So it's Wednesday today, I'm making Ribs for buddies of mine on Friday after work. I'm cooking on a gas grill (yes, I know what the pundits say), but that's what I have and that's what I'm using.

I need a good recipe for a rub and a sauce( I actually like sweet baby rays) or whatever you can give me and directions. I seriously have never tried ribs on the grill (shameful) but it's my house they are coming to so game on. There are three of us eating.

I've read to pre cook in the oven, don't pre cook, indirect, cook 2 hours, 4 hours. there is so much confusing, crazy info was hoping my BP contingent has some good recipes I can use.

I'm praying...... a thousand blessings in advance to you!!!

The Big Ten could have added Texas, Missouri or other Big 12 schools back in the 90s
Matt Brown via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


How would the conference be different now if realignment broke a different way?

If there’s been one constant story for this offseason, beyond silly Harbaugh controversies, it’s been Big 12 expansion and realignment. Will they add two teams? Four teams? Which ones? Will TV force the conference to disintegrate? Balloon? It’s already made schools create promotional materials to brag about video games, or mail meat to other university administrators.

If there is one thing an even cursory look at college football history tells us, it’s that there’s nothing new under the sun. People have been hollering about recruiting violations and improper benefits since Chicago’s Big Ten Team was, well, Chicago. They’ve fret over technical innovations ruining the game of football since the forward pass. And the Big 12 has worried about the outsized influence of Texas and TV revenue since before there was even a Big 12.

Sports Illustrated’s Joan Niesen put together a thoughtful and interesting oral history of the Big 12 conference that is worth a read for anybody who is interested in conference realignment, the future of the Big 12, and the business aspects of this weird, wonderful sports.

But this isn’t just a story about the Big 12. The early 1990s brought on another era of college football realignment. As former Iowa State coach Jim Walden adds in the story, “At that time, hell, everything was changing. It was a fruit basket turnover in college football. Good god.” Florida State joined the ACC. Arkansas bolted the SWC for the SEC. Penn State joined the Big Ten.

And amidst all this chaos, the Big Ten could have gotten even bigger. It’s worth a reminder: the Big Ten could have grabbed Texas. Or others!

Here’s former Kansas State university president Jon Wefald:


Kansas and Missouri, of course, were names bandied about during the Big Ten’s most recent raid of the Big 12, when they added Nebraska. They’re both midwestern, they’re both AAU institutions, and intuitively, they make some sense. But Texas is something else entirely.

Lest anybody think that this speculation is from a source that wouldn’t know, Bill Cunningham, former University of Texas president and chancellor, also added that “The Big Ten, our timing was a little wrong for them. They would have liked to have Texas.”

Elsewhere in the article, even Iowa State — which hey, is also in the AAU — was mentioned as a possible Big Ten expansion candidate, a name that you basically never hear about now.

Sure, Texas isn’t geographically close to any Big Ten institution from the 1990s, but it isn’t hard to see the hypothetical appeal. The conference wasn’t the punching bag it became in the national press in the late 2000s, and academically, it would have been a strong fit for the AAU, research-focused school. A Big Ten with Texas, fresh off the heels of grabbing Penn State, could have made the Big Ten potentially an even more massive player in the sport.

It’s fun to try and imagine the alternate history that would have sprung from this. Maryland and Rutgers are almost certainly not in the conference. Does Nebraska join? Does the Big Ten go to 14 and add other more western programs, like Missouri and Kansas? Would this have been enough to pry Notre Dame? Does the Big Ten Network ever get created? What would happen to the rest of the SWC or the Big Eight? If nothing else, the makeup of what we consider the “Power 5” would almost certainly be different had Texas joined the Big Ten back in the early 1990s.

The fundamentals behind what made Texas a potentially attractive property for the Big Ten haven’t changed that much, even if the financials of the television industry are different. It will be interesting to see if the conference decides to take another swing at the Longhorns once this current Big 12 television contract is over, especially if the Big 12 doesn’t end up expanding after all.

It’s a fun alternate history to think about, and there’s some solid proof that it wasn’t as crazy of an idea as it sounds.

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Ohio State Football Training Camp Video
Shannon Sommers via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Ohio State has put out their latest training camp video. Many of you know they do an outstanding job putting videos together releasing them to the public.

While some coaches are fighting with national media hosts, others are leading their teams to become the best.






Enjoy, we are getting another day closer to Sept. 3, 2016



Go Bucks!!

