BM5: No B1G title game = Great for OSU; CFP predictions; More - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: No B1G title game = Great for OSU; CFP predictions; More
247Sports
It's a rare season when not playing in the Big Ten championship game is actually good for Ohio State. In fact, you could argue it's great. Why? Because not only do the Buckeyes avoid playing in another football game where they would risk: 1. Losing the ...

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WATCH: Ezekiel Elliott asks Michigan grad Rich Eisen 'How 'bout them Buckeyes?' - Landof10.com
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WATCH: Ezekiel Elliott asks Michigan grad Rich Eisen 'How 'bout them Buckeyes?'
Landof10.com
The former Ohio State standout and his Dallas Cowboys won their game on Thanksgiving, Elliott watched his beloved Buckeyes edge Michigan in double overtime on Saturday, and then Elliott scampered for 86 yards and a score as the Cowboys beat the ...
Ezekiel Elliott Bombs Rich Eisen with a 'How About Them Buckeyes' on NFL Network Postgame ShowEleven Warriors
Ezekiel Elliott gives Michigan grad Rich Eisen a hard time247Sports

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Buckeyes have experience going into new season - Athens Messenger (registration)
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Buckeyes have experience going into new season
Athens Messenger (registration)
NELSONVILLE — The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes won't be short on experience going into the 2016-17 season. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Sign Up · Log In · Purchase a ...

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Ohio State, SEC schools in pursuit of 5-star OT
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes go into SEC territory for another 2017 star.

While the Buckeyes await their fate coming this Sunday when the College Football Playoff is decided, the coaching staff is still hot on the recruiting trail. With the football staff in all four corners of the country, the Buckeyes may have a leg up on other teams preparing for another game this weekend as they dedicate a large portion of their effort to recruiting before the Dec. 12 dead period.

Smith becoming a real possibility?


Ohio State’s offensive line recruitment has had its share of interesting changes lately. The most recent change that has been discussed several times in the last few days: five-star offensive tackle Trey Smith (Jackson, TN / University School Of Jackson) and the likelihood of him considering the Buckeyes for his final destination.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has been long linked to the home state Tennessee Volunteers, but lately, recruiting powers Alabama and Ohio State, as usual, are in the mix. It’s unknown who will land the monster talent, but ever since the official visit Smith took to Ohio State for The Game, his feelings toward the Buckeyes have done nothing but increase.

With each day passing, it seems that the two parties are becoming more and more fond of each other, but until the final word from Smith himself is given, it’s anyone’s guess. Luckily, Ohio State remains a strong horse in this race to the finish.

5-star boom worthy


In case you missed it last night, the Buckeyes picked up their sixth five-star recruit for the 2017 class when Baron Browning (Kennedale, TX / Kennedale) made it public via his Twitter account that he was headed to Columbus, Ohio to suit up in the Scarlet and Gray.


A major hats off to Urban Meyer, Tim Beck and the rest of Ohio State’s staff for going into Texas and picking up what will be a massive piece to the middle of the defense in the 2017 class. Though this recruitment was a roller coaster, the official visit Baron and family took for the game against arch rival, Michigan seemed to be what sealed the deal.

It will be interesting to see if Alabama will try and make one last pitch to Browning, but with four linebackers already in the fold for their 2017 class, Ohio State may have struck gold with Browning. With his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame, Browning’s athleticism and intangibles are exactly what Urban Meyer and Ohio State hoped to have in the fold to an already loaded 2017 recruiting class.

Okudah’s constant rumblings


It seems that every storyline covering Jeffrey Okudah (Grand Prairie, TX / South Grand Prairie) concerns his commitment to Ohio State as a matter of not if, but when. Okudah is the second best player in Texas and the top cornerback in the country for the 2017 class. Yet another five-star talent that Urban Meyer has recruited and recruited very well.

Yesterday, we learned another piece to the Okudah puzzle, as he is set to give his final college plans this coming Dec. 10. While Ohio State has to wait for the commitment a little bit longer, it’s important to note that the Buckeyes sit better than very well with the No. 1 cornerback.

