Thad Matta conveys support for former Ohio State assistant John Groce
Grant Freking via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State's head man is proud of the resiliency shown by Groce, a former protege of Matta's who guided Illinois on a surprising run in the Big Ten Tournament.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Though his job appears to be safe for at least one more season, John Groce referenced the phrase "fresh start" three times on Thursday afternoon after his Illinois Fighting Illini stunned the free-falling Iowa Hawkeyes in the No. 12-No. 5 matchup in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.

It's been a rough 36 months for the former longtime assistant to Ohio State coach Thad Matta, as Groce's program, in large part due to injury attrition, has underperformed over the past three seasons. Following the Buckeyes' victory over Penn State on Thursday evening, Matta showed his support for Groce.

"There's nobody that is going to outwork John," Matta said. "There is nobody that is going to do it the right way the way John does."

In 2012-13, Groce's initial season in Champaign, Illinois reached the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32. But over the next two seasons, the Fighting Illini went 20-15 and 19-14, qualifying for the NIT in both years. This season has been a serious disappointment, and even with Illinois' startling run to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, the Fighting Illini own a 15-19 record, the program's first year under .500 since the 2007-08 campaign.

It comes as no surprise that Matta would stand up for his former assistant -- from 2000-08, Groce was by Matta's side for Matta's head coaching stops at Butler, Xavier, and Ohio State -- but Matta also isn't wrong: the Fighting Illini have waded through an absurd amount of injuries over the last two seasons.


Guard Tracy Abrams, the team's second-leading scorer in 2013-14, has missed the past two seasons with a torn ACL and a torn Achilles. In January of 2015, guard Rayvonte Rice, the team's leading scorer in 2013-14 and 2014-15, broke his hand in January and missed nine games.

The injuries have continued in 2015-16. After averaging over 13 points and eight rebounds per game through the Fighting Illini's first seven games, fifth-year senior center Mike Thorne Jr. tore the meniscus in his right knee in late November. Thorne Jr. returned for the team's Jan 19. encounter against Indiana, but hasn't played since, and the program will attempt to secure a medical hardship wavier so Thorne Jr. can suit up next season. Second-leading scorer Kendrick Nunn was absent for seven contests this year because of a thumb injury. Forward Leron Black suffered a knee injury in December, and then was suspended indefinitely from the team in late February for allegedly pulling a knife on a nightclub bouncer. Guards Jalen Coleman-Lands (stress fracture) and Jaylon Tate (concussion) missed time earlier in the season.

"I think that John is doing a great job there," Matta said. "I have always said that [former Northwestern coach] Bill Carmody to me was maybe the most unluckiest coach I have ever seen in the Big Ten in terms of injuries and the time that the injuries happened."


Last Saturday -- the same day new Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman fired football coach Bill Cubit -- Whitman offered Groce a quasi-vote of confidence, saying that Groce would "continue" as Illinois' coach. It's clear Whitman isn't afraid to act -- with former NFL coach Lovie Smith waiting in the wings, Whitman terminated Cubit during his first day on the job -- but it appears that Groce has bought himself at least another year.

It perhaps came as no surprise then that the Fighting Illini played some of their best basketball of the season -- with Friday's 89-58 setback to Purdue being the clear outlier -- after word arrived that Groce's job was secure for at least another year. And there is plenty of hope, as Illinois stands to return six of the team's top seven players in terms of minutes played in 2016-17, including Malcolm Hill, Nunn, and Coleman-Lands, the team's top three scorers this year.

"We have stayed positive through all of this. We have. And I always tell them, there's a positive dog and a negative dog inside of each of us. And the one that comes out is the one that you feed the most. And our guys have chosen to feed the positive dog," Groce said on Thursday. "And because of that, I think they have been able to persevere. And like I said earlier, I'm glad for them, more than anyone that they have been able to do that and get validation here with some good play here the last couple of days."

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Ohio State football | 22 former Buckeyes aim to impress at pro day - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | 22 former Buckeyes aim to impress at pro day
Columbus Dispatch
Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer said he was impressed by Jones' performance. “I was worried about it because the hamstring is a big part of throwing the ball,” he said. “He's been getting treatment, and he's been handling himself like a pro. I'm very proud ...

and more »

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OSU Pro Day Recap and Reactions
Brandon Zimmerman via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Today was a big day in Columbus as 22 former Buckeyes where on stage to perform in front of an estimated 133 NFL representatives. Many of those players were looking to improve on their NFL combine numbers. Let’s take a look around the Twitterverse and see how things went:



The Minister of Buckeye News, Jerry Emig, was up and at it early promoting the massive event which involved coverage by ESPN, NFL Network, and the BTN.





It was a huge day for Joey Bosa as he looked to improve on his combine numbers where he was admittedly disappointed in those numbers. Let’s see how he did.

His brother, future Buckeye starting defensive linemen Nick Bosa, showed up sporting Tennessee Titans gear. The Titans have the #1 pick in the draft.



As far as workout numbers, Bosa impressed.



The 28 reps were four more than he did at the combine.



This improved 40 time should definitely solidify Bosa into the Top-5.

Braxton Miller and Mike Thomas had a great all-around day and made some money.















