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LGHL Everything you need to know about Ohio State's 2016 spring practices

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


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Here's everything you need to know about the start of the 2016 season.

It seemed like football just ended a week ago, but the 2016 Ohio State football season is about to truly begin in earnest, as the Buckeyes begin their Spring Practice tilt on Tuesday. With such an experienced roster last season, other than the QB battle, Ohio State's spring practices lacked in drama, as virtually every position on the two deep was already penciled in.

That's not the case for this season. Ohio State knows what it has at QB, but virtually every other position has question marks, thanks to a massive send-off to the NFL Draft. The talent is there, and the expectations of success are still there, but the Buckeyes will need to break in a lot of new faces, and answer a lot of big questions for next season. Spring is when we'll begin the process of finding some answers.

Here are some of the biggest questions heading into the next few weeks.

Burning questions:

1) How is this team going to score? The talent level on offense for Ohio State isn't in question, as there are loads of blue-chip recruits at every position group on this side of the ball. The triggerman isn't in question either, as a healthy and engaged J.T. Barrett has already proven he's capable of performing at a near Heisman-level. The question is, what happens everywhere else? The Buckeyes will be breaking in at least three new offensive linemen, virtually an entirely new wideout corp, almost an entirely new running back rotation, and new players are also expected to contribute at tight end and H-back. Ohio State will almost certainly need to throw the ball more than they did last year, now that Ezekiel Elliott is gone. What will that identity look like, and who will be making those plays?

2) How smooth a transition will Ohio State's new coaches have? Last season, the failure of Tim Beck, Ed Warinner and Urban Meyer to establish a consistent offensive identity in the wake of changing personnel and Tom Herman's departure might have been the single biggest reason for their failure to make the playoff. Now, Ohio State must yet again work in two more coaches, as the highly successful Chris Ash must now be replaced by big personality (and former Rutgers head coach) Greg Schiano, while Greg Studrawa is worked in as the new offensive line coach. How smooth a transition will this be, and how will Ohio State's offense look in year two of the Beck/Warinner era?

3) What's happening with Ohio State's secondary? Thanks to the departure of Eli Apple, Vonn Bell and Tvyis Powell to the NFL, Ohio State's defensive backfield is now perhaps the biggest cause for concern, depth-wise, on the team. Gareon Conley is the only returning starter, although other likely contributors, like Erick Smith and Cam Burrows, have seen time before. There are promising athletes at corner and safety on this team, but many have injury histories or other question marks. Coupled with the departure of Ash, if there was any group to worry about, it might be this one.

Position competitions:

Wide Receiver: Basically everybody who caught passes last year for Ohio State is gone. Noah Brown, who was projected to start last season but missed the year due to leg injury, will return, along with regular contributor Corey Smith, but almost everybody else in the rotation will be a new name, and both of those two still have plenty to prove. Ohio State has a bevy of talented choices to step up, like redshirt freshmen K.J. Hill and Torrance Gibson, and true freshman Austin Mack.

Running Back: Do-everything back Ezekiel Elliott is off to the NFL, and Ohio State doesn't have a lot of experience behind him. Curtis Samuel, who has also played H-Back and WR, should get carries out of this position, but it is unclear if he will be the primary back or not. Other candidates include redshirt freshman Mike Weber, who also likely would have played last season if not for injuries, true freshman Antonio Williams, and redshirt senior Bri'onte Dunn, a former blue chip recruit himself. Samuel and Weber are probably the favorites, but don't rule anybody out yet.

Linebacker: The Buckeyes have recruited this position exceptionally well, which is important, since they now need to replace two standouts in Joshua Perry and Darron Lee. Raekwon McMillian returns, and his starting spot at middle linebacker can be tattooed, but who lines up next to him will be up in the air. Chris Worley and Dante Booker are your favorites, but don't rule out star recruits from the 2015 cycle, Justin Hilliard and Jerome Baker, who will push for time, along with Nick Conner. The Buckeyes will have plenty of options.

Spring injuries of note:

Curtis Samuel

Early Enrollees:

Ohio State has seven early enrollees who will be eligible to participate in spring practice. Those players are defensive end Jonathan Cooper, wideout Austin Mack, offensive linemen Michael Jordan and Tyler Gerald, running back Antonio Williams, defensive tackle Malik Barrow and linebacker Tuf Borland. Of that group, Austin Mack is probably the most likely to play early for the 2016 campaign, but Cooper and Williams could potentially get involved as well.

Other notes:

Practice Schedule:

Spring Practice opens for Ohio State on Tuesday, Mar. 8. Other practice dates include Mar. 10, 22, 24, 29, 31 and April 5, 7, 11, 14, and 16. The 2016 Ohio State Spring Game will be played on Apr. 16. Tickets to the Spring Game are $5, and can be purchased here. That ticket also includes admission to the Ohio State lacrosse match against Michigan, which will be held before the game.

Returning Starters:


Offense: The Buckeyes are likely to return just three. QB J.T. Barrett, and offensive linemen Pat Elflein (at center) and Billy Price (at left guard). Curtis Samuel (at RB or H-back) and Marcus Baugh (tight end) will have seen experience before.

Defense: There's a bit more returning production here, but not much. Ohio State returns Tyquan Lewis at defensive end, Michael Hill at defensive tackle, Raekwon McMillan at middle linebacker and Gareon Conley at corner. Other returning defenders saw significant playing time though, like Sam Hubbard at defensive end and Donovan Munger at defensive tackle. Ohio State's defensive line will have new faces, but they won't be completely new.

