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LGHL Ohio State wrestling heads to Iowa for a top-5 showdown

Ohio State wrestling heads to Iowa for a top-5 showdown
Dan Vest
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 Ohio State Buckeyes have never won in Iowa City under Tom Ryan. Is that about to change?

The wrestling season has been in full swing for months now, but this week we are finally getting to the meat of the Ohio State schedule with consecutive duals against #1 Penn State and #3 Iowa. The first of these two duals takes place Friday night at 8:00 p.m. when the Buckeyes travel to Iowa City for a showdown with the Hawkeyes.

The Buckeyes haven’t won in Iowa City in well over half a century, but this could be the year it all changes. To help break down the dual, we reached out to Ben Watson and Brandon Olinger of The Inside Trip podcast (@theinsidetrip1). These two have a wealth of wrestling experience and the ability to break things down on an incredibly technical level while still making it fun. You can check out their podcast on iTunes and most other podcast apps.

If the Buckeyes are to pull off the win on Friday they’re going to have to do it without Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder. The reigning heavyweight champ will be in Russia competing in a freestyle tournament this weekend. Still, the matchups are there and so is the opportunity. If things break the right way, the Buckeyes have a very real chance to earn their first victory in Iowa since before man had landed on the moon.

Now let’s get down to business.

Intermat has Iowa as its #3 ranked dual meet team (OSU is #4), but despite the high ranking, the Hawkeyes have resounding losses to the #1 and #2-ranked teams (Oklahoma State and PSU respectively). What is your take on this year’s Iowa squad? Is it really the third best team in the country?


Brandon: Prior to losing 8th ranked heavyweight, Sam Stoll, an argument could have been made that Iowa was the third-best dual team in the country. They return five All-Americans this year, including three finalists, and have a fantastic freshman currently ranked #2 in the country at 157lbs. Losing Stoll hurts them badly as a dual team but they still have a chance to score a lot of points at the national tournament. With that said, I am of the opinion Ohio State is the 3rd best team in the country right now. The Buckeyes feature a lineup that includes 6 wrestlers ranked in the top 10, including three wrestlers ranked at the top of their weight class. Oh yeah, they also have three guys who have won a national title.

Ben: Brandon is absolutely right that before losing Stoll, a strong argument could be made that Iowa was the third best team in the country. He was ranked 8th by Intermat and had a respectable shot at finding a spot on the podium come March. His loss probably affects Iowa’s total team score by around 5-6 points at nationals. The rest of the lineup, sans 165 and 197, is more than respectable boasting a number of returning All-Americans and a freshman phenom at 157. Still, the loss of Stoll takes Iowa out of the title hunt and places them in a fight for a trophy with the likes of Virginia Tech and Ohio State.

Give Ohio State fans one wrestler on the Iowa squad to keep an eye on?


Brandon: Watch out for Hawkeye junior Sammy Brooks. The #5-ranked 184 pound wrestler is an absolute character. He’s coming off an embarrassing loss last weekend in the dual against Penn State where he was pinned in 38 seconds by Bo Nickal. I have a feeling he isn’t going to be very happy about that and it may show in his wrestling.

You may remember him and his interview after winning the B1G10 wrestling tournament last year in which he said:


“I gain trust every time my hair grows a little more and a little more. I trust in myself and my mullet. It’s a process, you know. You can’t grow a great mullet in a day, (and) you can’t win a Big Ten title in a day.”

Ben: Hawkeye Junior 141-pounder, Topher Carton has quietly put together a solid year in his first season as a starter. Nevertheless, he has defeated only one ranked opponent (Javier Gasca from Michigan State University – currently ranked 19th). He had a chance to knock off 12th ranked Jimmy Guilibon from Penn State last weekend but allowed his early lead to evaporate late in the match giving up 4 takedowns (off the same move). Topher is a nice sized 141lbs and his matchup with Luke Pletcher shouldn’t disappoint. I’ll take Pletcher by a takedown or two.

