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LGHL No. 10 Ohio State hockey blows by Arizona State, 6-1

No. 10 Ohio State hockey blows by Arizona State, 6-1
Matt Torino
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 blew the Sun Devils’ doors off in the first period and coasted to the victory

When your team has been up and down to the point of not winning two in a row since before Thanksgiving, playing host to a 7-16-1 team is never a bad thing. No. 10 Ohio State took full advantage on Friday night in Columbus and blew Arizona State right out of the building in the first period.

The tenth ranked Buckeyes improved to 11-4-4 on the year and look like they’re successfully fine tuning their games with another weekend showdown with No. 4 Penn State coming up on January 20th and 21st, this time in Happy Valley. OSU will get another tune up for that Big Ten matchup on Saturday afternoon as they host Arizona State at 2pm in Columbus.

Friday night’s series opener was nearly over as soon as it started. The Buckeyes scored four times in the first 10:03 of the game and wiped away any realistic chance of an upset. Christian Frey had 35 saves in this one and continued to strengthen his stranglehold on the starting job that it looked like he was on his way to losing before last weekend’s heroics versus Penn State.

David Gust got things started at 4:58 of the first period with his twelfth of the year, with assists from Luke Stork and Tanner Laczynski, in his return game back from Team USA’s gold medal winning performances at the World Junior Championship. Nick Schilkey and Miguel Fidler then both scored on the powerplay within 53 seconds of each other, with Schilkey’s 16th of the year coming at 6:59 and Fidler’s second at 7:52.

The Buckeyes then added a fourth goal in the period as Kevin Miller scored his fourth of the year at 10:03. OSU scored four times in a 5:05 span of the first period. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing: that’s impressive. They chased ASU’s starter, Ryland Pashovitz, after Fidler’s goal and still promptly scored on his backup, Joey Daccord within minutes of his entering.

Ohio State outshot the Sun Devils 16-7 in that first period despite gaining such a lead so early. The Buckeyes continued attacking, something they did not do much of against Penn State once they had a lead, so while it’s a good sign, you still have to hope that mentality shows up against the more challenging opposition.

Daccord would keep Arizona State from completely embarrassing themselves, as he stopped 20 out of 23 shots on the night during his two-plus period outing, including 15 out of 17 in the second and third periods. Not Dominik Hasek, but Arizona State was not exactly the 80s Oilers in front of him either.

ASU ended Frey’s shutout bid at 8:28 of the second on the powerplay, as Brinson Pasichnuk (yes, that’s a real name) scored his sixth of the year to make it 4-1. Schilkey didn’t enjoy that too much as he scored his second of the game and 17th of the season at 15:51 of the middle frame. Ohio State converted on their first three powerplays of the game while Arizona State was just one of five converting on the man advantage.

The game wouldn’t get any closer in the third. Ronnie Hein scored his fifth of the year to make it 6-1, with Freddy Gerard and Gordi Myer gaining the assist markers, and Christian Frey stopped all 12 shots aimed on net.

Ohio State ran over a team they should have run over and did it convincingly in that first period. They attacked and kept attacking in that period. But in the second and third, they gave up 29 shots combined while only firing 17 on net themselves. That’s maybe acceptable against a shot attempting juggernaut like Penn State, but against middling Arizona State, it’s not acceptable.

The Buckeyes have to stop sinking into a shell when they get a lead, even if it’s against a team like this they can still gain the win in easily. Against Big Ten teams, if you give them that number of opportunities to come back, no matter the lead, you’ll get burnt.

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LGHL Why should we still care about Ohio State basketball?

Why should we still care about Ohio State basketball?
Matt Brown
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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It’s one thing to lose. But this is something different.

Ohio State basketball lost again Thursday night, but that wasn’t especially remarkable.

After all, the Buckeyes struggle to win in Madison even when they’re a very good team, which they aren’t this year. The Badgers may be the class of the Big Ten, and they demolished Ohio State, winning by 23 points.

That sucks, but it happens sometimes in college basketball.

The loss was Ohio State’s fourth in a row, dropping them to 10-7 overall. They’re one of only two winless teams in the conference at the moment, joining perpetual cellar dwellers Rutgers. Their NIT hopes, forget the NCAA Tournament for a second, are in jeopardy, unless the season turns around.

