Well I guess BayBuck's clip should put an end to PSU fan's constant complaint of B1G officiating bias against them :-)

In any event, disappointing loss for certain. While I remained optimistic, I was fearful that the loss of talent would cost us a game or 2 this season. Didn't see it coming at Happy Valley though. In fact, I should say that it's the loss of experience that worried me more than talent. After reading thru a good bit of the post game comments, I would simply say ... take a deep breath ... expect another game or 2 (win or lose) where the Bucks don't seem to be of championship caliber. If we are able to navigate the remaining schedule and get to the playoffs ... I fear many here will have to "endure" another season of a position coach you don't care for, or a player that isn't "good enough" for our needs.

Frankly, to pull off an undefeated run this year would have been amazing beyond belief. Not that I don't think the talent is there, but we lack practical experience. Don't care how good a coach you are, or how talented you are as a player, experience is always earned the hard way. Last years roster (2015 team) started with 79 total "letter winner years". Meaning the team accumulated that many varsity letters in their time at Ohio State before the season started. This year's team (2016) had 61 varsity letters to start the season. That's almost 25% less on field experience.

The senior class, the folks you lean on when Camp Randall is "jumping" or Happy Valley is "pom-pom pumping", are far less experienced too. The entire senior class of 2015 (regular SR, gray shirt, 5th year or 6th year) accounted for 33 varsity letters. This years class comes to the table with 17 ... 3 of those belong to the punter and kicker. Almost half the real, in-game experience gone. So these team leaders, if they were good enough, would have in-game experience at Happy Valley from their sophomore year. Juniors would have had to see the field as Freshmen to have any on-field experience. Please don't mis-interpret my sentiment either. Absolutely love the senior class. There is just so much less experience for the underclassmen to draw from.

Finally, the early departures for the NFL. 14 varsity letter years gone ... players that could have returned. Again, all my best to them and a great big thank you for the tremendous play at OSU. Just trying to point out WHY going undefeated is so hard and how important real experience is to a team.

Why is the experience so important? Our Bucks just found out … some players and probably some of the staff too. You don’t know what you don’t know. You hear the accolades, you’re highly rated, you (for the most part) comfortably and methodically won all your games. You find yourself up 21-7 in the 4th quarter and you figure … oh shit, what just happened?

In a strange way this could be a blessing for our young team. It’s very difficult to really identify the flaws and work to correct them when you’re having success despite them. Hard to be critical of teammates and yourself until your forced to face a failure and accept that it’s yours to own. So what are we left with?

The response. It’s always the response. Go Bucks!

"Defeats are the things that make men out of you." - WWH

Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore keeps proving he’s among the nation’s elite
Ian Hartitz via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes may have lost the battle, but the war is far from over.

Ohio State lost to Penn State for a variety of reasons. A missed pass interference call is certainly one of those reasons, but the Buckeyes were also soundly beaten at the line of scrimmage all night and failed to make the type of game-changing turnovers we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.

The chase is far from over, of course. The Buckeyes still control their own destiny to reach the playoff and they possess one of the best defenses in the country despite the loss. Ohio State only allowed 276 total yards to the Nittany Lions -- fewer total yards than they allowed in victories over Wisconsin, Indiana and Oklahoma. Special teams mistakes ultimately did more harm than the Silver Bullets last Saturday.

Despite the realization that Urban Meyer is capable of losing a road game, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic for the rest of the season. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why.

It’s still hard to throw deep on Ohio State


Part of what has made Ohio State’s defense so good over the past few seasons has been their ability to limit big plays. This usually consists of providing extra safety help for cornerbacks, but in Ohio State’s case, it just means having lock-down corners that can cover their man all the way down the field:


Marshon Lattimore has played great all season and Saturday wasn’t any exception. In the clip above, he doesn’t jam the Nittany Lions’ receiver at the line of scrimmage, but his speed and fluid hips allow him to match the route step for step. Lattimore stays with the receiver all the way down the field before reading his eyes to know exactly when the ball is getting close. With the ball arriving, Lattimore is able to hold his position, gets his head around, and make a play on the ball.

We often see questionable pass interference calls down the field because the cornerback never attempted to make a play on the ball. Fortunately for Ohio State, their entire secondary thinks any pass thrown in their general proximity is theirs, so refs have allowed them to be more physical at the point of the catch since they’re often going for the ball. Few in the country have done this better than Lattimore this season.

