Dienhart: How rare are outright Big Ten men’s hoops titles?
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

How rare are outright championships in Big Ten men's basketball? Here is a look at the last time each men's program won the Big Ten outright. The biggest surprises: Purdue hasn’t done it since 1996, Iowa since 1970 and Michigan State since 2009.

Continue reading...

5 Ohio State Buckeyes who didn't help themselves at the NFL Combine - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


5 Ohio State Buckeyes who didn't help themselves at the NFL Combine
cleveland.com
Looking to run in the 4.3s, which nine players in Indy did, Miller dropped a 4.50 that was bested by 10 other receivers and four other Buckeyes. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said he didn't care about Miller's 40 time. And Miller did well in the ...
How NFL Hopeful Darron Lee Became Perfect Recruiting Tool for Ohio StateBleacher Report
The Buckeyes And The CombineThe Sports Quotient

all 66 news articles »

Continue reading...

Dialogue heating up between Texas wide receiver, Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Dialogue heating up between Texas wide receiver, Buckeyes
247Sports
Also: Shaun Wade a Buckeye for life ... or not? IMG and Michigan: Match made in heaven or much ado about nothing? Come along for the ride! What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes ...
BM5: 'No one with more intensity'247Sports

all 3 news articles »

Continue reading...

BTN to provide extensive baseball and softball coverage for the 2016 season
BTN Communications via Big Ten Network

BTN will offer its most extensive baseball and softball coverage ever in 2016, with over 360 games airing on BTN/BTN2Go and BTN Plus for the upcoming season. BTN’s television coverage of Big Ten baseball begins with a non-conference showdown between Purdue and No. 5 Louisville on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 p.m. ET. Last season, Illinois won its 30th outright Big Ten title, but Michigan won the Big Ten Tournament Championship and appeared in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008. The Big Ten coaches voted the Wolverines as the 2016 conference favorite, however they figure to face

Continue reading...

Ohio State football: Could you just transfer the Buckeyes' 2015 defense to the NFL? - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Could you just transfer the Buckeyes' 2015 defense to the NFL?
cleveland.com
Peg safety Tyvis Powell in this draft and returning Buckeyes Tyquan Lewis at end and cornerback Gareon Conley as mid-round picks. That's 10 of the 11 starters from the 2015 defense as NFL picks. And defensive end Sam Hubbard, who played a fair amount ...

and more »

Continue reading...

Might as well get this one started off with a bang. Alcohol sales, soon to be coming to the SEC Stadiums. Who better to start off the debauchery than the University of Florida?

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...-to-sell-beer-at-football-games-in-the-swamp/


Sure it's just for the big wigs, but it won't stay that way for long. Selling to the great unwashed masses is where the real revenue is generated.

Lamont Wade, an Ohio State DB target, writes about Buckeyes: "The funniest coach is lowkey Urban Meyer" - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Lamont Wade, an Ohio State DB target, writes about Buckeyes: "The funniest coach is lowkey Urban Meyer"
cleveland.com
But that's one of the qualities four-star cornerback Lamont Wade of Clairton, Pa., likes about Ohio State's head coach. Actually, he likes a lot about Ohio State in general. That's good news for the Buckeyes, who have identified the 5-foot-9, 185-pound ...

and more »

Continue reading...

Bucks need a win to make the tournament.

Sure hope Bryn Forbes cools down before the game--last night he hit 11/16 (69%) of his threes, setting a Big Ten record.

5 Ohio State Buckeyes who helped themselves at the NFL Combine - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


5 Ohio State Buckeyes who helped themselves at the NFL Combine
cleveland.com
Apple claimed the title of the fastest Buckeye with a 4.40, which was one of the 10 fastest times in Indianapolis. Throw in his size, at over 6-feet and 199 pounds, and the one-handed grab in a workout, and you have a corner with a package of skills ...
Cleveland Browns: Buckeyes Likely Will Not Be A SelectionFactory Of Sadness
The Buckeyes And The CombineThe Sports Quotient
Tyvis Powell final Buckeye to run 40 at combine; performs well247Sports
Eleven Warriors
all 66 news articles »

Continue reading...

Alabama RB commit announces Ohio State visit, rekindles recruiting battle
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


One of the nation's best running backs in the class of 2017 is determined to see what the Buckeyes have to offer.

In case you managed to forget, Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes were able to come out victorious in the most recent meeting with Nick Saban and Alabama on the football field. It should come as no surprise that the two are at war each day on the recruiting trail, as they both attempt to reel in some of the country's best high school prospects. On Wednesday, news came out that one of the top ranked members of the Crimson Tide's 2017 class plans to visit Ohio State, among others.

Bama commit to visit Bucks


According to Luke Stampini of 247Sports.com, '17 RB Cam Akers from Clinton (MS) is prepared to make a visit to Ohio State, as well as to Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee. The four-star running back will be on campus this coming Monday, per his 247Sports player profile. So, the opportunity has presented itself for the Buckeyes, if they hope to stay in this race for the long run.