KEY MATCHUPS

We asked our experts to take give us their takes on four of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the meet.

133

#1 Nathan Tomasello v. #3 Cory Clark



Ben: Nathan Tomasello, undefeated on the year and currently ranked #1 in the country, seems to have found yet another level this year making the weight jump up to 133lbs. He appears to be wrestling with a chip on his shoulder. He laid beatings on Jayden Eierman (ranked #9 at 141) and returning All-American and #6-ranked Zain Richards. He has been wrestling to punish his opponents. Two time NCAA finalist Clark has seen limited action this year. He has a nice but controversial win over #4 ranked Stevan Micic of Michigan but took a loss to freshman phenom and #2-ranked Kaid Brock from OKST. He’s seen little action this year due to an injury and has been wearing a large brace on his shoulder during his matches.

I think NATO’s pace and tenacity is too much for Clark as he still rounds into form. Give me NATO by a few.

Brandon: I also like Tomasello in this match. I find it interesting that if there ever was an “Iowa style” of wrestling, Tomasello is probably the one guy in the country who most embodies it. He relentlessly pressures his opponents, wearing them down, allowing him to get to his offense at ease. Clark has missed a chunk of the season dealing with an injury and you can tell he is still hampered by it. I have a feeling this won’t be the only time we see them face each other this year.


149

#5 Micah Jordan v. #3 Brandon Sorensen



Ben: The move up to 149lbs for Jordan has paid off. Jordan, a freshman last year, entered the 2016 NCAA tournament seeded 6th at 141lbs. Unfortunately, he fell in the round of 12, narrowly missing All-American honors. I do not see the same fate this year to the currently undefeated Jordan. This match against#3-ranked Sorenson will give us a glimpse at Jordan’s progress. Sorenson, a returning national finalist has two losses on the year. But, most recently he took 1st ranked Zain Retherford of Penn State to the wire before losing in the final overtime (many stamp Zain as unbeatable this year). Jordan and Sorensen do have a common opponent – returning All-American Justin Oliver of Central Michigan University. Jordan has beaten Oliver twice this year, once by major decision. Sorenson needed overtime to finish off Oliver. Give me Micah by a takedown.

Brandon: I’m not going to make many friends with this one, but give me Sorensen. First off, let me say that Micah is fantastic and now that he’s at an appropriate weight class, is wrestling great. I have no doubt that we will see him on the podium this year, maybe even the finals. With that said, I don’t think people truly appreciate how good Sorensen is and is often overshadowed by the more vocal characters on the Iowa team. As a junior, he’s already placed 4th and 2nd at the national tournament but is coming off 2 consecutive losses. I look for him to get back on track with the difference being his ability to wrestle well in all 3 positions and the fact that it’s in Carver Hawkeye Arena.


174

#1 Bo Jordan v. #13 Alex Meyer



Ben: I really hope we see big brother Bo Jordan wrestle in this dual. He is currently ranked 1st in the country but has only wrestled 8 matches, none of which were against elite completion. Give me Bo without hesitation if healthy with time to train for this match. I’m not sure that’s the case. Returning All-American Myer has been extremely inconsistent this year and up until last weekend had lost 4 of his last 6 matches. Then, he shocked me by beating super recruit and Junior World Gold Medalist Mark Hall of Penn State to an eruption of the crowd at Carver Hawkeye.

Myer has shown he’s got the goods to go with almost anyone at this weight. Give me Myer in a close one (I see it different come B1Gs).

Brandon: Assuming Bo wrestles, and I think he will, I like Bo in this match. Bo is obviously the more dominant wrestler, but we haven’t had much of a chance to see it with his limited mat time this season. Even if Bo wrestles, don’t expect it to be a blowout as Meyer has a knack for keeping matches close due to his wrestling style….which, if I may add, is pretty boring to watch. Meyer is also coming off a big win over super frosh, Mark Hall, in the dual against Penn State. However, I like Bo to control the tempo, get to his shots, and put a good ride on Meyer.

