Video: Ohio State holds moment of silence for late Will Smith
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

Ohio State honored former defensive end Will Smith before its spring game Saturday afternoon. [ MORE: Watch the Ohio State spring game on BTN2Go ] The Buckeyes held a moment of silence for Smith, 34, who was shot and killed following a minor car accident last Saturday night in New Orleans, and also wore a “WS” helmet decal that featured a Buckeye leaf in between Smith’s initials. It was a powerful moment at Ohio Stadium, in front of a spring game record 100,000-plus fans. A champion in college (2002 BCS title, Ohio State’s first football crown in 34 years) and

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Ezekiel Elliott stays loyal to Ohio State Buckeyes in mock draft - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ezekiel Elliott stays loyal to Ohio State Buckeyes in mock draft
Dayton Daily News
If Ezekiel Elliott had his say, his former Ohio State Buckeyes teammate, Taylor Decker, would be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Elliott, the starting running back for Ohio State the last two seasons, did his own mock draft for ESPN on Friday and ...
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MLive.com -NFL.com -247Sports
all 52 news articles »

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Ohio State spring game 2016 live game updates: Time, TV schedule, and how to watch
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


Ohio State football is back, sorta.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be taking the field for the first time since their overwhelming victory over Notre Dame in January's Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes finished their 2015 campaign strong, and while it didn't end in the national championship that everybody had hoped, it was still a fun season.

This year, the Buckeyes look plenty different, and today is the first day we really get to see these guys in action. There will be plenty of position battles, and guys making names for themselves as the crop of 2016 Buckeyes takes its final form before we kickoff the season in August.

The Scarlet team will be led by new co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, assisted by Ed Warinner and Tim Beck, who will be commanding the first-team offense team. The Gray team will be led by Tony Alford, running backs coach, and will be assisted by Luke Fickell, Greg Studrawa, Kerry Coombs, and Zach Smith. Their team will be the first-team defense.

So take your pick, whether it be Scarlet or Gray, and join us in the comments as we enjoy our first taste of football in over four months.

How to watch:


Game time: ~1:30 p.m.

TV channel: Big Ten Network (Channel 1333 on Time Warner Columbus-Delaware)

Live streaming online: BTN2Go

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Ohio State spring game breaks attendance record as Buckeyes top 100000 fans in Ohio Stadium - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State spring game breaks attendance record as Buckeyes top 100000 fans in Ohio Stadium
cleveland.com
The Buckeyes capped their pregame ticket sales at 92,500 and hit that mark, selling that many $5 seats. No walkup tickets are available. Ohio State didn't sell to the capacity of over 104,000 because spots were saved for Ohio State students, who get in ...
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New look: Spring brings fresh start for revamped BuckeyesMansfield News Journal
Dayton Daily News -The Michigan Daily -Land-Grant Holy Land
all 108 news articles »

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Ohio Stadium will be at capacity for the spring game
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 fans answered Urban Meyer's call in a big way.

A few days ago, Urban Meyer called for 100,000 fans to come to Ohio State's spring game this afternoon, a figure that would smash attendance records for a practice. Now, thanks to some great weather in Columbus, some real intrigue around position battles, and some good old fashioned Buckeye fan passion, it seems clear that the Buckeyes are going to get there. The university announced today that Ohio Stadium will be "at capacity" for the Spring Game.

Ohio Stadium's capacity, by the way, is 104,944 people. There might not be quite that many folks in the stands for the game today, as the school is letting anybody with a BuckID in for free and probably needs to make sure there will be enough room, but it seems clear that Ohio State will hit that 100,000 person benchmark for the game.

That's truly an amazing number, when you remember that the spring game is actually a dang practice that doesn't actually count.

It should be an electric atmosphere at The Show today, which is great for the players, great for the number of big name recruits who will be in attendance, and great for the program.

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Ohio State spring game 2016 live stream: How to watch online, TV schedule and more
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


Hey, there's Ohio State football today!

Your first taste of some Ohio State Buckeyes football since that glorious victory over Notre Dame in January's Fiesta Bowl is finally here.

Today is Ohio State's spring game, marking somewhat of a start to the Buckeyes 2016 campaign. This year's spring game doesn't have quite the hype that surrounded last season's, but that doesn't mean it's all for nothing. The upcoming season will be a big one for Urban Meyer and his squad, as it seems they sent nearly the entire 2015 squad to the NFL.

The Buckeyes have their undisputed quarterback this year, and have plenty of options at other key positions to see who will be remembered as being a key part of a 2016 Ohio State team that should be a memorable one.

When and where is the game this week?


It's the Spring Game, so it's in Columbus at Ohio Stadium. The game will follow a men's lacrosse game, as the Buckeyes take on the Michigan Wolverines. The start is expected to be 1:30 p.m., but with the lacrosse game, it could run earlier or later. The lacrosse team is 5-7, but hopefully they can have a similar result against the Wolverines as they did in football.

That sounds awesome. How can I go?


First thing is first, Urban Meyer really wants you to go. He mentioned he would love to see 100,000 people fill up the 'Shoe, which would break records, and everybody likes to see records broken. General admission is $5, while some reserved club seats will be available for $15. Children six and under do not need tickets for general admission. Parking is free, although the lots directly west of the stadium will require a permit.

Can I watch the game on TV if I'm not there?


Absolutely. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network (channel 1333 HD on Time Warner Columbus/Delaware)

What about streaming? How do I watch it online?


Check this out.

What all can I expect to see?


Aside from seeing all of the Buckeyes battling for their positions, there will be a punt-catching competition. The competition will feature Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel as well as Kirk Barton, Jimmy Cordle, and Jack Mewhort. There will also be a quarterback skills challenge, that will have a student and J.T. Barrett face off against Cardale Jones, and another student. Finally, there will be a contest to determine the fastest student, where Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Darron Lee, Jalin Marshall, Tyvis Powell, and Ezekiel Elliott will coach those participating.

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Bulldogs rally past Buckeyes, 5-4 - Athens Messenger (registration)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Bulldogs rally past Buckeyes, 5-4
Athens Messenger (registration)
Nelsonville-York coach Charles McClain said the Buckeyes work on bunt defense during practice. But most of the teams N-Y has played have swung away instead of trying to play small ball. It's a teaching tool for the Buckeyes, who still played their best ...