The post Ohio State Football Training Camp Video appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Men of the Scarlet and Gray Podcast Big Ten West Discussion
Shannon Sommers via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Shannon Sommers and Chip Minnich are joined by Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews to discuss the Big Ten West.

They start off talking about Purdue Boilermakers and Darrell Hazell’s future in West Lafayette. Moving onto the Illinois Fighting Illinois. They talk about if new head coach Lovie Smith can get them back into a bowl game.

Next up is the Minnesota Gophers and what is going on with former interim now current head coach Tracy Claey. Next the Northwestern Wildcats and Pat Fitzgerald returning to a bowl for second straight year.

Wisconsin Badgers and what is going on with their program and the Big Ten’s toughest schedule with second year head coach Paul Chryst.

Next was the talk about the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes in winning the Big Ten West. General consensus is Iowa will be playing in the Big Ten Championship game.

Chip informs the listeners about the news of the Buckeyes losing two players to injuries in training camp.





http://traffic.libsyn.com/menofthescarletandgray/Big_Ten_West_Preview.output.mp3

The post Men of the Scarlet and Gray Podcast Big Ten West Discussion appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Countdown To Kickoff: Best Buckeye Ever To Wear No. 17 - Scout
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Countdown To Kickoff: Best Buckeye Ever To Wear No. 17
Scout
As the countdown to Ohio State's season opener against Bowling Green gets closer, the Buckeye Sports staff is continuing its Best Buckeye Ever series. We stand just 17 days from kickoff, so it is time to reveal our pick for the Best Buckeye Ever to don ...


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Ohio State Football: Can Buckeyes Recreate Magic from Unexpected 2014 Title Run? - Bleacher Report
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football: Can Buckeyes Recreate Magic from Unexpected 2014 Title Run?
Bleacher Report
This year's Buckeyes face that challenge and then some as they work to find eight new starters on each side of the ball. But as the team grinds its way through fall camp and toward its season opener against Bowling Green on September 3, head coach ...
Buckeye bloodline: Nick Bosa is already giving Ohio State some déjà vuESPN (blog)
Ohio State Buckeyes 2016 Football PreviewCorn Nation
Buckeyes debut in the NFLOSU - The Lantern
cleveland.com -Columbus Dispatch -The Daily Times
all 25 news articles »

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BM5: 'I'll be absolutely shocked if he's not a Buckeye' - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: 'I'll be absolutely shocked if he's not a Buckeye'
247Sports
Also, "The Dean" gives the latest on Ohio State commitment J.K. Dobbins. Does he really care what ends up happening with Akers? Plus, Kurelic gives the latest scoops on the Buckeyes' 2018 recruiting efforts and what quarterback commit Emory Jones is ...
Heard Around the 'Shoe – 8/17/2016The Buckeye Battle Cry

all 4 news articles »

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Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 8/17/2016
Ben van Ooyen via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Welcome to your tri-weekly look at all things Ohio State recruiting. Let’s get started!

Texas LB Sets Decision Date


One of the bigger targets left for the class of 2017 might be Texas linebacker Baron Browning. The Buckeyes have Antjuan Simmons and Branden White already committed at the position, but the Buckeyes are always looking to add depth, and when a 5-Star wants to join the class it is hard to say no. Recently however, Browning has been spotted on Texas’s campus, and he has a strong relationship with current Longhorn Malik Jefferson.


Browning has over 40 offers to date, but this one seems to be down to the Buckeyes and the Longhorns with Baylor, TCU and others still in consideration. Browning is making his college choice known right after Thanksgiving, and the Buckeyes are hoping they can get him back on campus before then for an official visit to try and strengthen their chances on landing this prized recruit. Browning has one visit set up to Alabama on November 26th, which is right before his decision date.



USA Today All-American Team is Buckeye Heavy


USA Today has released their All-American teams for both offense and defense, and the Buckeyes are well represented in both commitments and potential commitments on both sides of the ball.