184

#10 Myles Martin v. #5 Sammy Brooks



Ben: The clash in styles makes this match an absolute delight. Returning national champion Martin is up a weight this year and has wrestled very well. He has three losses on the year (4 if you count his loss to Gabe Dean from Cornell at the All Star match), but all have been to very sound wrestlers. Martin, who is extremely fast and slick on his feet, has shown he can put up points in bunches against solid competition. He is also an above average rider. Returning All-American Sammy Brooks, most famously known for his renowned mullet interview after winning the B1G title last year, is doing a yeomen’s job this year. He has impressive wins over ranked opponents (see his win over Boyd 13-3). Although, most recently, he was made to look silly by Bo Nickal from Penn State while getting caught in a spladle early in the first period. Brooks is a banger and will look to impose his will on Martin. I like Martin to get to his offense and win this match by two takedowns.

Brandon: What a match this will be…or at least should be. Their styles couldn’t be any more different but if I’m picking a winner, I’ll gladly take Martin in this match. Call it hunch, call it a guess, but I think that we may be seeing Martin turn the corner this year as his confidence grows along with his body at the new weight class. After a disappointing Midlands, he has come on strong in his last couple of matches and this is the perfect match to make statement that he is still one of the contenders in the deep 184 weight class.


Aside from the four matches listed above, what’s another contest that you’re looking forward to catching?


Ben: I want to see how Ohio State’s 165lbs Cody Burcher fairs against Iowa’s Joey Gunther. Neither of these wrestlers are ranked, but Burcher has some nice wins and close losses to very good competition. I get the sense that this is the type of match we see in a consolation round of the B1Gs with the winner punching his ticket to the national tournament.

Brandon: Honestly, I’m looking forward to the heavyweight match. Both teams will be without their regular starters with Stoll done for the year due to injury and Snyder competing overseas. What that leaves us with is a match featuring Josh Fox and Steven Holloway, 2 unheralded and undersized backups getting to do battle. I think this dual has a chance to be close and come down to the wire and I would love to see Josh Fox get to be the hero. How awesome would that be for a career backup getting a chance to win the dual for his team, on the road in Carver!!

Historically, Ohio State almost never wins in Carver Hawkeye Arena. What needs to happen for the Buckeyes to break through and record a road win against Iowa?

Ben: Bo Jordan has to wrestle, and he has to win. tOSU has to avoid giving up big bonus points at 125lbs and 157lbs. This is going to be a great dual. Go Bucks!

Brandon: Getting a win in Carver Hawkeye Arena is not an easy task. As a wrestling fan, I’d have to say it is without a doubt the greatest wrestling atmosphere in all of college wrestling. When breaking down this dual, I see each team favored in 2 matches (Iowa-125/157 & tOSU-174/197) which leaves 6 swing matches. The Buckeyes need to limit bonus points in the matches they are not favored and win 4 out of the 6 swing matches. If they can do that, which is a great possibility, then they should leave Carver Hawkeye Arena with the win.


So there you have it. Thanks again to Brandon and Ben from The Inside Trip for helping out this week. Be sure to follow them on Twitter (@theinsidetrip1). They’ll have a new podcast out early next week recapping all of the action.


How to Watch:

Ohio State v. Iowa

8:00 EST on BTN

Twitter updates available at @_VestDJ_

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Google College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was unexpected turn for former Bulldog Koizumi -...

College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was unexpected turn for former Bulldog Koizumi - Duluth News Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was unexpected turn for former Bulldog Koizumi
Duluth News Tribune
Koizumi, a former UMD captain, said this weekend's series between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 4:07 p.m. Saturday at Amsoil Arena will be bittersweet. While Amsoil Arena is a beautiful rink, Koizumi still has a soft spot for the ...

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Google Buckeyes get by Minnesota - The News Center

Buckeyes get by Minnesota - The News Center
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes get by Minnesota
The News Center
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Marc Loving and Trevor Thompson each scored 19 points to lift Ohio State over Minnesota 78-72 on Wednesday night. Thompson's total was a career high, and he also led the Buckeyes with 10 rebounds. Loving bounced back from ...