Which hey, it could, because in a vacuum, all of those losses are defensible. Illinois, Minnesota and Purdue may all be tournament teams, and all of those games were close. A few changed calls here, a made free throw there, and hey, maybe this team is 12-5, and we’ve having a conversation about the NCAA bubble, instead of a mid-to-late March without Ohio State basketball.

The problem isn’t that Ohio State basketball isn’t very good. The problem is that it’s harder and harder to find reasons to care.

I’m not the only person who is reaching this conclusion. As Dave Briggs points out, attendance at Buckeye basketball games is cratering. In 2014, the Bucks drew 16,474 a game. In 2015-2016? 12,283. This year? It’s 11,641, and falling. That’s nearly 5,000 fans, or the size of an entire low-major arena.

We see it here too, with traffic and interest plummeting in stories about Ohio State basketball, and I’m sure we’re not the only outlet who sees that. And it’s hard to blame folks.

It’s okay to have rebuilding seasons. The Buckeyes have had a few of those over the last few seasons, and they happen to everybody outside of the bluest of the bluebloods in the sport.

But this wasn’t exactly supposed to be a rebuilding season. Ohio State returned their top six scorers from last season. Their best players were upperclassmen. This was the year they were supposed to take a step forward with the core they had been developing over the last few years.

And that hasn’t happened. And it’s not the first time that’s happened either. The 2015 recruiting class, ranked top in the Big Ten and one that was supposed to be the nucleus of future contending squads? Virtually everybody transferred. Of the highly rated 2014 class, D’Angelo Russell is already in the NBA, Dave Bell is barely in the rotation, and Keita Bates-Diop and Jae’Sean Tate are what they are at this point. The superstar 2010 and 2011 classes, headlined by players like Amir Williams, Shannon Scott and LaQuinton Ross, never reached expectations either.

It’s okay to struggle in the name of developing young players. But that’s not exactly what Ohio State is doing right now. Their top ranked recruit from last year, Derek Funderburk, is redshirting. Andre Wesson, the swingman who only ended up in Ohio State’s recruiting class after space unexpectedly opened up, is essentially out of the rotation now that Big Ten play has started.

C.J. Jackson, who coaches and players spoke so highly of during the offseason that it made me increasingly optimistic about the trajectory of the season, has also struggled, especially with his three point shot (he’s shooting below 20% on the season). It’s unclear how high his ceiling even is.

I like Micah Potter, who gets 15 minutes a night. His weaknesses are apparent. He needs to add strength to his frame, and improve his defensive awareness, especially in pick and roll situations. But he has a great outside touch, solid size, and could become a very good Big Ten basketball player.

But if your entire reason for emotionally investing in Ohio State basketball is to watch the development of Jackson and Potter, well, that’s a pretty tough sell.

Sometimes you struggle with transitioning teams while recruiting kicks up. But that isn’t really the case with Ohio State basketball either. There are two players committed for next season: four-star big man Kaleb Wesson, and three-star PG Braxton Beverly. Both may be very good college basketball players, but neither are likely to be superstars. Ohio State’s 2018 recruiting and beyond pales in comparison, at least on paper, to what they were bringing in just a few short years ago.

So the Buckeyes aren’t exactly building for the not-too-distant future. On paper, there isn’t a reason to expect the team to be dramatically better soon. One of their best players is out for the season, and now a squad with a short rotation heads deeper into physical Big Ten play. Maybe they can turn things around, but the potential for a true train wreck is there as well.

It’s possible that I am taking an overly pessimistic view. Maybe the Buckeyes are struggling this year in the face of the Keita Bates-Diop injury, and a young, unproven bench. Thanks to an improved Trevor Thompson — who has quietly become one of the best big men in the conference — the Buckeyes could return nearly all of their contributors again (assuming Thompson doesn’t leave to go play professionally abroad), be deeper, and make a true run next year, once they become more comfortable with Chris Jent, their new assistant coach. That’s entirely possible, and I suppose that’s the best, if not only, sales pitch.