To make matters more interesting, when Baron Browning picked Ohio State last night, rumors were swirling around that Okudah was a big help in his recruitment towards Ohio State. If so, that correlates strongly with the relationship between the Buckeyes and Okudah.

Smith heads to Vegas


Ohio State has hit the jackpot in Vegas as they’ve currently claimed three of the nation’s top recruits from Bishop Gorman. Yesterday, receivers coach Zach Smith made his way west to visit Gorman and keep the Ohio presence strong in Nevada’s top prep program.


One key recruit Smith surely was in to check on was four-star safety prospect Bubba Bolden. Bolden, a USC commit at one time has since been linked strongly with Ohio State – and rightfully so. With three teammates heading to Columbus to play their college ball, the pipeline to Las Vegas has been created.

Bolden visited Ohio State on Nov. 5 with his teammates. After the official visit, it seemed that Bolden was a lock to OSU. However, since then, USC and Ohio State are both in the thick of things to land the nation’s ninth best safety. This one will come down to the wire, but once again, the Buckeyes sit well for another top prospect from Bishop Gorman.


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Quake scale: Ohio State win vs Michigan rocked stadium the most - ESPN
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Quake scale: Ohio State win vs Michigan rocked stadium the most
ESPN
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Geologists measuring vibrations caused by boisterous Ohio State football fans say the Buckeyes' game-winning touchdown in double overtime against rival Michigan had Ohio Stadium rocking more than any other time this season.

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Ohio State women's basketball | Calhoun's three can't save Buckeyes vs. Miami - Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio State women's basketball | Calhoun's three can't save Buckeyes vs. Miami
Columbus Dispatch
Turnovers on inbounds plays and poor shot selection hindered No. 9 Ohio State in the first half — something that coach Kevin McGuff emphasized his team needed to work on Wednesday at practice. The Buckeyes cut down on their errors in the second half, ...
No. 18 Miami women upset No. 9 Ohio State in overtime 94-89Sun Sentinel
Comeback falls short for Ohio State women's basketball, who fall 94-89 to Miami in overtimeLand-Grant Holy Land

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LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, others - ESPN
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LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, others
ESPN
That in-home visit helped seal the deal for Browning and gave the Buckeyes 15 ESPN 300 commitments in the No. 2-ranked class overall. His commitment came only a day after the staff lost a commitment from ESPN 300 linebacker Antjuan Simmons, who ...
Ohio State football | Baron Browning, nation's top-rated linebacker, commits to BuckeyesColumbus Dispatch
Ohio State lands Baron Browning: 5-star Texas linebacker commits to the BuckeyesLandof10.com
Buckeyes get big addition for 2017 as Browning commits247Sports
Campus Insiders -247Sports -cleveland.com
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Ohio State football | Baron Browning, nation's top-rated linebacker, commits to Buckeyes - Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio State football | Baron Browning, nation's top-rated linebacker, commits to Buckeyes
Columbus Dispatch
From Kennedale, Texas, and bearing five-star status from all of the major recruiting services, Browning picked the Buckeyes over Alabama, UCLA and others, and he plans to enroll at OSU in January. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Browning, the No. 4 overall ...
Dotting the 'Eyes: Ohio State hoping today is the day for Baron Browning, Trey Smith talk and Houston Griffith updateLandof10.com
LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, othersESPN
Baron Browning Commits To Ohio State BuckeyesCampus Insiders
247Sports -247Sports -Eleven Warriors
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Comeback falls short for Ohio State women’s basketball, who fall 94-89 to Miami in overtime
Ben Martens via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes just couldn’t pull it out in overtime after a buzzer-beater tied the game at the end of regulation.

The Ohio State women’s basketball team could not overcome a slew of turnovers on Thursday night in Columbus, watching a second half comeback attempt fall short against No. 18 Miami, 94-89, in overtime in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup.

The comeback, after trailing for most of the game, was capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Sierra Calhoun to tie the game at 84 after 40 minutes of play. But Ohio State came up just short in the overtime period.

The Buckeyes have now lost two consecutive games, and sit at 5-3 overall. All three losses this season have come against ranked opponents.

Kelsey Mitchell scored a game-high 29 points and Shayla Cooper added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Ohio State committed 17 turnovers and missed 12 free throws on the night.