Robert Landers is the playmaking interior defensive lineman the Buckeyes need


The Buckeyes have had a lot of success getting to the quarterback this season thanks to the great pass-rushing abilities of Tyquan Lewis, Jayln Holmes, Sam Hubbard and Nick Bosa. However, they’ve been lacking a consistent force in the interior of the defensive line. In the past two seasons Adolphus Washington and Michael Bennett filled this role. It wouldn’t be surprising if red-shirt freshman Robert Landers is eventually the next Buckeye to consistently wreck havoc in the middle of the line


Landers uses a rip move to bypass the guard and then is able to engage the pulling tackle while keeping his outside arm free. Penetration into the backfield is great, but oftentimes linemen are dealing with too many blockers to actually make a play on the ball carrier. Landers’ ability to brush aside two offensive lineman so quickly allows him to not only slow down the Penn State running back before he had a chance to get going, but it also allowed linebackers Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan to get to the ball without any threat of being blocked.

Ohio State has all the talent in the world at linebacker, but nobody can get downhill and make plays if they have a 300+ pound lineman blocking them. Run-stuffing defensive lineman are needed to occupy blockers, but few are able to combine this ability with the quickness to get into the backfield themselves and make plays. Landers is one of those special players and we should expect to see more of him as the season goes on.

Malik Hooker isn’t just a ball hawk


Hooker’s early season plays on the ball may have unfairly given him a reputation as more of a cover safety. Well, he’s plenty good at that, but his unnerving speed is just as effective when utilized around the line of scrimmage:


Hooker is still about four yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball, but his acceleration allowed him to get five yards into the backfield before the quarterback even had a chance to run. Ohio State hasn’t blitzed a ton this season since they’ve been more than capable of getting pressure with just four guys, but plays like this show that the defense has an unlimited set of options to send at opposing quarterbacks.

Meyer has often stressed that an event plus a response will equal the outcome. Well, Ohio State didn’t respond properly to too many of the issues that Penn State was able to bring up and they now have a loss because of this. The defense will need to improve if the Buckeyes want to take down the nation’s elite, but there’s no reason to believe they aren’t still firmly in the conversation as the best defense in the land.

The final: 24-21, Penn State

Defensive player of the game: N/A

Defensive play of the game: N/A

Next Victim: Northwestern. See you all next week.

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Big Ten alters fifth tiebreaker for division champ - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Big Ten alters fifth tiebreaker for division champ
ESPN
The Nittany Lions' 24-21 upset of the Buckeyes on Saturday night left both teams at 3-1 in the conference. Penn State's only loss is to Michigan, which is 4-0 in league play. If Penn State wins out, Michigan only loses to Ohio State, and the Buckeyes ...

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'The sun came up' for Buckeyes, despite loss to Penn State - The Daily Progress
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


'The sun came up' for Buckeyes, despite loss to Penn State
The Daily Progress
Barrett's longest completion was 34 yards, underscoring that the Buckeyes continue to struggle hitting the deep passes. The 168 yards rushing included a single 74-yard touchdown run by Curtis Samuel in the third quarter. "It's hard to put it on one ...

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Women's soccer: Buckeyes down rival Michigan off of Prince's game-winner - OSU - The Lantern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Women's soccer: Buckeyes down rival Michigan off of Prince's game-winner
OSU - The Lantern
The Buckeyes edged the Michigan Wolverines 2-1, with a winning recipe that combined early scoring in both halves and strong defense and goalkeeping. OSU improved their record to 10-5-3 (4-3-3 Big Ten), while Michigan lost its third game over the last ...


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Preseason advanced stats love Ohio State basketball. Are we sleeping on the Buckeyes?
Matt Brown via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The basketball Buckeyes will be experienced and hungry. Could they be much better than the experts think?

You might have missed this if you were staying off the internet for the weekend — and after the Ohio State-Penn State game nobody would have blamed you — but Ken Pomeroy released his preseason rankings on Sunday.

The top five shouldn’t surprise any college basketball fan, as Duke, Villanova, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina grabbed the top spots. Wisconsin, the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten, was the top ranked squad in the Big Ten. That’s not a surprise either, given who the Badgers return.

But you know who was second among Big Ten teams?

Ohio State.

The Buckeyes are ranked 13th in the preseason rankings, ahead of stalwarts like Michigan State (14), Purdue (15), Indiana (16) and Michigan (31). They’re ranked ahead of any major non-conference game Ohio State has except for Virginia (7).

Right now, the Buckeyes are projected to finish with a 23-8 record, including an 11-7 Big Ten slate. That should be more than good enough to get the Buckeyes back to the NCAA Tournament after missing it last season, and potentially good enough to get a healthy seed for the opening round.