Specialists: Ohio State returns their kicker, Sean Nuernberger, and their all-world punter, Cameron Johnston.

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Lovie Smith (Former HC Illinois Fighting Illini)

http://www.foxsports.com/college-fo...ni-head-coach-six-year-deal-21-million-030716

Lovie Smith getting six-year deal to be Illinois head coach
By Bruce Feldman @brucefeldmancfbMar 7, 2016 at 9:13a ET

Illinois is hiring Lovie Smith as its new head coach, as FOX Sports reported Saturday afternoon.

The 57-year-old Smith, who was fired a few months ago as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, is getting a six-year deal for $21 million. Smith was previously head coach of the Chicago Bears and led them to three NFC North titles and to a Super Bowl appearance in 2006. His career record in the NFL is 89-87. He was fired after two seasons in Tampa Bay after he'd gone 8-24.

Smith's last stint as a college coach was 21 years ago when he was the defensive backs coach at Ohio State.

Smith's deal averages out to $3.5 million per year, which would make him the sixth-highest paid coach in the conference. Sources tell FOX Sports that he is expected to retain Illini defensive coordinator Mike Phair, who came to Illinois from Smith's staff in Tampa Bay. Smith also is likely to bring his sons Mikal and Miles who were also on his staff with the Bucs, but let go after Lovie Smith was fired.

Cont'd ...

MotS&G JK Dobbins makes for Surprise Commitment #13

JK Dobbins makes for Surprise Commitment #13
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


The Ohio State Buckeyes picked up commitment #13 yesterday in the form of RB/ATH JK Dobbins out of La Grange, Texas. Dobbins commitment came despite that fact that he has never been to the Ohio State campus, and that he just received the offer on February 17th. Dobbins had offers from all of the big schools in Texas, plus ones from Notre Dame, North Carolina, Oregon, Florida State and Stanford. He was crystal balled to Texas at 58% which makes this commitment even more of a surprise. Dobbins is rated as a 4-star recruit and the #4 running back in America. The addition of Dobbins to the Ohio State recruiting class adds to what is already the top class in America so far. The Buckeyes currently have six of the top 100 players in America committed and 10 of the top 250 overall prospects.


After much consideration and thought… I want to announce that ive committed to THE
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hio state! #GoBucks!
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⚪pic.twitter.com/t9QEmA1pnZ

— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) March 6, 2016


Dobbins joins Todd Sibley out of Archbishop Hoban in Akron as the second back in this class. The Buckeyes look to be done at running back in 2017, but with names like Cam Akers and Najee Murray out there, the door is never closed until signing day.


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tBBC Is Ezekiel Elliott worth a Top-Five Selection in the NFL Draft?

Is Ezekiel Elliott worth a Top-Five Selection in the NFL Draft?
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 Chuck Strawn discuss the latest news on Ezekiel Elliott in relation to his draft stock and debate whether or not he is worth selecting in the top-five picks of the NFL Draft.
Plus, they share their thoughts on the firing of Bill Cubit at Illinois, just months after giving him a two-year extension.

For more Ohio State Buckeyes podcasts, follow us on Twitter: @BuckeyesRadio

The post Is Ezekiel Elliott worth a Top-Five Selection in the NFL Draft? appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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UNLV Series

The Buckeye baseball team plays its last series before the B1G conference schedule with a 4 game series in Nevada against the Runnin' Rebels of UNLV.

Times are as follows (all times are ET):

Friday, March 11th, 9:05 PM
Saturday, March 12th, 5:05 PM
Sunday, March 13th, 4:05 PM
Tuesday, March 15th, 9:05 PM

UNLV is currently 3-6 with wins against traditional powerhouse Texas and San Jose State (x2). The Rebels are lead by Head Coach Stan Stolte, who is in his first year with the team. He had been the associate head coach for 5 years previously. Senior Kenny Oakley (RHP, Coronado HS, Las Vegas, NV) was selected by the Mountain West Coaches to the preseason all-conference team.

Interestingly, the colors for UNLV are scarlet and gray.

Google Barrett's Turn to Star this Spring - Factory Of Sadness

Barrett's Turn to Star this Spring - Factory Of Sadness
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Barrett's Turn to Star this Spring
Factory Of Sadness
Once installed as the starter full time, the Ohio State Buckeyes' offense took flight and brushed off any of the red zone struggles that plagued the team early in the year. Barrett still threw for 992 yards and 11 touchdowns in what was basically half ...


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LGHL Ohio State men’s lacrosse sweeps Midwest Lacrosse Classic with 9-5 win over Bellarmine

Ohio State men’s lacrosse sweeps Midwest Lacrosse Classic with 9-5 win over Bellarmine
Meredith Hein
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes pulled through in the low-scoring defensive struggle.

Despite scoring just nine goals in the matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes men’s lacrosse team came out on top in a closely-fought battle against Bellarmine in their final game in the Midwest Lacrosse Classic in Columbus over the weekend.

Bellarmine opened the game with two quick goals in the first quarter to go up 2-0 on Ohio State, who struggled to find offense in the opening minutes of the game. Bellarmine won the first two faceoffs of the day, and had a 9-0 shot advantage on Ohio State through the first half of the quarter. The Buckeyes finally found the back of the net on a goal by sophomore midfielder Trevor Hodgins with 39 seconds remaining in the first, turning the tide in favor of Ohio State. After winning the ensuing faceoff, sophomore attackman Colin Chell tied the game at 2-2 heading into the second quarter. The Buckeyes then dominated the entire quarter, scoring four unanswered goals to bring the score to 6-2 heading into the half.

