Ohio State women’s basketball wins big in season opener by crushing Duquesne
Ben Martens via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State women’s basketball got the new season started in style, blowing out Duquesne, 89-69

The Ohio State women’s basketball team took care of business in its season opener against Duquesne on Friday afternoon in Columbus. The Buckeyes used their signature relentless full-court defense and dominated the paint to bury the Dukes 89-69.

The new look rotation for head coach Kevin McGuff’s squad was on full display as ten different players saw minutes. Junior All-American Kelsey Mitchell overcame a mediocre shooting performance of 6-for-17 to score 18 points, while North Carolina transfer Stephanie Mavunga added a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

Sierra Calhoun and Shayla Cooper were also in double figures for Ohio State in game in which the team’s size advantage played dividends. The Buckeyes outrebounded Duquense 55-33.

The Buckeyes used a 17-4 run spanning the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second to race out to a 16-point lead that they would never look back from. During the run, Ohio State beat up the Dukes on the interior, getting a pair of layups from Cooper, and easy buckets from Kiara Lewis, Tori McCoy, and Mavunga.

Calhoun led an 8-2 run to end the first half, knocking down a jumper and a pair of free throws to give the Buckeyes a 46-26 advantage at the half. Mavunga led the team with nine points in the first 20 minutes thanks to 5-for-6 shooting from the free throw line, and added a team-high eight rebounds.

Mitchell got off to a sluggish start shooting the ball, going 2-for-7 from the field and uncharacteristically missing three of her five free throw attempts. She saw consistent double teams and finished the half with seven points, and also contributed two rebounds and two assists.

Duquesne’s Amadea Szamosi led all scorers with 11 points, and also hauled in a team-high five rebounds. No other member of the Dukes made more than two field goals, as they shot a frigid 30.6 percent from the floor.

In the third quarter, Ohio State scored nine quick points before going ice cold. A three-minute scoring drought allowed Duquesne to go on a 12-2 run and cut the lead to 57-41. Baskets from Mavunga and Cooper ended the Dukes’ momentum, though, and Mitchell scored four in quick succession to keep the advantage at 20, 65-45, headed to the fourth.

Two Calhoun three-pointers and a nine-point offensive outburst from Makayla Waterman in the fourth quarter capped things off for the Buckeyes, as they cruised through the final 10 minutes. Szamosi was held to just two second half points, ceding the majority of the Dukes’ offense to Chassidy Ommogrosso, who had 17, and Julijan Vojinovic, who finished with 16 thanks to 4-for-9 three-point shooting.

Next up for Ohio State is a Monday evening matchup with fourth-ranked South Carolina in Columbus. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET at St. John Arena.

Continue reading...

Michigan travels to Iowa and looks to stay undefeated in Week 11’s Big Ten bets, odds
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Wolverines will try and navigate their last road test before they travel to Columbus in a couple weeks.

The week’s Big Ten slate is just as ugly as the national games. I was able to find a couple decent national games to pick yesterday. If you missed them you can find them here.

Last week ATS: 4-8 (1-4 National, 3-4 B1G)

Season ATS: 59-69-3 (22-32-1 National, 37-37-2 B1G)

B1G games:


No. 10 Penn State (-7) v. Indiana - 12:00 PM EST - ABC/ESPN2

Last week Penn State continued their impressive play of late when they had little trouble taking down Iowa in State College. Running back Saquon Barkley was the workhorse in the victory, rushing for 167 yards and a touchdown, while adding a 44-yard receiving touchdown. Now the Nittany Lions will look to keep their dreams of making one of the New Year’s Six bowl games alive when they travel to Indiana.

It hasn’t exactly been pretty, but Indiana has won their last two games, and now is just a game away from bowl eligibility. The Hoosiers have had a lot of success on offense over the last two games, rolling up over 1,200 yards in the victories. Quarterback Richard Lagow threw for 394 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Rutgers last week, but also did throw two interceptions, running his total for the year to 13 picks.

I’m tempted to take the points with the Hoosiers here since it seems like Indiana gives ranked teams fits in Bloomington, but Penn State is just playing too well right now. Their offense is clicking and the Nittany Lion defense is getting healthy, which should propel them to a double-digit victory.

Penn State 41, Indiana 28

Northwestern (-14) v. Purdue - 12:00 PM EST - Big Ten Network

We all know that Purdue is bad, but more often than not it seems like they find a way to stay within the number. The Boilermakers have the kind of passing offense, with six receivers with at least 27 receptions, that allows for them to at least put up some points. Quarterback David Blough has 20 touchdowns on the year, but the downside is he has thrown 13 interceptions.

The problem with Purdue is they can’t stop anybody on defense, especially on the ground. Running back Justin Jackson is 90 yards from cracking 1,000 yards for the year, and against this Purdue defense he should have that by halftime. Northwestern hasn’t been the greatest against the pass, allowing 260 yards per game, so that could help Purdue keep things within two touchdowns.