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Ohio State men's lacrosse | Michigan looms as Buckeyes look to halt skid - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State men's lacrosse | Michigan looms as Buckeyes look to halt skid
Columbus Dispatch
There is a familiar clock inside the Ohio State men's lacrosse locker room. Every minute, the Buckeyes can look up and be reminded of just how much time remains until they face Michigan again. This year's countdown has some extra meaning. Ohio State ...


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Ohio State baseball suffers fourth straight Big Ten loss, 7-4, to Rutgers
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 Scarlet Knights opened up an early lead that the Buckeyes couldn't surmount.

Ohio State is now 2-5 in Big Ten play after falling to Rutgers, 7-4, at Bill Davis Stadium in Columbus on Friday night. The Buckeyes have now lost four straight conference games and will need to come up big on Saturday and Sunday to salvage a series win.

Howie Brey of the Scarlet Knights overcame a rough first inning to settle down and put in a very solid start. Brey moved to 4-3 for the year after allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking three, in a complete game.

Just one member of the starting nine failed to pick up a hit for head coach Joe Litterio, as his team improved to 3-4 in Big Ten play.

This was not Tanner Tully's night for Ohio State. The junior left-hander survived six innings, but gave up seven runs, six earned, on 10 hits and three walks as he fell to 4-3 on the season.

Nick Sergakis drove in a pair of runs for the Buckeyes, and Troy Montgomery hit his seventh home run of the season in the losing effort.

Rutgers put up a crooked number on Tully in the first inning thanks to timely hitting with two outs. R.J. Devish and Mike Carter both reached safely to lead things off, but Tully retired the next two he faced. An infield single by John Jennings loaded the bases and a single to center by Jawuan Harris that was misplayed by Montgomery cleared them, and Ohio State was in a 3-0 hole right off the bat.

The Buckeyes bounced right back in the bottom of the frame, though, scoring three times. A single back up the middle by Jacob Bosiokovic and a bunt single by Ronnie Dawson put two on with one out for Sergakis. The team co-captain did what he's been doing all season, ripping a double into the left-center gap to drive in both runners.


Sergakis came around from second to tie the game when Troy Kuhn looped a single into short left field.

Three straight hits to start the top of the second helped the Scarlet Knights put another three runs on the board. An RBI single from Devish and a two-run double by Chris Suseck made it a 6-3 game.

In the third, Rutgers stayed hot. Christian Campbell led off with a double and came around to score on a single by Milo Freeman for a 7-3 lead.

Montgomery got a run back with a solo home run, his second in as many games.


Freshman Ryan Feltner relieved Tully and threw three scoreless innings, but Brey was just too tough for the Buckeyes' bats to overcome.

Game two of the series will take place on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. ET. Ohio State is dedicating the game to the memory of Zach Farmer, the former Buckeye pitcher who passed away from leukemia at the age of 21 last August. Be The Match will be in attendance, with fans encouraged to sign up to be registered as marrow donors at the front gates of Bill Davis Stadium.

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Ezekiel Elliott reminds Jim Harbaugh, 'You gotta win ballgames to be able to talk behind it'
Luke Zimmermann via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Continuing his Bristol media tour from earlier in the day, Ezekiel Elliott appeared on the Paul Finebaum Show, two years removed from his 85-yard-run to immortality against Alabama.

Though Zeke broached a variety of subjects, things got particularly interesting when the subject of Jim Harbaugh and Michigan came up.

"You know, I am tired of hearing about Coach Harbaugh. You know, I think he needs to get in check with reality," Elliott said. "At the end of the day, you can't talk smack about a rivalry when you haven't won a rivalry game. You gotta win ballgames to be able to talk behind it."

"It's because, honestly, that felt like a home game for us. We had so many Buckeyes there. Being in Ann Arbor, and in the Big House, and having so many Buckeyes there. And hearing the O-h-i-o in their house. This was a special moment. And kind of seeing all their fans leave before the game was over. And seeing a red sea in their stadium was probably one of the top college moments I've had," he added.

Paul Finebaum reminded his listeners that Michigan has only won one half national championship since the 1940s and yet they continue to talk about and treat themselves like they're at the epicenter of college football.

"I think you guys, the media, you guys empower him. You guys give him so much attention. And he just feeds off it. But I mean, at the end of the day, we just look at the win-loss total. We look and see what happens when you got on the field and that's how I feel. I'm leaving my career with three years of three Gold Pants and I'm pretty satisfied."

Never stop doing you, Zeke.

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Ezekiel Elliott has strong take on Harbaugh, Wolverines
Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor via Big Ten Network

The Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry continues to heat up, and it’s not even football season. Former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott appeared on the Paul Finebaum show today. He spoke about the upcoming NFL Draft, where he is projected as the first running back to come off the board and a potential first round pick. But where things got really juicy is when Elliott was asked about Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines. “I’m tired of hearing about Coach Harbaugh, he needs to get in check with reality,” Elliott said about Michigan’s head coach. “You can’t talk smack

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Ohio State becomes ground zero for paying student athletes debate
Geoff Hammersley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Well known writers, executives, economists and former student athletes talked about the dilemma faced with college athletics.

"This is not a sports issue. This is a civil rights and a human rights issue"


– Joe Nocera at the Sports and Society Initiative at Ohio State (via Summer Cartwright)

On Friday morning, some notable people inside the sports business spoke to an audience at Ohio State about paying student athletes.

The first panel had New York Times columnist Joe Nocera, who wrote about the NCAA in a co-authored book Indentured: The Inside Story of the Rebellion Against the NCAA, joined by Vince Doria (former ESPN Senior VP), Matt Mitten (Professor of Law, and Director of the National Sports Law Institute (Marquette)) and Andrew Zimbalist (professor of economics at Smith College) spoke for roughly 90-minutes about how college athletics got into this predicament on whether or not athletes should be paid.

Nocera jumped on the fact that higher stipends are a way to entice athletes to certain schools.


Another case was that businesses used a certain amount of revenue to pay their people, while, hypothetically, some colleges spend below that on scholarship costs.


The second panel brought up some notable former Buckeyes, including one of the heroes from the 2003 National Championship game, Maurice Clarrett.


The panel discussed what they've done since their college days, and whether or not payment should be dished out to the student athletes. The conversation then spun into how the student-athlete balanced leaned more toward the athlete side, and not too much on the education side.




"After years of reporting on occupations like this one, I’ve never heard of even one case of a college staff member of administrator coming away with even a scratch. Yet in the name of preserving "safe space," these protesters were evicted."


– Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic

Stemming from last week's sit-in at Bricker Hall to further the #ReclaimOSU movement to increase transparency from the Ohio State University administration, there is now a well-written piece on the definition of a "safe space" after OSU officials removed the protesters.


The University said that employees in the building were scared that the protesters were going to do something, which caused intervention as seen above.

Friedersdorf's article goes on to talk about how universities deal with protesters, and how being afraid of a potential action/reaction is a tricky slope to navigate.

Nonetheless, this has opened the conversation to what exactly is determined to be a "safe place", with this protest happening at a metropolis of a school in Ohio State.

"All day of game lots are available for free parking, with the exception of the west stadium lot."


– NBC4 Columbus

For those of you going to any of the festivities – the Garth Brooks concert, Spring game and/or baseball game – on the Ohio State campus this weekend, you probably should know a few things about the parking situation.

Shuttles will be running from West Campus starting at 9 a.m. til an hour after the spring game; disability park will be at the north St.John Arena parking lot – and is free.

From the Ohio Expo Center to OSU Campus, COTA will have a gameday shuttle.

If you aren't about that driving or busing life, Uber and Lyft are viable options to get to the events, as well.

Here's a traffic bulletin on what roads to avoid for the concert Friday:



STICK TO SPORTS

• A sign change might confuse some people this weekend around Ohio State
• Greg McElroy wants his NCAA Football games back
• Igniting your house to get rid of bugs, may do everything but remove the bugs
• Champions League Draw announced: Man City/Real Madrid & Bayern/Atlético

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Battle for first place between the Wolverines and Buckeyes - The Michigan Daily
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Battle for first place between the Wolverines and Buckeyes
The Michigan Daily
As supporters of both schools know, it doesn't get any bigger than that. The connotation is understood, and the ensuing battle is expected to be fierce and relentless. While any series between the Wolverines and Buckeyes carries an added significance ...
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Ezekiel Elliott's mock draft is nothing but Ohio State Buckeyes - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ezekiel Elliott's mock draft is nothing but Ohio State Buckeyes
Land-Grant Holy Land
With the NFL Draft just two two short weeks away, the time is now for former Ohio State stars like Ezekiel Elliott to put on the full court media press. Besides meeting with and working out for prospective employers, a cadre of former Buckeyes have ...
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Dienhart: Five things to watch in Ohio State spring game
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Ohio State’s spring game always is a big deal. And Saturday’s festivities drip with more intrigue than usual, as the Buckeyes search for myriad answers as the program looks to get back on top of the Big Ten East. The list of key players gone is long: CB Eli Apple; S Vonn Bell; C Jacoby Boren; DE Joey Bosa; OT Taylor Decker; RB Ezekiel Elliott; OT Chase Farris; DT Joel Hale; QB Cardale Jones; LB Darron Lee; WR Jalin Marshall; WR Braxton Miller; LB Joshua Perry; S Tyvis Powell; TE Nick Vannett; DT Tommy Schutt; WR Michael Thomas; DT Adolphus

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2016 Spring Game Recruiting Primer
Ben Van Ooyen 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

Ohio State is set to host its annual spring game this Saturday at the Shoe, and with it comes a chance for the Buckeyes and their coaches to put on their recruiting hats and show a plethora of prospects why Ohio State is the place to play college ball. During last year’s spring game weekend, the Buckeyes landed five commitments from Tuf Borland, Jack Wohlabaugh, and Malik Barrow for 2016 and Marcus Williamson and Todd Sibley for 2017. Urban Meyer and company hope to secure some verbals this weekend as well. Let’s look at who is visiting campus over the next few days and how I think their recruitment will shake out.

The following seven players are all attending as commitments of the Ohio State University, and they’ll be some of the most important recruiting tools the team has this weekend as they try to convince their buddies to play football for the Buckeyes. Danny Clark and Todd Sibley have already become vocal leaders of the 2017 recruiting class, and both of them will be eager to show their peers what Ohio State is all about. There’s a possible kink in Sibley’s future in Columbus, but hopefully it doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm for the program this weekend.

Name Year Position Commitment Status
Josh Myers 2017 OT Ohio State Commit
Jake Moretti 2017 OT Ohio State Commit
Brendan White 2017 S/WR Ohio State Commit
Todd Sibley 2017 RB Ohio State Commit
Marcus Williamson 2017 DB Ohio State Commit
Jerron Cage 2017 DT Ohio State Commit
Danny Clark 2017 QB Ohio State Commit
Blake Haubeil 2017 K Ohio State Commit

The guys below are also visiting this weekend, but they have yet to commit to the Buckeyes. I’ll continue to update the list as I learn more.

Name From Year Offered Position Commitment Status
Najee Harris California 2017 Yes RB Alabama Commit
Kellen Mond Texas 2017 No QB Baylor Commit
Jaylen Harris Ohio 2017 Yes WR Uncommitted
Dalyn Wade-Perry New Jersey 2017 Yes DT Uncommitted
Joel Honigford Ohio 2017 No OT Uncommitted
Darius Stills West Virginia 2017 No DE Uncommitted
Howard Watkins Ohio 2017 No DT Uncommitted
Jackson Carman Ohio 2018 Yes OT Uncommitted
Malik Vann Ohio 2018 No LB Uncommitted
Shaquon Anderson-Butts Pennsylvania 2018 No WR Uncommitted
Dante Stills West Virginia 2018 No DT Uncommitted
Alex Reigelsperger Ohio 2018 No DE Uncommitted
Aeneas Hawkins Ohio 2018 No DT Uncommitted
Jaelen Gill Ohio 2018 Yes RB Uncommitted
Xavier Henderson Ohio 2018 No ATH Uncommitted
Trenton Gillison Ohio 2018 No TE Uncommitted
Tadas Tatarunas Ohio 2018 No QB Uncommitted

One of the key visitors this weekend is Najee Harris, who, like Cam Akers once was, is currently committed to Alabama. Akers visited last month and came away impressed, and the staff hopes to make the same impression on Harris this weekend. Whether or not the Buckeyes will be able to steal either of these backs from the mighty Crimson Tide is yet to be seen, but Urban will go down swinging. Late Thursday night, word got out that Ohio State may have asked Todd Sibley to greyshirt next year, so it seems the Buckeyes feel confident they will land at least one of the 5-star backs. Adding Harris or Akers, along with JK Dobbins, forces Ohio State to push Sibley to 2018. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t surprise me if Sibley starts looking elsewhere to play his college football.