Akers is currently committed to Alabama and has been since August of 2015. That hasn't stopped other programs from pursuing the 5'11, 210-pounder. Since giving his pledge to the Crimson Tide, Akers has received offers from Auburn, California, Florida State, Louisville, Miami (FL), and Ohio State. The Buckeyes also sent out head coach Urban Meyer to visit the elite back not even two months ago. To add to that, Akers has made multiple visits since the 'Bama verbal, including stops to Mississippi State (twice), Ole Miss, and Tennessee.

At the moment, the Mississippi prospect is ranked as the 36th-best player in the entire 2017 class. He also sits at third at the running back position and first among all Magnolia State players in the cycle. Lastly, he is the second-highest ranked prospect in Alabama's class, just behind '17 RB Najee Harris, the No. 1 player in the country.

2018 WR catches OSU offer


Late Tuesday night, Ohio State went back to a familiar place -- IMG Academy (FL) -- to throw an offer to '18 WR Brian Hightower.



The four-star pass-catcher (according to 247Sports), who stands at 6'3, 195 pounds, transferred to the program after originally living in Calabasas, California.

Ohio State joined Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, Tennessee, UCLA, and many more on the offer sheet for Hightower. You can check out the IMG Academy receiver in action here, as he is certainly on pace to become one of the nation's top-ranked players in the 2018 cycle.

As stated above, IMG is no stranger to the Buckeyes' staff. Ohio State recently added DT Malik Barrow and OL Tyler Gerald in the 2016 class, who were once attendees of the school. They also currently hold pledges from '17 LB/S Isaiah Pryor and '17 CB Marcus Williamson, who are both playing out their senior season as Ascenders.

Continue reading...

Since this is going to be a thing now, might as well get the ball rolling for you closet puck fans of BP. You know who you are.

B1G Women’s Basketball Tournament: Day 1 Recap
Charles via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament got underway today at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis; I still want to call it Conseco Fieldhouse after going to so many tournaments there when it had that name.

The first game of the day saw 12th seeded Northwestern take on 13th seeded Wisconsin. Northwestern had been ranked in the top 20 at the start of Big Ten play but then the wheels fell off and the Kitties went 4-14 in the conference. The Badgers were even worse and entered the tournament having lost six straight games. Northwestern was playing without their senior star Maggie Lyon, out with a lower leg injury, and it definitely had an effect on them. The first half was a tight, back and forth affair with neither team able to take more than a one basket lead. After holding a one point lead at halftime, the Badgers seemed to take control of the game in the second half, scoring the first nine points to go up 42-32 halfway through the third quarter. The Wildcats would slowly chip away at the lead, pulling within two points late in the third quarter and retaking the lead midway through the fourth. The last six minutes were an exciting affair with Wisconsin retaking the lead in the last minute only to see Northwestern tie the game on a late layup to force overtime. Overtime continued the tight game but Northwestern was able to hang on for a 76-72 victory thanks to their performance at the free throw line in the final minute.

The second game saw 11 seed Penn State taking on 14th seed Illinois. After struggling for most of the season, Penn State managed to improve late in the year, going 3-3 in their final 6 games which included a road upset of a top 20 Michigan State squad. Illinois was just plain awful this year, coming up with only two Big Ten wins, both against Wisconsin. Penn State led for almost the entire first three quarters of the game and were up by 8 late in the third but Illinois would score the final six points of the quarter to make it a two point game. The Illini would tie things up at the start of the fourth but the Nittany Lions quickly retook the lead and slowly extended, keeping Illinois at arm’s length on the way to a 74-64 win.

The second round of the tournament gets underway tomorrow when 8th seeded Iowa takes on 9th seeded Michigan. The two teams split their regular season meetings with the home team proving victorious each time. The Wolverines seemed to have some momentum down the stretch but it will be interesting to see if a blowout loss to Rutgers in the regular season finale will effect that. The Hawkeyes stumbled down the stretch but did finish the season with a win against Illinois.

Following that game 12 seed Northwestern will take on 5 seed Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are led by Rachel Banham who broke the Big Ten career scoring record and is looking to keep her career going and finally get a trip to the NCAA tournament, something that will probably require Minnesota to make it to at least Saturday. It is not clear if Maggie Lyon will be back for the Wildcats, with her their chances of pulling off the upset are slim, without her they are practically non-existent.

The afternoon session tomorrow starts with 7 seed Nebraska taking on 10 seed Rutgers. The home team won both of the regular season meetings between these two teams by double digits. Neither of those games were high scoring and I expect that trend to continue in this one. Both teams were uneven down the stretch so expect a close but probably ugly game.

The final game tomorrow sees 6th seeded Purdue taking on 11th seeded Penn State. The Boilermakers are on the bubble for the NCAA tournament and need to win this one to stay there. Purdue won the only regular season meeting between these two teams, in Happy Valley, and are on a three game winning streak while PSU will have to play with little rest.