Northwestern is coming off a couple tough games against Ohio State and Wisconsin so the Boilermakers might be catching them at the right time. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Purdue give Northwestern a little bit of a scare here.

Northwestern 31, Purdue 24

Rutgers v. Michigan State (-14) - 12:00 PM EST - Big Ten Network

With a combined 13 straight losses between these two teams, I guess somebody has to win here. Rutgers has at least been a little more competitive recently since going to Giovanni Rescigno at quarterback. Michigan State is a complete mess right now, and while they are certainly more talented, I don’t trust them laying this many points.

Michigan State 28, Rutgers 17

Rutgers v. No. 7 Wisconsin (-26) - 3:30 PM EST - ESPN2

After a stretch in which they faced Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, Nebraska, and Northwestern, Wisconsin can breathe a little easier this week. Illinois is just a giant mess right now, so it’s hard to see them slowing down Corey Clement and the Wisconsin rushing attack. Even if Illinois is able to slow the Badgers down on offense a little bit, I have no faith they can get anything against Wisconsin’s strong defense. The Badgers win their fourth straight game.

Wisconsin 44, Illinois 14

Minnesota v. No. 19 Nebraska (-7) - 7:30 PM EST - Big Ten Network

Aside from how well Penn State is playing, Minnesota might be the biggest surprise in the Big Ten this year. The Golden Gophers have benefitted so far from a ridiculously soft conference schedule, and they’ll be tested the next three weeks against Nebraska, Northwestern, and Wisconsin. What could help them navigate these games is the veteran leadership of Mitch Leidner at quarterback, along with running back Rodney Smith, who has 913 yards and 13 touchdowns on the year.

It is still unknown if Tommy Armstrong Jr. will be able to play on Saturday after he banged his head hard on the turf at Ohio Stadium last week. If Armstrong Jr. can’t play, Ryker Fyfe will take the snaps for Nebraska. Last week Fyfe went just for 5-18 against the Buckeyes, so losing Armstrong Jr. for the game would definitely slow the Nebraska offense.

Even though they have a lot to still play for, I think Nebraska is cautious with Armstrong Jr. and the senior doesn’t end up playing. This game will end up being tight throughout, and even though I think Nebraska is the better team, I think Minnesota somehow leaves Lincoln with the victory.

Minnesota 30, Nebraska 27

No. 3 Michigan (-22) v. Iowa - 8:00 PM EST - ABC

For just the second time this season the Wolverines are leaving the state of Michigan. The only other time Michigan left the mitten they waxed Rutgers 78-0. Saturday night’s game isn’t going to be a beatdown to that extent, but it’s going to be a beatdown. Don’t overthink this. Michigan will go up big and Harbaugh will do some weird stuff late in the game that adds to the evidence that he is clinically insane.

Michigan 38, Iowa 10

No. 5 Ohio State (-29.5) v. Maryland - 3:30 PM EST - ESPN

Was Ohio State’s performance last week a sign of things to come? After some inconsistent play recently, the Buckeyes looked like the buzzsaw that many knew they were capable of being in the 62-3 victory over Nebraska on Saturday night. Curtis Samuel got plenty of touches, J.T. Barrett was much improved throwing the football, and the defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns.

Maryland has fallen on hard times recently after a 4-0 start, losing four of their last five games. Quarterback Perry Hills has a shoulder injury, and even if he plays it’s unknown how long he’ll be able to tough it out. The Terrapins offense is best when it is running the football, averaging 232 yards per game. It’s hard to see them getting much against an Ohio State defense that is allowing just 119 yards on the ground.

If Ohio State is able to jump out to a big lead early it’ll force Maryland to throw the football, something they don’t do very well. I’m a little leery of laying so many points on the road after such a big win at home, but I think last week woke up an Ohio State team that was slumbering. Barrett has a big day, as he gets the two touchdowns he needs to pass Drew Brees’ Big Ten record for most total touchdowns.

Ohio State 48, Maryland 13

Continue reading...

Thad Matta's Buckeyes squad has high hopes for 2016-17 season - Waiting For Next Year
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Thad Matta's Buckeyes squad has high hopes for 2016-17 season
Waiting For Next Year
The 2015-16 season was one that the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball squad would love to put on the back burner and forget. Whether it was only making the postseason NIT where they lost to the Florida Gators in the second round, losing four of five ...
How to watch Ohio State vs. Navy: Preview, game time, live streaming onlineLand-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State basketball vs. Navy preview: TV info, key players, stats, predictioncleveland.com
Point Well Taken: Ohio State is in good hands with Kelsey MitchellSports Illustrated

all 7 news articles »

Continue reading...

Ohio State vs. Maryland odds 2016: Buckeyes are gigantic favorites on the road - SB Nation
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State vs. Maryland odds 2016: Buckeyes are gigantic favorites on the road
SB Nation
For the first time in over a month, the Buckeyes looked like a legitimate national title contender again in last Saturday's 62-3 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Coming off an 0-4 ATS stretch that included an outright loss to Penn State and close ...
Ohio State football | Burrow's game against Nebraska special for him, familyColumbus Dispatch
Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland TerrapinsMyDaytonDailyNews
Ohio State Buckeyes football vs Maryland Terrapins: TV channel, time, live score updates, how to watch live streamOregonLive.com
cleveland.com -The Steubenville Herald-Star
all 271 news articles »

Continue reading...