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LGHL Ohio State sends out another offer to a 2017 WR

Ohio State sends out another offer to a 2017 WR
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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The Buckeyes make a late entry in pursuit of another member for Zone 6.

Johnson gets OSU offer, shares thoughts


The days are quickly passing and National Signing Day for this year’s football recruiting class is right around the corner. For Ohio State, despite having commitments from 2017 wide receivers Trevon Grimes of St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and Jaylen Harris of Cleveland Heights (Ohio), they are still hoping to add one more pass-catcher into the fold.

On Wednesday, the Buckeyes threw out an offer to '17 WR Damond Johnson. The latest Buckeye offeree stands at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds and attended West Florida Tech High School in Pensacola, Fla.


Beyond Blessed to receive a Scholarship from Ohio State! pic.twitter.com/aUPt4Cc8YH

— Damond (@damond_123) January 25, 2017

Johnson, who is committed to David Cutcliffe and Duke, is currently graded out as a three-star prospect. With that being said, it doesn't seem likely that the Blue Devils have much to worry about here.

Johnson has been committed to Duke since February of last year, but that didn’t stop the Buckeyes from attempting to add another member to Zone 6.

"I think relationships are important in recruiting," said Johnson. "I've built a great relationship with Duke and they have been committed to me, so it's only right to do the same in return."

Johnson concluded by saying that he was thankful for the interest and offer from the Buckeyes.

Barring some unforeseen change of heart from Johnson, the Buckeyes will have to look elsewhere to fill the void left by '17 WR Tyjon Lindsey, who decommitted from the Buckeyes not long ago and pledged to Nebraska.

One name that should be on major offer watch now is '17 WR Elijah Gardiner of Kemp (TX). On Wednesday, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson went down to the Lonestar State to visit the Missouri commitment.


Great visit with some great coaches. ️ @OhioStAthletics pic.twitter.com/4rlogSaG7X

— Eli (@elijahgardiner) January 25, 2017

Gardiner, much like Johnson, is also graded as a three-star prospect. The 6-foot-5, 185-pounder already had some thinking to do in regards to his recruitment since Texas dropped an offer to him nine days ago. Stay tuned to see if the Buckeyes are next to give the Texan an offer.

Okudah hints at another Texas addition?


One thing that certainly got Ohio State fans on the edge of their seat on Wednesday was the interesting tweet dropped by '17 cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, who hinted at maybe another Texas recruit joining the Buckeyes historic recruiting class:


I think we get one more Buckeye out of the Lone Star State #Shhhh

— Jeffrey Okudah III (@TheJeffOkudah) January 26, 2017

As we well know, Ohio State has had great success in the state of Texas this cycle. They pulled Okudah, linebacker Baron Browning and running back J.K. Dobbins from the state and their lone remaining target from the state, for now, is '17 defensive tackle Marvin Wilson.

Wilson has been a longtime target for Ohio State and their pursuit of the five-star defensive lineman will not slow down until pen meets paper.

After meeting the aforementioned Gardiner, Ohio State had Meyer and defensive line coach Larry Johnson stop by Epsicopal High School in Bellaire, Texas to visit the massive 6-foot-4, 329-pounder.


Ohio State HC Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) & DL coach Larry Johnson at Episcopal HS earlier to visit with 5-star DT Marvin Wilson (@RDMW6) pic.twitter.com/JFKgClhn2j

— Sam Khan Jr. (@skhanjr) January 25, 2017

If the Buckeyes can indeed land Wilson, it will put the icing on the cake for, arguably, the best recruiting class ever in the program’s history. With that being said, as of now, LSU is the projected landing spot for the Under Armour All-American.

In-state DE gets Buckeye offer


Lastly, with the 2018 recruiting class standing at the on deck circle, Ohio State didn't let Wednesday go by without giving some good news to one certain prospect for next year.