A few personal observations:

• Bosa participated in LB drills and looked pretty good. He definitely won’t be confused with Darron Lee but he moved well and caught every ball thrown his way.
• It was unfortunate to hear about Adolphus Washington hurting his hamstring during the 40. He really needed to boost his stock today.
• DT Joel Hale worked out with the offensive linemen and was the center for Cardale Jones.
• Vonn Bell, who didn’t run at the Combine, ran a very solid unofficial 4.50.
• The NFL Network had a lot of trouble with player’s names. I guess having them on the back of the jersey was not enough.
• Vannett continues to impress me. He looks so smooth and catches everything. Some team is going to get a steal with him.
• I’d be curious to see what Lee weighed in today at. It is remarkable how much muscle he has put on.
• Cardale looked solid throwing the ball. He was off a few times but most of the time he had great zip and accuracy.
• Ezekiel Elliott looked very good catching the ball. I think a team is going to take him very early in the draft and be very happy. There is nothing he can’t do.

The post OSU Pro Day Recap and Reactions appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Watch Ohio State players run their 40-yard dashes at the Buckeyes Pro Day - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch Ohio State players run their 40-yard dashes at the Buckeyes Pro Day
cleveland.com
Above is a video of each Ohio State football player running their 40, which gives you a unique perspective of what it was like inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center during the busiest Pro Day in Buckeyes history. Ohio State had 22 total players ...
Ohio State Pro Day: Meyer talks NFL-bound Buckeyes247Sports
Ohio State Pro Day Primer: 22 Buckeyes Set For Public Job ...Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football | Workout could make or break NFL hopes ...Columbus Dispatch
NFL.com -Scout
all 28 news articles »

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Cardale Jones finally threw for scouts while Adolphus Washington had a set back at Ohio State's pro day
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Woody Hayes Athletic Center was filled with NFL, media and family members for the 2016 pro day.

There were over 130 NFL scouts and representatives from all 32 teams on hand Friday during Ohio State's Pro Day -- up from 76 last year -- including NFL head coaches Mike Tomlin, Mavin Lewis, Sean Payton. Twenty-two former Buckeye players showcased their talent in hopes of landing a spot in the NFL. A record fourteen Ohio State players were invited to the official NFL Draft Combine last month, and this was a chance for the others to show their prospective worth.

Of the 22 Buckeyes participating, only 13 ran the 40-yard dash, including Adolphus Washington (who aggravated his hamstring on his second attempt), Joey Bosa, Jalin Marshall, Michael Thomas and Braxton Miller, who all tried for a better number than they ran at the combine. Nick Vannett and Vonn Bell ran for the first time, having missed the 40-yard dash drill in Indy, and Jeff Greene, Kato Mitchell, Chris Fong, Chase Farris, Joel Hale and Jeffie Johnson ran for their first time in front of scouts.

2014 players


Two players who came back for a second go at their pro day workouts are Curtis Grant (LB) and Steve Miller (DE). Despite getting a taste of life in the League, this duo didn't land on a team for the 2015 season and were hoping to once again show scouts they can be successful at the next level.

Grant signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2015, was waived in August, and signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in mid-December. He had a good showing at last year's pro day, running a 4.65 and 4.7 second 40-yard dash with a 36" vertical jump and 10'5" brad jump. Grant had a good showing at this year's event, participating in the linebacker position drills with Joshua Perry and Darron Lee.

My analysis from last year's workout:


Steve Miller also signed as an undrafted free agent last year with the Carolina Panthers. He was waived in late-August and missed the teams Super Bowl run with five other Buckeyes on roster. Last year, Miller ran a slower 5.01 40-yard dash, and while he did skip the running portion of workouts this year, joined in on the position drills.

My take on his strength last year:

2015 players


There were six Ohio State seniors who didn't earn invites to the NFL Combine, and are hoping their workout at pro day was enough to stick out, including: Jeff Greene (WR), Joel Hale (OL), Chase Farris (OL), Chris Fong (DE), Jeffie Johnson (RB) and Kato Mitchell (WR).

Jeff Greene and Kato Mitchell both did all of the field and position drills for the day. Greene made a few leaping catches as the target of a Cardale Jones throw, and was able to show his speed down the line. Greene also impressed in the 40-yard dash, timed around 4.72-4.75 on his first attempt. Mitchell, too, was quick off the line, but doesn't have the height Greene does to stick out as a pro receiver; he did however, catch the ball with his hands and not his body, and showed good technique in his route running.

Joel Hale and Chase Farris did the offensive lineman drills alongside Taylor Decker. Farris showed good ability to dig in and hold up the defender, in one instance stopping Decker in his tracks. He had quick feet too when putting pressure across the line, driving Decker back several yards. Hale was a little bigger than the rest of the group, and wasn't quite as dynamic as the others. Defensive end Chris Fong struggled a little bit during the 3-cone drill and shuttle runs, losing his feet once and slipping on a directional change.

Combine attendees


Fourteen Buckeyes headlined the 2016 NFL Combine, Vonn Bell and Nick Vannett were the only players to bypass the 40-yard dash -- Bell due to injury -- and several other players only participated in certain drills. Pro day allowed these players to re-try their hand at anything they missed last time they were in front of scouts.

Cardale Jones missed throwing at the combine when he hurt his hamstring during the 40-yard dash, and was excited to show scouts what he can do with his arm. He had a great showing Friday, as accuracy on 20-30 yard passes came easily for the quarterback, but did struggle near the end zone. Ezekiel Elliott called Jones' arm a cannon following one pass that sailed several yards over Braxton Miller's head down field.