Current Commitments:

Wyatt Davis – OT – Bellflower, CA

Blake Haubeil – K – Buffalo, NY

Josh Myers – OT – Miamisburg, OH

Isaiah Pryor – DB – Brandeton, FL

Shaun Wade – DB – Jacksonville, FL

Tate Martell – QB – Las Vegas, NV (Honorable Mention)

Buckeye Targets:

Trevon Grimes – WR – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Donovan Peoples-Jones – WR – Detroit, MI

Cam Akers – RB – Clinton, MI

Baron Browning – LB – Kennedale, TX

Anthony Hines – LB – Plano, TX

Darnay Holmes – DB – Calabasas, CA

Jeffrey Okudah – DB – Grand Prairie, TX

Marvin Wilson – DL – Bellaire, TX

The Buckeyes have 5 commitments on both sides of the ball, and the rest of the Big Ten has 2 total: Dylan McCaffrey, QB for Michigan and Louis Acceus, LB for Michigan State. The Buckeyes remain in solid position for Grimes who decides next week, and are the leaders so far for Akers, Browning and Okudah. The Buckeyes continue to recruit at a pace unseen in Ohio State history, and seem to continue to distance themselves from the rest of the Big Ten.

Other Commitments and their Ohio State Impact


A couple of schools picked up commitments over the past week that could impact other players who are considering Ohio State. Tennessee picked up a commitment from 4-Star Ty Chandler on Monday. Tennessee is one of the schools that was high on Cam Akers list of potential suitors, so with them getting a verbal from Chandler, that might trim the list down for Akers. Although the Buckeyes already have a running back committed to the class of 2017 (JK Dobbins) as well, so it might not have as big of an impact as we think. Akers is a 5-Star kid, who decommitted from Alabama and has been a top recruiting priority for the Buckeyes. Akers still has Ole Miss, Tennessee and Florida State as schools he is high on, with no decision date set yet.



Penn State also picked up a big commitment this week in 2018 TE Pat Freirmuth out of Massachusetts. The Nittany Lions were the supposed leaders for the #1 TE in the nation Zack Kuntz from Pennsylvania, so will this commitment have any effect on him? It is really too early to say, as the class of 2018 can make so many changes between today and February of 2018. Will James Franklin still be the head coach at Penn State next year?

Kuntz camped at Ohio State last month during Friday Night Lights and holds a Buckeye offer. The Buckeyes are going after almost all of the top 2018 TE prospects as they have decided to skip recruiting that position this year after landing three of them last recruiting cycle. I expect the Buckeyes to take two tight ends in the 2018 class and I would expect them to put on a full-court press on Kuntz now that they have something to use against Penn State (not that we would ever negatively recruit).


The post Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 8/17/2016 appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Looking Back At Ohio State’s 2013 Recruiting Class (Part One)
Chip Minnich via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Embed from Getty Images​

(This article originally appeared on athlonsports.com)

On Feb. 6, 2013, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer addressed the media to discuss the recruiting efforts of the Ohio State coaching staff. “Our first year together as a coaching staff last year did not count because that was not a coaching staff. That was a bunch of guys coming together like a bunch of gypsies trying to find players anywhere we could find them. We did pretty good…This year it was a full cycle of recruiting. And I’m very impressed with our coaching staff.”

My personal history when it comes to analyzing Ohio State recruiting classes goes back to 2005, when the new Buckeyes included the likes of James Laurinaitis, Brian Hartline and Malcolm Jenkins. That class was relatively small with 18 players signed, and was not highly rated by the recruiting analysts, but the coaching staff only lost three from that class due to transfer or academic issues, resulting in 15 who either started or contributed to Ohio State during their careers. This 83 percent success rate ranks that group highly in the unofficial “Rule of Thirds” concept that is applied to recruiting classes.

“The Rule of Thirds” is pretty simple — within any class, there will be approximately a third who will develop into starters as the coaching staff hoped and recruited, a third will be contributors in some fashion, and a third will not work out, leaving due to transfer, injuries or possibly disciplinary reasons.

To continue reading this article, please click here…

The post Looking Back At Ohio State’s 2013 Recruiting Class (Part One) appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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4-star wide receiver strives for an Ohio State offer
Austin Kemp via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Getting that Buckeye offer would leave him “speechless”

With fall camp fully underway with the Buckeyes right in the middle of it, the Ohio State coaching staff is faced with the difficulty of developing current players and grabbing the best of the future. With limited spots left available in 2017, Ohio State can afford to be extremely picky with the rest of their targets on the board. However, the class of 2018 is a bit different as the Buckeyes are vying to gain some momentum.

2018 wide receiver Joseph Scates (Dayton, OH / Dunbar) has made it public that receiving an offer from Ohio State would leave him "speechless,” as reported by Rivals.com ($). Scates, an Ohio native from Dunbar High School, holds eight total offers and is rated as the 35th best wide receiver in the country. At 6-foot-3, the four-star prospect present obvious mismatches with his size, but also has good speed to separate from defenders.