The third quarter was stagnant on offense for both teams coming as defenses remained unforgiving. Bellarmine finally scored the only goal of the quarter with 3:58 remaining in the third, snapping a 35:30 scoreless streak by redshirt junior goalie Tom Carey, who had seven saves during the stretch which had begun in the first quarter. Ohio State once again found its offense heading into the fourth quarter, scoring three unanswered goals to go up 9-3. They would hold on, despite two Bellarmine goals late in the game, for the 9-5 victory.

The Buckeyes were once again saved by their defense as Carey finished the day with nine saves, following up his career-high 16-save performance against Marquette. Senior attackman Carter Brown, junior Austin Shanks and Chell each had two goals on the day, and junior midfielder Jake Withers went six-and-six on faceoffs.

With the win, the Buckeyes improve to 5-1 on the season. The team will head to New York this weekend to face No. 9 Hofstra.

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Google Podcast: Previewing Ohio State spring football - cleveland.com

Podcast: Previewing Ohio State spring football - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Podcast: Previewing Ohio State spring football
cleveland.com
The Buckeyes open spring practice on Tuesday morning, there will be a lot of new faces you haven't seen before, only because those players were stuck behind the group of stars that's now onto the NFL. So Ohio State has spots to fill and questions to ...
Ohio State football | Inexperience reigns as spring practice opensColumbus Dispatch

all 2 news articles »


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Google Ohio State spring football preview: Sam Hubbard among 3 Buckeyes to watch on defense -...

Ohio State spring football preview: Sam Hubbard among 3 Buckeyes to watch on defense - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State spring football preview: Sam Hubbard among 3 Buckeyes to watch on defense
cleveland.com
When the Buckeyes kick off spring football on Tuesday, the first of 15 practices leading up to the spring game in Ohio Stadium on April 16, there will be plenty of questions to answer. And plenty of new guys to size up. But size up quickly. We're ...


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LGHL Ohio State's future backfield is getting ridiculously good

Ohio State's future backfield is getting ridiculously good
Charles Doss
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes picked up a pledge from another prized prospect over the weekend.

Nearly a year until they sign on the dotted line, the 2017 Ohio State recruiting class has kept Urban Meyer and the Buckeye assistant coaches on their toes. On Sunday when most were relaxing, the OSU coaching staff were landing another verbal pledge of the cycle when four-star standout running back J.K. Dobbins announced via his Twitter page he will leave the Longhorn State and head north to suit up for the Buckeyes.

Surprising many around the scene, the 5'10, 200-pound La Grange, Texas native decided to attend the Ohio State University over scholarships offers from programs such as Texas, Oklahoma, Florida State, Notre Dame, Arizona State, and North Carolina, even though he has yet to make the trek to Columbus and visit the OSU campus in person. Earning his offer from the Buckeyes in mid-January, Dobbins might not have been have pegged to choose Ohio State, but has built a relationship with the staff which played a massive part in J.K. shutting down his recruitment.

"I just felt it in my heart, and if I feel it in my heart already, why wait? It was going to happen sooner or later, so I just went on and did it," Dobbins told Cleveland.com soon after his commitment. "I have a pretty good relationship with the coaches and staff, and I've always liked Ohio State and what they do. It just is what it is."

The fourth all-purpose running back and 62nd-overall prospect in the country, Dobbins backs his accolades off the field, on it. Last season as a junior at La Grange High School, he put up some rather impressive numbers. Carrying the ball 288 times for 2,741 yards and 35 touchdowns, Dobbins was named First Team All-State.

The Buckeyes' 13th overall commitment, Dobbins might not be on the Ohio State roster yet, but is already helping OSU. Coming into the weekend already with the top 2017 class the country, Dobbins' pledge puts Ohio State even further in front of Clemson and Miami in the 247Sports Composite Class Rankings.

Want to see highlights, and learn more about the latest Ohio State commit? Of course you do. As always, the Land-Grant Holy Land gang has your back, here.

Grimes gets open


Another key Ohio State target received an invite to attend one of the most elite camps in the country after standing out among the talented players at this week's regional camp in Miami. Longtime Buckeye lean Trevon Grimes was one of six recruits to get selected to participate in The Opening put on in Beaverton, Oregon this summer.


Opening invites
OL KaLeon Herbert
RB Zaquandre White
LB Vandarious Cowan
WR Trevon Grimes
WR Jerry Jeudy
DB Stanford Samuels III

— SB Nation Recruiting (@SBNRecruiting) March 6, 2016


Just like the last few years, Buckeye nation will be well represented in Oregon with Ohio State commits Marcus Williamson, Isaiah Pryor, Haskell Garrett, and numerous uncommitted targets on the list of the recruits picked for The Opening.

Quick Hits

  • Former Alabama running back commit Cam Akers starts his unofficial visit on the Ohio State campus today. Akers, a four-star prospect from Clinton, Mississippi, rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior. One of the most sought-after recruits in the 2017 class, he holds scholarship offers from not just the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide, but also programs such as Georgia, Ole Miss, and Auburn.
  • The Buckeyes are still on top for one of the best running backs in the class of 2018. In a recent interview with Scout.com, Armwood High (FL) soon-to-be junior Brian Sneed told recruiting analyst Corey Bender exactly why Ohio State is his current leader over other schools recruiting him.