Kellen Mond is the other interesting prospect visiting this weekend. He’s currently committed to the Baylor Bears, but he’s still shopping around and finds himself at Ohio State this weekend. The Buckeyes haven’t extended an offer to him yet, but that could change this weekend. Mond has family in Ohio, so an offer from Ohio State might change his mind. He currently does not hold an offer from the Buckeyes, but that may change this weekend. Tate Martell, another quarterback prospect promised to a Texas school, visited recently and also has family in the state. Unless Texas A&M announces a big coaching change, I see Martell sticking with the Aggies, but I can see Mond becoming the second quarterback to join the 2017 class. Only time will tell.

Watch for possible commitments this weekend from Jaylen Harris and Jackson Carman. Harris is a wide receiver out of Cleveland Heights who’s had his eye on Ohio State some time, and Carman is a big offensive tackle from Fairfield, Ohio, who could get things started for the 2018 class. I don’t see the Buckeyes netting anywhere close to last year’s five commitments, but I can see one or two coming out of this weekend, especially if the Buckeyes extend an offer to a few of its top prospects.

The players who aren’t attending the spring game are probably more interesting than those who are. Trevon Grimes, the five-star wideout from St. Thomas Aquinas, has been high on the Buckeyes since his offer, but he hasn’t made a return trip to Columbus since last July. He’s visited Florida, Miami, and Florida State this year, and this has many fans worried he’ll stay down south. I think Grimes will visit Ohio State again at some point, and I’m still confident he ends up a Buckeye. Jeffrey Okudah would have been a great visitor to get on campus for the spring game, but he’s staying home in Texas this week. The Buckeyes need to get Okudah back on campus if they want to remain in the game for his talents. Amir Riep (visiting LSU), Donovan Peoples-Jones (visiting ND), and Darnay Holmes would’ve also been nice to see this weekend. I still see Riep becoming a Buckeye when he makes his choice in July. Peoples-Jones is going to be a hard pull from Michigan, but he did visit last week at least. I think Darnay Holmes will probably stay out west however. The saga of Shaun Wade continues as well, as he has stated that he is 100% committed to the Buckeyes, yet he continues to take visits like the one to USC this weekend.

The kids in the 2018 class still have a lot of time to decide on their college futures, but a few of them will be visiting the Buckeyes this weekend. Jaelen Gill visited USC and UCLA recently, but he’s been a frequent visitor to Ohio State, and all signs point to him donning the scarlet and grey. Maybe he pulls the trigger this weekend and becomes the leader of the 2018 class, but I think he’ll take a little more time to make his decision. I already mentioned Jackson Carman, whom I’ve pegged for a possible commitment this weekend. He currently holds a 100% Crystal Ball prediction to Ohio State, and he recently visited campus right after trips to Michigan and Michigan State. Other than Gill and Carman, none of the other visiting 2018 recruits currently hold offers from the Buckeyes. Most of them are from Ohio and probably grew up dreaming about playing football for the Buckeyes, so don’t be surprised if one of them gets an offer this weekend and commits.

The spring game always brings a lot of top talent to the Horseshoe, and this year is no different. With 100,000 fans expected to show up for a glorified practice, I expect the recruits to get a good idea of the electric atmosphere they have to look forward to. Recent stars like Zeke Elliott, Michael Thomas, and Cardale Jones will also be in attendance, so these recruits are going to get the full Buckeye experience.

* I will continue to monitor the recruits attending and update the list as necessary.






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Ezekiel Elliott says he’d take nothing but Ohio State stars in 2016 NFL Draft
Luke Zimmermann via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Even Zeke doesn't want to play for the Browns.

With the NFL Draft just two two short weeks away, the time is now for former Ohio State stars like Ezekiel Elliott to put on the full court media press.

Besides meeting with and working out for prospective employers, a cadre of former Buckeyes have also been doing the whole sports media scene.

Former OSU running back Zeke Elliott took ESPN's Bristol campus by storm Friday, guesting on the ESPN family of networks.

When asked to use ESPN's touchscreen draft board, the running-back-affectionately-known-as-EzE, don't exactly shy away from taking his friends and former teammates:


Sorry, Cardale. Maybe you can be selected at pick #10.

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Players to watch in the 2016 Ohio State spring game
Christopher Jason via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The spring game MVP is not always a good title to have, but this year could be a different story.

Every spring, there is an under-the-radar offensive playmaker who turns heads during the annual spring game. Some never flash during the regular season, such as Taurian Washington and some become great, such as Michael Thomas. With the Buckeyes losing five of their top six leading receivers and their leading rusher, this year's spring game MVP has a better chance to take his spring success into the fall.

Unlike last season, there will be major competition at the offensive skill positions for playing time, and Urban Meyer knows it, "the value this year is greater probably than our four years here to see how these young players respond."

Saturday will be the first time that most of these highly touted true or redshirt freshman have gotten significant snaps in front of a packed Ohio Stadium. Let's see who has a chance to build a legacy like Michael Thomas, rather than just be known as a spring game star.

Torrance Gibson: The high school star quarterback turned wide receiver has the tools to shine on Saturday. He has a mix of size, 6'4, 205 lbs, and straight-line track speed that can take the top off the defense. His size and leaping ability allows him to go up and get his hands on jump balls, which will help him excel on the goalline and in traffic. There are roughly nine outside receivers who are vying for two spots and Gibson's size and pure athletic ability could put him over the top. Now it is time for the Florida native to put on a show in front of 100,000 Buckeye fans.

Mike Weber: Out of this group of spotlighted players, Weber has the least amount of competition to see the field, and he is projected to either split carries or start outright at running back.

The former Cass Tech star had an up-and-down freshman campaign, where he felt betrayed by the Stan Drayton departure, then he tore his meniscus after a solid fall camp, while tweeting out a couple of mysterious subtweets that could have been directed towards his college choice. But now with Ezekiel Elliott out of the picture, Weber has a chance to grab the reigns as a redshirt freshman from senior Bri'onte Dunn and solidify himself as the number one back in Meyer's power running scheme. A solid spring game from Weber could give him the edge in this positional battle, heading into the fall.