At this point, Scates' recruitment is just starting to get underway. Ohio State will surely want to see him put up big numbers his junior season and maybe even will make him work for an offer at a camp next spring or summer. Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky and Iowa State are the most notable schools to have offered Scates at this point.

Scates will have plenty of opportunities to compete for an in-person offer if that's the route he wants to take. With time on his side, Scates can add even more plays to his inevitable highlight reel. Here’s what the Ohio native has done up to this point on the gridiron.

Grimes and Lindsey decisions loom


As noted yesterday, Ohio State has two key targets committing early next week: Trevon Grimes (Fort Lauderdale, FL / St. Thomas Aquinas) and Tyjon Lindsey (Corona, CA / Centennial). Grimes and Lindsey have both been considered Ohio State leans for quite some time. If the Buckeyes can land both prospects, it will only continue to solidify Ohio State's 2017 class as being tops in the county.

An overwhelming majority of predictions for Grimes, via the 247Sports Crystal Ball, has the Florida native heading to Columbus, Ohio and the Buckeyes.


The Buckeyes also hold favorable predictions for Lindsey. With the Californian, there are a few more places where he is predicted to go, however, Ohio State is the clear cut favorite.


If both predictions come to fruition, the scarlet and gray recruiting class of 2017 would become even more loaded with talent. We’ll know exactly what the landscape will look like within the next couple weeks. Stick to Land-Grant Holy Land to see if these recruits become future Buckeyes.

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TFF: Buckeyes with several candidates to replace Zeke - ABC6OnYourSide.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


TFF: Buckeyes with several candidates to replace Zeke
ABC6OnYourSide.com
COLUMBUS -- Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel are the leading candidates but Dontre Wilson, Antonio Williams and Demario McCall are all in the mix to fill Ezekiel Elliott's shoes. "Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel are the top running backs in the program," head ...
Watch: Mike Weber flashes talent at Ohio State practice247Sports

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Buckeyes debut in the NFL - OSU - The Lantern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes debut in the NFL
OSU - The Lantern
Ohio State's 2016 NFL Draft Class was one for the books. In April, the Buckeyes had 12 players drafted, with another three going undrafted but signing as free agents. With the first pre-season football games occurring over the weekend, multiple Ohio ...
Ohio State Football: Special teams hidden key to Buckeyes' successisportsweb.com (blog)
Ohio State football | Austin Mack already showing receiving skills as freshmanCanton Repository

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Ohio State lineman Nick Bosa looking to make his own legacy
Ian Cuevas via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The younger brother of Joey Bosa is ready to write his own name in Ohio State lore.

“Sometimes when I turn on the videotape in the back, I just shake my head. His body type, his demeanor, the way he walks, he’s just so close to the way Joey was -- until he turns around. Then I think they’re really different.”

- Larry Johnson via Austin Ward, ESPN


Ohio State defensive lineman Nick Bosa is the next in line of the Bosa family to suit up for the Buckeyes. His older brother, Joey, had an outstanding career in Columbus and propelled himself up to the third overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. After being a terror on the defensive side of the ball for three seasons in the Big Ten, Joey forgo his senior season to head for the professional level. Enter Nick, who starts his freshman season with plenty of expectations from the get-go. Bosa has been hyped to the point that some have said he’s already at a higher level than Joey was at this point in his career.

Considering Joey Bosa was named a freshman All-American while racking up 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, the expectations for Nick will be lofty, especially since he’s coming off a torn ACL from his senior year of high school. Still, the freshman Bosa hasn’t participated in full-contact scrimmages yet, but all indications from the coaching staff are that he’ll be ready to go when it’s time to hit the field in September. If he’s anything like his brother, it should be another great three seasons with Bosa on the defensive line.

“[Preseason All-American first team] Center Pat Elflein, Linebacker Raekwon McMillan”

- Adam Silverstein, CBS Sports


Another preseason All-American list has made the rounds, this time coming from CBS Sports. Two members of Ohio State were selected for the first team All-America, center Pat Elflein and linebacker Raekwon McMillan. It comes as no surprise, as the two have been popular selections in many award lists and similar honors. Elflein enters his senior season and making a position change after playing guard for most of his career. The chance to play center for the Buckeyes should help boost his versatility and draft stock for the next level.