You won’t find many national experts that high on the Buckeyes. ESPN’s most recent mock bracket, from June, had Ohio State as one of the last four teams in the field. Athlon picked them to finish seventh in the Big Ten. Ohio State wasn’t in the top four team listed in the Big Ten preseason Coaches Poll. The list goes on. And Ohio State’s performance from last season may not do much to generate confidence.

Are Pomeroy’s metrics right? Is it possible we’re all missing something about this Ohio State basketball team?

It’s certainly possible. The Buckeyes may have been wracked by transfers over last season, but the core of last year’s team all returns. The top six players from last year’s squads in terms of minutes are all back, and which includes virtually all of Ohio State’s scoring, rebounding, and more.

After fielding one of the youngest teams in the country a year ago, the Buckeyes project to start four upperclassmen, with the lone sophomore, Jaquan Lyle, has reportedly started camp in substantially better shape. If Ohio State’s shooting and ballhandling become even marginally more consistent, the Buckeyes should have a solid six-man rotation, even by upper level Big Ten standards.

While the returnees are clearly the main story, it’s possible Ohio State’s newcomers may have a big impact as well. Everybody we talked to at Big Ten Media Day, from Thad Matta to Keita Bates-Diop, raved about new JUCO transfer point guard C.J. Jackson. Jackson provides a different look from Lyle, with a playmaking focus. Even if he’s only plays a handful of minutes a game, a pass-first guard who can stay out of foul trouble could do wonders for Ohio State’s efficiency.

The Buckeyes will also be joined by Micah Potter, who has also earned praise from the coaching staff. Potter gives Ohio State something they haven’t had the last few seasons, a true floor-stretching option at the 4 or 5 spot. Potter might not be able to defend big men at the Big Ten level for long stretches yet, but just having a new look for stretches may open things up for Marc Loving and Jae’Sean Tate.

The argument for an improved, perhaps dramatically so Ohio State team is out there. I’m not sure I’d personally throw Ohio State up as a top 20 team right now, but the potential is there, if Buckeyes can do what others have struggled over the last few seasons, make marketable improvements from year to year.

KenPom isn’t the only one out on this limb, by the way. Jon Rothstein recently added the Buckeyes to his list of five teams who could overachieve.

I guess that means that the buzz around the Buckeyes is now officially palpable.

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Penn State football left the Buckeyes a devastated bunch looking to bounce back - The Daily Collegian Online
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Penn State football left the Buckeyes a devastated bunch looking to bounce back
The Daily Collegian Online
The Buckeyes' Heisman Trophy-contending quarterback, J.T. Barrett, doesn't usually spend the night on the run. He was sacked six times Saturday night, and if it wasn't for his evasiveness it could have easily been more. An ESPN post-game analysis found ...
Buckeyes blocked in Happy ValleyToledo Blade
Penn State's upset proves Big Ten depth -- which could be useful for BuckeyesESPN (blog)
Ohio State football: Live updates from Urban Meyer after a Buckeyes losscleveland.com
Columbus Dispatch -PennLive.com -GBMWolverine
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The Wake-Up Call: Time for Buckeyes to move on, Michael Thomas ... - Landof10.com
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The Wake-Up Call: Time for Buckeyes to move on, Michael Thomas ...
Landof10.com
We hope you'll start your day with us here at the Landof10.com as we work to prepare you for everything that you need to know – Monday through Friday – aro.
Northwestern vs Ohio State Football Schedule: Odds and Point ...Pabaon News

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'The sun came up' for Buckeyes, despite loss to Penn State (Oct 24, 2016) - FOXSports.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


'The sun came up' for Buckeyes, despite loss to Penn State (Oct 24, 2016)
FOXSports.com
The statistics don't look bad - 413 yards of total offense - but the vertical passing game was kept mostly in check by unranked Penn State. Barrett's longest completion was 34 yards, underscoring that the Buckeyes continue to struggle hitting the deep ...

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Michigan Football: How Buckeyes Loss Could help the Wolverines - GBMWolverine
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Michigan Football: How Buckeyes Loss Could help the Wolverines
GBMWolverine
Of course, it's always good to see Ohio State lose. But here is how the Buckeyes loss can really benefit Michigan football. As every Michigan football fan can attest to, there is something great about watching the Ohio State Buckeyes lose. Related ...
Buckeyes stunned in Happy Valley, but myriad title hopes still aliveComcast SportsNet Chicago
Big Ten midseason report: All-East offense features plenty of BuckeyesLandof10.com
Big Ten Predictions: #3 Ohio State BuckeyesSportsBlog.com (blog)

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Ohio State creates community among ‘Military Kids’: BTN LiveBIG
BTN.com LiveBIG Staff via Big Ten Network

Through camps and regular events, children build bonds and learn resilience.