Buckeyes ready for shot at the 'Burg - Athens Messenger (registration)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes ready for shot at the 'Burg
Athens Messenger (registration)
Buckeyes ready for shot at the 'Burg. By Kevin Wiseman Messenger sports editor; 6 hrs ago; 0. Nelsonville-York Buckeyes. Messenger photo by Louise Fish. Nelsonville-York quarterback Hunter Edwards runs for a touchdown against Athens. Edwards has ...


Continue reading...

Ohio State vs. Maryland game picks: Can the Buckeyes keep rolling toward Michigan? - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State vs. Maryland game picks: Can the Buckeyes keep rolling toward Michigan?
cleveland.com
Doug picks Ohio State 42, Maryland 17: Expect the Buckeyes to come back to earth a bit after their 62-3 home win last week. The Buckeyes are 5-4 against the spread this year, while the Terrapins are 3-6 and coming off a 59-3 loss to Michigan. But after ...
Ohio State football | Burrow's game against Nebraska special for him, familyColumbus Dispatch
Ohio State vs. Maryland odds 2016: Buckeyes are gigantic favorites on the roadSB Nation
Ohio State Buckeyes football vs Maryland Terrapins: TV channel, time, live score updates, how to watch live streamOregonLive.com
MyDaytonDailyNews -The Steubenville Herald-Star
all 267 news articles »

Continue reading...

Ohio State women’s basketball faces tough road in new season
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 Ohio State women’s basketball team gets the 2016-17 season underway on Friday, and the road ahead won’t be easy.

Ohio State will tip-off the new season at noon on Friday at St. John Arena in Columbus against a Duquesne team that went 28-6 a season ago and fell in the second round of the NCAA tournament against eventual national champion Connecticut. It will serve as a good barometer of where the team is at, and how far it will need to go if it hopes to contend for a national championship.

Duquesne is one of the many quality teams the Buckeyes will face in the 2016-17 season. Game No. 2 will pit head coach Kevin McGuff’s squad against South Carolina, which is ranked third in the nation according to the coaches poll and fourth according to the AP. It’s the kind of schedule Ohio State hopes to emerge from battle-tested for March, much as it was last year.

The Buckeyes will also travel to Storrs in December to take on the preseason No. 1 team in the land in UConn, and will also face nationally-ranked Miami (FL) as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge during the non-conference portion of the schedule. The team will also take part in the Gulf Coast Showcase tournament, where a meeting with Syracuse, another top-15 team, could take place in the second round.

Once conference play gets underway, things won’t be much easier, though the schedule does do Ohio State a favor of sorts. The Buckeyes will be contending with Maryland, the preseason Big Ten favorite that is No. 5 in the coaches poll and No. 6 in the AP, as well as Indiana and Michigan State squads that each appear in one poll, and Michigan, which is just on the outside looking in at the top 25.

Where the Big Ten’s scheduling may give Ohio State an advantage, though, is that each of those four contenders show up only once, and the Maryland game will be played in Columbus. The Buckeyes will instead face Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin twice apiece as part of the unbalanced schedule.

So what does this mean for Ohio State? Given the fact the team has perhaps the best player in the country in Kelsey Mitchell and a supporting cast of veterans who have grown up on the court together and three high-profile transfer students, the tough non-conference slate and relatively light Big Ten schedule set up the Buckeyes to be a major force come March.

"I feel like we're one of the teams that have got enough talent and depth and balance that we could make a run at the national championship,” McGuff told ESPN.

While it certainly won’t be a small undertaking, the heavyweights like UConn, Notre Dame, Baylor, and South Carolina are not head and shoulders above the rest of the country this season thanks to the WNBA draft and the growing frequency of transfers. Parity, for the first time in quite some time, could be the name of the game.

And that sets Ohio State up as a serious contender. The Buckeyes have offensive firepower, true depth for the first time in McGuff’s tenure, and a road through the conference that appears on paper to be utterly navigable. The season is here, the speculation ends, and the question of whether the program’s first Final Four berth since 1993 can be attained will begin to be answered on Friday.

Continue reading...

Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes lineman/linebacker Tom Baldacci - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Q&A with former Buckeyes lineman/linebacker Tom Baldacci
Columbus Dispatch
Tom Baldacci never hesitated, picking the Buckeyes over the Wolverines in part because he wanted to carve out his own career and not be compared to his older brother, Lou, who played quarterback at Michigan. Baldacci played both on the interior line ...


Continue reading...

How to watch Ohio State vs. Navy: Preview, game time, live streaming online
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes open their season in a rare, true road game in Annapolis.