McMillan, meanwhile, is entering his junior season ready to take the reins of leadership on the defensive side of the ball after a very strong 2015 campaign in which he led the team in tackles. With a young group around him, McMillan will have to be at his best and help guide the younger players where need be. He should have another superb season which in turn will only help Ohio State’s goal of making it back on top.

“My health is pretty good. My knees are 100 percent now. I'm feeling good every day. ... I'm feeling better than I ever did during my best playing days in high school.”

- Johnnie Dixon via Ari Wasserman, Cleveland.com


It was, at times, a somewhat difficult season for Ohio State wide receivers last season. After the depth took several hits from losing Noah Brown right before the season, to several injuries gnawing away at the roster, the unit looks better prepared this year and one of those receivers looking to make an impact is Johnnie Dixon. Dixon came into the program three years ago and was looked at as one of the receivers that would eventually become a great one at Ohio State. That hasn’t totally gone to plan after a surgery on both knees left him at a spot where he needed a full two years to get fully healthy again.

Now, Dixon is looking to take his game to the level many thought he was capable of when he first arrived on campus. Once rated in the top 10 receivers of the 2014 recruiting class, Dixon is now fighting for a spot in the lineup and certainly has his work cut out for him. Between all of the receivers on the roster ready to make their starts this season (Noah Brown, Parris Campbell, James Clark, Corey Smith, Austin Mack, Terry McLaurin, K.J. Hill, etc.) Dixon won’t have it easy. But for him, it’s all about having the chance after two seasons essentially on the sidelines.

STICK TO SPORTS:

• The Andersons are expanding their cheese tradition with football season.
• This person found a purpose in No Man’s Sky.
• Ford is building a car with no steering wheel or pedals by 2021.

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Kyle Snyder, Man of Steelwood
Garth via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

On January 1, 2013, OSU Wrestling coach Tom Ryan received a call from a high school aged wrestler committing to Coach Ryan’s program. The call, from Marylander Kyle Snyder was like an earlier Ohio State football commitment from Terrelle Pryor in the sense they were both were from the East, both consensus number one recruits and both committed to charismatic, devout and player oriented coaches. “I just wanted to put a smile on your face to start the new year,” Snyder told his new coach.

Kyle Snyder has been putting smiles on a lot of faces since that time. Later in 2013, as a 17 year old, Snyder went on to win a World Junior title (age 20 and under), a feat he nearly duplicated in 2014 when he placed second. He then skipped his senior year of high school at Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, MD) to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado. A three time Maryland state champion with a 179-0 record (the legend is he surrendered only one takedown in those three years), Kyle had earlier discontinued his role as a starting lineman on Good Counsel’s nationally ranked football team.

Snyder’s close bond with Coach Ryan was unquestionably a factor in his decision to commit to Ohio State and it did not hurt that the program boasted Logan Stieber who at the time of Snyder’s commitment was well on his way to joining the elite club of four-time NCAA champions. But there was more.

The Ohio State wrestling team practices in an industrial setting on Steelwood Road, west of campus and removed from the bustle of campus life. While construction is about to start on a state of the art facility in the heart of the school’s vast athletic complex, wrestlers currently trek to the aptly named and spartan “Steelwood” wrestling room.

Steelwood is home to something more than Ohio State Wrestling–it also rents its wrestling space to the Ohio Regional Training Center which has quietly taken a place among the elite amateur freestyle training programs in the country. ORTC’s head coach is frequent national team volunteer coach and Ohio State Assistant Coach Lou Rosselli, himself a former Olympian.

ORTC is the brainchild of Coach Ryan who with Andy Barth, in conjunction with Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, has built ORTC into a destination for elite wrestlers. In 2013 on the Oklahoma State campus, ORTC saw its athletes capture a majority of US World Team spots including Angel Escobedo, former Buckeye Reece Humphrey, Keith Gavin, former Buckeye JD Bergman and Tervel Dlagnev. In Bergman and Dlagnev, who at the time wrestled at 96kg and 120kg respectively, Snyder had the opportunity to train with the best in the country without leaving the OSU wrestling room.

Snyder, who is constantly thinking and talking wrestling, also roomed with OSU redshirt freshman Nathan Tomassello, a highly prized recruit who shocked the wrestling world by winning the 125lb NCAA title in 2015 as the Buckeyes sprinted to their first national title.