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Google Wrestling: Buckeyes Finish Third at Big Ten Championships in Iowa City - Eleven Warriors

Wrestling: Buckeyes Finish Third at Big Ten Championships in Iowa City - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Wrestling: Buckeyes Finish Third at Big Ten Championships in Iowa City
Eleven Warriors
All ten Buckeyes placed in the top eight in their respective weight classes and seven Buckeyes earned automatic qualifications to the NCAA tournament in two weeks based on their finish. Penn State won the team title, their fifth in the past six seasons ...
Ohio State prepares for Big Ten wrestling meetColumbus Dispatch
OSU to play Penn State at B1G tourney;another MSU match-up looms247Sports

all 105 news articles »


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BTN Dienhart: My best of final week of Big Ten regular season

Dienhart: My best of final week of Big Ten regular season
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

The regular season is over. Now, it’s off to Indianapolis for the Big Ten tourney, where top seeds Indiana and Michigan State look like the teams to beat. [ MORE: View the official Big Ten tourney bracket ] Before we turn all of our focus to the tourney at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, let’s take a look at the best of the last week of the regular season. Best win: Rutgers vs. Minnesota. There were several big wins by the contenders, but it has to be the previously winless Scarlet Knights’ 75-52 win vs. Minnesota on Saturday. The blowout victory snapped
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Google Men's basketball | How do Buckeyes spell postseason? Most likely NIT - Columbus Dispatch

Men's basketball | How do Buckeyes spell postseason? Most likely NIT - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Men's basketball | How do Buckeyes spell postseason? Most likely NIT
Columbus Dispatch
In a shooting performance for the ages, the Spartans kept the Buckeyes at a safe distance for nearly the entire game and strangled any at-large hopes for coach Thad Matta's team. Michigan State shot .667 from the field, the highest mark ever allowed by ...
Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes will be 7th seed in Big Ten Tournamentcleveland.com
No. 19 Spartans Stun No. 9 Buckeyes 82-63 in Big Ten TourneyABC News
No. 9 Buckeyes stall on offense, fall to No. 19 Michigan St.USA TODAY
MLive.com -247Sports
all 446 news articles »


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Google UM Rallies from Four Down Before Falling in OT to Buckeyes - MGoBlue

UM Rallies from Four Down Before Falling in OT to Buckeyes - MGoBlue
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


UM Rallies from Four Down Before Falling in OT to Buckeyes
MGoBlue
The University of Michigan ice hockey team rallied from a four-goal deficit to tie Ohio State late in the third period, but the Buckeyes earned a 6-5 win in overtime on Sunday afternoon (March 6) at Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL's Columbus Blue ...

and more »


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LGHL Ohio State to face Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament

Ohio State to face Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament
Matt Brown
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa-today-9161492.0.jpg

The Big Ten draw didn't do Ohio State any favors, and if they want to make the NCAAs, they'll need to find a way to upset Michigan State.

The regular season has now drawn to a close, and the bracket for the Big Ten Tournament is now set. With Ohio State clearly on the outside of the NCAA Tournament right now, the Buckeyes will need to do some damage in the tournament if they want to play their way to the NCAAs. Unfortunately, their seeding did not do them any favors.

The Buckeyes did avoid having to play on the first day of the tournament, by thanks to earning the seven seed. They will face tenth seeded Penn State on Thursday, at 6:30 PM on ESPN2. The Buckeyes played Penn State once this season, winning easily at home, 66-46. They should be favored to win the second meeting.

The problem for Ohio State is more with who awaits them next. Should Ohio State win against Penn State, they'll face the second seeded Michigan State Spartans. Ohio State has played Michigan State twice in their last three games, and got destroyed both times, thanks to the Michigan State's offensive excellence. Should the third time be the charm for the Buckeyes, they will likely face the winner of Wisconsin/Maryland, a much more manageable matchup for Ohio State, even though both of those teams beat the Buckeyes during the regular season.

Ohio State has almost certainly clinched a spot in the NIT right now, even if they are upset by Penn State in the first game. But if the Buckeyes have designs on playing in the Big Dance, they absolutely need to beat Penn State and Michigan State, and maybe even need to get to the tournament finals to really feel comfortable.

You can view the entire tournament bracket below:


And here is the full schedule of games:

Wednesday



Illinois (12) vs. Minnesota (13) — 3:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Nebraska (11) vs. Rutgers (14) — 6 p.m. CT, BTN

Thursday


Michigan (8) vs. Northwestern (9) — 11 a.m. ET, BTN
Iowa (5) vs. Illinois (12)/Minnesota (13) — 1:30 p.m. ET, BTN
Ohio State (7) vs. Penn State (10) 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Wisconsin (6) vs. Nebraska (11)/Rutgers (14) 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Friday


Indiana (1) vs. Michigan (8)/Northwestern (9) Noon ET, ESPN
Purdue (4) vs. Iowa (5)/Illinois (12)/Minnesota (13) 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Michigan State (2) vs. Ohio State (7)/Penn State (10) 6:30 p.m. ET, BTN
Maryland (3) vs. Wisconsin (6)/Nebraska (11)/Rutgers (14) 9 p.m. ET, BTN