Zeke only took part in some of the receiving drills to show scouts that he has better hands than what he displayed at the combine. He caught passes effortlessly at pro day and showed that burst of speed after the catch that can be so deadly for defenses. He can be a threat on the outside, and proved that Friday.

Braxton Miller was another receiver who tested well in front of the inordinate amount of spectators. This shouldn't be all too surprising given what he's shown at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, but consistency during a game will be what allows him to keep a job in the NFL, long after Draft Day.

Wideout Michael Thomas had yet another impressive performance. He proved to be a solid pick during his combine workouts, but at pro day looked even faster and sharper. His speed was impressive, but he also shows great awareness for where he is compared to the ball. He runs a clean route, but can also adjust to be sure to make the catch.

Jalin Marshall tried to prove again that coming out early was a smart decision. He told me that attending the Combine was a dream come true, but the workout at Ohio State was a lot more comfortable. He showed great awareness for where he was on the field, and was sure to stay inbounds and run down the line on every reception.

Nick Vannett has been a sleeping giant since the Senior Bowl. At the past few events leading up the NFL Draft, Vannett has shown scouts that in addition to the blocking skills he showcased at Ohio State, he has great catching ability, and the speed needed to be a tight end in the League. He might not be a first or second day draft pick, but if he falls further than that, someone is getting a real steal.

Defensive end Joey Bosa is nasty when it comes time to hit the bags. He's agile around the corners and then buries them in the ground. In addition to his own position drills, he took part in the linebacker drills, and showcased his ability to read a pass and make the catch. He has good hands for the ball and didn't miss a beat.

NFL sightings

• Doug Worthington of the Rams was in the stands at pro day. He unofficially timed the 40-yard dashes from the bleachers, and even got in a workout --clad in Rams gear -- before heading out for the day.
• Buffalo Bills quarterback coach was seen talking to Cardale Jones, and John DeFillipo from the Eagles specifically was interested in Jones' end zone drills.
• Taylor Decker spoke to the offensive line coaches for the Patriots and Steelers, along with Mike Tomlin.
• Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made the rounds with the defenders and their families, taking time to speak to Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell's family.
• A rep for the Detroit Lions went up and spoke to Joshua Perry and his family following positions drills.

Total list of all participants:

Senior Player Taylor Decker Underclassmen
Eli Apple"]">Eli Apple Michael Thomas"]">Michael Thomas 2014 Senior
Curtis Grant
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Here are a few articles that I have written projecting the depth chart for both the offense and the defense next season. Let me know what you all think

Offense: http://thearmchairallamericans.com/...hio-states-2016-football-depth-chart-offense/

Defense: http://thearmchairallamericans.com/...hio-states-2016-football-depth-chart-defense/

Script Ohio: Vince McKee talks “Cleveland’s Finest”
Joe Dexter via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Which former Ohio State Buckeye would be the best fit for the Cleveland Browns? Vince McKee, the author of “Cleveland’s Finest: Sports Heroes From the Greatest Location in the Nation” to discuss it with Joe Dexter.

Plus, more from McKee’s Book on Cleveland’s finest teams.

The post Script Ohio: Vince McKee talks “Cleveland’s Finest” appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Ohio State baseball heads to Vegas looking for answers
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 baseball Bucks have been struggling. Can they turn things around against UNLV?

Three weekends are in the books for the Ohio State baseball team, or roughly 20 percent of the season, and the team is still searching for an identity. After a 1-2 weekend at the Snowbird Classic in Port Charlotte, Florida, the Buckeyes' 6-4-1 overall record seems about right for a squad that has yet to find any real consistency at the plate or on the mound.

"We have not found ourselves, not at all," head coach Greg Beals said in an interview with Press Pros Magazine.

One reason for the shaky start has been the inconsistent performance of several players that entered the season as major cogs in both the lineup and the pitching rotation. Chief among them are outfielders Troy Montgomery and Ronnie Dawson and Saturday starter Adam Niemeyer.

Montgomery, a preseason All-American, missed three games two weekends ago while in the concussion protocol, and struggled in his return at the Snowbird, going 1-for-11 at the plate. On the season, the Indiana native is hitting .233 with just one stolen base.

Dawson just had an eight-game hitting streak snapped, but is still only hitting .250 and went 2-for-12 last weekend. For Ohio State's offense to really get rolling, its talented outfielders need to break out of their slumps.

Niemeyer has had some rough outings. While the redshirt sophomore has displayed superb command, striking out 17 and walking just two in his three starts, an earned run average of 4.76, a WHIP of 1.24, and an opposition batting average of .271 show that hitters have been able to make solid contact and put runs on the board.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that the most productive Buckeye this season is at risk of missing the next several games. Right fielder Jacob Bosiokovic, who has been tattooing the ball to the tune of a .325 batting average, five home runs, 13 RBIs, and a 1.179 OPS, pulled a hamstring in Sunday's loss to Boston College.

All of this is not to say that no one on Ohio State's roster is performing. Friday start Tanner Tully has shown a return to the form that earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2014, going 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his three starts. Co-captains Nick Sergakis and Jalen Washington are also having a positive impact. Sergakis is hitting .381 and just had a nine-game hitting streak snapped, while Washington is hitting .294 and throwing out 50 percent of would-be base stealers from his catcher position.