Today, ORTC boasts a nation-leading two of the seven freestylers who will compete this week in the Olympics with several more waiting their turns. Joining Snyder (97kg) in Rio will be Tervel Dlagnev (125kg), a two time world bronze medalist. Already an honorary Buckeye, Dlagnev will join the Ohio State coaching staff after the conclusion of the Olympics. We will have more to say about Tervel on Friday in anticipation of his Saturday bouts in Rio.

And what about those “waiting their turns”? Casual wrestling fans will often ask, “what about Logan Stieber”? The simple fact is that Stieber lost on a tie breaker at the Olympic trials to eventual Olympian Frank Molinaro of Penn State. Molinaro, who seemingly came from nowhere, won four bouts at the Olympic Trials by tie breakers to claim the 65kg spot.

Stieber, a former Junior World silver medalist, was originally pegged to take an Ohio State assistant coaching spot after Rio. Since his trials defeat he has decided to train exclusively in freestyle at ORTC with the goal of making national teams, winning world titles and competing in the 2020 Olympics. Ohio wrestling fans will be excited to hear his brother Hunter, recovering from two devastating elbow injuries will also continue competing. Fans might remember that Hunter’s health woes started during his 2014 PanAm freestyle triumph in Mexico.

Because of Kyle Snyder’s freakish achievements at such a young age, he will become the veteran standard bearer for ORTC once the games conclude and Tervel moves onto coaching. The nucleus of Snyder and the Stiebers will undoubtedly be joined over time by the likes of OSU redshirt freshman Kollin Moore, who recently claimed a spot on the US Junior World Team at 96kg and Tomassello as each takes up the challenge as aspiring Olympians. Even if only in spirit once the physical move to campus is complete, they certainly will find strength at Steelwood.




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Ohio State Buckeyes 2016 Football Preview - Corn Nation
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes 2016 Football Preview
Corn Nation
Going 50-4 the last four years since Urban decided to become a Buckeye has made Ohio State part of the national conversation in football. And while the shine from that 2014 national championship still glows in the trophy room, most of the players from ...
Around the Oval: Fall Sports Preview and Updates from RioEleven Warriors
Why Ohio State will beat Michigan and win the Big Ten title in 2016FOXSports.com
Big Ten Preseason Power Rankings: Ohio State edges MichiganESPN (blog)

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What you need to know about Tulsa before Ohio State plays them
Matt Brown via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Get a little informed about Ohio State’s second opponent.

The Ohio State football season will be here before you know it, and even if you’ve only been paying semi-close attention this offseason, you’re probably aware of the major storylines with the program. This is going to be an exceptionally young, but talented and athletic team. There’s a lack of proven production at wideout, running back, and defensive back. They return the best QB in the conference, and should at least compete for a Big Ten title.

But you may not know a lot about the specific teams on Ohio State’s schedule. We’ll get into a lot more detail before the actual games, but you may want a primer so you can sound smart at the bar, or at the barbecue, or in the grocery store checkout line.

So take a look at Ohio State’s opponents this year. Next up, the Buckeye’s second opponent, Tulsa.

What was the story with Tulsa last year?


After struggling for the last two years under Bill Blankenship, Tulsa turned to new coach and former Baylor assistant Phillip Montgomery, and experienced a bit of a resurgence. The Golden Hurricane didn’t really beat anybody good last season, but after winning a total of five games from 2013-2014, they won six last season, earning an Independence Bowl bid, which they lost in a highly entertaining game to Virginia Tech.

Tulsa football was a lot of things last year, but it certainly wasn’t boring. They beat Florida Atlantic, 47-44. They lost to Cincinnati, 49-38. They lost to Memphis, 66-42. They beat Tulane, 45-34. If you think defense is boring, and want your football games flooded with points, you’ll probably enjoy Tulsa football.

So, that’s two games in a row against high flying offenses, huh?


Yes, and by some measures, Tulsa might be a little more scary than Bowling Green. For one thing, they return their QB from last season. Dane Evans returns for his senior season, after tossing 4,332 yards and 25 TDs last season, while completing 62.9% of his passes. Four of Tulsa’s top five rushers from last season are back, along with four of the top six pass catchers (although leading receiver Keyarris Garrett is gone).

The Golden Hurricane will need to retool their line a little bit (they replace two starters), and they weren’t super effective at running the ball, but they’re going to try and run a lot of plays, spread the ball out all over the field, and score points. Probably a lot of points.

Okay, what about their defense?