There’s a lot of other things going on right now. Football National Signing Day is in a few weeks, and Ohio State’s recruiting class looks to be legendary. The Columbus Blue Jackets are awesome for the first time in basically, forever. Ohio State men’s hockey is solid after a few rebuilding years. Ohio State has an outstanding women’s basketball team this year as well.

I’m going to keep paying attention to Ohio State basketball because it’s part of my job. But for everybody else, in the face of a rapidly crowding sports scene in Columbus, making the case for increased emotional investment is difficult. And as Ohio State’s administration figures out how to perceive and evaluate this season, in context from the last few seasons, they should keep that in mind.

Fans are voting with their feet. Why should they care?

That’s a tougher question to answer at the moment than perhaps it’s ever been.

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Google Ohio State's blue-chip QB transferring, but Buckeyes still set at position for 2017 - CBS...

Ohio State's blue-chip QB transferring, but Buckeyes still set at position for 2017 - CBS sports.com (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's blue-chip QB transferring, but Buckeyes still set at position for 2017
CBS sports.com (blog)
Update: Torrance Gibson has decided to transfer to Cincinnati, where he will reunite with former Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell, the new coach of the Bearcats. He will attempt to be eligible this season after enrolling at Cincinnati ...
Skull Session: Torrance Gibson's Parting Shot, Buckeyes on the Big ...Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football | Torrance Gibson to transfer to CincinnatiColumbus Dispatch
Torrance Gibson transfers from Ohio State to Cincinnati247Sports
Down The Drive (blog) -ESPN.com
all 29 news articles »


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Google Buckeyes land Cleveland wide receiver - Toledo Blade

Buckeyes land Cleveland wide receiver - Toledo Blade
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes land Cleveland wide receiver
Toledo Blade
COLUMBUS — Cleveland receiver Jaylen Harris became the newest member of Ohio State's class of 2017 on Friday. The Cleveland Heights High School star — rated the sixth-best player in Ohio by 247Sports — announced he chose Ohio State against ...


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Google WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Beavers fall to Buckeyes, 2-1 - Bemidji Pioneer

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Beavers fall to Buckeyes, 2-1 - Bemidji Pioneer
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Beavers fall to Buckeyes, 2-1
Bemidji Pioneer
All of the scoring in the game was done in the first period, and the Buckeyes (11-10-2, 5-10-2 WCHA) tallied the game's first two goals. Julianna Iafallo made it 1-0 at the 13 minute, 40 second mark, beating BSU goaltender Brittni Mowat at even ...


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Google Spartans hold off Buckeyes, 45-39 - Athens Messenger (registration)

Spartans hold off Buckeyes, 45-39 - Athens Messenger (registration)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Spartans hold off Buckeyes, 45-39
Athens Messenger (registration)
One of their top players -- Chace Harris -- was on the bench with five fouls and the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes were chiseling away at their lead. What once was a 13-point advantage was down to two points with 2:22 still remaining. The Spartans were ...


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Google Buckeyes offer another Bishop Gorman star - 247Sports

Buckeyes offer another Bishop Gorman star - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes offer another Bishop Gorman star
247Sports
What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! The 6-foot-3 and 240-pound Jordan is a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite. He is the country's No. 66 overall ...

and more »


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Google Badgers roll past Buckeyes - Beloit Daily News

Badgers roll past Buckeyes - Beloit Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Badgers roll past Buckeyes
Beloit Daily News
Wisconsin had no such troubles with the Buckeyes (10-7, 0-4), especially because the Badgers seemed to rebound everything they missed. Playing its third straight game without Keita Bates-Diop, who's out for the season with a stress fracture in his leg ...
Wisconsin thumps Ohio State, and Thad Matta and the Buckeyes have problemsYahoo Sports
4-star RB Cordarrian Richardson hoping to hear from Ohio State, Tyjon Lindsey sees Zach Smith and more on Jaylen ...Landof10.com
Buckeyes Blown Out By Wisconsin, 89-66FOXSports.com
Janesville Gazette -cleveland.com
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Ohio State at Wisconsin, Thursday, 7 PM, ESPN2

Nebraska takes offense at being compared to Ohio State at this point.

Wow, 69-41 at this point. I really wasn't taking the Thad must go stuff too seriously....but yeah, it's gettin' real.