The Hurricanes, who improved to 6-1 on the season, were paced by 23 points from Keyona Hayes.

The game began with a frenetic pace, and Miami jumped out to an early 17-12 lead. Ohio State jumped in front, though, thanks to a Hurricanes scoring drought the last 4:49 of the quarter in which they missed seven consecutive shots and turned the ball over four times.

The Buckeyes pressed ahead to a 22-17 lead after ten minutes despite going 0-for-6 from three-point range. Mitchell led the way with seven points, while Shayla Cooper added six of her own.

Miami came out in a full-court press defense to begin the second quarter, and it paid dividends. Ohio State turned the ball over nine times, which led to a 41-30 Hurricanes’ lead going into the locker room. The Buckeyes managed just two made field goals the entire period

Though she led all scorers in the half with 10 points, Mitchell shot just 2-for-11 from the field. Ohio State shot just 10-for-31 (32.3 percent) from the floor, and 1-for-13 (7.7 percent) from deep. Nigia Greene scored nine points off the bench to pace Miami, which had seven players score at least four points in the half.

The Buckeyes rebounded in the third quarter, shooting 78.6 percent in the ten minutes, and showing better patience and care with the ball. Mitchell scored 11 in the frame, and four out of five three-point attempts fell for the scarlet and gray.

Hayes and Emese Hof carried the Hurricanes’ offense in the third, but Ohio State used a 10-0 run to storm back and take the lead 56-55 with just over a minute remaining, and trailed just 60-59 heading to the final ten minutes.

Mitchell and Miami’s Jessica Thomas put on a show to start the final quarter, scoring five and six, respectively, in the first five minutes. The two sides traded hoops the rest of the way, and Calhoun’s triple as time expired caused Value City Arena to erupt.

Up next for the Buckeyes is a home game on Sunday afternoon against in-state opponent Cincinnati. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live on Big Ten Network.

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Another "miss" that, uh, wasn't

0-4

Buckeyes can't hold on as they fall to UVA - BuckeyeGrove.com (subscription)
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Buckeyes can't hold on as they fall to UVA
BuckeyeGrove.com (subscription)
The Buckeyes led for more than 35 minute against Virginia and had a shot to win it at the buzzer but it was all for naught as Ohio State came up short, 63-61 in their first true road game of the season to fall to 6-1 on the season. Jae'Sean Tate led ...
RECAP: Ohio State suffers first loss of season, falls to No. 6 Virginia 63-61 in ACC/Big Ten ChallengeLandof10.com
Ohio State basketball falters late, Buckeyes lose to No. 6 Virginia 63-61cleveland.com
Virginia 63, Ohio State 61 | Buckeyes can't hold early lead on the roadColumbus Dispatch
Fredericksburg.com -Streaking The Lawn (blog) -247Sports
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This is the ultimate reload job by the Buckeyes - 247Sports
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This is the ultimate reload job by the Buckeyes
247Sports
Take a second and realize what the Buckeyes are about to accomplish.

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5-star LB Baron Browning commits to Ohio State
Charles Doss via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


BOOOOOOM! The Buckeyes pick up another big time pledge.

Just days after visiting the Ohio State University campus for the Buckeyes match up with arch rival Michigan, one of the most sought after prospects in the class of 2017 has verbally committed to suit up on the college level for Urban Meyer and OSU.

Fresh off taking in the wild come from behind victory, touring the Ohio State facilities and meeting with the Buckeye coaching staff with his family, five-star outside linebacker Baron Browning will now call Columbus home for the next few years.

Considered the second outside linebacker, and ninth overall prospect in the class of 2017, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Browning, a U.S. Army All-American, chose to continue his education and athletic career at Ohio State over the likes of Michigan, Florida State, TCU, Alabama, and UCLA. Other programs such as Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, USC, and Baylor, where he was formally committed, were among the over 35 schools to offer the Kennedale, Texas native throughout the recruiting process.

After missing most of his sophomore campaign due to a shoulder injury, the 6’4, 230-pound standout has bounced back to account for nearly 150 total tackles and four sacks for Kennedale High over the last two seasons.