K.J. Hill: Last season as a true-freshman, Hill was seen on the weekly depth chart. However, he did not get a chance to see the field as a receiver. Hill made a couple of highlight-reel catches in fall camp and he was the third player of last year's class to get his black stripe removed. He mostly practiced and was placed on the outside receiver depth chart, but he possesses good quickness and he has sparingly practiced at H-back. If the logjam at the X or Z prove too much for Hill, he might have a chance to see some time at H-back with Dontre Wilson's lingering foot issue and Curtis Samuel's versatility, which could sometimes place him at running back. Hill is electric with the ball in his hands, which should show on Saturday on quick hitters, such as screens and slants.

Austin Mack: Mack enrolled early in the winter as Urban Meyer's most collegiate-ready wideout that he has recruited at Ohio State, and he made his mark early. The Fort Wayne, IN product made a very early impact this spring and he made such an impact on the coaches that his black stripe was removed, which has never been done this early.

The 6'2, 205 pound wideout arrived at Ohio State with confidence and swagger that was apparent on day one. "I asked what position he plays and he said 'X' [receiver]," starting quarterback J.T. Barrett recalled of a conversation with Mack. "In our offense at X, you've got to be a Mike Thomas, you've got to be a dog. There's a reason why his Twitter handle is @CantGuardMike. That wasn't an accident, it was on purpose. So it's one of those deals of go get a spot, because in the spring that's when you go win a job."

Mack has most certainly turned the heads of his coaches and fellow players in practice, but he has yet to play in front of 100,000 at the ‘Shoe. If Mack can perform at a high level on Saturday, he could be a top candidate to replace Mike Thomas at the X.

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Ohio State Athletics: Maurice Clarett, Shawn Springs And Other Former Buckeyes Talk Paying College Athletes - Scout
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Athletics: Maurice Clarett, Shawn Springs And Other Former Buckeyes Talk Paying College Athletes
Scout
While the topic of whether or not college athletes should be paid and if so, how is a complicated ones the former Buckeyes participating -- a group that included former Ohio State and NBA player Lawrence Funderburke, former Buckeye defensive tackle ...


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Everything you need to know about the 2016 Ohio State spring game
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


It may be April, but there is actual Buckeye football happening Saturday.

It's here! It may only be a scrimmage between Team Scarlet and Team Gray, but it's the first taste of football in 2016 for the Buckeyes since the Fiesta Bowl and the first chance to see many of the young new players. With so many weapons headed to the NFL this year, there will be a lot of starting roles that need filled, and some of those could be snagged during the spring game.

Head coach Urban Meyer made a plea to Buckeye Nation to fill The 'Shoe with 100,000 fans during this year's spring game. He wants to see how young players react to such a large crowd, and see who might really stand out in the fall.

The Ohio State community will also be honoring former Buckeye legend Will Smith, following his tragic death earlier in the week. There will be a moment of silence in his name, and the players will all be sporting helmet decals in honor of Smith.

What is the Ohio State spring game?


The 2016 LiFE Sports Spring Game, presented by Nationwide, is the annual intrasquad scrimmage between Team Scarlet and Team Gray held at Ohio Stadium, and is set for Saturday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m, and should last about an hour and a half (shorter than a regular season game).

As is tradition, the spring game will be preceded by the "Showdown at the Shoe," the Ohio State men's lacrosse match against rival Michigan. The lacrosse game starts at 11 a.m. and fans are admitted with spring game tickets.

Children ages 6 and under are free in the general admission sections only; everyone in club level seating is required to have a ticket. Current OSU students get in free with a valid Buck-ID, and should enter the stadium through Gate 26.

How similar will this be to a real game?


It definitely isn't your standard football game. There are similarities, in that they will play four quarters of football -- but they're only 10 minutes each -- with clock stoppages allowed in the first-half and utilizing a running clock in the second-half. It may not be a regular-season game, but with Buckeye fans filling The 'Shoe and cheering at the top of their lungs, it certainly feels like fall football.

Urban Meyer likes to take advantage of the unique environment the spring game provides, and is known to make kickers re-try field goal attempts, gradually moving the ball back to test their maximum range. He also likes to try people at different positions, and get players out of their comfort zone in front of a jam-packed stadium. For him, this is when young talent sinks or swims.

How can I watch the spring game?


The Big Ten Network will be broadcasting the spring game Saturday, and will be re-airing the competition eight times through April 21st. The game will also be available for streaming online (and on your tablet and smartphones) on BTN2Go.

You can find BTN on Time Warner Columbus/Delaware on Channel 1333 HD/58 SD, on WOW! at channels 219 HD/87 SD, nationally on DirecTV on channel 610, on DISH on channel 405/410, and on AT&T U-verse channel 1650HD/650.

Former Buckeyes Bobby Carpenter and Glen Mason will be in the booth providing commentary for the game, along with Kevin Kugler doing the play-by-play.

It's not too late to decide to make your way to campus to enjoy the beautiful Columbus weather -- it's actually supposed to be a perfect spring day, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 70 degrees. With free parking and $5 general admission tickets ($15 for club seats), there's no reason not to get out and support the team.

Are there any other game-day activities?


This will be one of the last times to see many of the NFL-bound Buckeyes before they make their way to the Pros. Halftime will be a show on Saturday, with Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett facing off in one last quarterback skill challenge for old-times sake.

During Student Appreciation Day a few weeks back, several students raced for the title of "Fastest Student" and the winner will be crowned during halftime of the spring game. The students participating will be coached by NFL prospects Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Darron Lee, Jalin Marshall, Tyvis Powell and Ezekiel Elliott.

There will also be an offensive line and defensive line catch-a-punt competition, with Buckeye legends Anthony Schlegel, Kirk Barton, Jimmy Cordle, Bobby Carpenter and Jack Mewhort.

What are the rosters for each team?


You can find the full rosters and coaches for Team Scarlet, lead by Greg Schiano, and Team Gray, lead by Tony Alford, right here.

What are the anticipated position battles?


With fan-favorite Ezekiel Elliott heading for the NFL, there is a big hole in the depth chart at running back. Meyer noted that during spring practice, backs Bri'onte Dunn and freshman Mike Weber are neck-in-neck for the starting role, and the head coach doesn't anticipate naming a starter much earlier than the beginning of the season.

J.T. Barrett is the known starter at quarterback heading into the 2016 season, but there is a competition for his No. 2. Barrett will take a few snaps during the spring game, but Meyer and his staff are more interested in seeing how freshman Joe Burrow handles a large home-crowd versus former No. 2 Stephen Collier. Collier has slipped to the back of the depth chart, season after season, despite often favorable spring practices.