2018 defensive end Tyreke Smith, a teammate of Jaylen Harris at Cleveland Heights (OH), was on the receiving end of an offer from the Buckeyes last night.


GOD IS GREAT!!!! Beyond blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University O-H pic.twitter.com/2Tzu7Y9QVZ

— Tyreke Smith™ (@T_23_baller) January 26, 2017

The new offer for Smith puts the Buckeyes in the mix with programs like Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA and USC.

Smith is currently ranked No. 175 in next year’s class; the Cleveland native also stands as the sixth best weak-side defensive end in the country and the seventh best player from the state of Ohio.

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Google Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com

Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was fitting that Trevor Thompson was the one who shut the door on Minnesota's comeback attempt. After all, he was the reason Ohio State was in a position to win in the first place. A pair of Thompson blocks in the final 14 seconds ...
Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72CBS Local
Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes say they can't relax after 78-72 victory over MinnesotaThe Morning Journal
Landof10.com
all 90 news articles »


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Google Wrestling: Buckeyes preparing for pivotal Big Ten meet with No. 3 Iowa - OSU - The Lantern

Wrestling: Buckeyes preparing for pivotal Big Ten meet with No. 3 Iowa - OSU - The Lantern
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Wrestling: Buckeyes preparing for pivotal Big Ten meet with No. 3 Iowa
OSU - The Lantern
The Buckeyes look to be in good health, as the only starter expected to be out is Snyder in the heavyweight division. “Kyle (Snyder) gives you a sense that, of the 10 weights, we're getting bonus points in this weight, so we're going to need for ...


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Google Men's Hockey: No. 8 Buckeyes look to “take care of business” during conference series with...

Men's Hockey: No. 8 Buckeyes look to “take care of business” during conference series with Wisconsin - OSU - The Lantern
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Men's Hockey: No. 8 Buckeyes look to “take care of business” during conference series with Wisconsin
OSU - The Lantern
6 offense in the nation at more than three goals per game, and sit one point ahead of the Buckeyes in the Big Ten standings. Coach Tony Granato's squad is led by sophomore forward Luke Kunin and senior forward Grant Besse, who each have 22 points on ...

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Google Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - FOXSports.com

Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - FOXSports.com
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Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72
FOXSports.com
Coming off a bad loss at home to Northwestern over the weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes were in desperate need of a bounce back performance. They would need to do so against a Minnesota team that thoroughly dominated them earlier in the month in ...


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Google College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was an unexpected life turn for former Bulldog...

College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was an unexpected life turn for former Bulldog Jessica Koizumi - Duluth News Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


College women's hockey: Coaching Buckeyes was an unexpected life turn for former Bulldog Jessica Koizumi
Duluth News Tribune
Koizumi, a former UMD captain, said this weekend's series between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 4:07 p.m. Saturday at Amsoil Arena will be bittersweet. While Amsoil Arena is a beautiful rink, Koizumi still has a soft spot for the ...


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Google Buckeyes Split The Season Series With The Golden Gophers By Winning, 78-72, Wednesday Night...

Buckeyes Split The Season Series With The Golden Gophers By Winning, 78-72, Wednesday Night - Scout
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Buckeyes Split The Season Series With The Golden Gophers By Winning, 78-72, Wednesday Night
Scout
Trevor Thompson refused to let the Buckeyes (13-8, 3-5 Big Ten) lose, though. In addition to scoring a career-high 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season, the junior center blocked two of Minnesota's shots in the ...


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Google Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72 - CBS Local

Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72 - CBS Local
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Buckeyes Hand Gophers 3rd-Straight Loss, 78-72
CBS Local
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Marc Loving and Trevor Thompson each scored 19 points to lift Ohio State over Minnesota 78-72 on Wednesday night. Thompson's total was a career high, and he also led the Buckeyes with 10 rebounds. Loving bounced back from ...