The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team is ready to bury the memories of last season as they prepare to open up their 2016-17 campaign today versus the Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis. The game is part of the Veterans Classic, played on Veterans Day for the last three years. This matchup is just the second all-time meeting between the two schools, with Navy having defeated Ohio State in 1932, 35-32. That’s a basketball score, we promise.

The last season was rough by any stretch due to a combination of a tough schedule, youth and inexperience and injuries at key points in the season. It ultimately ended in an anticlimactic fashion, with the Buckeyes losing to Florida in the second round of the NIT by a score of 74-66. Then three of the four remaining true freshmen on the team left for other programs at the conclusion of the season. With anemic performances and a distinct lack of hustle from several players, the Buckeyes looked much worse for wear as they headed into the offseason.

Still, while last season was disappointing in many ways for Ohio State, this year could be their best shot at a strong season for several years to come. With most of last year’s incoming freshman class having transferred--a class loaded with four-star recruits--Ohio State is leaning heavily on upperclassmen to carry the load. Marc Loving, the de facto leader of last year’s team who led the Buckeyes in scoring with 14 points per game, is now a senior. Keita Bates-Diop and Jae’Sean Tate, who were second and third on the team in scoring respectively last season, return for their third season with the Buckeyes. Entering his second season at Ohio State, expectations are also high for sophomore guard JaQuan Lyle--the only player in his class to return to the Buckeyes after last season.

Beyond this core group, the Buckeyes return their two other top-scorers from the 2015-16 season. They just missed out on being ranked in the AP preseason poll for this year, with five Big Ten teams ranked ahead of them in the initial poll. They also bring in a talented recruiting class which includes forward Derek Funderburk and center Micah Potter.

Last year’s squad failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008, and finished the season with a disappointing loss to Florida in the NIT. With troubling nonconference losses to the likes of UT-Arlington and Louisiana Tech, even a strong midseason run could not make up for the lack of consistency from the team. With many of the issues of last season being attributed to youth and inexperience, the Buckeyes will need to improve their chemistry and mature as a team if they hope to make the Big Dance this season.

This season’s nonconference schedule, at first glance, looks to be much tougher last year, and even playing Navy in Annapolis on Veteran’s Day could be a taller order than expected for the Buckeyes. Navy finished last season with a 19-14 record, fifth in the Patriot League, under sixth-year head coach Ed DeChellis. They return Shawn Anderson, their top scorer from last season, but lost their next three offensive weapons to graduation.

Ohio State has a long road ahead--including a tough nonconference schedule and a trying run through the Big Ten--if they have hopes of making the NCAA Tournament come March. But it all starts tonight in Annapolis.

Numbers to know

12-0


Ohio State is 12-0 in season openers under Thad Matta since he took over the program in 2004 (they had lost in 2003 to San Francisco in Jim O’Brien’s final term as head coach), and are looking to make it 13-straight as they prepare to face Navy. Still, Ohio State rarely opens the season with a true road game, and their record is just 12-7 all-time in such matchups. Overall, Matta is 320-108 in his tenure with the Buckeyes.

97.1


Ohio State’s adjusted defensive proficiency was among the highest in the nation in recent years under the tutelage of assistant coach Jeff Boals, who left the program after last season to become the head coach of Stony Brook. With Boals now departed, it will be interesting to see if the Buckeyes are able to maintain their high level of defensive prowess.

12


Ohio State’s BPI, or Basketball Power Index rank, according to ESPN, which takes into account percentage of roster returning, previous performance of those members, recruiting rankings and past coaching performance. The Buckeyes may have missed out on the AP Poll, but with the vast majority of last year’s scoring offense returning, they remain more of a known and formidable entity than many ranked teams.

Cast of characters

Ohio State

Marc Loving


The only senior on the Ohio State roster, Loving returns as the leading scorer for the Buckeyes, having averaged 14 points per game last season. After playing very much a background role for his first two years at Ohio State, Loving stepped up his game last season and became a leader for the Buckeyes on and off the court.

Jae'Sean Tate


Perhaps the most relevant pro-prospect for the Buckeyes, Tate finished last season with 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Last year, he was one of Ohio State’s most accurate shooters, averaging 52.1 percent from the field. After sitting out the last seven games of the season due to injury, Tate can come back and bring rhythm to an offense which lacked consistency without him at the end of last season.

Navy

Shawn Anderson


One of just two returning starters from last year’s team, the junior guard started all 33 games for the Midshipmen last season, and was their leading scorer with 13.2 points per game. He came on strong at the end of last season, scoring double-figures through his last eight games.

Tim Abruzzo


The senior guard played in 30 games last season, and, despite averaging under seven points per game, led the Midshipmen in both steals, with 35 on the season, and three-pointers with 40. He was limited in his role last season, owing to a knee injury, but is expected to play a much larger part for the Midshipmen this year.

How to watch


Game time: 9 p.m. ET

Radio: 97.1 FM

TV: CBS Sports Network

Streaming: CBS Sports Network

Continue reading...