Saturday


Semifinal 1: 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Semifinal 2: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS

Sunday


Final: 3 p.m. ET, CBS

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BTN Here’s the 2016 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket

Here’s the 2016 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

The Big Ten regular season is complete, and now it’s time to turn our attention to the Big Ten tourney. [ MORE: View Sunday’s full Big Ten scoreboard ] Outright Big Ten champion Indiana is the No. 1 seed in the event that tips at 4:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, and runs through Sunday afternoon, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Hoosiers, along with No. 2 Michigan State, No. 3 Maryland and No. 4 Purdue, receive double-byes and open the tourney Friday. Here is the official bracket: WEDNESDAY Game 1, 4:30 pm. ET ESPN2: No. 13 Minnesota vs. No. 12
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Google Nation's No. 2 APB is a Buckeye - 247Sports

Nation's No. 2 APB is a Buckeye - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Nation's No. 2 APB is a Buckeye
247Sports
"It means a lot," Dobbins said of being a Buckeye. "The tradition they carry, they have a great winning tradition and it will be great to wear their name across my chest." Tony Alford was the lead recruiter for Dobbins who was a coveted target for Ohio ...
Ohio State prepares for Big Ten wrestling meetColumbus Dispatch

all 49 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State upsets No. 6 Michigan again, 6-5, in overtime

Ohio State upsets No. 6 Michigan again, 6-5, in overtime
Matt Torino
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


GettyImages-137124004.0.jpg

Ohio State hockey defeated Michigan on Sunday afternoon at Nationwide Arena with the 6-5 victory in overtime.

This was a game where Ohio State was leading by three goals, four goals and almost lost in regulation. And yet, they found a way to pull out a victory and weekend sweep over No. 6 Michigan with the 6-5 victory at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. To describe this game as a seesaw probably wouldn't be fair as it only went up and down twice, with Ohio State gaining the first advantage and then Michigan taking it all the way to the second Ohio State's Nick Schilkey put home the game winner in overtime.

It was a bizarre game featuring the backup goalie, a disallowed high stick goal, a huge blown lead and the No. 6 team being swept by unranked Ohio State. But hey, a win's a win and Ohio State's young guns keep going and have shown, with the right breaks and consistent goaltending, they could make some noise in the Big Ten Tournament.

Things started out as well as they possibly could for Ohio State, beyond any comprehensible reason really. Dakota Joshua kept his hot streak alive with a goal just over 11 minutes into the first. Brendon Kearney would score in his second straight game just over five minutes later and Nick Schilkey scored his team leading 18th of the year just 25 seconds after Kearney struck. The Bucks took that 3-0 lead into the dressing room at the end of the first while doubling up the shot total on Michigan, 10-5. I'd say that was quality work.

The Wolverines would get closer in the second, but it still looked like the Bucks had things well in hand. Zach Werenski scored at 5:59 of the second to make narrow it to a 3-1 OSU lead but Mason Jobst scored to restore the three goal lead at 10:14. Craig Dalrymple made it a 5-1 OSU lead at 13:11 and this looked more like a Buckeye win coronation than a competition at this point. Then pretty much nothing went right for the rest of the game.

Boo Nieves and Tony Calderone scored Michigan goals within 24 seconds of each other in the last minute of the second and suddenly OSU's lead was down to two going into the second intermission. Still a sizable lead, but one that went from beating-caliber to solid difference but nothing more.

OSU would almost put another goal on the board about four minutes into the third, but rang it off the pipe. That'd be big later when Michigan tied the game up in the third on goals from Werenski and Cooper Marody. Marody put on in off a rebound of a Justin Selman shot to tie the game at five. Michigan looked like they took the lead later in the third with 2:04 left as Selman looked to tip in a Sam Piazza shot, but after review, the referees held up the initial ruling on the ice of no goal due to a high stick playing the puck on the tip.

Ohio State would get another chance to salt this one away after Alex Kile of Michigan was called for charging with 1:47 left, but the Bucks were unable to convert on the powerplay. So the game went to overtime where Michigan, with all the momentum in the last half the game, looked like overwhelming favorites to steal Ohio State's showcase game at Nationwide Arena.

Nick Schilkey was not okay with this. After an initial save by Steve Racine, Schilkey put home the rebound to give Ohio State the 6-5 overtime victory. Somehow, after blowing a 5-1 second period lead, the Bucks found it within them in overtime to put home a game winner and come out of a weekend series with the No. 6 team in the nation with a sweep.

Matt Tomkins wasn't very good, but that was expected as he came in with a .892 save percentage and 3.79 goals against average, but he kept the Wolverines out of the net after they tied it. That was more than you could have asked for after he was a trainwreck in most of the second and third periods. Christian Frey has been struggling lately, but if Tomkins keeps putting forth efforts like this, allowing four goals in a 15:53 timespan, Frey can do whatever he wants short of trading an autograph for a tattoo and he'll be the starting goalie.

The Buckeyes showed they can compete with anyone in the conference and not only squeeze out the random win, but take it to them multiple times in a row. That kind of outcome would be pretty nice in a conference tournament scenario where Ohio State will have to do it three times in a row to win the Big Ten crown. But after this weekend, with the starting goalie in, there's no reason why it can't be done.

The Bucks will close out the regular season with a weekend series next Friday and Saturday at Michigan State, with the conference tournament beginning on March 17th in St. Paul, MN.