With 22 former Buckeyes now vying for a spot in the League, there is competition at almost every position on the field; the team only returned six starters -- three on either side of the ball. This is the youngest group of players that Meyer has ever had in the spring, and he fully intends on making use of the unique environment for his evaluations.

Have a specific question?


Ask us in the comments or on Twitter or Facebook. We'll get you squared away and update what we have accordingly.

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Ohio State 2016 spring game rosters released
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Lots of interesting, young matchups in this year's spring game.

As of April 12th, Ohio State had sold more than 77,000 tickets to the spring game, according to the Dispatch, and looked to be on pace to break the attendance record -- currently set by Ohio State in 2015. Those tickets don't include students, since they get in for free with their OSU ID, or tickets used for recruits, sponsors, etc, so the ticket office anticipates stopping sales when they hit 90,000. With the weather expected to be excellent, and Urban Meyer vying to fill Ohio Stadium with 100,000 fans, the young Buckeyes should have a great environment on Saturday.

Below are the rosters, via Ohio State. There is very little cemented on the depth chart this spring, with so many players leaving for the NFL. Roster moves will be made following Saturday's performances, and some young players might find themselves among the starting lineup.

SCARLET TEAM Roster​

2016 LiFESPORTS Spring Game, Presented by Nationwide​

Scarlet Team Head Coach: Greg Schiano

Assistant Coaches: Larry Johnson, Ed Warinner, Tim Beck

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wg. Cl./Elg. Hometown/High School (Last School)
2 Dontre Wilson*** H-B 5-10 195 Sr./Sr. DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto
3 Damon Arnette CB 6-0 191 So./Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas
4 Curtis Samuel** H-B 5-11 200 Jr./Jr. Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus
5 Johnnie Dixon WR 5-11 194 Jr./So. West Palm Beach, Fla./Dwyer
9 Jashon Cornell DT 6-3 265 So./Fr. St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin-Derham Hall
11 Austin Mack WR 6-2 210 Fr./Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind. / Bishop Luers
13 Stephen Collier QB 6-4 225 Jr./So. Leesburg, Ga./Lee County
13 Rashod Berry DE 6-4 245 So./Fr. Lorain, Ohio / Lorain
14 Joshua Norwood CB 5-10 175 So./Fr. Valdosta, Ga. / Valdosta
16 J.T. Barrett** QB 6-2 225 Sr./Jr. Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider
16 Cam Burrows** SAF 6-0 208 Sr./Jr. Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood Madison
17 Jerome Baker* LB 6-1 215 So./So. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Benedictine
17 C.J. Saunders CB 5-11 173 So./So. Dublin, Ohio / Coffman
19 Eric Glover-Williams SAF 5-9 175 So./So. Canton, Ohio / McKinley
19 Joe Ramstetter WR 6-3 225 Sr./Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder
20 Khaleed Franklin SAF 6-1 215 Sr./Sr. Columbus, Ohio/Beechcroft
20 Mike Weber RB 5-10 215 So./Fr. Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech
21 Parris Campbell* WR 6-1 205 Jr./So. Akron, Ohio / St. Vincent-St. Mary
21 Trevon Forte CB 5-8 175 Jr./Jr. Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney
25 Logan Kelleher CB 5-10 195 Jr./Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio / Moeller
26 Jarrod Barnes SAF 5-11 193 Gr./Sr. Westerville, Ohio/Westerville South
26 Patrick Wise RB 5-10 205 Jr./Jr. Warren, Ohio / Warren G. Harding
29 Alex Craft P/K 6-1 220 Fr./Fr. Kettering, Ohio / Archbishop Alter
30 Jared Drake LB 6-0 220 So./So. Westerville, Ohio / Westerville
30 Tyler Durbin K 6-3 200 Sr./Sr. Fairfax, Va. / Lake Braddock
35 Alex Backenstoe RB 6-1 205 Jr./So. Hilliard, Ohio / Davidson
36 Zach Turnure LB 6-1 235 Sr./Sr. St. Louis, Mo./CBC
38 Craig Fada*** LB 6-1 230 5th/Sr. Columbus,Ohio/Bishop Watterson
42 Darius Slade* DE 6-4 255 Jr./So. Montclair, N.J. / Montclair
44 Aaron Mawhirter LS 6-1 230 Sr./Sr. Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins
44 Guy Ferrelli TE 6-1 245 Sr./Sr. Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Ready
46 CinQuan Haney SAF 6-1 200 Sr./Sr. Dayton, Ohio / Chaminade-Julianne
48 Joe Burger*** LB 6-2 230 5th/Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle
49 Liam McCullough LS 6-2 210 So./Fr. Columbus, Ohio / Worthington Kilbourne
54 Billy Price** OG 6-4 315 Sr./Jr. Austintown, Ohio/Fitch
55 Malik Barrow DT 6-3 287 Fr./Fr. Tampa, Fla. / Catholic & IMG Academy
57 Robert Landers DT 6-1 290 So./Fr. Dayton, Ohio / Huber Heights
58 Joshua Alabi DT 6-5 295 So./Fr. Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech
59 Isaiah Prince* OT 6-7 305 So./So. Greenbelt, Md. / Eleanor Roosevelt
60 Blake Pfenning OL 6-5 305 So./So. Wapakoneta, Ohio / Wapakoneta
65 Pat Elflein*** OC 6-3 300 5th/Sr. Pickerington, Ohio/North
67 Grant Schmidt OL 6-6 300 So./Fr. Sioux Falls, S.D. / Roosevelt
70 Curtis Henry DE 6-0 280 Jr./Jr. Cleveland, Ohio / Glenville
72 Tyler Gerald OL 6-5 330 Fr./Fr. Portsmouth, Ohio / East & IMG Academy
73 Michael Jordan OG 6-7 316 Fr./Fr. Canton, Mich. / Plymouth
74 Jamarco Jones** OT 6-5 310 Jr./Jr. Chicago, Ill. / De La Salle
77 Kevin Feder OT 6-9 305 So./Fr. Ramsey, N.J. / Don Boscoe Prep
78 Demetrius Knox* OG 6-4 305 Jr./So. Fort Worth, Texas / All Saints Episcopal
79 Brady Taylor OC 6-5 300 Jr./So. Columbus, Ohio / Bishop Ready
80 Noah Brown* WR 6-2 222 Jr./So. Flanders, N.J. / Pope John XXIII
82 James Clark* WR 5-10 185 Sr./Jr. New Smyrna Beach, Fla./New Smyrna Beach
85 Marcus Baugh** TE 6-5 255 Sr./Jr. Riverside, Calif./J.W. North
91 Philip Silverman TE 6-0 230 So./So. Cincinnati, Ohio / Sycamore
94 Dylan Thompson DT 6-5 275 Jr./So. Lombard, Ill. / Montini Catholic
95 Cameron Johnston*** P 5-11 195 Sr./Sr. Geelong, Australia/St. Joseph's
96 Sean Nuernberger** K 6-1 220 Jr./Jr. Buckner, Ky./Oldham County H.S.
98 Dominic Garris K 5-11 180 Jr./Jr. Lancaster, Ohio / Bloom Carroll