5 reasons Ohio State football will beat Maryland: Dwayne Haskins is on the Buckeyes roster - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


5 reasons Ohio State football will beat Maryland: Dwayne Haskins is on the Buckeyes roster
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Five reasons the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) will beat the Maryland Terrapins (5-4, 2-4) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in College Park, Md. 1. Dwayne Haskins: It's weeks like this when you'd think Urban Meyer would take a ...
Ohio State Buckeyes football vs Maryland Terrapins: TV channel, time, live score updates, how to watch live streamOregonLive.com
Buckeyes should dominate Maryland on and off the fieldThe Steubenville Herald-Star
Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland TerrapinsMyDaytonDailyNews
247Sports -Bleacher Report
all 255 news articles »

Continue reading...

Buckeyes' rookies Mike Thomas and Von Bell are coming up big for Saints - Who Dat Dish
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes' rookies Mike Thomas and Von Bell are coming up big for Saints
Who Dat Dish
The Saints may have hit the Ohio State lottery this past NFL Draft. Both wide receiver Mike Thomas and safety Von Bell have been huge contributors this year as rookies. Who Dat Nation can thank the Ohio St. Buckeyes for grooming them to be NFL ready.


Continue reading...

Take Two: Clemson attrition, Blue versus Bama, snubbed Buckeyes - Rivals.com (subscription)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Take Two: Clemson attrition, Blue versus Bama, snubbed Buckeyes
Rivals.com (subscription)
Take Two is back this week tackling a handful of issues in the college football landscape. Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney lays out the situation and then receives takes from Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and a ...

and more »

Continue reading...

Ohio State vs. Maryland 2016: Game preview, prediction, and 6 things to know
Matt Brown via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State hits the road again after dunking on a ranked team. Can they sustain this momentum?

First, Ohio State was amazing. They torched Bowling Green, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Rutgers, and looked to be on the fast track to greatness, a Big Ten title, and a playoff bid.

Then, Ohio State looked bad. Their offense sputtered against Indiana and Northwestern in underwhelming wins, and then so badly against Penn State that they actually lost. Forget a playoff bid, a New Year’s Six bowl looked unlikely, as a young Buckeye team would surely take another L or two.

And now...Ohio State looks amazing again. Virtually everything clicked last weekend against Nebraska, a top-ten ranked Nebraska, mind you, as Ohio State’s passing game found a rhythm, their offensive line provided deep protection, and a ball-hawking secondary scored twice. When the dust settled, the Buckeyes won 62-3. They never punted. And now, a nation looks towards the Michigan game with greater anticipation than they have in years.

But, of course, Ohio State isn’t playing Michigan this weekend. We promise. We double checked.

They’re playing Maryland. They’re not as good as Michigan. They aren’t as good as Nebraska. According to S&P+, they aren’t even as good as Indiana. But that doesn’t mean this game isn’t important, or that it can’t tell us anything about the Buckeyes, or the Terps.

Let’s dig into this a little bit.

Ohio State’s biggest advantages

Ohio State has better players. I’m not saying this to be glib or trite here. But recruiting matters, and even though Maryland has recruited a little better than you probably thought without checking the charts, Ohio State has a massive talent advantage at virtually every position. Per the 247 Talent Composite rankings, the Buckeyes have the fourth most talented roster in college football, trailing only Alabama, USC and LSU. Maryland clocks in at 37th, with 11 blue chip players on their roster. Ohio State has 58. That’s a big difference.

You’ll see that difference manifested at nearly every position group on Saturday. That isn’t to say that Maryland’s players aren’t good, or that they don’t have anybody who could play for Ohio State. But, and this is especially true when it comes to depth, Ohio State is bringing out guys that are a little bit bigger, a little bit faster, and a little bit more skilled. Even if the Buckeyes don’t execute quite as well as Maryland tomorrow, that talent advantage gives them a cushion.

The Buckeyes should be able to run the dang ball. Ohio State should be able to run, at least a little bit, on virtually everybody, and the have. They are 3rd in Rushing S&P+, after all. But they should have especially strong results against Maryland, who is near the very bottom of the country in rushing defense, ranking 127th in S&P+. The Buckeyes may not necessarily be able to break out multiple 30 yard runs, but five, six, seven yard gains, from Mike Weber, or Curtis Samuel, or others, should be on the table. Right now, Maryland allows five-yard carries on 41.6% of opponent runs. That’s bananas.

That keeps Ohio State on schedule, and makes their passing game tick. If the Buckeyes aren’t able to feed Weber (even coming off an injury) and company, something went wrong.

This isn’t much of a home field advantage. I’m not saying this to be mean, or to troll Maryland fans. But I live near College Park. I’m going to walk to this football game. And there are a lot of Ohio State fans who live in DC and in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. In the best of cases, Maryland football doesn’t command a terrifying home field advantage, and these aren’t the best of circumstances. Every road trip has challenges, but nobody will confuse College Park with Madison or Happy Valley.