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Google Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com

Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes hold on for 78-72 win over Minnesota
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was fitting that Trevor Thompson was the one who shut the door on Minnesota's comeback attempt. After all, he was the reason Ohio State was in a position to win in the first place. A pair of Thompson blocks in the final 14 seconds ...
Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and moreLandof10.com
Meet Preview: Gophers Host BuckeyesGophersports.com
Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72Land-Grant Holy Land
The Daily Gopher -247Sports
all 79 news articles »


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Google Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - Scarlet and Game

Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72 - Scarlet and Game
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Buckeyes Bounce Back, Beat Gophers 78-72
Scarlet and Game
Coming off a bad loss at home to Northwestern over the weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes were in desperate need of a bounce back performance. They would need to do so against a Minnesota team that thoroughly dominated them earlier in the month in ...


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LGHL Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72

Ohio State vs. Minnesota 2017 final score: Buckeyes hold off Golden Gophers, win 78-72
Matt Brown
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9837372.0.jpg

The Buckeyes escape a Minnesota rally.

After a loss to Northwestern evaporated the momentum Ohio State basketball was building, the Buckeyes needed to bounce back in a major way if they were to pull themselves out of the Big Ten basement.

They responded, with one of their best first halves of the season, as the Buckeyes rode Trevor Thompson, and some questionable shot selection from Minnesota to beat the Gophers 78-72 and raise their record to 13-8.

The Buckeyes led by as many as 17 in the first half, thanks to sharing the basketball, Thompson’s domination, some strong free throw shooting, and questionable shot selection by the Gophers.

But a 12-0 run by Minnesota near the end of the half trimmed the margin to a more respectable 40-35 Buckeye lead — and the Gophers wouldn’t go away for the rest of the game.

The second half remained tight, as the Buckeyes struggled to recapture the shooting magic they enjoyed in the first half and Minnesota’s work on the offensive glass forced the Buckeyes to work. But more strong free throw shooting and tough defense were enough to carry the day, as the Bucks never trailed in the second half, even though the Gophers pulled to within two at the four minute mark.

The Buckeyes went over five minutes without a made field goal late in the second half, but timely free throw shooting (aided by Minnesota foul trouble), provided just enough points to hold off the Gophers in a wild last two minutes full of mistakes from both sides.

Thompson finished with a career-high 19 points, along with 10 rebounds. Marc Loving also added 19 points, while Jae’Sean Tate added 10, and seven boards. Nate Mason scored 21 for Minnesota.

Three things we learned:

1) Trevor Thompson is good. A common critique of the Matta era as of late has been that most Buckeyes don’t demonstrably improve year to year. This assessment certainly doesn’t apply to Thompson, who has improved substantially, and showed off exactly how against the Gophers. Thompson hit free throws, protected the rim, drained jumpers, and attacked Minnesota as he established himself as a guy the Buckeyes could run their offense around, setting up open shots as the Gophers collapsed around him.

On a team without a “guy”, Thompson might actually be closest thing, when you look at contributions on offense and defense. If he continues to perform like he did today, Thompson could be a professional basketball player.

2) Andre Wesson is starting to become something. Wesson isn’t a finished product, and growing pains during his freshman year were to be expected. But pressed into additional playing time after Kam Williams dinged his hip again, Wesson showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of. He drained a trio of free throws, forced a steal off a double team, and then found JaQuan Lyle in transition for an easy three, all within a four-minute stretch. Wesson finished with nine points, and some solid effort plays.

Wesson’s a bit of a three and D type player now, but as he gets more comfortable with himself and the speed of the college game, he might become even more. With his brother beasting in high school right now, the Wesson brothers could be a dangerous combo for Ohio State basketball relatively soon.

3) The postseason is still out there. Forget the NCAA Tournament for a minute. Without some major profile rehabilitation, or a Big Ten Tournament win, that’s not happening. But at 13-8, Ohio State can still improve their Big Ten Tournament positioning, and put themselves into position for an NIT run. That may not be especially satisfying, but if that run gives more time for players like Andre Wesson and Micah Potter to mature and improve in postseason, high-pressure situations, it will benefit Ohio State even more for next season.