GRAY TEAM Roster​

2016 LiFESPORTS Spring Game, Presented by Nationwide​

Gray Team Head Coach: Tony Alford

Assistant Coaches: Zach Smith, Kerry Coombs, Greg Studrawa, Luke Fickell

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wg. Cl./Elg. Hometown/High School (Last School)
1 Erick Smith* SAF 6-0 202 Jr./Jr. Cleveland, Ohio / Glenville
2 Marshon Lattimore* CB 6-0 195 Jr./So. Cleveland, Ohio / Glenville
3 Antonio Williams RB 5-11 215 Fr./Fr. New London, N.C. / North Stanly
5 Raekwon McMillan** LB 6-2 240 Jr./Jr. Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County
6 Torrance Gibson WR 6-4 205 So./Fr. Plantation, Fla. / American Heritage
6 Sam Hubbard* DE 6-5 265 Jr./So. Cincinnati, Ohio / Archbishop Moeller
7 Damon Webb** SAF 5-11 193 Jr./Jr. Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech
8 Gareon Conley** CB 6-0 195 Sr./Jr. Massillon, Ohio/Washington
10 Joe Burrow QB 6-3 208 So./Fr. The Plains, Ohio / Athens
10 Jalyn Holmes** DE 6-5 265 Jr./Jr. Norfolk, Va. / Lake Taylor
11 Justin Cook QB 6-3 225 Jr./Jr. Philadelphia, Pa./Western Reserve Academy
12 Denzel Ward* CB 5-11 180 So./So. Macedonia, Ohio / Nordonia
14 K.J. Hill WR 6-0 195 So./Fr. North Little Rock, Ark. / North Little Rock
15 Cameron Howard DB 6-1 203 Sr./Sr. Columbus, Ohio / Gahanna
18 Jonathan Cooper DE 6-3 235 Fr./Fr. Gahanna, Ohio / Lincoln
18 Michael Lawless SAF 6-2 210 Sr./Sr. Dover, Ohio/Tuscarawas Central Catholic
23 Devlin McDaniel WR 5-11 195 Sr./Sr. Marion, Ohio/Marion Pleasant
24 Malik Hooker* SAF 6-2 205 Jr./So. New Castle, Pa. / New Castle
25 Bri'onte Dunn*** RB 6-0 215 5th/Sr. Canton, Ohio/GlenOak
28 Michael Cibene SAF 6-0 185 Sr./Sr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Pine Crest
29 Alex Craft P/K 6-1 220 Fr./Fr. Kettering, Ohio / Archbishop Alter
30 Tyler Durbin K 6-3 200 Sr./Sr. Fairfax, Va. / Lake Braddock
32 Tuf Borland LB 6-1 228 Fr./Fr. Bolingbrook, Ill. / Bolingbrook
32 Elijaah Goins CB 6-1 195 Sr./Sr. Concord, N.C./ Cox Mill
33 Dante Booker** LB 6-3 233 Jr./Jr. Akron, Ohio / St. Vincent-St. Mary
33 Austin Clutter WR 6-0 195 So./So. Geneva, Ohio / Geneva
34 Nick Conner LB 6-3 230 So./Fr. Dublin, Ohio / Scioto
35 Chris Worley** LB 6-2 225 Sr./Jr. Cleveland, Ohio/Glenville
37 Derrick Malone TE 6-4 245 So./So. Dayton, Ohio / Thurgood Marshall
44 Aaron Mawhirter LS 6-1 230 Sr./Sr. Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins
46 Ke'Von Huguely RB 5-9 180 So./So. Dayton, Ohio/Meadowdale
47 Justin Hilliard LB 6-1 230 So./Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio / St. Xavier H.S.
49 Liam McCullough LS 6-2 210 So./Fr. Columbus, Ohio / Worthington Kilbourne
52 Donovan Munger** DT 6-4 300 Sr./Jr. Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights
53 Davon Hamilton DT 6-4 300 So./Fr. Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington Central
56 Matthew Burrell OG 6-4 300 So./Fr. Woodbridge, Va. / Hylton
59 Tyquan Lewis** DE 6-4 260 Sr./Jr. Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro
62 Aaron Parry* OC 6-5 275 Sr./Sr. Zanesville, Ohio/Bishop Rosecrans
63 Kevin Woidke OL 6-6 310 So./So. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Ignatius
69 Brandon Pahl OL 6-2 295 So./So. Cutler, Ohio/Warren
71 Kyle Trout OL 6-6 310 Jr./So. Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster
75 Evan Lisle* OG 6-6 305 Sr./Jr. Centerville, Ohio/Centerville
76 Branden Bowen OT 6-7 320 So./Fr. Draper, Utah / Corner Canyon
77 Michael Hill* DT 6-3 295 Sr./Jr. Pendleton, S.C./Pendleton
83 Terry McLaurin* WR 6-1 200 Jr./So. Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral
84 Corey Smith* WR 6-1 195 6th/Sr Akron, Ohio/Buchtel & East Mississippi C.C.
86 Dre'Mont Jones DT 6-3 280 So./Fr. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Ignatius
87 Alex Stump WR 6-3 202 So./Fr. Avon, Ohio / St. Edward
88 A.J. Alexander TE 6-2 235 So./Fr. Burke, Va. / Lake Braddock
93 Tracy Sprinkle* DT 6-3 290 Sr./Jr. Elyria, Ohio/Elyria
95 Cameron Johnston*** P 5-11 195 Sr./Sr. Geelong, Australia/St. Joseph's
96 Sean Nuernberger** K 6-1 220 Jr./Jr. Buckner, Ky./Oldham County H.S.
98 Dominic Garris K 5-11 180 Jr./Jr. Lancaster, Ohio / Bloom Carroll

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Script Ohio: Ohio State Spring Game Preview and Roundtable
Joe Dexter via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Joe Dexter and Clair Crawford are joined by Shannon Sommers and Chuck Strawn to discuss all things spring game and what fans should expect on Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

The post Script Ohio: Ohio State Spring Game Preview and Roundtable appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Ohio State baseball to welcome Rutgers to Columbus for the first time in Big Ten play
Ben Martens via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeyes host the Scarlet Knights in an extremely important Big Ten series.