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LGHL 4-star back J.K. Dobbins commits to Ohio State

4-star back J.K. Dobbins commits to Ohio State
Luke Zimmermann
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Rumour spreadin' a-'round in that Texas town.

The Ohio State Buckeyes got better on Sunday from an unexpected source.

Hailing from a small Texas town around halfway between Austin and Houston called La Grange -- the very same one that inspired the Z.Z. Top song of the same name -- all purpose back/athlete J.K. Dobbins announced on Twitter Sunday afternoon his intentions to play for Ohio State after he finishes high school. The 5'10, 200 pound athlete's currently the fourth best All-Purpose Back nationally and the seventh best player in the 2017 recruiting class from the state. Also per the 247Sports Composite rankings, he's currently the 62nd best player in the country.

Early 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions had pegged Dobbins to end up at his home state University of Texas. With a lot of time between now and National Signing Day '17, OSU will likely to have hold off the usual list of suspects including the Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, and Oklahoma Sooners to keep Dobbins' pledge.

To see what Dobbins brings to the future of Ohio State football, check out these outstanding highlights, courtesy of our friends at Hudl:

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Google Four-star Texas running back JK Dobbins commits to Buckeyes: Ohio State football recruiting...

Four-star Texas running back JK Dobbins commits to Buckeyes: Ohio State football recruiting - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Four-star Texas running back JK Dobbins commits to Buckeyes: Ohio State football recruiting
cleveland.com
Four-star Texas running back JK Dobbins commits to Buckeyes: Ohio State football recruiting. JK Dobbins, Ohio State recruit. Texas running back JK Dobbins gave a verbal pledge to Ohio State on Sunday. (247sports.com). Print Email · Doug Lesmerises ...
Nation's No. 2 APB is a Buckeye247Sports

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BTN Track 2016 Big Ten Wrestling Championships title bouts

Track 2016 Big Ten Wrestling Championships title bouts
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

The 2016 Big Ten Wrestling Championships are live on BTN (watch on BTN2Go). [ MORE: View HawkeyeSports.com’s Championship Central ] No. 1 Penn State entered the championship matches with a healthy lead atop the event standings, ahead of host and second-place Iowa. Throughout the action at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, we’ll be posting video of the winners from every weight class. Track all of the winners below. *** 125 pounds: Nathan Tomasello, Ohio State *** 133 pounds: Cory Clark, Iowa *** 141 pounds: Anthony Ashnault, Rutgers Filed under: Uncategorized
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LGHL Ohio State baseball falls, 6-2, to Boston College

Ohio State baseball falls, 6-2, to Boston College
Ben Martens
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes mustered just two hits against the Eagles at the Snowbird Classic.

Boston College may have taken its lumps on the football field and basketball court recently, but on the baseball diamond the school is doing just fine. The Eagles improved to 9-1 on the season with a dominating 6-2 win over Ohio State on Sunday at the Snowbird Classic in Port Charlotte, Florida.

The Buckeye bats were silenced by BC senior lefty Jesse Adams as the squad fell to 6-4-1 in 2016.

Adams took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and got the win after allowing just one run on one hit in 6+ innings. The Maumee, Ohio native struck out six, walked two, and hit a pair of batters in improving to 2-0.

Ohio State's pitching was battered to the tune of 13 hits in the ballgame. Starter John Havird took his first loss of the season after allowing three runs, two earned, on nine hits in 4.2 innings of work. The lefty struck out four and did not issue a walk.

All was quiet until the home half of the fourth inning. BC shortstop Johnny Adams doubled down the line in left field and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt by Havird. A single back up the middle by center fielder Michael Strem brought Adams home and gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead.

A two-out error by third baseman Brady Cherry off the bat of BC left fielder Logan Hoggarth four batters later allowed right fielder Donovan Casey to trot home for the second run of the inning. That marked the fourth unearned run surrendered by the Buckeyes in the past two days.

On the mound for the Eagles, Adams was in firm control. The southpaw breezed through the first four innings without allowing a baserunner.

That changed in the top of the fifth when Adams hit second baseman Nick Sergakis and walked designated hitter Zach Ratcliff to put two on with nobody out. The bases would be loaded with one out after first baseman Troy Kuhn was also hit by a pitch, but Ohio State failed to capitalize.

Havird's day would end in the bottom of the frame after the Eagles put another run on the board. Strem singled to center to to score Adams again and pick up his second RBI of the afternoon. Sophomore Austin Woodby relieved and recorded the final out of the inning thanks to an over the shoulder catch in right-center by Troy Montgomery on a rocket hit by first baseman Joe Cronin.

In the sixth, BC tacked on three insurance runs against Woodby. Back to back singles by DH Gian Martellini and Hoggarth and a sacrifice bunt by catcher Nick Sciortino put two runners in scoring position with one out. Woodby then uncorked a wild pitch to bring home the fourth run. After a walk to pinch hitter Mitch Bigras, a two-run double down the left field line by second baseman Jake Palomaki made it 6-0.

Sergakis finally broke up the no-hitter leading off the top of the seventh with a ground rule double down the right field line. The Eagles pulled Adams at that point after six innings of one-hit ball. Reliever Brian Rapp then balked Sergakis to third, and an error at short by Adams brought him home to break up the shutout.

Woodby was relieved by sophomore Seth Kinker in the seventh after giving up three runs on three hits in 1.1 innings. Kinker worked two scoreless innings.