The third potential linebacker and 17th overall 2017 recruit to give Meyer, and crew a pledge, Browning’s commitment helps put the Buckeyes one step closer to once again grabbing the top ranked overall class in the country from Alabama.

Want to to see the latest Ohio State commit in action? Get a better feel for what Browning will add to the Buckeyes defense with these highlights:

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Dotting the 'Eyes: Ohio State hoping today is the day for Baron Browning, Trey Smith talk and Houston Griffith update - Landof10.com
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Dotting the 'Eyes: Ohio State hoping today is the day for Baron Browning, Trey Smith talk and Houston Griffith update
Landof10.com
According to sources on both sides of the Ohio State and Alabama divide, everyone is expecting that, as of Thursday, the Buckeyes will be the choice. If there's one potential hiccup in this happening it could be some concern on Browning's part about ...
BH: Lone Star love | Future for Elflein, Lewis247Sports
Curtis Samuel impresses Ohio State Buckeyes coaches, teammatesWKYC-TV
'Bama, Buckeyes on topThe Daily Iowan
Land-Grant Holy Land -BC Rainforest: Ecologue -OSU - The Lantern
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Ohio State center Pat Elflein’s decision to return for senior season pays off
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


With Saturday’s memorable win over Michigan, the Buckeye center now has five pairs of gold pants.

“I’ll never forget that, Senior Day. That was the craziest this place has been ever since I’ve been here. That was the ultimate ... it was an electric atmosphere.”

Ohio State center Pat Elflein via Jacob Myers, The Lantern


After watching many of his teammates leave for the NFL following the 2015 season, Pat Elflein had to make a decision. The offensive lineman had the chance to follow his fellow Buckeyes to the pros, but Elflein opted to return to Columbus for his senior season. With Ohio State’s regular season having wrapped up, it is looking like Elflein made the right choice. The Buckeyes are not only likely to be included in the College Football Playoff, but Elflein’s final game inside Ohio Stadium is one of the most memorable in Ohio State history.

Saturday’s victory over the Wolverines saw Elflein earn his fifth pair of gold pants. After redshirting in 2012, Elflein made his first appearance in The Game in 2013, replacing Marcus Hall after Hall was ejected. Not only is Elflein undefeated, but he has bragging rights over fellow Pickerington native Jake Butt, who is one of his best friends from high school. Before the season Elflein was not only moved from guard to center, but was also named a captain. Now that Elflein is perfect against Michigan, as well as likely to be a high draft pick, all that is left is to try and bring a second national title in three years back to Columbus.

“The line, the receivers, everybody understood what was at stake. Everybody trusts me with the ball in my hands. They know I can make a play. I had two pullers coming around, great guys, great blockers, and they filled up. They made it easy for me. All I had to do was turn up the field and get into the end zone.”

Ohio State h-back Curtis Samuel via Matthew Florjancic, WKYC


There might have been plenty of memorable moments in the thriller on Saturday between Ohio State and Michigan, but two plays that stick out the most were made by Curtis Samuel. Just a couple plays before his game-winning touchdown, Samuel looked to be stopped in the backfield by the Wolverines, but reversed field and gained eight yards on 3rd & 9. The next play saw J.T. Barrett barely get a first down, and after a review, Samuel scored on the next play to secure Ohio State’s fifth straight victory over Michigan.

Samuel didn’t have huge stats like he has put up in some games during the season, but he did exactly what Ohio State needed when the Buckeyes needed it most. The Ohio State offense were going up against the toughest defense they’ve seen all year and early on it looked like the Buckeyes might not be able to put up enough points to beat Michigan after the Wolverines opened up a 10-point lead. Samuel and his teammates didn’t give up though, believing in each other as they erased the deficit and sent the game to overtime. Now the question that has to be answered is if Samuel will return for his senior season to earn his fourth pair of gold pants.

“The man who ended the two-OT classic victory over Michigan with a 15-yard touchdown scamper is a multi-tool, multi-position player who has earned Percy Harvin comparisons from the scouting world.”