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Bowl Projections: Ohio State still in playoff of Jerry Palm’s list
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Through eight weeks, Jerry Palm of CBSSports.com has 10 Big Ten teams projected for bowls—one fewer than last week, as Michigan State has fallen from Palm’s projections.

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Ohio State’s Urban Meyer: ‘This one’s put to bed. It’s time to move forward’
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


OSU’s coach is satisfied with his coaches and the playcalling despite a tough loss.

Coming off the first loss of the season, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer took to the podium to discuss adjustments the team is making ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Northwestern. The rest of the Buckeyes’ schedule will be grueling, and their loss against Penn State can either motivate them to finish strong, or be the beginning of the end to such a promising season.

Meyer has been known to say that you don’t beat up your players after a loss, you do it after a win. So it’s no surprise that the head coach was level-headed when addressing the shortcomings of the young offense and special teams issues from the loss.

• “I don’t think we played our best game,” Meyer opened Monday. There haven’t been any specific conversations about personnel changes, but they usually address those things on Mondays and will evaluate it later on.
• He reiterated that right after a loss is “not time to go into people” but admitted it’s “not business as usual”. He noted that the team has incredible leadership and they let the loss “hurt for awhile” and move on and get ready for the next matchup.
• In a message that has been made often by the head coach, the young wide receivers need to elevate. Meyer spoke about how the group as a whole is rather similar and wishes one or two would separate themselves from the rest of the receivers.
• Meyer also noted that the offensive line “did not play very well” but that they will identify the issues, work on them, and make personnel changes if needed. He did admit that the OL as a whole has regressed from earlier this season and did not give J.T. Barrett the best protection against Penn State. They didn’t give the quarterback enough time to go through his reads, which made it hard to get into rhythm.
• The head coach was asked about the late game field goal that seemed dripping in confusion. Meyer said there were two options at the point -- they were on the 29-yard line and they could either go for it or punt it into the endzone.
• Meyer’s first reaction when asked about Northwestern was “wow”. He continued that they are one of the most improved teams he’s seen. They’re coming off a couple big wins on the road, their defense is outstanding and they’ve got “gigantic guys”.
• When asked about certain specific plays from Saturday, Meyer admitted he’s “so focused on Northwestern” he was having a hard time recalling certain issues. He repeated he’s ready to move on — there are a “bunch of players hurting, bunch of coaches are hurting, we have to put it to bed”.

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Buckeyes remain title contenders in Vegas' eyes - ESPN
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Buckeyes remain title contenders in Vegas' eyes
ESPN
Penn State's upset of Ohio State was a shocker, but it did little to hurt the Buckeyes' odds to win the national championship. Ohio State moved from 5-2 to 3-1 at the Westgate SuperBook and remains the second favorite behind Alabama at 8-5. Michigan is ...
Westgate Las Vegas Superbook: Despite Penn State Loss, Ohio State, at 3/1, Trails Only Alabama in Odds to Win ...Eleven Warriors

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Buy or Sell: Ohio State can still make playoff?
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Here is what I’m buying and selling as we enter Week 9. Ohio State can still make the four-team playoff? Buy. There is no need for the Buckeyes to panic. Yes, Ohio State needs to evolve its passing game after the Buckeyes got dumped 24-21 at Penn State on Saturday night. Where are the big-play wideouts? And the offensive line needs to plug some leaks, too, as J.T. Barrett was sacked six times. But Ohio State still can win the Big Ten. And, make no mistake about it: A one-loss Big Ten champion is most likely a lock for a

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BM5: Many concerns; unanswered questions - 247Sports
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BM5: Many concerns; unanswered questions
247Sports
Well, we are. We're about a day-and-a-half removed from Ohio State's 24-21 loss at Penn State and we're still salty. Very salty. What are the biggest concerns regarding this Buckeye team? What questions does Urban Meyer need to answer at his press ...

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It'll be my first trip so will be there nice and early to take it all in anyway!

Ohio State’s Malik Hooker named semifinalist for Jim Thorpe Award
Matt Brown via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Hooker is one of 16 candidates left for an award given to the nation’s best defensive back.

This weekend didn’t go the way Ohio State football planned, but Monday begins a new week, and it’s already off to a good start. While Ohio State’s passing game may be struggling, other position groups, like the secondary, have shined. And now they’re starting to get some more individual accolades.