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Google Penn State men's hockey reflects on poor play against Buckeyes - The Daily Collegian Online

Penn State men's hockey reflects on poor play against Buckeyes - The Daily Collegian Online
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Penn State men's hockey reflects on poor play against Buckeyes
The Daily Collegian Online
The game ended in a 3-3 tie, with the Buckeyes picking up an extra point in the Big Ten standings. “We did things that weren't us,” Gadowsky said. “We don't have to do anything more special. We just have to be us, more consistently, even when things ...

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Google Ohio State early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah hints at another Buckeyes commit from Texas: 'I...

Ohio State early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah hints at another Buckeyes commit from Texas: 'I think we get one more' - Landof10.com
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Ohio State early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah hints at another Buckeyes commit from Texas: 'I think we get one more'
Landof10.com
Buckeyes early enrollee Jeffrey Okudah III (Grand Prairie, Tex.) hinted that Ohio State could be getting close to major news as National Signing Day nears. “I think we get one more Buckeye out of the Lone Star State #Shhhh,” Okudah tweeted Wednesday ...


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Google Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and more -...

Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and more - Landof10.com
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Ohio State continues WR hunt with new 2017 offer, a '19 lineman talks Buckeyes, and more
Landof10.com
Though Ohio State has not offered, a visit from both Meyer and new Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson indicates serious interest from the Buckeyes. A week ago, Gardiner was a relatively under-the-radar prospect committed to a good SEC ...
Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projectioncleveland.com
Meet Preview: Gophers Host BuckeyesGophersports.com
Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 9 Mike WeberCBS sports.com (blog)
Campus Pressbox (blog) -Eleven Warriors
all 63 news articles »


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Google Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 8 Pat Elflein - 247Sports

Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 8 Pat Elflein - 247Sports
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Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 8 Pat Elflein
247Sports
First, Elflein loves the Buckeyes. Growing up just outside of Columbus, Elflein told his high school coach that he wanted to attend OSU before an offer ever arrived. When Luke Fickell made the call, it was Elflein's coach who told the then head coach ...

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Google Meet Preview: Gophers Host Buckeyes - Gophersports.com

Meet Preview: Gophers Host Buckeyes - Gophersports.com
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Meet Preview: Gophers Host Buckeyes
Gophersports.com
The Buckeyes are coming off a loss to Iowa, but maintain an average team score of 195.233. Earlier this season, the Buckeyes notched a big win over No. 10 Michigan. Ohio State maintains a higher average on bars, beam and has a slight edge on vault over ...
Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projectioncleveland.com
Ohio State podcast: Is 5-star LB Baron Browning the next great Buckeyes linebacker?Landof10.com
Top 20 most important Buckeyes: No. 9 Mike WeberCBS sports.com (blog)
Campus Pressbox (blog) -Eleven Warriors
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Google No. 8 Buckeyes (12-4-6, 3-2-1-1) - Madison.com

No. 8 Buckeyes (12-4-6, 3-2-1-1) - Madison.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


No. 8 Buckeyes (12-4-6, 3-2-1-1)
Madison.com
You should know: The Buckeyes withstood Penn State's shots-on-goal barrage to collect five of six points at the then-top-ranked Nittany Lions. They earned a shootout victory after a 3-3 tie and a 6-3 victory despite being outshot 103-55. They also did ...


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LGHL Urban Meyer and Gene Smith worked on the Ohio State staff right after the Fiesta Bowl

Urban Meyer and Gene Smith worked on the Ohio State staff right after the Fiesta Bowl
Harry Lyles Jr.
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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Meyer wanted to waste no time.

“[Urban Meyer] began to talk about people and who he wanted to get, and so we went through that process and he kind of had a vision of what he thought he needed to do.”

