matta that Goodwin began second guessing his pledge to the program. Fast forward to a few days later, even despite the hiring of former Butler head coach Chris Holtmann, the four-star shooting guard did in fact make his decommitment.

The school I was informed to look out for was Notre Dame for Goodwin. However, just a couple days after being told that, the Fighting Irish would receive a pledge from ‘18 SG Robby Carmody of Indiana. After that bit of news, I told myself that maybe the Buckeyes can work their way back into the picture for Goodwin and on Wednesday they took a step in the right direction.

According to 270Hoops’ Zach Fleer, Ohio State hosted Goodwin on an official visit to the campus starting yesterday evening, and the visit will last through Friday. While we can’t expect Goodwin to open up about the visit until it concludes, the news is undoubtedly a positive for the Buckeyes and Holtmann. The new head coach emphasized recruiting within the state and getting Goodwin back into the fold for the 2018 cycle would definitely not be a bad start.

Goodwin is currently graded as a four-star prospect and 79th highest graded player in the class. Additionally, the Columbus native is the fourth best player in Ohio and the 16th best shooting guard overall. I caught up with the aforementioned Fleer to discuss what Goodwin brings to the hardwood:


“Dane Goodwin is a fiery knockdown shooter with a mean streak. Tough and lanky wing with a soft touch. Can rebound very well for a guard. Scores in bunches at the high school level, leading all of Central Ohio in points scored last season. Goodwin is a winner and rarely has a night off” - Zach Fleer
Jackson down to eight


Switching gears to the gridiron, Ohio State also got some good news in regards to ‘18 wide receiver Kearis Jackson of Peach County (GA) when the four-star prospect revealed his group of top schools.


Here it is ... pic.twitter.com/kxnjMY8An9

— ~ⓚⓔⓐⓡⓘⓢ~® (@king_kearis) June 28, 2017

As you can see, the Buckeyes were included in the list for Jackson. Ohio State has also learned their primary competition for the 5-foot-11, 203-pounder. The other schools the Scarlet and Gray will have to out battle for the pledge of Jackson will be Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Georgia, LSU and arch-rival Michigan.

While the race is down to eight for the time being, it looks like the local team is in the best shape for Jackson at the time being. According to the 247Sports Crystal Ball, the Georgia Bulldogs have received all eight predictions and unless something changes, Jackson is widely expected to stay play in Athens, Ga.

With that being said, you can not count out the Buckeyes when it comes to a Georgia prospect. Ohio State has reeled in some outstanding talent from the state in recent years including Brenton Cox, Vonn Bell, Emory Jones and Raekwon McMillan.

Who knows, maybe Jackson is next? Stay tuned.

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tBBC Wednesday Stuff: Sens re-sign Condon, interest in Phaneuf wanes, Emelin trade rumours

Wednesday Stuff: Sens re-sign Condon, interest in Phaneuf wanes, Emelin trade rumours
T6S
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 21, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

If you’re a journeyman goaltender who can help back the Ottawa Senators to a playoff appearance and are headed towards unrestricted free agency, have I got good news for you.

For the second time in two years, the Senators have inked their backup goaltender to a three-year extension.

Today the Senators announced that they have signed Mike Condon to a three-year extension worth $7.2-million ($2.4-million average annual value). Condon will be paid $1.7-million in the first year of his deal, $2.5-million in the second and a cool $3.0-million in the third.

I guess all those talks about being comfortable bringing Andrew Hammond back as the backup were for naught.

Not a bad payday for a 27-year old goaltender who only has two-years of NHL experience under his belt and was exposed on waivers as recently as last October.

The lore of how Condon wound up in Ottawa is pretty well known. For those unfamiliar, the goaltender was claimed from the Canadiens by the Penguins on October 11th and was eventually dealt to the Senators for a fifth-round pick when it was learned that Craig Anderson would spend significant time away from the club so that he could spend time with his family as his wife Nicholle was diagnosed with cancer.