The Buckeyes picked up another run in the top of the eighth to shrink the lead to 6-2. Shortstop Craig Nennig bunted his way aboard with one out, just the team's second hit of the game, and Montgomery walked. After Rapp's second balk of the game advanced both runners, catcher Jalen Washington picked up an RBI groundout. It was all Ohio State would muster on the day.

Next up for the scarlet and gray is a trip out west to the desert for a four-game series with UNLV. First pitch on Friday will come at 9:05 p.m. ET.

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tBBC OSUWG: Buckeyes 3rd @ Gator Invitational

OSUWG: Buckeyes 3rd @ Gator Invitational
Ken
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The OSUWG team has reason to smile.

This week the Ohio State Women’s Golf (OSUWG) team teed it up for the Gator Invitational tournament held at Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, FL. This is a three round (54 hole) event where the format is ‘play five count four’, where a school fields 5 players, and the low 4 scores for each round are counted. Each school may have a player play as an ‘individual’.

Participating schools are: FIU, #8 Florida, #18 Florida State, Kansas, #9 Kent State, #29 North Carolina State, #44 Ohio State, Ole Miss, #31 Oregon, #34 SMU, UCF, USF, UTSA. Aside from the fact the the 13 team field is loaded with Florida schools, there are seven Golfstat Top-50 teams participating. This is a decently strong field.

The course is 6,002 yards long and plays to a par 70.

The five players participating in the team portion for the Buckeyes were: Jaclyn Lee, Jessica Porvasnik, Niki Schroeder, Katja Pogacar, and Zoe-Beth Brake. Lina Aguillon competed as the Individual. This lineup change didn’t surprise me. Rio Watanabe has struggled somewhat in her last two outings. Maybe she needed a week off to “recharge”. Maybe Lina had a good week in practice. Maybe both.

Overall


Ohio State finished in 3rd place on Sunday, thanks to a well-balanced team effort in the final round. This was a well managed, all hands aboard team effort, particularly the (relatively) mistake-free 3rd round. For the 3rd round, Coaches Hession/Strom could have picked the players names out of a hat, the team scoring was so competitive. That’s a nice situation.

Ohio State placed two golfers (Katja Pogacar and Jaclyn Lee) in the Top 10. Katja’s 3-round score of 213 placed her in 2nd place in the overall scoring while Jaclyn’s 217 placed her in T-10th. Congratulations to both players.

Below is the Buckeye round by round scoring:

Par 70 Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Total
Team 289 292 295 876
Jaclyn Lee 72 72 73 217
Jessica Porvasnik 71 73 76 220
Niki Schroeder 77 77 74 228
Katja Pogacar 69 70 74 213
Zoe-Beth Brake 80 81 74 235
Lina Aguillon (I) 76 80 78 234



1st Round


The Buckeyes opened play with a team score of 289 (+9), placing them in 2nd position. The Buckeyes were led by Katja Pogacar 69 (-1), and Jessica Porvasnik 71 (+1) and Jaclyn Lee 72 (+2). Niki Schroeder contributed to the team score with a 77 (+7). Zoe-Beth Brake couldn’t overcome a slew of double bogeys ans shot an 80 (+10). In the Individual category, Lina Aguillon tooled around the course in a respectable 76 (+6).

Jaclyn began her round on the 4th hole strung together 8 consecutive pars before birdieing the par 5 12th hole. She interspersed 3 bogeys with 3 pars over the next 6 holes, then finished strong with 3 consecutive pars. “Par” can be your friend and he accommodated Jaclyn with 14 of them.

Jessica began her round on the 5th hole and played her first eight holes in -2 (6 pars, 2 birdies) to get off to a very nice start. She did incur 3 bogeys/7 pars to finish her round.

Niki began her round on the 6th hole with a par, then suffered a triple-bogey 8 on the 522 yard par 5 7th. Other than 3 subsequent bogeys, Niki recovered nicely by carding a total of 13 par.

Katja also began her round on the 6th hole and absolutely rolled through the course. Her only blemish was a bogey on the 320 yrd, par 4 17th. Two birdies, one bogey and fifteen pars is a superb scorecard.

Zoe-Beth began her round on the 7th hole with a double bogey. Although she did score a birdie on the 345-yd par 4 14th, double bogeys at #13, #18 and #6 really undid her round.

Lina began her round on the 15th hole with an opening bogey, parred the next 6 holes, then parred 7 of the next 11 holes. Her only error was a double-bogey on the 475-yard par 5 12th. This is Lina’s first match of the Spring season; I thought that she played well, being in control of 17 of her 18 holes.

As you might also expect from the first round, the team score was comprised of some bogeys (14), a good many pars (65) and a sprinkling of birdies (6) and, unfortunately, a few “others” (5).

That took care of a pretty good first round for the Buckeyes. It may not have been their best round of golf, but that’s OK; you just have to be better than everyone else for that round. Now, on to the afternoon round…

2nd Round


In the opening day’s afternoon round, the Buckeyes, with almost every other team, floundered. They shot a team score of 292 (+12) that dropped them from 2nd place to a T4 place. The Buckeyes were led by Katja Pogacar 71 (+1), Jaclyn Lee’s 72 (+2) and Jessica Porvasnik 73 (+3). Niki Schroeder’s 77 (+7) also contributed to the team score. Zoe Beth Brake shot an 81 (+11). In individual competition, Lina Aguillon shot an 80 (+10).