EDIT: 73-41...are you kidding me? Can we go for a 40-point loss at this point? That would be epic.
Yeah, Matta did great things in his first 7-8 years, but it looks like he's been on vacation for the last 4 years. Rarely does more than one player look like they want to win at a given time, and it's been like that since Sullinger and Craft left. Missing shots and getting out played is a talent issue, not putting in the effort on game day is a coaching issue. Not expecting a 2011 type year on a regular basis, but going above 500 would be nice.
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LGHL Former Ohio State talent will be on display in the NFL’s Divisional Round this weekend

Former Ohio State talent will be on display in the NFL’s Divisional Round this weekend
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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Ezekiel Elliott and Ryan Shazier headline Buckeyes still in the hunt for a Super Bowl ring.

“[Ryan] Shazier is the fastest inside linebacker in the league. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine because of an injury, but he ran an unofficial 4.36 at his Ohio State pro day...that speed and athleticism has allowed Shazier and Dupree to contribute to the defense in diverse ways.”

Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


The divisional round of the NFL playoffs are happening this week. That means we’ll get to see former Ohio State Buckeyes in action. On the AFC side, Ryan Shazier will be donning the black and gold for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In an article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo wrote about the recent draft hits the Steelers have had. Shazier came out of OSU in 2014, and was drafted amidst a two-year playoff drought for the Steel Curtain — something that doesn’t happen very often.

Since busting onto the NFL scene, Shazier has been one of the fastest players on the defensive side of the ball. This season, the former Buckeye has used his speed to be one of the defensive leaders for the Steelers. He’s within the top three defenders on the squad in the tackles and sacks category, and leads the Steel Curtain with three interceptions, as mentioned in the article.

When Shazier was at Ohio State, he displayed his playmaking ability – and it’s no wonder that he would become an NFL star. In the 2013 season, Shazier, a junior, contributed seven sacks, 144 tackles and four forced fumbles for the Buckeyes.

You can catch Shazier and the Steelers take on the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday. The game was originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET, but due to forecasted storms in Kansas City, the time was pushed back.

“At the national championship, he’s proven it. At the professional level, he’s proven it. He’s not afraid of success. He wants it. He welcomes it.”

Emmitt Smith on the success of Ezekiel Elliott, as reported by Jean-Jacques Taylor ESPN.com


On the NFC side of the divisional playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers. That means one thing: we get to see Ezekiel Elliott run the football.

The rookie sensation, who was named to the AP All-Pro team last week, has been setting defenses ablaze. His success on the gridiron was noticed by another former Cowboy great, Emmitt Smith.

In the article by Jean-Jacques Taylor, Smith notes watching Elliott make a jump cut against the Minnesota Vikings for 30 yards in the regular season. That’s just one of the highlight reel plays Elliott has made in his first season on the professional football circuit.

Walking into his first NFL playoff game — which will take place in the same venue where he helped Ohio State secure the first ever College Football Playoff -- at AT&T Stadium, Zeke has the honor of leading the NFL in both yards and carries. Additionally, the 1,631 yards Zeke collected this year broke Tony Dorsett’s 30-year-old Cowboys rookie rushing record.

Zeke’s tour de force brings up questions. For instance: how does one rush for those kind of numbers? Smith answered the question in the article by Taylor, stating that the “combination of vision, speed and power” helped paved the way for Elliott to menace defenses.

Smith knows what he’s talking about. The Cowboy running back was part of three Super Bowl wins for ‘America’s Team’ and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Smith also holds numerous NFL rushing records, too.

To see the next chapter in Ezekiel Elliott lore, the Cowboys face the Packers at 4:40 p.m. ET on Sunday.

“Despite the disappointing postseason, the Big Ten looks robust and ready to be a major force again next year and beyond.”

Brian Bennett, ESPN.com


Pivoting back to the college gridiron, the Big Ten is trying to pick up the pieces after another disappointing year in the College Football Playoff. Even though the Big Ten representatives haven’t scored in the past two playoff appearances, and bundled with the fact the conference went 3-7 in this past session of bowl games, there is no need to hit the panic button.