Maryland’s biggest advantages

They too, can run the dang ball. Ohio State should enjoy some success on the ground, but that doesn’t mean Maryland can’t either. The Terps have two successful, young running backs who are both explosive, and efficient. Ohio State’s defensive line is much athletic than Maryland’s offensive line, but their backs, especially Lorenzo Harrison, are capable of stringing together highlight yards and separation if they can get to the second level. Don’t expect the same kind of dominance that Ohio State showed against Nebraska.

What have they got to lose? Even if they somehow lose out (which is unlikely, since the Terps close the season against Rutgers), this season is already a success for Maryland. They’ve cut down on the turnovers, found some young playmakers, won five games, and established a recruiting foothold for the future. If they can grab an upset, they’re promised a bowl game. The expectations and pressure will all be on Ohio State. If the Terps can get a lucky break early in the game to engage their crowd, who knows what will happen?

Will Likely is still on this team. Statistically, Maryland’s secondary isn’t great. And he hasn’t had the monster year on special teams that he did last year. But Will Likely still plays for Maryland, and if you keep kicking the ball to him, he’s...well...probable to eventually pop a big play. Ohio State didn’t punt against Nebraska. They have a great special teams unit, late game field goals notwithstanding, but better to not test that, if possible.

Summary


F/+ Projection: Ohio State 42, Maryland 15

Win Probability: Ohio State 94%

Ohio State is probably going to win this game. They should. They have a huge advantage at quarterback, a massive one in the secondary, a mismatch with their running game, while headed into a tepid road environment. But weird things happen in football, and teams with lesser topline talent, like Northwestern, played Ohio State very tough.

The Terps are capable of beating Ohio State if the Buckeyes turn the ball over and come out flat. But even if that happens for a half, I’d still expect the Bucks to take care of business, before turning their attention to the state up north.

Continue reading...

Hooker continues to shine for No. 5 Buckeyes - New Castle News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Hooker continues to shine for No. 5 Buckeyes
New Castle News
The redshirt sophomore is the second-leading tackler for Urban Meyer's Buckeyes, with 53, and has added five interceptions. He's returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns and is projected by some to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.


Continue reading...

Top remaining Ohio State target named Mr. Football
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


5-star RB Akers picks up huge honor.

As the Buckeyes head to Maryland this weekend to face the Terrapins, recruiting won’t be one of the focal points of this week’s game. Unlike last week, where Ohio State hosted a slew of their top targets, Maryland is the team that would be hosting potential targets. However, with the presence Urban Meyer and Ohio State currently have in Maryland and surrounding areas, any prospects visiting will surely have eyes on the Scarlet and Gray.

Akers receives prestigious honor


One of the top awards a high school football player can earn is being named “Mr. Football” for their respective home state. Almost like a state MVP, the Mr. Football award goes to the individual who is considered to be the “best” prep football player in the state.


Yesterday, arguably the top remaining offensive target for Ohio State, Cam Akers of Clinton, Miss. was named the 6A Mr. Football recipient for 2016. Akers, a five-star running back is ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the state and the No. 2 best running back in the country for the 2017 class.

A name not new to Ohio State fans, Akers, a one-time Alabama commit, has since been hard to get a true read on where he will end up playing his college football. Currently, Ohio State leads the way in the 247sports crystal ball predictions, but the home-state Ole Miss Rebels aren’t far behind. It will be dogfight to try and land Akers in the 2017 class, but with his Ohio State official visit coming in the season finale against Michigan, Urban Meyer and staff may be able to help seal his recruitment up in favor of the Buckeyes.

Allen a fan of OSU


Last weekend’s game against Nebraska turned out to be easily the top recruiting weekend for Ohio State thus far this season. Of the many visitors, 2018 defensive back Derrik Allen (Marietta, GA /Lassiter) was one to come away very impressed with the Buckeyes and their program.

Since his unofficial visit, Allen has made it clear that Ohio State is one of the top schools he is considering in his recruitment. With the home-state Georgia Bulldogs the clear favorite right now on the 247sports crystal ball predictions, Ohio State is the one other school that is on the list.

At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Allen has the “bigger” size Ohio State loves its defensive backs to have. Playing both cornerback and safety, Allen has the skills to be a solid cover corner, but also come downhill and help with stopping the run game. Time will tell with Allen, but Urban Meyer has helped make Ohio State a legitimate contender for the five-star 2018 stud.

Gill makes a stop at OSU


Yesterday, the top ATH in Ohio for 2018, Jaelen Gill (Westerville, OH /Westerville South), made a stop by Ohio State’s Thursday practice, according to elevenwarriors.com. Gill, who unfortunately had a season-ending injury early in his prep season is easily one of the top prospects Urban Meyer wants to land for his 2018 recruiting class.

Jaelen is no stranger to campus; last Saturday he was on the sidelines once again at Ohio Stadium for another one of many unofficial visits. The advantage Ohio State has with Gill – besides being a top program in the country – is the convenience in distance which is being used very well in his recruitment.