For the afternoon round, the players had the same pairings and the same starting holes as the 1st round.

Jaclyn had a solid round with 3 birdies/4 bogeys in her round.

Jessica started slowly with bogeys on her first four holes, birdied #10 & #11, then played the final 11 holes in +1. After a slow start a very good finish.

Niki couldn’t get any traction, bogeying 6 of her first 13 holes. However, helped by 2 birdies in her last 5 holes, she closed that stretch in 1 over par. A lot of color on her card.

Katja stood at +2 after 13 holes, then birdied #3 and #4 to pull her round to even par for her round.

Zoe-Beth had an interesting round. She double bogeyed the par-3 8th hole (her 2nd hole of the round) then birdied #9 and #10. Her next 9 hole were played in +3 (not a bad stretch) then things went sideways. On the par-3 2nd hole, she carded an 8. It happens. She finished the round with two additional pars. More on that in the “Thoughts” section..

Lina was mixing pars and bogeys, but double bogeys on #6 and #15 stalled her round. Fortunately, she birdied the par-4 9th to stabilize the round a bit.

As you might guess, the team score was comprised of quite a few bogeys (27), a good many pars (47), several of birdies (13), 2 double bogeys and a quintuple bogey.

The only team that played well was host school, University of Florida, with a 279 (-1). All other teams were over par, some well over par. Maybe the Gators knew where the pin placements would be (just kidding). Ending the day with a 10 stroke lead, barring a team disqualification or an epic collapse, Florida had this tournament won. Ohio State (+21) was one of 6 teams clustered in the 19-22 over par range. The game was afoot for 2nd place.

A good morning round, a not-so-good afternoon round. So ends the first day.

3rd Round


Ohio State had an interesting 3rd round of 298 (+18) that moved then from T-4th place to 3rd place. The Buckeyes were led by Jaclyn Lee 73 (+3). Katja Pogacar, Niki Schroeder and Zoe-Beth Brake each shot 74 (+4). Jessica Porvasnik shot a 76 (+6). Lina Aguillon shot a 78 (+8) in Individual play. No one went ‘low’, but no one played their way out of team contributions.

The 3rd round had stretches of streaks:

Jaclyn was -1 after her first five holes, then bogeyed for of the next five holes.

Jessica was +4 after her first 6 holes, then played her next 12 holes in +2 par.

Niki was +3 after her first 4 holes, then played her next 10 holes in even par.

Katja was at +3 after her first three holes, then played the next 15 holes in +1 par.

Zoe-Beth had a nice bounce-back round. an interesting round. After struggling in her first two rounds, Zoe-Beth birdied 3 of her first 5 holes to get the team jump started. Unfortunately, she ended her round with triple bogey, but her early scoring kept the Buckeyes afloat.

Lina had an 8 hole stretch where she was +10; she recovered nicely with a nine hole stretch where she was +2.

The third round team score was comprised of a few birdies (9), a good many pars (55), a several bogeys (23), two double bogeys and a triple bogey.

Thoughts


This tournament featured two well-played opening rounds that kept the Buckeyes in a good position for a final day run. The team overcame some early 3rd round struggles and absolutely rolled through the course on the back nine to make their move from 4th place to 2nd place.

Sifting through the chaff, here is a “what happened” snap-shot. They played the par 3’s very so-so, scoring an average of 3.31 strokes per hole, a total of +23 to par; ranking them 7th of the 13 schools. They played the par 4’s very well, to an average of 4.22 per hole, +33 to par, ranking them 2nd. However, the par 5’s were again so-so. They played the par 5’s to an average of 5.16, +7 to par, ranking them middle of the pack 7th. For consecutive tournaments, they’ve played the par-4’s really well and the par-5’s not well.

In terms of team play “to par” scoring, Ohio State recorded 167 pars, ranking them 5th. They recorded 28 birdies, placing them 3rd. This is consecutive tournaments where the Buckeyes have played quite well in terms of recording pars and very well in birdie scoring. This is a bit odd with the large number of birdies they score compared to the mediocre-poor scoring on par-5’s. Their iron games and putting must be operating at a very high level.

Zoe-Beth had an interesting tournament. In the 2nd round, she was playing well (+4) through her first 13 holes until she scored an 8 on a par-3. I’ve had a couple holes like that; it’s not a good feeling. After fumbling away a hole like that, all you can do as you walk off the green is wonder. “How the hell did that just happen?” Fortunately, in the final round, Zoe-Beth birdied 3 of her first 5 holes to jump start the Buckeyes as her team mates tried to get traction. That is a great bounce-back round. Well done.

Up Next

The team next tees it up March 18th-19th in Tuscon, AZ for the MountainView Collegiate. Ohio State is defending champion. I love title defenses, especially when it’s Ohio State doing it.

Go Buckeyes!

The post OSUWG: Buckeyes 3rd @ Gator Invitational appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Google OSUWG: Buckeyes 3rd @ Gator Invitational - The Buckeye Battle Cry

OSUWG: Buckeyes 3rd @ Gator Invitational - The Buckeye Battle Cry
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


OSUWG: Buckeyes 3rd @ Gator Invitational
The Buckeye Battle Cry
The five players participating in the team portion for the Buckeyes were: Jaclyn Lee, Jessica Porvasnik, Niki Schroeder, Katja Pogacar, and Zoe-Beth Brake. Lina Aguillon competed as the Individual. This lineup change didn't surprise me. Rio Watanabe ...

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