In Anderson’s absence, Condon played and played often.

In 40 appearances, he started 38 games for the Senators compiling a 19-14-6 record, five shutouts, a 2.50 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.

He built a reputation on the fact that he not only brandished a retro Ron Tugnutt mask, but in his first eight appearances, he posted two shutouts, a 1.68 goals against average and a .945 save percentage.

Beyond those first eight appearances however, Condon’s numbers were sub-replacement level. In his next 33 appearances, Condon posted a 15-13-5 record, a 2.64 goals against average and a .908 save percentage.

Early on, he was fantastic and as the Senators flirted with a playoff spot for most of the season, Condon earned praise for saving the Senators’ season.

It’s an interesting claim considering Condon’s save percentage fell below the league average (.915 in 2016-17 according to Quanthockey). Strictly from a team-building standpoint, the debate Pierre Dorion and his staff had to have is whether a league average goalie could have had the same effect or helped the Senators win a similar number of games over the same stretch of time. (If the answer is yes, then maybe the Senators shouldn’t be as committed to this player as much as they obviously are.)

An obvious counterargument to the questions about Condon’s performance is that the Senators overused him and fatigue became a factor. I believe during one stretch of the season, Condon played in 24 consecutive games, but there’s also something to be said about how from an on-ice perspective, Condon was also relatively sheltered in terms of the shot quality that he faced.

The following graphic is via HockeyViz.com:

condonshots.png


Just to put things in perspective, here is a visual of the shot rates that Andrew Hammond experienced last season.

hammondshots.png


If there’s a significant concern, it lies in the idea that the Senators are investing in a goaltender because of the narrative (helping the team reach the postseason). The underlying numbers leave something to be desired and judging by the on-ice results, Condon was sheltered in terms of the shot quality that he faced.

For a small market team to not only invest term, but pretty significant dollars to a goaltender during a window wherein the team needs to win is pretty significant. The Senators can ill afford to waste dollars on a position where a replacement level goaltender is available each and every summer and would cost half or one-third the salary.

In a vacuum, this isn’t a crippling contract, but when it’s held up with the other deals that the Senators have made lately for its depth players, this very well could be another instance where the Senators have overpaid for depth that they are familiar with. For a small market team that lives on the margins and needs to allocate its money efficiently, this money could have been better allocated to fill a more important hole on the roster.

The Senators do have a tendency to keep known commodities in the fold rather than look for external solutions. It helps that their goaltending coach, Pierre Groulx, campaigned for the organization to trade for Condon in the fall and perhaps most importantly, it’s pretty easy for an organization to simply reward a player that they are comfortable with and had success with.

I just can’t imagine what the consequences would be if the team balked at signing a backup to a three-year deal simply because he helped them reach the postseason.

Oh hey, Andrew Hammond. I didn’t see you standing over there.”

All joking considered, what happens to Hammond beyond reading about the Senators ramping up their efforts to trade him remains to be seen.
The organization does have until June 30th to buy him out.
Sens Kicking Tires on Emelin?

Having lost a top-four defenceman through the expansion process without netting any assets in return, Senators became a little testy following Marc Methot’s departure.

I don’t know if it was genuine interest, due diligence or buckling to the pressures of public scrutiny, but the Senators reportedly circled back on Methot to see if there was a realistic chance in reacquiring his rights from Vegas.

Whether that’s enough to placate this fan base remains to be seen, but the Methot departure created a void on the roster and there is some uncertainty as to who will his role.

Internal candidates for promotion include Dion Phaneuf and Fredrik Claesson, but thanks to the expansion claim on Methot, the Senators save $4.9-million which they can reallocate on their roster. Obviously with new contracts needed for Ryan Dzingel and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, this money can help cover the cost of their raises, but with the savings here and hopefully with some willingness from ownership to reinvest some of Vegas’ $17-million in expansion fees and the revenues from the team’s nine playoff home gates back into the roster, the Senators may explore the market for external options.