ESPN.com’s Brian Bennett broke it down, and determined that the Big Ten is strong – and is getting more swole. Notably, the high priced and high profile coaches residing in the Big Ten have brought a fierce competition to the conference game. Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh are part of, arguably, the biggest rivalry in all of sports. James Franklin has reclaimed Penn State to national prominence and Paul Chryst has Wisconsin on the doorstep to becoming a playoff contender. Combined with the new hire of P.J. Fleck to Minnesota, the Big Ten now has a boatload of talented coaches all going in the same direction: conference suprecemy with a chance to win a national title.

Bennett makes a couple more great points that show the Big Ten’s strength: money and the ability to recruit. The Big Ten Network has been a nice source of revenue for the member schools, and the recruiting trails now go all across the country in search for the next star. If you want read Bennett going more in-depth on the Big Ten, you can see his article here.

Stick to sports


• Ohio State is getting an urbanized Target that will feature a CVS and Starbucks.

• Man sends $1,000 worth of pennies to the DMV.

• State senator proposes bill to hold colleges accountable for athletic department deficits.

• House sets path for health care reform.

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LGHL Ohio State AD Gene Smith replacing Barry Alvarez on College Football Playoff selection...

Ohio State AD Gene Smith replacing Barry Alvarez on College Football Playoff selection committee
Luke Zimmermann
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 OSU AD will have a busy fall.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith’s undergone a bit of a 180 in the minds of many OSU faithful.

After famously clumsily handling the tattoo-for-bartering scandal resulting in the firing of Jim Tressel and costing Ohio State’s 12-0 team a potential national title shot, the return for glory of the OSU football team under Meyer and the rise of the wrestling program helped buy a lot of political capital back in Smith’s favor amongst the fanbase.

While his legacy is probably firmly cemented in the positive now, OSU partisans will have another data point of interest to add to Smith’s body of work while OSU AD: College Football Playoff selection committee member.

According to ESPN’s CFP beat writer Heather Dinich, Smith is replacing outgoing Wisconsin AD (and former head football coach) Barry Alvarez. Smith once helmed the NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee, resulting in a ballot that drew near universal ire and some criticism from college hoops hardcores.

A few negative opinions from years ago aside, the former Notre Dame football player clearly knows his gridiron, and should be an asset to a committee that could only stand to benefit from some new backgrounds, opinions, and ideas. Smith should be one of at least three new members as former Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson and former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice are also rotating off the committee along with Alvarez.

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Google Thad Matta's Buckeyes May be Bad, but That Doesn't Mean They Have to be Boring - Eleven...

Thad Matta's Buckeyes May be Bad, but That Doesn't Mean They Have to be Boring - Eleven Warriors
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Thad Matta's Buckeyes May be Bad, but That Doesn't Mean They Have to be Boring
Eleven Warriors
In the late-80s, early-90s slice of life dramedy The Wonder Years, Columbo's grandson navigates life through a funhouse mirror version of America in the 1960s, resulting in a lot of synth-backed montages where he Learns A Lesson about friendship or ...


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Google Ohio State AD Gene Smith to be named to CFP selection committee - ESPN

Ohio State AD Gene Smith to be named to CFP selection committee - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State AD Gene Smith to be named to CFP selection committee
ESPN
Smith, who has been the Buckeyes' athletic director since 2005, is held in high regard throughout collegiate athletics. Smith spent five seasons on the NCAA men's basketball committee, and served as its chair for the 2010-11 academic year. Smith, a ...

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Google Skull Session: Torrance Gibson's Parting Shot, Buckeyes on the Big Board, and Eddie...

Skull Session: Torrance Gibson's Parting Shot, Buckeyes on the Big Board, and Eddie George's Dieting Secrets - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Skull Session: Torrance Gibson's Parting Shot, Buckeyes on the Big Board, and Eddie George's Dieting Secrets
Eleven Warriors
Cleveland Heights' Jaylen Harris, the top receiver in Ohio, will commit at 10 a.m. ET. I like the local team's chances in this derby. The men's basketball team lost to Wisconsin. (I typed this with the Bucks down 30 with eight minutes left in the ...
Ohio State football | Torrance Gibson to transfer to CincinnatiColumbus Dispatch
Torrance Gibson transfers from Ohio State to Cincinnati247Sports
Former Buckeye WR Commits to UCDown The Drive (blog)
Land-Grant Holy Land -Scarlet and Game -ESPN.com
all 26 news articles »