Well, there’s a reason Tulsa finished 6-7 ... and that was it. High tempo teams often give up more points and yards, but Tulsa’s defense was bad even if you adjusted it for all those other factors.

In fact, by basically every advanced metric, Tulsa’s defense last year was near the very bottom of FBS. They don’t rank above 89th in any defensive metric. They allowed the most gains of 10-yards or more in the country. It was a bend-and-also-break unit.

Granted, it was also pretty young last season, and the Golden Hurricane return most of their starters, but even if injury luck holds, just based on the talent in this unit, an enormous leap seems unlikely. AAC teams will probably be able to score on Tulsa. Ohio State should be able to do it plenty.

Have Ohio State and Tulsa ever played before?


This probably isn’t a surprise, but this will be Ohio State and Tulsa’s first ever meeting.

Is Tulsa supposed to be good?


Well, that’s an interesting question. The defense probably can’t get much worse than it was last season, and thanks to their coach and their returning talent, this offense should still pretty potent, especially their passing attack.

Tulsa’s non-conference schedule outside of Ohio State is pretty manageable (San Jose State, NC A&T, at Fresno State), but they also draw some of the best teams in the AAC, and have to make road trips to Houston, Memphis and Navy.

This probably won’t be a *bad* team, but chances are, they’ll be the worst team Ohio State plays before Big Ten play. The Golden Hurricane figure to be in the conversation for a bowl game, but would need to spring some big upsets to be in the running for anything more substantial than that.

How worried should fans be about this game?


Any time you face a team that can do one thing very well, there’s a cause for some concern, and Tulsa should be able to score. But Ohio State has superior athletes at every position, and has a defense that can potentially make them a little dimensional. A sloppy, turnover-filled performance can make this an uncomfortably interesting game, but if Ohio State and Tulsa straight up get into a points track meet, there’s no much doubt who should have the better team.

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BH: Huge Hub; scrimmage standout - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BH: Huge Hub; scrimmage standout
247Sports
Huge Hub … When Sam Hubbard was coming out of Cincinnati Moeller High School he was a long and lean safety who wasn't sure what position he would play for the Buckeyes. The best bet was linebacker. A few years later, Hubbard is projected to be one ...


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Watch: Luke Fickell mic'd up at Ohio State practice - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Luke Fickell mic'd up at Ohio State practice
247Sports
Ohio State has now completed one full week of Fall Camp and the Buckeyes are just under three weeks away from their first game of the season. Practices have ...

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Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Tim Beck mic'd up at practice - cleveland.com
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Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Tim Beck mic'd up at practice
cleveland.com
Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Tim Beck mic'd up at practice. Tim Beck. Ohio State quarterbacks coach Tim Beck was mic'd up at a recent Buckeyes practice. (Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer). Print Email · Bill Landis, cleveland.com By Bill ...
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Buckeye bloodline: Nick Bosa is already giving Ohio State some déjà vu - ESPN (blog)
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Buckeye bloodline: Nick Bosa is already giving Ohio State some déjà vu
ESPN (blog)
The Buckeyes haven't fully had a chance to figure out just how much on-the-field similarities there are between the Bosa boys. If Nick inherited as many familial traits that apply in pads as the way he walks or talks might suggest, Ohio State shouldn't ...


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Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Luke Fickell mic'd up at practice - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Luke Fickell mic'd up at practice
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State linebackers coach Luke Fickell is coaching a position group looking to replace a pair of starters who moved on to the NFL. The Buckeyes have a good starting spot with Raekwon McMillan back in the middle, but Dante Booker, ...


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5-star Ohio State OLB target sets commitment date
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Baron Browning sets his commitment date for Nov. 29

With 16 commits, Urban Meyer's 2017 recruiting class may be his masterpiece. Because of this, space is limited and only the best will be invited. Despite this, five-star outside linebacker Baron Browning (Kennedale, TX/ Kennedale) is one of the few players Meyer will make sure this class has room for.

While his recruitment is still somewhat up in the air, one thing we do know now is when he will make his decision. Late Monday night, Gerry Hamilton at ESPN reported that Browning will announce Nov. 29.

The former Baylor commit received a scholarship from the Buckeyes in May of last year. Since then, he has taken an unofficial visit to the Buckeye campus and the coaches have been to Kennedale to visit him as well. However, Ohio State will be competing with some of the best programs in the country for the No. 8 overall player of his class. Schools such as Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Oklahoma have shown plenty of interest in Browning and hometown schools Texas, Texas A&M and TCU are all in the mix as well.