The 6-foot-1 185-pound prospect checks in as a five-star for 2018 and the second best prospect in Ohio. All signs currently point to Jaelen staying home as the 247sports crystal ball has every single prediction in favor of the Buckeyes. The relationship is strong and with each visit, that relationship and familiarity may be getting deeper and deeper.

Continue reading...

Ohio State football | Burrow's game against Nebraska special for him, family - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Burrow's game against Nebraska special for him, family
Columbus Dispatch
As the Ohio State Buckeyes get ready for training camp, Dispatch beat reporters Tim May and Bill Rabinowitz discuss which players might have an edge at various positions. Recruiting update. Tim May and Bill Rabinowitz talk about the highly rated 2016 ...

and more »

Continue reading...

Ohio State football | Samuel evokes comparisons to Harvin - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Samuel evokes comparisons to Harvin
Columbus Dispatch
And now as the hybrid back — lined up at running back one play, receiver the next — he is the prominent playmaker for the Buckeyes headed into Saturday's game at Maryland. As this season has progressed, Meyer has said several times Samuel is the ...


Continue reading...

Ohio State Buckeyes football vs Maryland Terrapins: TV channel, time, live score updates, how to watch live stream - OregonLive.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes football vs Maryland Terrapins: TV channel, time, live score updates, how to watch live stream
OregonLive.com
5 Ohio State Buckeyes look to remain in striking distance of first-place Michigan in the Big Ten East and attempt to jump into the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings. The unranked Maryland Terrapins hope to break a 1-4 slide and secure ...
Ohio State should roll over Maryland, but here's where some problem areas might beLand-Grant Holy Land
10 years after 'Thad Five,' Ohio State basketball hopeful the buzz will be backLandof10.com
Michigan is Ohio State's best friend right nowMansfield News Journal
Eleven Warriors (blog) -USA TODAY
all 38 news articles »

Continue reading...

ET Football: Buckeyes cruise past Diboll, 50-28 - Longview News-Journal
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


ET Football: Buckeyes cruise past Diboll, 50-28
Longview News-Journal
The case might have applied to the state-ranked Gilmer Buckeyes and their 50-28 sashay past the Diboll Lumberjacks here Thursday night at Eagle Stadium. Though it wasn't necessarily a work of art by Buckeye standards, it was nevertheless a bi-district ...


Continue reading...

Ohio State men's basketball | Buckeyes humbled by visit to Naval Academy - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State men's basketball | Buckeyes humbled by visit to Naval Academy
Columbus Dispatch
It was one stop during a morning-long immersive tour of the academy along with the two other visiting participants for tonight's season-opening Veterans Classic, where Marquette and Vanderbilt will play before Navy takes on the Buckeyes. And although ...
LeBron James gives Buckeyes new 'Camo' shoes247Sports
WATCH: Thad Matta, Jae'Sean Tate and Kam Williams talk as Buckeyes ready for basketball opener at NavyLandof10.com
Season overview: No more excuses for basketball BucksMarion Star
Eleven Warriors -Scout -Land-Grant Holy Land
all 21 news articles »

Continue reading...

Ohio State women's basketball | The new Buckeyes - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State women's basketball | The new Buckeyes
Columbus Dispatch
A 6-foot guard, Calhoun redshirted last season after transferring from Duke, where she averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game as a Blue Devils freshman. She played as one of Duke's primary ball-handlers, and her size gives OSU a ...


Continue reading...

Ohio State women's basketball | Key factors to the season - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State women's basketball | Key factors to the season
Columbus Dispatch
Kelsey Mitchell already was one of college basketball's top offensive talents before the Buckeyes lost the 18.3 points per game scored by her backcourt mate, Ameryst Alston. Mitchell was voted a preseason All-American and the Big Ten's preseason player ...

and more »

Continue reading...

Ohio State’s hype video for the Maryland game is here to get you pumped
Harry Lyles Jr. via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Saturday should be fun.


The Ohio State Buckeyes moved up to No. 5 this week in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and are very much in the driver’s seat for their spot in the final four at the end of the season.

Their journey will continue Saturday when they face off against the Maryland Terrapins at 3:30 p.m. ET, and a repeat performance from last week offensively would be a very welcoming sight.

This hype video is just the potion you need to keep you prepared for Saturday, and chugging along as the Buckeyes continue to make their playoff push.

Go Bucks.

Continue reading...

LeBron James gives Buckeyes new 'Camo' shoes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


LeBron James gives Buckeyes new 'Camo' shoes
247Sports
It's nice to have friends in high places, even when you're an athletic department as big as Ohio State's. The men's basketball Buckeyes open the season on Friday night against Navy in Annapolis. After a day of touring the Naval Academy, the Scarlet and ...
Last road opener unkind to BuckeyesColumbus Dispatch (blog)
WATCH: Thad Matta, Jae'Sean Tate and Kam Williams talk as Buckeyes ready for basketball opener at NavyLandof10.com
Season overview: No more excuses for basketball BucksThe Newark Advocate
Eleven Warriors -Land-Grant Holy Land
all 17 news articles »

Continue reading...