As Ohio State tries to figure out what kind of team it will be moving forward in the season, they head west for a stern test in the desert against UNLV. Let's take a look at what to expect from the Rebels.

UNLV Rebels (5-6, Mountain West Conference)


UNLV (which coincidentally also refers to itself as the scarlet and gray) has faced similar struggles to Ohio State this season. Both at the plate and on the mound, the Rebels are still searching for consistency.

The team is hitting an anemic .223 and averaging under four runs a ballgame. Left fielder Payton Squier has been the lone bright spot offensively. The sophomore from Phoenix has a .429 batting average and a .919 OPS.

What little power has been generated by the UNLV lineup has come from first baseman Corey Pool and second baseman Justin Jones. Pool is hitting .250 with a home run and a team-leading nine runs batted in. Jones leads the team with two homers and places second with eight RBIs, but is batting a meager .186.

The Rebel pitching staff has not had much more success, collectively sporting an earned run average of 5.40, a 1.50 WHIP, and a .285 opponents' batting average. The result is a team that has been outscored nearly 2-to-1 through its first 11 games.

Friday starter D.J. Myers has been the most reliable arm on the staff, with a 3.86 ERA, .242 opposing batting average, and 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Beyond Myers, though, UNLV's hurlers have had their struggles.

Saturday starter Dean Kremer carries a WHIP of just 1.11 and holds the opposition to a .246 average, but his ERA of 5.29 in 17 innings of work suggests that when he is hit, he's hit hard. Sunday starter Kenny Oakley, a preseason all-conference selection in the Mountain West, has not fared much better. The righty is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and astronomical .333 opponents' average.

Despite the statistical woes, though, the Rebels are on a three-game winning streak. They also took two of three games against the Buckeyes in Columbus last season, although the entire series was decided by a total of five runs. Ohio State needs to rebound from last weekend's disappointing performance and start building momentum before heading back to Bill Davis Stadium for the home opener next week, and a series win in Vegas would be a solid start in that direction.

Game times and probable pitching matchups


Friday, Mar. 11, 9:05 p.m. ET

Tully (2-0, 2.70 ERA) vs. Myers (0-0, 3.86)

Saturday, Mar. 12, 5:05 p.m. ET

Niemeyer (0-1, 4.76) vs. Kremer (0-1, 5.29)

Sunday, Mar. 13, 4:05 p.m. ET

John Havird (0-1, 4.68) vs. Oakley (1-2, 4.76)

Tuesday, Mar. 15, 9:05 p.m. ET

Ryan Feltner (0-1, 3.09) vs. TBD

All four games of the series will be available for live streaming here.

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OSU's Schiano talks coaching Buckeyes, new contract - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


OSU's Schiano talks coaching Buckeyes, new contract
Dayton Daily News
Almost everything is new this spring in the Ohio State Buckeyes secondary — even one of the coaches. After two years as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two years out of professional coaching, Greg Schiano is back in the game coaching ...
Ohio State football | Greg Schiano's contract finalizedColumbus Dispatch
Ohio State could place five players in first round of draftNFL.com
Ohio State Football: Coordinators Talk Spring Practice - Scout.comScout
Eleven Warriors -247Sports
all 24 news articles »

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Meyer talks NFL-bound Buckeyes from Pro Day - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer talks NFL-bound Buckeyes from Pro Day
247Sports
Ohio State is holding its annual Pro Day and there's a good chance that the event may be the most-hyped of its type in history. Over 130 NFL personnel members representing all 32 teams have come to check out 22 Buckeyes working out. The NFL Network is ...
Ohio State Pro Day Primer: 22 Buckeyes Set For Public Job Interview With NFL BrassEleven Warriors
Ohio State football | Workout could make or break NFL hopes ...Columbus Dispatch

all 12 news articles »

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Watch Ezekiel Elliott make a one-handed catch while talking on a cellphone
Luke Zimmermann via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


No he didn't.

We already know Ezekiel Elliott is a special athlete and perhaps the most complete running back to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson. He could go as high as fourth overall to the Dallas Cowboys in next month's 2016 NFL Draft.

Now we know Zeke has a particularly special skill that enables him to multitask with the best of them. Cell phone blowing up while you're at Ohio State's Pro Day? No problem:


Sorry, Coach Meyer.

Oh and Odell Beckham Jr.? The bar's been raised.

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Ohio State Pro Day Primer: 22 Buckeyes Set For Public Job Interview With NFL Brass - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Pro Day Primer: 22 Buckeyes Set For Public Job Interview With NFL Brass
Eleven Warriors
The onslaught of coverage on the Woody Hayes Athletic Center isn't a surprise. The Buckeyes sent 14 players to the NFL Combine last month, four more than the school with the second-most representation and five more than the team that won the College ...
OSU's Schiano talks coaching Buckeyes, new contractMyDaytonDailyNews
Ohio State football | Greg Schiano's contract finalizedColumbus Dispatch
Ohio State could place five players in first round of draftNFL.com
Scout -247Sports
all 26 news articles »

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Meyer talks NFL-bound Buckeyes from Pro Day - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer talks NFL-bound Buckeyes from Pro Day
247Sports
Ohio State is holding its annual Pro Day and there's a good chance that the event may be the most-hyped of its type in history. Over 130 NFL personnel members representing all 32 teams have come to check out 22 Buckeyes working out. The NFL Network is ...