Well, if news that the Senators had re-signed Max McCormick or Tom Pyatt wasn’t going to get fans excited, I don’t think Emelin will do much to inspire either.

Emelin is 31-years old and he’s a left-shooting defenceman who’s in the last year of his four-year contract that carries an average annual value of $4.1-million, but actually costs $4.4-million in real salary.

The veteran defenceman has failed to post the kind of offensive numbers that he put up in the KHL, but over the past few years, he’s established himself as the prototypical defensive defenceman. The surface numbers are terrible and the underlying numbers leave something to be desired, but general managers love him because his willingness to throw his body around and deliver hard checks.

At his age, cost and general ineffectiveness, I don’t know why Pierre Dorion would kick tires on Emelin or even consider trading an asset to acquire him from Vegas. Maybe it’s due diligence or maybe it’s some bizarre contingency plan in the event that free agency, the trade market or the Senators alumni association can’t provide a better option.

Karlsson Contract Foreshadowing?

Speaking of contract extensions, Connor McDavid is reportedly close to signing an eight-year extension worth an average annual value of approximately $13.25-million.

McDavid’s probably the best player in the league and although he’s young and in the last year of his entry-level contract, the circumstances surrounding his situation are admittedly different from Erik Karlsson’s.

With that being said however, it’s hard not to look at the money that the Oilers will pony up for McDavid and not wonder what it’s going to take for the Senators to keep Karlsson in the fold.

Karlsson will be 29-years old when his current seven-year deal with the Senators ends, but as a right-shot defenceman who happens to be the greatest offensive defenceman of his era, his ability and the position scarcity at the position he plays means that teams would be lining up to sign him as an unrestricted free agent.

Even though Karlsson’s skills would erode in his 30’s, thanks to his superb skating ability and hockey IQ, it’s fair to assume that he’ll play at an elite level for quite some time. He’s just one of the rare talents that you can expect to play at a high level for the foreseeable future.

Karlsson will have all the leverage in negotiations and inevitably, irrespective of what the Senators accomplish as a team, until his future is secure, the uncertainty over his next contract is going to linger over this team like a black cloud. (Similarly, the pressure on management to operate efficiently and build a good product around him so that he’s enticed to stay will be paramount.)

Between what McDavid’s receiving and what other talents have signed for lately, it’s easy to envision Karlsson getting $10 to $12-million annually on his next deal.


Interest in Phaneuf Waning

It was another big day for Senators information on Twitter.


The Senators plan on keeping Dion Phaneuf. Inquiries slowed after the Draft in Chicago and more so once Methot was traded to Dallas.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 28, 2017


I don’t really follow Dreger’s logic to explain the lack of interest in Phaneuf now that Methot’s gone, but considering how poorly the trade talks and the request to have Dion waive his no-movement clause have played out in the public sphere, this smells like the Senators are walking this one back.

Unless Dallas was the primary suitor for Phaneuf, it just doesn’t make any sense otherwise.

There probably wasn’t even that much interest in Phaneuf to begin with. If anything, this alleged trade interest was leaked to the media in hopes that they would artificially stimulate a market that otherwise wouldn’t exist.


Other News and Notes:

According to Darren Dreger, the market for Chris Neil may be bigger than expected:

Considering the circumstances, I wonder why a team like Pittsburgh would make a move and trade assets for Ryan Reaves when all Chris Neil would have cost the Penguins is money.




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Google One Buckeye makes Sporting News' preseason All-American list - 247Sports

One Buckeye makes Sporting News' preseason All-American list - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


One Buckeye makes Sporting News' preseason All-American list
247Sports
Some projections have the Buckeyes as the preseason No. 1 team in the country, but all have them in the top five or so, expecting a push for the College Football Playoff. On Wednesday, Sporting News college football writer Bill Bender released the 2017 ...


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