Eric Edholm, Shutdown Corner


With the college football season winding down, this is the time of year when many underclassmen announce whether or not they’ll be entering the NFL Draft. Ohio State doesn’t have quite as many players to worry about jumping to the professional ranks as they did last season, but there are still a number of key players from this year’s squad who will have a tough decision to make. The most notable of those players is Curtis Samuel, who has been Ohio State’s biggest offensive threat this year. The junior is drawing comparisons to Percy Harvin because of his athleticism and versatility. Samuel has been able to make a name for himself despite seeing just 290 touches during his three years in Columbus. Having not taking a lot of punishment during his college career, it might be time for Samuel to strike while the iron is hot and jump to the next level.

Even though safety Malik Hooker stated earlier this week that he is returning to Ohio State next year, there is still a strong possibility Hooker could be playing in the NFL next year. There are some mock drafts that have Hooker being taking in the middle of the first round, it’d be hard to blame Hooker for declaring for the NFL Draft this year. Hooker would be well served by spending another season with the Buckeyes to improve his game, but the redshirt sophomore has shown the ability to learn on the fly.

“I think all of my (turnovers), maybe except one, were unforced. I was throwing the ball all over the place. You cut those turnovers against a great defensive team, and that’s a nice day for us.”

Ohio State guard JaQuan Lyle via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


After building a big lead in the first half on the road against Virginia on Wednesday night, Ohio State faltered in the second half and narrowly missed out on their upset bid. While there are a number of reasons why Ohio State wasn’t able to close out the Cavaliers, what really hurt the Buckeyes were the late turnovers from guard JaQuan Lyle. The sophomore had eight turnovers in the game, with four of them coming in the last three minutes of the first half. The biggest turnover by Lyle came with two minutes to go, when the guard coughed up the basketball, allowing Virginia to take the lead for good.

Even though the turnovers from Lyle hurt, the sophomore is still one of Ohio State’s most important players. In the first half Lyle was able to get to the rim and score, helping Ohio State jump out to an early lead. Lyle ended up playing 37 minutes in the game in the loss. While not an excuse for some of his turnovers, it could help to explain some of the lapses down the stretch. Wednesday night’s performance could be a learning experience for Lyle. If Lyle can cut down on the turnovers in pressure situations, Ohio State could make some more noise this year in the Big Ten than many might have thought heading into the season.

STICK TO SPORTS

• Tomorrow night is the Grand Illumination in Columbus.
• The lineup for the third Buckeye Country Superfest was announced today.
• This beaver in Maryland is not a fan of artificial Christmas trees.
• Pop Tarts and Dunkin’ Donuts are collaborating.
• A touching gesture by Dolly Parton in wake of the fires in Tennessee.

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Curtis Samuel impresses Ohio State Buckeyes coaches, teammates - WKYC-TV
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Curtis Samuel impresses Ohio State Buckeyes coaches, teammates
WKYC-TV
Offensively, the second-ranked Buckeyes struggled for much of the day against Michigan, but from the latter part in the third quarter, and then, throughout the fourth and both overtimes, they scored three touchdowns to lock up their fifth straight ...

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Ranking Ohio State’s regular season defensive performances
Chuck McKeever via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes were loaded on D this year. Who was the best of the bunch?

The regular season is over, and the postseason fate of the Ohio State Buckeyes won’t be decided for another couple of days. Whether or not the team makes the College Football Playoff for the second time in its three-year history, there is no question that they put on a defensive clinic week after week. This elite defensive performance kept the Buckeyes’ season alive throughout a few stretches of offensive mediocrity.

There was a little something for everybody, too. Like advanced stats? So do we, and the stats love the Buckeyes: the OSU defensive unit finished the season ranked No. 5 in S&P+, finishing behind only Alabama, Michigan, Wisconsin, and LSU. Like defensive touchdowns? The Buckeyes racked them up in bunches. Like bone-jarring hits laid on opposing QBs? You get the picture.

So, without further ado, here’s a completely objective and totally unquestionable ranking of Ohio State’s five best defensive players, with which no one will disagree in the slightest:

5) Tyquan Lewis

Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Position: Defensive end

Year: Junior

Best single game: 5 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble (Indiana)

On Tuesday, Tyquan Lewis was named the Big Ten defensive lineman of the year, and you’ll find little argument with that distinction here. Lewis was incredibly productive and disruptive for the Buckeyes in the 2016 regular season, amassing team-high totals in sacks (7.5) and forced fumbles (3). Quiet games against Bowling Green and Michigan bookended what was otherwise an excellent season for the junior defensive end.