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Track Friday’s Big Ten men’s tourney quarterfinals
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

The quarterfinals are here. Four games today, including two night matchups on BTN/BTN2Go. First off today: No. 8 seed Michigan takes on Indiana and then No. 12 seed Illinois faces Purdue. Track those games on our live scoreboard. Tonight on BTN: No. 7 seed Ohio State vs. No. 2 seed Michigan State (watch live on BTN2Go) at 6:30 p.m. ET, then No. 11 seed Nebraska vs. No. 3 seed Maryland (watch live on BTN2Go). Bookmark our Big Ten tourney central page for a running account of the tourney. SCORES | BRACKET (PDF)| STORIES | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | VIDEO Tonight on BTN, “The

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Men's basketball | Buckeyes, Wolverines find themselves in same boat - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Men's basketball | Buckeyes, Wolverines find themselves in same boat
Columbus Dispatch
Michigan State won both meetings during the regular season in routs, so the Buckeyes will have their hands full if they want their season to continue. "We're trying to get these guys to understand, they've never been in this situation before in a ...
Buckeyes need big weekend in Indianapolis247Sports
Big Ten Tournament Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Buckeyes Start Time, Betting Odds, Free PickPregame.com
What time, which channel is the Ohio State vs. Michigan State Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal on?cleveland.com
OSU - The Lantern
all 76 news articles »

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Position by Position Recruiting Summary – Quarterbacks
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

Over the next few posts, I’m going to break down the Buckeyes’ current lineup position-by-position and discuss how the recruiting process could potentially change the picture. Today I’ll start with the leader on offense: the quarterback.

The QB position should be in good hands for the next one or two seasons if JT Barrett decides to complete his four years at Ohio State. If he comes back after his junior season, then we’ll have a senior quarterback in 2017, but if he doesn’t, then the Buckeyes will have to break in a new starter. Right now the depth chart would be:

1.) JT Barrett – Junior (RS)

2.) Joey Burrow – Freshman (RS)

3.) Stephen Collier – Sophomore (RS)

4.) Dwayne Haskins – Freshman

Haskins has the opportunity to move up when he gets on campus this summer if he does well in workouts and fall camp, but right now I’m leaving him at 4th on the depth chart. If he fails to pass Burrow for the back-up job I can see Haskins taking a red-shirt this season giving himself another year without Barrett at the helm. Burrow and Collier have both been in the program for at least a season, but neither has thrown a meaningful pass for the Buckeyes. Last season, Ohio State had an abundance of riches at the QB position, but Cardale Jones’ departure to the NFL leaves the Buckeyes with a lack of experience at the position. That’s concerning if Barrett were to go down with an injury, but here is where successful recruiting comes in to play.

Let’s look at potential recruiting classes for the next couple of years.

Danny Clark from Archbishop Hoban HS in Massillion, Ohio, has led the 2017 recruiting class since his commitment back in December of 2013. He’s been on campus dozens of times and has been a vocal recruiter for the Buckeyes for the 2017 class. Recently there’s been talk of possibly adding a second signal caller to this class. Scholarship numbers are tight this year, so it might be hard to squeeze another QB into this class, but if Urban & Co. decide there’s a need, they’ll find a way. Hypothetically speaking, if one of the current QBs on the roster decides to transfer before next season, then the Buckeyes would be able to take another quarterback in 2017. Right now, Ohio State doesn’t have any offers out to other quarterbacks in this class, but that could certainly change over the next 11 months. It’ll be interesting to see if the Buckeyes decide to take two in this class, but I still think they’ll stick with Clark and ride it out until 2018.

The 2017 Depth Chart Projection:

1.) JT Barrett – Senior (RS)

2.) Dwayne Haskins – Freshman (RS)

3.) Joey Burrow – Sophomore (RS)

4.) Danny Clark – Freshman

5.) Stephen Collier – Junior (RS)

Most teams take at least one QB a year regardless of their depth, so the Buckeyes will certainly be on the lookout for a QB in 2018. As of now, Ohio State has extended offers to Phil Jurkovec out of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania and Jalen Mayden out of Sachse, Texas. Jurkovec currently holds 11 offers from the likes of Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Penn State. He’s a dual-threat QB who passed for 2,560 yards and ran for 1,250 yards in his sophomore season at Pine-Richland. Mayden is a four-star recruit who holds offers from Houston, Mississippi State, and Oregon State among others. Mayden’s sophomore season ended with 2,496 passing yards and 513 rushing yards for a total of 36 touchdowns. Another one to watch is Tadas Tatarunas from Mentor, Ohio, who currently lists Ohio State as a school he has interest in, but he hasn’t received an offer yet.

The 2018 Depth Chart Projection:

1.) Dwayne Haskins – Sophomore (RS)

2.) Danny Clark – Freshman (RS)

3.) Joey Burrow – Junior (RS)

4.) Stephen Collier – Senior (RS)

Urban Meyer always says the quarterback is “only as good as the players around him,” but the Buckeyes need a guy who can distribute the ball effectively and run the offense efficiently if they want to have any success on offense. Right now the future looks good with Barrett running the helm and preparing the younger kids to take over when he leaves. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of recruiting cycles though.