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett looking to improve on consistency of deep passes
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The quarterback hit Curtis Samuel for a long touchdown against Nebraska. Was it a sign of bigger things to come?

“It’s throwing to a spot and understanding the landmarks we have. The passing game is a lot of timing and spacing. The spots on the field that he knows where he needs to get, and me placing it on the run so he can catch it and do something with it.”

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


Prior to the Nebraska game there was plenty of criticism of J.T. Barrett and the Ohio State passing game, since it hadn’t been producing like many thought it should be. There were no complaints after the lopsided win over the Cornhuskers, where Barrett completed 26 of his 38 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Saturday’s performance marked the first time since the season opener against Bowling Green in which Barrett threw for more than 250 yards.

Where Barrett has struggled this season in the passing game is with his accuracy on deep passes. Saturday’s 75-yard touchdown pass to Curtis Samuel marked the first completion this year for Barrett in the middle of the field over 20 yards in the air. Even outside the numbers over 20 yards Barrett has struggled, only completing 11 of his 30 passes for 334 yards and five touchdowns. A number of Barrett’s deep passes have been underthrown, which is a big reason for his poor completion numbers. At least Barrett was able to find a little bit of a rhythm against Nebraska, which hopefully will build some confidence and momentum in the passing game for the rest of the season.

“I’m very pleased with Mike. He’s also blocking very well — not quite to the level of Zeke, but solid.”

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer on running back Mike Weber via Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch


Running back Mike Weber knew he was going to have some big shoes to fill in replacing Ezekiel Elliott, but so far the redshirt freshman has held his own. What has stood out the most about Weber is how hard he is to bring down. This year Weber has 842 yards rushing, with 37% of those yards coming after contact. By comparison, last year Elliott registered 35% of his rushing yards after contact. Weber has also been strong when called upon to block. While the running back might not be quite at the level that Elliott was when it comes to blocking, he is still getting the job done.

Weber’s physical running style has a bit of a drawback though, as the running back is nursing an AC shoulder sprain. The injury isn’t bad enough to keep him off the field, but during practice he is non-contact. During the week Weber has been working with the training staff, and has been icing his injury to make sure he is as close to 100% as possible when the Buckeyes take on Maryland on Saturday. It’s only a matter of time before Weber becomes the latest Buckeye to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, which is quite an accomplishment in not only his first season as starter, but also taking over for Elliott.

“Oh yeah, K.J. is coming. Every week he’s getting better and better and better and better. So, we’re really excited about him. He’s moving up the totem pole. He’s as valuable of a wide receiver as we have right now. So, we’re excited about him.”

Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith on K.J. Hill via Dave Biddle, Bucknuts.com


With the youth Ohio State has at wide receivers, the Buckeyes have needed a few players to step up, and it looks like one of those receivers is K.J. Hill. The redshirt freshman had a tremendous start to the season with a 47-yard touchdown catch against Bowling Green, but was slowed the next few weeks with a high ankle sprain. Now that he is healthy, Hill has seen his production start to increase with six catches for 100 yards over the last two games.

The work Hill has done so far has impressed wide receivers coach Zach Smith, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the redshirt freshman become more involved in the offense during the rest of the season. Now that he is recovered from his injury, Hill is becoming more comfortable in the offense, and understanding what he needs to do more. With Noah Brown and Curtis Samuel being the top receiving options for the Buckeyes so far this year, Hill gives Ohio State another weapon to lean on as the passing game looks to improve.

“I’d say for the first time last week he’s back to being a full go. He looked good, made some good plants, had some confidence on his leg. He’s available for us to go ahead and play. Now we just have to make a wise decision based on what’s best for the team.”

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer on linebacker Dante Booker via Ari Wasserman, Cleveland.com


Ohio State has a decision to make on what they should do with linebacker Dante Booker. The junior hasn’t played since the season opener against Bowling Green, in which Booker suffered an MCL sprain. Booker has been medically cleared to return to the field for the Buckeyes, but at this point of the season Urban Meyer and his coaching staff are trying to decide whether they want to redshirt Booker. Would the Buckeyes want to lose a year of Booker’s eligibility with just three regular season games, and how many ever postseason games Ohio State will be a part of?

What is making the decision so tough for Meyer and his staff is how well the linebackers have played while Booker has been injured. Booker beat out Jerome Baker and Joe Burger in camp for the starting position, but Baker has impressed while Booker has been injured. Even with Baker playing at such a high level right now, the lure of having Booker available for a possible run at another College Football Playoff title might just be too much to pass up. Either way, Meyer and company have a tough decision on their hands, with merits and drawbacks to both sides.

STICK TO SPORTS

• The Columbus Zoo has two new polar bear cubs.
• Donald Trump becoming president wasn’t the first time The Simpsons has predicted the future.
• Starbucks has not one, but 13 holiday cups this year.
• The voice of AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” is now an Uber driver.

Continue reading...