Lewis is now in danger of becoming a “called underrated so often that he becomes overrated” guy, but screw it: he’s still underrated, despite the recent hardware he added to his shelf. (He joined several teammates on the conference’s First Team All-Big-Ten Defense this week, too.)

4) Marshon Lattimore

Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Position: Cornerback

Year: Sophomore

Best single game: 5 total tackles, 1 interception (Oklahoma)

It’s difficult to single out one performance in which Lattimore impressed this season, because there were quite a few. Do you go with his pair of interceptions and a touchdown against Tulsa? His nine tackles against Wisconsin in overtime? Ultimately, we settled on his standout effort against Oklahoma, in which he nabbed an interception against a Heisman-contending QB while guarding one of the most talented WR corps the Buckeyes faced all season.

Lattimore, stuck most of the season with an “OR” designation on the depth chart alongside Damon Arnette at the No. 2 corner spot, played like anything but a timeshare guy in the secondary. He reeled in four interceptions and broke up nine passes, numbers that put him ahead of No. 1 corner Gareon Conley on the season.

3) Malik Hooker

Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Position: Safety

Year: Sophomore

Best single game: 7 total tackles, 1 interception, 1 TD (Michigan)

Forget defense. There were stretches this season where Hooker looked like he could contend as one of Ohio State’s best players on offense, were he so inclined. The ballhawking sophomore safety took three of his six interceptions back to the house this season—it would’ve been four, but for a suspect penalty called during the return. That’s an absurd ratio of pick-sixes; despite that, Hooker’s name did not appear among the finalists for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. (He did, however, join Tyquan Lewis in 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors this week.)

Hooker recorded a number of memorable performances in 2016. He racked up 14 total tackles against Northwestern in a game that saw the Buckeyes otherwise struggle defensively against a mediocre opponent. He caught two passes from Bowling Green’s quarterback in the season opener, more than several Falcons receivers did in the same game. He found pay dirt against Tulsa, Nebraska, and Michigan. It was a hell of a season for a young player who burst onto the national scene in the biggest possible way this year.

2) Raekwon McMillan

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Middle linebacker

Year: Junior

Best single game: 16 total tackles (Michigan)

It feels borderline crazy to put Raekwon McMillan anywhere other than the top spot, but such is the embarrassment of riches on the Ohio State defense. (And remember, these rankings are scientific and absolutely above reproach.) The captain of the defense led by example, holding down the top spot in total tackles for just about the entire season. His total for the year also included five tackles for loss, one sack, and two forced fumbles.

McMillan hasn’t announced his plans for the future yet, but on Saturday, he sure as hell played like this would be the last time he’d ever face Michigan—he terrorized the Wolverine offense, racking up 16 tackles. His most impactful play? That’d be his perfect shoot-the-gap blitz on Wilton Speight, resulting in Malik Hooker’s game-changing pick-six. It’s hard to understate just how important Raekwon the chef has been to the Ohio State D.

1) Jerome Baker

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Position: Linebacker

Year: Sophomore

Best single game: 15 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception (Michigan)

It’s fitting, really, that the team’s three most outstanding defensive players saved their best efforts for the game of the year. Granted, they got a little extra time to get the job done, but still—the stats racked up by Malik Hooker, Raekwon McMillan, and Jerome Baker against the Wolverines were absolutely eye-popping.

It was Jerome Baker who made the game-changing interception to keep the Buckeyes alive. Who else could it have been, really? Baker was a force of nature for Ohio State’s defense all season, your classic heart-and-soul type player. He was second only to McMillan in total tackles; 8.5 of those were for loss, second only to Tyquan Lewis. He picked off two passes, taking one back for a touchdown. He recorded 3.5 sacks. The list goes on and on.