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Making The List: Aris Franklin
jcollingsworth via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Today’s ‘Making the List’ addresses an issue we all have let get past us. I am specifically speaking of the Men’s Tennis Team. They are #4 in the Nation with an astonishing record of 15-1. So why aren’t we paying attention?

That just may be my next mission before their Conference play begins on 03/25 against the Spartans of *ichigan State and ends on 04/24/16.

But don’t let me get side-tracked.

I am talking of one of the pioneer champions in single and doubles. A student at The Ohio State University from 1943-46 Aris Franklin was instrumental in the Buckeyes winning their second Big Ten Title and their first outright claim to the throne following the 1943 season.

Franklin, on an individual note, swept the Big Ten Tournament in the singles and doubles titles in 1943. It would be the first time that a player for The Ohio State University had accomplished such a feat since 1936 when Benjamin Jack had done it. After winning the doubles championship in 1944 with Thomas Mitchell, Franklin returned in 1945 with his brother Alex Franklin for his second-consecutive league doubles crown.

Aris did not have the wins totals that come with players today. In the four years that he was at The Ohio State University the Buckeyes would have the following records: ’43: 6-1; ’44: 6-2; ’45: 6-1; & in ’46: 8-3. As I mentioned in the opening of this piece the current Buckeyes – 4th in the Nation are 15-1 with plenty of play remaining. The 2015 team ended the season with a 27-9 record. With many more matches played in recent years, comparisons in numbers are hardly likely in the time Aris was a star for the Buckeyes.

In 1943, he would serve as the Team Captain.

In 1997 The Ohio State University Athletics Hall of Fame inducted him. In 1998 the Summit County Athletic Hall of Fame did likewise.

Franklin would continue to standout as his life progressed. He graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in biological sciences in 1944 before earning his medical degree in 1948. He would eventually become The Chief of Residents at The Ohio State University Medical Center, which we all know now is called the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University. He would continue his lustrous career in 1951 and 1952, becoming an emeritus at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital.

Residing in Bath, Ohio, Franklin helped pioneer diagnostic imaging at Akron General Hospital (1957-2002). Having produced several published works; Franklin was a diplomat for the American Board of Radiology and was a member of the Summit County Medical Society Executive Board for 30 years and member of the Summit County Advisory Committee.

Dr. Franklin isn’t with us anymore but his talents as a Buckeye athlete certainly makes note for his right in Making the List. His life thereafter also serves as an example of Great Buckeyes moving on and doing well for themselves and their communities.

The post Making The List: Aris Franklin appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – CB Preview
Chip Minnich 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

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

6th – Cornerback

Player Lost – Eli Apple. Apple declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, giving up two years of eligibility. While Apple did not have as strong a season in 2015 as he did in 2014, Apple was well-regarded by the Ohio State coaching staff.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Gareon Conley (Redshirt Junior), Damon Webb (Junior), Marshon Lattimore (Redshirt Sophomore), Denzel Ward (Sophomore), Eric Glover-Williams (Sophomore), Damon Arnette (Redshirt Freshman), Joshua Norwood (Redshirt Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Gareon Conley is a returning starter at one cornerback. Conley demonstrated throughout the course of the 2015 season that he was quite capable at handling the position – in 2014, at Michigan State, Conley struggled, requiring Apple to come off the bench and play, despite Apple battling an injury at the time. In many respects, Conley had a better 2015 season than Apple.

· The other cornerback position seems to be suiting up to be a battle between Damon Webb, Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, and Eric Glover-Williams. Webb was suspended for part of 2015, but played in nickel coverage when the suspension was lifted. It is possible Webb could also get a look at one of the vacant safety spots. Lattimore has battled injuries in both 2014 and 2015 – will Lattimore’s hamstring injuries allow him to remain in the mix as a possible starter? Denzel Ward and Eric Glover-Williams both played as true freshmen in 2015, primarily on special teams. Ward has been mentioned by Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer as a possible starter at the vacant cornerback spot. Glover-Williams was running at one of the safety spots, as spring practice began.

· Neither Damon Arnette nor Joshua Norwood have played so far as Buckeyes. Both players redshirted in 2015. Both Arnette and Norwood will want to use the spring practices to their advantage, as…

· Reinforcements are on the way, but will not arrive until the summer. Ohio State signed five defensive backs in the 2016 recruiting class (Rodjay Burns, Wayne Davis, Kareem Felder, Jordan Fuller, Jahsen Wint). Of these five, only Wint has been listed as a safety. It is entirely possible one of these players could get a look at the cornerback position, depending upon how the spring practices shake out.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State spring practice began on March 8th.




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How to watch Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Preview, game time, live streaming online
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


It's time for round three between the Buckeyes and the Spartans.

Ohio State lives to see another night, after knocking off Penn State in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday night. The Buckeyes edged out the Nittany Lions by a score of 79-75, thanks to big games from JaQuan Lyle and Marc Loving. Lyle put up a double-double consisting of 22 points and 10 rebounds, with five assists. Loving continued his hot streak, scoring 24 points, and coming up big at the free throw line, knocking down 13-of-15 attempts. Against the Spartans, those two will need similar, if not better performances.

A win would be monumental for the Buckeyes, to say the least. They were able to secure another 20-win season for Thad Matta, and that's good, but the focus is on getting to the next round of the Big Ten Tournament. A victory over Michigan State would not only advance them, but put one impressive win on that NCAA Tournament resume. Without it, the Buckeyes have little to no chance. But, if they are able to knock off the Spartans, it could be just the thing to possibly spark a fire in the Buckeyes, who are missing a key piece in forward Jae'Sean Tate.