The Ohio State baseball team is playing just its third Big Ten series of the season, yet it feels like a must-sweep situation. The Buckeyes are currently 2-4 in conference play, good for a tie for 10th place, and have a tough schedule the final month of the season that includes trips to Illinois and Minnesota and home series against Iowa and Michigan. Without a sweep this weekend against visiting Rutgers, Ohio State's chances of securing a berth in the Big Ten tournament will take a serious hit.

It's not all doom and gloom for the Buckeyes, but last weekend's sweep at the hands of Maryland put a spotlight on many of the things that have caused the team to struggle throughout the season. Failure to take advantage of opportunities with timely hitting, defensive miscues that lead to unearned runs, and a bullpen that has been inconsistent in holding leads proved to be Ohio State's undoing against the Terrapins, and could keep the team from the Big Ten tournament if they continue.

The one constant from the Buckeyes in 2016 has been how solid the starting rotation has performed, and last weekend was a good example. Tanner Tully, John Havird, and Ryan Feltner, who filled in for the injured Adam Niemeyer, allowed just three earned runs and notched a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20.1 innings of work.

That sort of pitching should be good enough to win at least one ballgame, but the Ohio State bats were stymied to the tune of a collective .140 batting average and 23 strikeouts.

The Buckeyes still lead the Big Ten in doubles, home runs, and runs batted in despite the ineptitude in College Park, and this weekend's opponent, Rutgers, ranks near the bottom of the conference in a plethora of pitching statistics.

Ohio State has a chance to put up runs in bunches and get itself back on track against the Scarlet Knights, and needs to seize the opportunity, lest the uphill battle to reach Omaha and a sixth consecutive conference tournament appearance becomes too steep.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-17, 2-4 in Big Ten play)


Rutgers may be the black hole of the Big Ten when it comes to football and men's basketball, but the baseball program appears to be in capable hands under third year head coach Joe Litterio. The team is averaging just under six runs per game, has a veteran core, and has held its own against some top-notch competition this season.

At the plate, senior catcher R.J. Devish leads the way, the fourth-leading hitter in the conference with a .406 average. Devish also leads the Big Ten with a .540 on-base percentage from his leadoff spot and is second with 17 stolen bases.

In the middle of the lineup, senior first baseman Chris Suseck and junior right fielder Rob Marcinczyk pace the production. Marcinczyk leads the Scarlet Knights with eight doubles, two triples, four home runs, 26 RBIs, and a .463 slugging percentage out of the cleanup spot. Suseck, who generally hits third in the order, is hitting .297 with a pair of homers and 25 runs driven in.

The weekend rotation also features some experience, with senior lefty Howie Brey enjoying his best collegiate season as the Friday starter. Brey is 3-3 with a 2.82 earned run average, limits the opposition to a .248 average, and has an impressive 5.33-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Following Brey are a couple of big right-handers in junior Kyle Driscoll and sophomore John O'Reilly. Driscoll, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 240 pounds, is 3-3 and also limits opponents to a .248 batting average. Where the Toms River, New Jersey native has struggled is in issuing 33 walks in 40.1 innings, nearly as many free passes as strikeouts.

O'Reilly, no slouch himself at 6-foot-5, threw 60 innings as a freshman last season, and is in his first full season as a member of the rotation. In 40 innings, he is 0-2 and has been hit around to the tune of a .289 opposition average and a 5.40 ERA.

The lefty-righty combo of Max Hermann and Reed Shuttle have been Litterio's most trusted relievers, with each already having made over ten appearances and saving three games.

Game times and probable pitching matchups


Friday, April 15th, 6:35 p.m. ET (streaming live on BTN Plus)

Tully (4-2, 2.49 ERA) vs. Brey (3-3, 2.82)

Saturday, April 16th, 3:05 p.m. ET

Havird (2-1, 3.21) vs. Driscoll (3-3, 4.02)

Sunday, April 17th, 1:05 p.m. ET (streaming live on BTN Plus)

TBD vs. O'Reilly (0-2, 5.40)

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OSUWBB: Ameryst Alston Selected in WNBA Draft
Charles via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


While it doesn’t get the same amount of hype and attention as the NFL draft, the WNBA draft is still a big deal for senior women’s basketball players each year as they wait to see if they hear their name called, allowing them to continue to play the game they loved. Yesterday was the 2016 draft and Ohio State senior Ameryst Alston was one of those eagerly waiting to hear her name called. While she had to wait a bit, her patience paid off as she heard her name called as the last pick in the second round, 24th overall, as she was selected by the New York Liberty (above image courtesy of Ohio State athletics).

The New York Liberty won the East Division last year and made it to the semifinals of the playoffs before falling to Indiana two games to one in a best of three series. The Liberty are coached by Bill Laimbeer who has won 3 WNBA titles and been named WNBA coach of the year twice; Laimbeer is also famous for having been an All-Star with the Detroit Pistons whose jersey was retired in the Motor City. Alston will not be the only Buckeye in New York as OSU legend Katie Smith is an assistant coach for the Liberty.

New York features a solid front court with center Tina Charles and forward Swin Cash but are weaker in the backcourt with Epiphanny Prince, former Rutgers star, the only guard averaging double figures in scoring and one of only two guards averaging more than 20 minutes per game on the court. This suggests that there will be plenty of opportunity for Alston to see playing time and make an ipact and the solid Liberty front court should mean that opposing defense focus on her less than they did at Ohio State.

Alston is the 12th Buckeye to be drafted into the WNBA and the first since Tayler Hill in 2013. Hill currently plays for the Washington Mystics where she has emerged as a consistent outside threat. The other Buckeye currently playing in the WNBA is OSU great Jantel Lavender who was an All-Star with Los Angeles Sparks last season.

The post OSUWBB: Ameryst Alston Selected in WNBA Draft appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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