He still has at least a year left as a Buckeye. Is it selfish to beg for two? It’s hard to imagine this team without Baker, who—despite being only an honorable mention on the season’s All Big-Ten team—was arguably the most impactful player on the entire defense in 2016. No one was a more complete player in as many areas of the game as Baker was this year. We wouldn’t bet against him in 2017, either.

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Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard named Academic All-American
Luke Zimmermann via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Hubbard becomes the 52nd Buckeye all-time to be recognized for academic honors.

Besides dominating on the field, Ohio State sophomore defensive end Sam Hubbard’s made a bit of a name for himself in the class room this fall.

After helping anchor the Rushmen and aiding OSU’s efforts to be named co-Big Ten East division champions, Hubbard was honored for the student portion of student athlete and was named a first-team Academic All-American.

Per Ohio State, Hubbard carried a 3.61 GPA while majoring in Finance. He'd twice previously been named Academic All-Big Ten and was also a two-time OSU scholar-athlete.

Hubbard is second on OSU linemen with 41 tackles and four QB hurries. He has seven tackles for a loss to his name along with three sacks. He was honorable mention all-Big Ten for his work on the field to boot.

A year ago, center Jacoby Boren and graduate transfer kicker Jack Willoughby were also first-team Academic All-American honorees.

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Antjuan Simmons Decommits From Ohio State Buckeyes - Campus Insiders
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Antjuan Simmons Decommits From Ohio State Buckeyes
Campus Insiders
Four-star prospect Antjuan Simmons decommitted from Ohio State on Wednesday night, leaving the Buckeyes with 15 total commits in the 2017 recruiting class. Ohio State still remains at No. 3 in the class rankings, but it's now 296 points behind No.
Former Michigan commit excited as Buckeyes defeated Wolverines247Sports
Ohio State loses another commitment: Antjuan Simmons has re-opened his recruitmentLandof10.com
2017 Four-Star Linebacker Antjuan Simmons, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Pioneer, Decommits from Ohio StateEleven Warriors
BuckeyeGrove.com (subscription) -Detroit Free Press -cleveland.com
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More proof that nobody who resides North and Eats of Pennsylvania should ever be allowed to write about college football . . .

Ohio State basketball falters late, Buckeyes lose to No. 6 Virginia 63-61 - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball falters late, Buckeyes lose to No. 6 Virginia 63-61
cleveland.com
Ohio State withstood Virginia's first run. The Buckeyes couldn't take two shots. Ohio State suffered its first loss of the season, 63-61, to the No. 6 Cavaliers on Wednesday night in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Virginia point guard London Perrantes tied ...
RECAP: Ohio State suffers first loss of season, falls to No. 6 Virginia 63-61 in ACC/Big Ten ChallengeLandof10.com
Virginia 63, Ohio State 61 | Buckeyes can't hold early lead on the roadColumbus Dispatch
STEVE DeSHAZO: Cavaliers carve out a close victory over BuckeyesFredericksburg.com
Comcast SportsNet Chicago -247Sports -Streaking The Lawn (blog)
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Ohio State has in-home visit with 5-star LB
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Buckeyes make a house visit to connect with Browning.

Buckeyes go in-home with Browning


On Saturday, Ohio State hosted a bevy of highly touted prospects in hopes to positively impact their position within their recruitments. Of course, the way the Buckeyes were able to pull off the victory against the Wolverines, especially in that atmosphere, would definitely make one think they did as much as they could.

One of those prospects roaming the sideline of The Horseshoe during the Buckeyes 30-27 downing of Michigan was 2017 linebacker Baron Browning. The Kennedale (TX) defensive stud is a major target for the Scarlet and Gray and the official visit seemed to have paid off for Ohio State.

Browning was initially set to make his decision on Tuesday. However, after a "great time around great people" for his Buckeye visit, he is putting his decision on hold.

Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon, Ohio State put their foot on the gas as they hope to carry their current momentum for Browning all the way to the finish line. The Buckeyes sent "3-4 coaches including Urban Meyer" to his home, according to Jeremy Birmingham of Landof10.com.

For now, it’s widely expected that Browning's decision comes down to Alabama or Ohio State. As of Wednesday night, The Crimson Tide currently hold 42 percent of the predictions in the 247Sports Crystal Ball for the five-star LB and No. 9 ranked prospect in the class. However, it is worth mentioning that the two most recent forecasts have gone in favor of Urban Meyer and the Bucks pulling this one out.