The Buckeyes are facing a Michigan State team that is considered to be one of the better ones in the nation, even in this year where it appears it's completely wide open. They are led by Naismith College Player of the Year candidate Denzel Valentine. While Valentine is a good scorer, he really hurt the Buckeyes with his passing on Michigan State's Senior Day game. If you've been keeping up with Ohio State basketball (as you should) all year, you know Valentine all too well. His combination of ball-handling and ability to change speeds makes him extremely hard to guard. His skilled teammates don't make it any easier for their opponents.

One thing Ohio State did manage to do well the last time these teams met was hold Bryn Forbes down. Forbes is one of the deadliest shooters in the nation, averaging 15.1 points per game, while boasting a three-point percentage just over 50 percent. Outside of Valentine, Forbes averages the second most minutes on the team, so expect to see plenty of him, and don't catch yourself surprised if he has a big game like he did the first time these two teams met, when he had 27 points thanks to a 7-of-10 shooting night from deep. The Spartans' other key senior, Matt Costello, is another guy the Spartans will lean on. He has averaged 15.5 points in the two contests against the Buckeyes, the last one in which he had a double-double thanks to 11 rebounds. In fact, in their past three games, he has had double-doubles, and will look to extend that streak Friday evening.

The numerous pieces that the Spartans have make them such a difficult team to play. They can beat you many ways offensively and defensively. With the Spartans, of course you have the three aforementioned players, but contributions from Eron Harris, Gavin Schilling, Deyonta Davis, and Lourawls Nairn Jr. make this a complete team. Even if the Buckeyes were to shut down two of the three of Valentine, Forbes, and Costello, the rest of the Spartans' cast is no joke.

One thing the Buckeyes might have on their side is the month of the year. We've already seen some upsets and magic in other conference tournaments, so if the Buckeyes can get a little of that magic and play one of (if not their best) game of the year, they might just be playing on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Bracket




Numbers to know

20


Michigan State is 19-2 when attempting at least 20 shots from deep. The Buckeyes held the Spartans to 16 the last time these two met, but the Spartans still shot 50 percent in the game. Perimeter defense, something that wasn't great for the Buckeyes early in the season, will need to be sharp Friday evening if the Buckeyes hope to pull off the upset and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

3


Ohio State is 3-3 against Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament. The last time the two met in the event was last season, when Michigan State knocked off the Buckeyes 76-67 in the quarterfinals, where Denzel Valentine had 23 points, eight boards, and seven assists. In their three wins over the Spartans in the B1G Tournament, two of them have come when the Buckeyes are a lower seed. Hopefully this is one of those instances.

40


The Buckeyes have shown that they can compete with the Spartans. They just haven't been able to put it together for 40 minutes. If the Buckeyes are able to keep their motor running throughout the entirety of the game, there is no reason they can't pull off the upset. But it has to happen. If it doesn't, the Spartans might come away with another huge victory, and the Buckeyes will be NIT bound.

Cast of characters

Ohio State

JaQuan Lyle


The freshman has shown some real flashes of greatness this season, and has also had his struggles. But when Lyle is in the zone, and providing great minutes for the Buckeyes, they're a much different looking team. His great size helps the Buckeyes, especially with Jae'Sean Tate out, but his passing ability has created some easy baskets for his teammates this season. That will be needed more than every on Friday evening, and if he's able to perform at a high level as he did Thursday against the Nittany Lions, the Buckeyes will be in decent shape.

Marc Loving


Who knows what did it, but Marc Loving has been on a tear the past three games for the Buckeyes offensively. In both Michigan State contests, he scored 19 and 21 points. He's really stepped up his game since Jae'Sean Tate was officially announced out for the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time. We're beginning to really see that leadership out of Loving, who is a veteran among a team that is full of freshmen and sophomores. The Buckeyes will be more than happy if they're able to squeeze just one more great performance out of the Toledo native.

Michigan State

Denzel Valentine


There's a lot to be said about one of the top candidates for the Naismith Player of the Year. Valentine is expected to hear his name called in the 2016 NBA Draft, and it's easy to see why. He has great size at 6'6, but his ability to command the floor while also being able to take over a game is something to see. He has a great combination of shooting and ball-handling, quarterbacking Tom Izzo's squad better than anyone else in the country could. He's had at least 10 assists in seven games for the Spartans this year, making him so tough to guard. You can try to cover him defensively with extra help, but he will make you pay by finding his teammates.

Matt Costello


Of course, another senior is helping lead a Tom Izzo team, because that's just what the Spartans do. Costello is the rebounding anchor for the Spartans, averaging 8.5 per game. Costello has been able to collect at least 10 boards in 13 of the Spartans' 31 games, and at times he's been able to complement that with double-digit scoring as well. He won't kill you with his passing like Valentine will, but he's undoubtedly a huge piece to this team. If the Buckeyes can slow down the Spartans' rebounding machine, that will be a big factor in Friday night's game.

How to watch


Game time: 6:30 p.m. ET

TV: BTN

Radio: WBNS-FM 97.1

Streaming: BTN2Go

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Ohio State expects visit from twin brothers, pass-rushers
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


A linebacker and a defensive end from New Jersey share a last name, a birthday, and an interest in playing for Ohio State.