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Google BREAKING: Buckeyes land No. 1 WR in Ohio, Jaylen Harris commits - 247Sports

BREAKING: Buckeyes land No. 1 WR in Ohio, Jaylen Harris commits - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BREAKING: Buckeyes land No. 1 WR in Ohio, Jaylen Harris commits
247Sports
21 as a Buckeye commitment. “I told coach (Urban) Meyer I was coming a couple days ago,” Harris said. “He was definitely happy. Coach Meyer, coach (Tony) Alford, coach (Zach) Smith, the whole staff was happy.” And that includes new Ohio State offensive ...

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LGHL 2017 WR Jaylen Harris commits to Ohio State

2017 WR Jaylen Harris commits to Ohio State
Matt Brown
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 four-star BOOOOOOOM!

Ohio State’s recruiting class for the ages just picked up commit No. 19.

Four-star wide receiver Jaylen Harris has committed to the Buckeyes. Harris, out of Cleveland Heights, is the sixth ranked recruit in the state of Ohio. He’s also the 28th ranked wideout nationally, and the 178th ranked prospect nationally, per the 247Sports Composite.

Even with Harris’s commitment, Ohio State remains (barely) behind No. 1 Alabama in the 247Sports’ Composite team rankings, but still has a much higher average rating per player than the Crimson Tide.

Harris joins five-star Trevon Grimes and four-star Columbus-area athlete Brendon White as the wide receivers in the Buckeyes’ 2017 class. White was seemingly destined for the defensive side of the ball, but a recent tweet seems to indicate that White will play wide receiver for Ohio State. Harris’s commitment again gives the Buckeyes three wideouts in its current recruiting class after four-star wideout Tyjon Lindsey recently decommitted from Ohio State.

At 6-5, Harris gives Ohio State another tall, outside, potential deep threat option, something the team has struggled to find since Devin Smith left for the NFL. Amid a sea of speedy slot types, it pays to have a few more traditional options.

Earning a large amount offers during the recruiting process, Harris picked the Buckeyes over Penn State, Michigan State, and other high major programs. For a while, it appeared Ohio State might not have room for a third wideout, but the internal math must have finally evened out, and another talented Ohio high school player will remain in the Buckeye State.

The Buckeyes now have commitments from five of the top six players in the state of Ohio. That seems pretty good to us.

Highlights

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Google BM5: Gibson 'always a tease'; Booker to middle 'backer? - 247Sports

BM5: Gibson 'always a tease'; Booker to middle 'backer? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: Gibson 'always a tease'; Booker to middle 'backer?
247Sports
The college football season has come to a close. As part of our year-end review of Ohio State's 2016 season, we will be counting down the 20 most important contributors to the Buckeyes this year. We will release one per day until we reach the top spot.
Skull Session: Torrance Gibson's Parting Shot, Buckeyes on the Big Board, and Eddie George's Dieting SecretsEleven Warriors
Ohio State football | Torrance Gibson to transfer to CincinnatiColumbus Dispatch
Former Buckeye WR Commits to UCDown The Drive (blog)
Land-Grant Holy Land -Scarlet and Game
all 28 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State coaches hit the road after dead period ends

Ohio State coaches hit the road after dead period ends
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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The Buckeyes are back on the trail before National Signing Day 2017.

If it seems like Ohio State is always in the headlines for something, it’s because it’s true. The Buckeyes never seem to have a slow day in the world of sports news. Lately, for every negative Ohio State related headline considering a decommit, coaching change, etc., there’s been a counter story that brings what seems like even better news than imagined. The same was true again yesterday as the Ohio State coaching staff was back on the road since the dead period ended at midnight. As Urban Meyer always says, “the future is bright in Columbus”.

Back to the well?


When Ohio State rolled into Brooklyn, N.Y. a few short years ago, they were at Erasmus Hall High School in full pursuit of Curtis Samuel. Fast forward a couple of years and that same Curtis Samuel is now a Buckeye football alumni headed to the NFL in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. What seemed like the start of a beautiful relationship between the Buckeyes and Erasmus Hall continued when 2016 Ohio State recruiting class commit Jahsen Wint gave his pledge to the Buckeyes.