Florida staff sees Wade


One question that has been asked all around the recruiting world is where '17 cornerback Shaun Wade will end up. Wade committed to Ohio State just hours prior to the Buckeyes matchup against Oregon for the National Championship. The Trinity Christian Academy (FL) lockdown defensive back has remained committed for the entire time – but has visited elsewhere.

Nick Saban and Alabama have been heavily involved and even had the 6-foot-1, 177-pounder on campus for an official visit this past weekend. Another team in the mix is the in-state Florida Gators. Florida sent head coach Jim McElwain and three other Gator staffers to Wade's house on Wednesday.

It'll be interesting to see how this one finishes out. As of now, this one definitely seems to be up in the air.

Harris welcomes MSU coaches


Ohio State's recruiting class for this cycle currently features two pass catchers — '17 wide receivers Trevon Grimes and Tyjon Lindsey. With that being said, a third is a possibility. If OSU did get another WR in ‘17, signs could point to Jaylen Harris from Cleveland Heights (OH).

Harris, like the aforementioned Browning, was in attendance this past weekend for the Buckeyes regular season finale. Following the visit, it was time for Harris to start conducting the in-home visits from coaches – and it began quickly.

Tennessee stopped in to see Harris on Monday. On Wednesday, it was Michigan State who had a crack at the 6-foot-5, 217-pounder. The Spartans sent WR coach Terrence Samuel and OL coach Jim Bollman to Harris' home. Harris tweeted that the MSU in-home was a "success."

Some late Wednesday news on Simmons


Even though the Buckeyes won against Michigan, they lost a commit that is, literally, in the Wolverines’ backyard. Linebacker Antjuan Simmons (Ann Arbor, MI / Pioneer) reopened his college search late Wednesday night.

A top 20 player at his position, the four-star ‘17 prospect is projected to go somewhere in the Midwest, with Notre Dame, Michigan State and Michigan leading the pack, according to the 247sports crystal ball predictions.

While he didn’t ended up suiting up for the Scarlet and Gray, we hope for all the best to Simmons in his future endeavours.

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Curtis Samuel among four Ohio State Buckeyes named first-team All-Big Ten on offense - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Curtis Samuel among four Ohio State Buckeyes named first-team All-Big Ten on offense
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Quarterback J.T. Barrett, offensive linemen Pat Elflein and Billy Price and H-Back Curtis Samuel were all named first-team All-Big Ten on Wednesday evening. Offensive lineman Jamarco Jones and running back Mike Weber, who also ...
Ohio State football | Barrett, Elflein named best at positions in Big TenColumbus Dispatch
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Ohio State Buckeyes' J.T. Barrett named top quarterback in Big TenSpringfield News Sun
Land-Grant Holy Land -Eleven Warriors
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RECAP: Ohio State suffers first loss of season, falls to No. 6 Virginia 63-61 in ACC/Big Ten Challenge - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


RECAP: Ohio State suffers first loss of season, falls to No. 6 Virginia 63-61 in ACC/Big Ten Challenge
Landof10.com
Thad Matta's basketball Buckeyes are no longer undefeated, as Ohio State gave No. 6 Virginia all it could handle but fell 63-61 in a closely contested ACC/Big Ten Challenge contest in Charlottesville, Va., on Wednesday night. The Buckeyes (6-1) took a ...
STEVE DeSHAZO: Cavaliers carve out a close victory over BuckeyesFredericksburg.com
Virginia 63, Ohio State 61 | Buckeyes can't hold early lead on the roadColumbus Dispatch
Trip to UVA will be measuring stick for BuckeyesBuckeyeGrove.com (subscription)
247Sports -Comcast SportsNet Chicago -Streaking The Lawn (blog)
all 66 news articles »

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No. 6 Virginia holds off Ohio State, 63-61
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

Ohio State jumped out to a 22-11 lead at No. 6 Virginia, but the Cavaliers clawed their way back and held on for a 63-61 victory. JaQuan Lyle's potential game-winning three missed at the buzzer for the Buckeyes.

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