Ohio State’s Malik Hooker has been named as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, annually given to the best defensive back in the country. Hooker is sixth in the country currently with four interceptions, and his 36 tackles are good for third on the team.

His start to the season was simply electric, as he emerged as perhaps the top playmaker on Ohio State’s defense, with an ability to not only blow up running plays or make open field tackles, but also razzle dazzle with touchdowns like this one.

Hooker is one of four Big Ten players named as Thorpe semifinalists. Three finalists will be named on Nov. 21, and the award will be given on Dec 8.

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Buckeyes fall at Penn State, 24-21 - Gallipolis Daily Tribune
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Buckeyes fall at Penn State, 24-21
Gallipolis Daily Tribune
The blocked field goal attempt was the second special teams collapse in the fourth quarter by the Buckeyes. With 11:42 to play, Cam Brown blocked a Cameron Johnston punt and the Nittany Lions turned that into a field goal that cut Ohio State's lead to ...


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College football report Buckeyes slip to 6th after loss - Arkansas Online
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College football report Buckeyes slip to 6th after loss
Arkansas Online
6 in The Associated Press college football poll after its first loss of the season, and Penn State moved into the rankings for the first time since 2011 after upsetting the Buckeyes. Alabama is No. 1 again, receiving all but one of the 61 first-place ...

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All of the reasons are my favorite reason.

Buckeyes fall, Penn State enters in AP poll...QB's Kessler, Smith knocked out of games...Thomas - WCTI12.com
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Buckeyes fall, Penn State enters in AP poll...QB's Kessler, Smith knocked out of games...Thomas
WCTI12.com
UNDATED (AP) — Penn State's upset of Ohio State has dropped the Buckeyes four spots to No. 6 in this week's AP poll and moved the Nittany Lions into the rankings for the first time since 2011 at No. 24. Alabama gets all but one of the 61 first-place ...


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5-star standout still 100% committed 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


Despite taking visits, Shaun Wade is still feeling the Buckeyes.

Longtime Ohio State commit Shaun Wade has definitely flirted with a number of programs closer to his Sunshine State home in Jacksonville, Fla.

While the five-star cornerback has been linked to programs such as Alabama, Florida, and others throughout his recruitment, Wade told ESPN recruiting analyst Derek Tyson that even though he’s been checking out schools, he’s still 100 percent committed to suit up on the college level for Urban Meyer and the Ohio State coaching staff next season.


Wade, the fourth cornerback, and 21st overall prospect in the class of 2017, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, backed his rankings up on the field during Trinity Christian’s (FL) Friday match-up with IMG Academy (FL).

He might be one of the highest rated defensive backs in the country, but the U.S. Army All-American plays both ways for Trinity Christian. Seeing time as a wide receiver, Wade hauled in four passes for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, and finished the game with four total tackles and an interception on defense.

Playing on the ESPN network, Wade showed off his skills, but things didn’t end in his team’s favor, falling to IMG Academy, 34-21 – and his soon-to-be Ohio State teammates Marcus Williamson and Isaiah Pryor.

The Buckeyes will reportedly have a chance to close the door on Wade’s recruitment in the near future. According to reports, Wade will be one of many prospects in Columbus for Ohio State’s game with Nebraska on Nov. 5.

Clark commits


Former Ohio State commit Danny Clark has found a new home. On Saturday, the Akron Archbishop Hoban standout quarterback announced he will continue his next step to the NFL at the University of Kentucky.


Decommitting from Ohio State last month, Clark picked the Wildcats after visiting the Lexington campus and meeting with head coach Mike Stoops and the UK coaching staff.

Land-Grant Holy Land wishes the former Buckeye commit nothing but the best with his future endeavors in the SEC.

Quick Hit

• Shaun Wade wasn’t the only future Buckeye to put up solid numbers over the weekend. Many other Ohio State commits were impressive in game action. Which OSU pledge did enough to grab your MVP vote? The poll is open. Let your voice be heard.

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Buckeyes slip to 6th after loss - Arkansas Online
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes slip to 6th after loss
Arkansas Online
6 in The Associated Press college football poll after its first loss of the season, and Penn State moved into the rankings for the first time since 2011 after upsetting the Buckeyes. Alabama is No. 1 again, receiving all but one of the 61 first-place ...

and more »

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Buckeyes have a lot of work to do - The Review
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Buckeyes have a lot of work to do
The Review
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — After a loss, so much seems wrong with Ohio State. Even though very little has changed. The passing game has all kinds of problems, from poor protection to lack of separation by the receivers. Ohio State's most explosive player ...


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