Yesterday, that relationship may have once again went back to well when Urban Meyer and Greg Schiano made a stop at Erasmus Hall and extended an offer to current native, and 2018 prospect, Aron Cruickshank.



Per his coach, #OhioState has offered 2018 WR Aron Cruickshank https://t.co/IQa1ACkOkT @Kevin_Noon

— Adam Friedman (@RivalsFriedman) January 12, 2017

Aron, listed as an “athlete” projects to be a receiver at the next level and could be a Samuel clone in the making. With his 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame, he may not have the size many may covet, but his speed and athleticism on the field is what separates him from the rest of the pack. Currently, Cruickshank has three offers from the likes of Michigan, Syracuse and most recently Ohio State, but with the two best recruiting schools in the Big Ten extending their hat into the ring, it’s only a matter of time before others do the same.

There’s plenty of time before Aron makes a final decision on his college of choice, but with two former Erasmus Hall players currently with Ohio State ties, the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer may have found the start of a very key pipeline in the Empire State. NFL-bound star Curtis Samuel sure seems to think so.


Another kid from Brooklyn https://t.co/oQFryqPHit

— Curtis Samuel (@CurtisSamuel4__) January 12, 2017
Actually, back to the state


Another New Jersey native picked up an offer from the Scarlet and Gray. Class of 2018 safety Shayne Simon was the recipient. Simon took to Twitter to tell the great news.


I am extremely blessed and honored to say that I have received an offer from The Ohio State University. pic.twitter.com/VrEEcXZ7VG

— Shayne Simon (@SimonShayne) January 13, 2017

Simon currently has 11 offers, according to 247sports. Ohio State isn’t the only Big Ten school vying for the three-star; Michigan and Penn State have thrown their hat into the ring for the Jersey City, N.J. prospect.

As more information, visits, and everything in-between comes up with Simon, Land-Grant Holy Land will keep you posted.

Are we finally ready?


What a last couple of days it has been in the world of Ohio State recruiting. With the decommitment of Tyjon Lindsey and the craziness surrounding his decision, the confusion of what really happened is garnering some serious attention. Ohio State lost out on Lindsey, but good news may come— and help regain the ground lost to Alabama for the No. 1 recruiting class for 2017.

With some light shed on the Jaylen Harris sweepstakes, a final decision is nearing and nearing fast. Thought to be a Buckeye lock for his entire recruitment now, Harris took to twitter to let everyone know that his next tweet would be crucial as it would be an announcement on where he will school.


My next tweet, will be one of the most important tweet of my life #TheCommitment

— Jaylen Harris (@JHarris5_) January 12, 2017

The Buckeyes have a great receiver in the class in Trevon Grimes, and recently moved fellow 2017 commit Brendon White to the receiver corps. With the departure of Lindsey, the receivers room wants to add some much needed depth. Insert Jaylen Harris (hopefully) and the Buckeyes may have found their answer.

Harris, a Cleveland, Ohio native is no stranger to the Ohio State program as he has made numerous visits. However, Harris has extended his recruitment much longer that many expected. Due to Lindsey seemingly out for good, is Harris now ready to pledge his commitment to Ohio State? Who knows. However, Urban Meyer and Zach Smith have to feel good about where they stand for Harris.

Being from Cleveland, staying home and playing for the beloved Buckeyes brings some serious pressure. At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Harris could be a serious complement to Grimes and be key forces in bringing back the vertical passing game to the Buckeye offense. Time will only tell and it could be as soon as today.

OSU makes stop in Indiana


Urban Meyer and Greg Schiano headed to Brooklyn, but they weren’t the only ones on the trail. Kerry Coombs and new linebacker coach Bill Davis headed west of Columbus to Indiana as they made a stop to see current OSU linebacker pledge Peter Werner at Cathedral High School in Mount Vernon.


Flag planting continues today! In Indianapolis with the best linebacker coach in the country, @CoachBillDavis! #newfacessameresults #GoBucks

— Kerry Coombs (@OsuCoachCoombs) January 12, 2017

While Werner may have been the main target to check in on, Coombs and Davis wasted no time as they also checked in on Markese Stepp, a current Notre Dame running back commit for the 2018 class. Stepp, a 6-foot, 205-pound bruiser has been committed to the Irish since June, but that doesn’t stop top programs from checking out the eighth best running back in the country, per 247sports.