The Buckeyes already have secured a commitment from one OLB in four-star Antjuan Simmons (Ann Arbor, MI / Pioneer) but the addition of Browning would be huge. Look for the Buckeyes to continue to heavily pursue Browning and if they can get him to visit for the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, Meyer will have a golden opportunity to leave an impression of him three days before he commits.

Ohio State may be targeting its next elite TE


After signing two tight ends in the 2016 recruiting class, Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes will likely wait until 2018 before they put significant time into recruiting another one. If this is in fact what Meyer plans on doing, expect the coaches to heavily target four-star TE Mustapha Muhammad (Missouri City, TX / Ridge Point).

It is still early to be able to completely judge the kids in the '18 class because they are just that, kids. Muhammad still has two seasons of high school football before he has to make a decision on where to continue his career. Despite this, Muhammad is already looked at as one of the premier players in his class, as 247Sports has him listed as the No. 5 TE and he falls just outside of the top 100 players overall, being slotted at No. 101.

The four-star has shown play-making ability already and he has received an estimated 25 scholarship offers already. Programs such as Clemson, Michigan, Texas A&M, Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame have offered Muhammad, so Ohio State will again be competing with the best of them for the 6-foot-4, 230-pound TE.

Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts.com spoke with Muhammad recently, and the TE spoke highly of both the coaching staff at Ohio State and of the way the position is utilized on the field, along with the recent success Ohio State has had in getting its TE's into the NFL. He then went on to say that he plans on releasing a list of his top 10 schools near the end of his upcoming season for Ridge Point and that he expects the Buckeyes to be included.

If Meyer locks-in on Muhammad, expect the TE to make multiple visits to the school in the coming two years. Muhammad has yet to step foot in Columbus, but Kurelic noted he is working on making the trip in November for the Ohio State vs Michigan game.

Ohio State could be in for a BOOMing week


Next week will be one of the biggest weekends for Ohio State's 2017 recruiting class. Two five-star WR's will be announcing where they will be playing in college and the Buckeyes are the favorites to land both. Both Tyjon Lindsey(Corona, CA / Centennial) and Trevon Grimes (Fort Lauderdale, FL / St. Thomas Aquinas) have been Ohio State leans for a while now, but as those who follow recruiting know, nothing is ever a sure-thing.

Lindsey is set to announce first, as he scheduled to announce his decision via Bleacher Report, Monday. The relationship between him and the Buckeyes has increased by a great deal in the last year. To even sweeten the deal, Lindsey's former QB, Tate Martell (Las Vegas, NV / Bishop Gorman) committed to Ohio State this summer. Many expect the No. 5 WR in his class to commit to the Buckeyes. Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts.com is so confident he gave it a 75% chance of happening.

If Kurelic is confident Lindsey will commit to the Buckeyes, he is almost certain when it come to Grimes. The five-star will also be committing next week as he is scheduled to announce next Wednesday, just two days after Lindsey. Grimes has been connected to Ohio State for the majority of his recruitment. While Florida seemed like it could sneak in at one point, those talks have died down recently and Ohio State seems to be the clear favorite. Kurelic gives the Buckeyes a 95% chance at landing the No. 3 WR of the class.

Urban Meyer has already established what could be the best overall recruiting class in the programs history, if everything goes as planned next week, that could become definite.

Make sure to follow Land-Grant Holy Land next week as these two announce.

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Highlights: Buckeyes dominate NFL preseason week 1 - 247Sports.com
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Highlights: Buckeyes dominate NFL preseason week 1
247Sports.com
With Ohio State having 16 rookies, as well as all of the NFL veterans from the school in the league, it's no surprise that former Buckeye stars would grab a few highlights during week one of the preseason. But what wasn't expected was that a former OSU ...
Cardale Jones slings dimes, Michael Thomas #shhh's the competition in NFL preseason debutsLand-Grant Holy Land

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If you are looking for a sport to support this winter I recommend this:

Watch: Will it be RB-by-committee for Buckeyes? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Will it be RB-by-committee for Buckeyes?
247Sports
Will Michael Weber or Curtis Samuel eventually emerge as Ohio State's go-to running back? Or could the Buckeyes use RB-by-committee during the 2016 season? That was the topic Bucknuts editor Dave Biddle discussed with Nick Kostos of CBSSports.com ...

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