- Gene Smith, via Jacob Myers, The Lantern


Urban Meyer wasted no time in making changes to his staff when the Buckeyes lost an embarrassing Fiesta Bowl to the eventual national champion Clemson Tigers. Myers says that Gene Smith told him that the discussions of changes began immediately after the game in Glendale. One of the people Meyer immediately mentioned was Wilson. Meyer is familiar with Wilson, not just because of Wilson’s recent history as Indiana coach, but because of his offensive resume at Northwestern back in the day. Smith said that before any moves were made on Wilson, he had to talk to Meyer about the alleged reasons he left Indiana.

Smith obviously declined to say what the nature of the discussions were with Wilson and Indiana AD Fred Glass, but he told the Lantern, “Urban and I came together and we talked about what we found out and we felt comfortable. Kevin sat at this table and we had a good conversation on what happened there, and how it’s going to work here,” Smith said. “He was thoroughly vetted and we had a good, candid conversation. He’ll fit our culture fine.” Smith also talked to people at Oklahoma to get information on Wilson, who apparently passed all the tests and cleared any concerns.

"There's a lot of talk about [the record]. Let's me and you address it in the room right now and get rid of it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

- Cowboys RBs coach Gary Brown, via Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN


Brown is speaking of Ezekiel Elliott, and the prospect of breaking Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record. This of course came before the season, and Elliott came dang close to breaking it. Dickerson rushed for 1,808 yards his rookie year, and Elliott had 1,631, having sat out the last game of the Cowboys’ regular season. Elliott became the 5th rookie to win a rushing title, and although his season got off to a slow start with a 20-carry, 51-yard performance, it taught him a valuable lesson. "When these guys realize it's not easy and I gotta work on my game every day, that's great," Brown said. "The younger they are when they learn that, the more success and longevity they'll have."

Brown also wasn’t used to the crop top and the “feed me” motion, but he got used to it quick, and was supportive of it as well. "My thing is this: If you need to wear a crop top pregame and doing the "feed me" thing in the game gets you in your zone and you're not hurting anybody or hurting the team, then roll with it." Elliott also loves to pump up the defense, and even runs out into their huddle sometimes. "Let's go. Let's go," Elliott would yell to his teammates. Brown said, "At that point, I was like, "What is he doing? I've never seen a guy run out into the defensive huddle.” But that’s just Zeke.

Throughout Urban Meyer’s tenure in Columbus, lesser-heralded recruits in every recruiting class have emerged to make an impact.

- Ryan Ginn, Land of 10


For the casual Ohio State fan, there’s certain players that come out of “nowhere” and turn into absolute monsters. Ginn points out that one of these players for some last year was Malik Hooker. At this point, we shouldn’t be surprised whenever Urban Meyer turns in a player with “promise” into a first-round draft pick. Ginn also refers you to Pat Elflein and Tyvis Powell, who were both three-star players that became great players. In 2013, Darron Lee joined the Bucks, and he became a first-rounder after being a three-star athlete.

So looking forward, Ginn points out a few players who could rise in a similar fashion to those. First, he points out Robert Landers, who is also a three-star, but was a late bloomer. He’s undersized for a defensive tackle, but we know with the help of Mickey Marotti, he can make up for it with strength. Davon Hamilton is another three-star, who has great size and athleticism for a defensive tackle. If you’re looking for a potential good linebacker, Malik Harrison is there. He won’t get much burn in 2017, but he’s got time to develop, which has been enough for many Bucks in the past.

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Google Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back...

Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projection - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projection
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's Eric Glover-Williams played Deshaun Watson, Tommy Armstrong and Jabrill Peppers on the Buckeyes scout team in 2016, two quarterbacks and a Wolverine defender who jumped in on offense. How'd he do on the offensive ...
Meet Preview: Gophers Host BuckeyesGophersports.com
Ohio State podcast: Is 5-star LB Baron Browning the next great Buckeyes linebacker?Landof10.com
Is JT Barrett Good Enough to Win the Buckeyes a National Championship?Campus Pressbox (blog)
Eleven Warriors -Pregame.com
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