#NotreDame 4-star RB commit Markese Stepp says #Indiana and #OhioState stopped by today. Same school as Pete Werner https://t.co/lCGgu47chj pic.twitter.com/7wZNObU5aY

— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) January 12, 2017

The Buckeyes 2018 running back situation seems golden with an early pledge from Florida four-star Brian Sneed. On top of that, the Bucks seem to be a strong leader for in-state star Jaelen Gill, too. However, if Ohio State can pluck Werner from Notre Dame, maybe they’re thinking the same for Stepp.

Make way for Day


No time was wasted yesterday as Bill Davis wasn’t the only new Buckeye coach to hit the road recruiting. Yesterday, new quarterback coach Ryan Day hit the trail as he headed to Georgia to check in on current 2018 quarterback pledge Emory Jones.

At first, some may have worried that the departure of Tim Beck may have a negative effect on future Ohio State QBs currently committed, but after reports and quotes from Jones himself, all seems to be just fine. If anything, with Day’s NFL experience, that may appeal greatly to the prospects Ohio State pursues.

While Day builds his relationship with Jones, it’s important to remember that Joey Burrow, Dwayne Haskins and Tate Martell all remain in the QB room for the Buckeyes. Oh, and J.T. Barrett is also there. A truly loaded unit, Jones will be next in line as the five-star is currently ranked by 247sports as the top dual threat QB in the 2018 class and a top 25 prospect at any position in the country. Urban Meyer couldn’t have given more to Coach Day, but with the Ohio State’s exceptions, results must be produced.

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Google Replacing the Buckeyes' departed cornerbacks - CBS sports.com (blog)

Replacing the Buckeyes' departed cornerbacks - CBS sports.com (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Replacing the Buckeyes' departed cornerbacks
CBS sports.com (blog)
It won't be easy, but Ohio State is used to replacing corners and defensive back is one of the deepest positions on the team's depth chart. Along with the talent already enrolled, the Buckeyes have some incoming players who could compete for snaps ...
Buckeyes CB Lattimore will enter NFL draftESPN
Ohio State CB Marshon Lattimore delcares for NFL Draft: Six Buckeyes leaving early for proscleveland.com
Ohio State football | Marshon Lattimore third defensive back to leave earlyColumbus Dispatch
247Sports -Landof10.com
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Google Ohio State raises the bar with recruiting cakes - ESPN (blog)

Ohio State raises the bar with recruiting cakes - ESPN (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State raises the bar with recruiting cakes
ESPN (blog)
When a football recruit takes an official visit to a college campus, it has come to be expected that a cookie cake will be waiting for him in his hotel room along with other snacks and beverages. And since everything in college football recruiting ...

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Google Wisconsin thumps Ohio State, and Thad Matta and the Buckeyes have problems - Yahoo Sports

Wisconsin thumps Ohio State, and Thad Matta and the Buckeyes have problems - Yahoo Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Wisconsin thumps Ohio State, and Thad Matta and the Buckeyes have problems
Yahoo Sports
The Buckeyes were dismantled by Wisconsin Thursday night in Madison, 89-66. Ohio State's first-half performance gave the game away by halftime. Only four Buckeyes scored before the break. As a team, they put up just 84.4 points per possession.
Ohio State recruiting: Will the Buckeyes' 2017 class be able to match the legacy of the 2013 class?Landof10.com
Badgers blast OSU BuckeyesChannel3000.com - WISC-TV3
UW MEN'S HOOPS: Badgers blitz Buckeyes to get back on winning trackBeaver Dam Daily Citizen
Scarlet and Game -Janesville Gazette
all 74 news articles »


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Google Hubbard expects to take leadership role for Buckeyes in 2017 - 247Sports

Hubbard expects to take leadership role for Buckeyes in 2017 - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Hubbard expects to take leadership role for Buckeyes in 2017
247Sports
NOTE – Our staff had access to various Ohio State team members before and after the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. We will share some of those interviews in the days ahead, including this interview with defensive end Sam Hubbard. The result of the 2017 Fiesta ...

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