Spring ball is officially underway for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes, who have now completed two practices. While there are an unlimited amount of questions regarding the 2016 Buckeye football roster, recruiting could not be going better for Ohio State. Of the many ways the football staff can show their success, pro day may be at the top of the list beside a national championship. Today, Ohio State will have 22 players showcasing their talents in front of literally all 32 NFL teams at the Woody Hayes football facility. For a high school prospect, seeing what Ohio State has done to develop its players for the NFL may be the greatest recruiting pitch of all.

2018 twins set OSU visit


It's a rarity to see twins in FBS football. However, the Ademilola brothers, Justin and Jayson, of Jersey City, New Jersey, are two prospects that are seeing their recruiting processes really heat up. Both being products of the 2018 class, there's nothing but time for the brothers to sort out the next chapter of their education and football careers. However, last night, via his Twitter, Justin let it be known that he and his brother Jayson would be making a trip to Ohio State for an unofficial visit on April 2.

Justin, an outside linebacker, already possesses great size. Standing at 6'3, 225 pounds, the high school sophomore still has plenty of time to build on an already impressive frame. Given his college-ready build, programs from around the country have already thrown their hat into the ring offering the stud athlete. Programs such as Michigan State, Michigan, Georgia, Boston College, and others have already offered. While Ohio State has yet to pull the trigger, the April visit date may be something to watch for.

Jayson, a defensive end prospect, also has incredible size. Weighing more than Justin, the defensive line product checks in at 6'3, 260 pounds. Much like his brother, Jayson also holds several offers. Schools such as Auburn, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan State, and more are currently contenders for his services. As of now, Michigan leads the way for both Jayson and Justin on the 247Sports crystal ball predictions. There's plenty of time, however, if Ohio State wants to become true players for the twin prospects.

2017 WR places OSU in top schools


Make no mistake about it, Ohio State's 2017 receiver situation is about as pretty as it gets. Being the leader for top national prospects such as Trevon Grimes and sitting in good position for others such as Donovan Peoples-Jones, Ohio State receivers coach Zach Smith has already done an incredible job to set the Buckeyes up for another tremendous haul of receivers for 2017.

With that success comes the ability to be a major player for many of the nation's best. Hunter Rison, another 2017 receiver, recently gave the Buckeyes continued good news as he made it public via his Twitter that Ohio State made the cut for his top schools. The Ann Arbor, Michigan product is currently projected to stay close to home and head to Michigan State, according to the 247Sports crystal ball predictions. With Ohio State being in such good standing with the nation's top prospects as mentioned before, Urban Meyer can be selective when it comes to the receiver position. Regardless, Ohio State is sitting very pretty in 2017 across the board.


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Ohio State Football: Ranking Buckeyes' Top 5 Recruiting Targets for 2017 - Bleacher Report
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football: Ranking Buckeyes' Top 5 Recruiting Targets for 2017
Bleacher Report
The Buckeyes currently have a stranglehold on the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, leading the country with two 5-star and nine 4-star prospects for their '17 class. But with the high-level targets still left on the board, Ohio State's grasp on the top ...
Ohio State's Barrett boosts Buckeyes past Bama, Clemson | Pine ...Pine Bluff Commercial (blog)

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How to watch tonight's Spartans-Buckeyes Big Ten tournament game - Detroit Free Press
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


How to watch tonight's Spartans-Buckeyes Big Ten tournament game
Detroit Free Press
No. 2 Michigan State Spartans (26-5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (20-12). When: 6:30 p.m.. Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis. TV: Big Ten Network. Radio: WJR-AM (760; other radio affiliates). Game notes: The evening session of the Big Ten ...
Big Ten Tournament Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Buckeyes Start Time, Betting Odds, Free PickPregame.com
Ohio St. picks up 20th win, advances in Big Ten tourneyLima Ohio
Big Ten tournament tipoff: MSU previewLansing State Journal
The State News -Sports Chat Place
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Kurelic's corner: Harris high on OSU, Buckeyes contact 2019 QB - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic's corner: Harris high on OSU, Buckeyes contact 2019 QB
247Sports
The seventh-seeded Buckeyes turned back No. 10 seed Penn State 79-75 in a Big Ten tournament game Thursday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The win sets up a third showdown with No. 2 seed Michigan State, which took wins of 19 and 15 points over OSU ...
OSUMBB: OSU Gets Past PSU 79-75 In B1G TourneyThe Buckeye Battle Cry

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Twenty and counting as Buckeyes top PSU - Youngstown Vindicator
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Twenty and counting as Buckeyes top PSU
Youngstown Vindicator
When Ohio State needed a boost Thursday night, Marc Loving and JaQuan Lyle stepped forward. They made shots. They got to the free-throw line. Eventually, they sealed the game. Loving scored 24 points, Lyle had 22 and they teamed up to score all seven ...
Buckeyes survive Lions' testAltoona Mirror

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Tom’s Take: Two tourney upsets make it a wild Day 2
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

If you like upsets, today was your day. No. 12 Illinois took down No. 5 Iowa, and No. 11 Nebraska topped No. 6 Wisconsin. What does it mean? For the first time since Michigan and Illinois did it in 1999, two double-digit seeds will play in the quarterfinals. Here’s a complete look at the day’s action.

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