The post B1G Women’s Basketball Tournament: Day 1 Recap appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

Continue reading...

State of the program: Ohio State Buckeyes - ESPN (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


State of the program: Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN (blog)
With spring practice officially underway, we're taking a look at each Big Ten program using recent performance, win-loss trends, coaching, current personnel and future personnel. The series will cover the East Division this week. Up next? Ohio State.
2016 spring football preview: Ohio State BuckeyesBig Ten Network
NCAA or NIT: Which Tournament Would Better Suit the 2015-16 Buckeyes?Eleven Warriors
Ohio State gaining popularity with some of 2017's biggest recruitsLand-Grant Holy Land
Columbus Dispatch -NCAA.com -The Buckeye Battle Cry
all 28 news articles »

Continue reading...

@BTNStatsGuys lay out latest Big Ten tourney scenarios
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

This much we know: Indiana, the outright Big Ten champion, is the No. 1 seed in the 2016 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. The 12th-ranked Hoosiers clinched the top seed with an 81-78 victory Tuesday night at No. 16 Iowa. After that, as far as the seeds go, everything still is up in the air. Get the @BTNStatsGuys‘ latest look at the Big Ten tourney scenarios entering tonight’s Super Wednesday doubleheader. 1. Indiana (14-3 – vs. Maryland) Clinched #1 seed and double-bye 2. Michigan State (11-5 – at Rutgers; vs. Ohio State) Clinches #2 seed with wins in its final

Continue reading...

The Dallas Cowboys could end up drafting Ezekiel Elliott 4th overall
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


The versatile Buckeye back could be the best option for the Cowboys with the fourth overall pick.

"Don't be mad if the Cowboys decide that drafting Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott in the first round gives them the best chance to win right now."

- Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN.com


You typically haven't heard his name this high up in the upcoming NFL Draft, but Jean-Jacques Taylor says that if the Dallas Cowboys are serious about becoming the contenders that they were just two seasons ago, Ezekiel Elliott would be the correct pick in moving back into that direction. Quite frankly, he's not crazy for this thought. Tony Romo has been injury prone, especially last season where he essentially missed the entire season due to injury. In the 2014 season, he was better when he had to throw the ball less, and was able to rely on DeMarco Murray.

Zeke would be a perfect replacement for Murray in multiple ways. The Cowboys offensive line is known for being one of the best in the league, and often received much of the credit for the success of DeMarco Murray, but the Cowboys backfield wasn't the same last season with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle. Picking Elliott fourth overall in the draft would be considered a reach by many, but he provides more than just his running game. He's an excellent blocking back, and that would be a huge bonus in trying to keep Romo on his feet and healthy. He's also a great pass catching back. Simply put, he's a complete back. If there's a man willing to make a pick that goes against what many feel might be right, it's Jerry Jones.

"That's the biggest change in this latest round of mock drafts: Braxton Miller is falling out of the first round."

- Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group


With the NFL Combine over, we're now seeing the effects of the results from the combine taken into account in mock drafts. As Cleveland.com's Bill Landis points out, Braxton Miller is slipping in mock drafts after his combine performance didn't impress as many thought that it would. This isn't necessarily surprising when you consider Braxton switched to a completely different position after three years of playing quarterback in college. Landis points out that Miller was typically projected in the first round of many drafts, but even that might have been a reach, good combine performance or not.

Braxton Miller probably won't be a first round pick, and that's fine. If he is able to crack the first three rounds, I think it's safe to say that would be a win for him. He certainly would get consideration with a good senior season at quarterback in the first round, and for him to still be a highly regarded prospect at a different position says a lot about his athleticism and his ability to play the game.

"Meyer faces some big challenges next season. Yes, he will have some building blocks for his fifth squad, but questions loom."

- Tom Dienhart, BTN.com


The 2016 Ohio State football squad is going to be a much different look than 2014 and 2015. That's not to say that it won't be a good season. But the Buckeyes come in with many more questions than they faced in the two years prior. One thing they won't have to worry about is a quarterback battle, with J.T. Barrett the clear-cut starter with Cardale Jones taking his talents to the NFL. The Buckeyes have questions at running back, wide receiver, and on defense. The offensive line will be reshuffled, but worries of it not performing up to last season's standards aren't necessarily there, as it appeared they had trouble in many games.

The Buckeyes have Mike Weber and Bri'onte Dunn in the backfield to replace Ezekiel Elliott, with Weber impressing the coaches, even before he sustained his torn meniscus. The Buckeyes have a plethora of talent at receiver, a lot of it we haven't been able to see in action, much due to injury or simply inexperience. We could see the likes of Torrance Gibson, K.J. Hill, Dontre Wilson, Johnnie Dixon, Noah Brown, and Corey Smith among others. The secondary will have a different look, along with the defensive line. Expect guys like Damon Webb, Marshon Lattimore, Sam Hubbard and Jayln Holmes to see more time. With a mix of new faces and some returning, the Buckeyes will still be a contender, we just won't know their ceiling until the games begin.

"The former Ohio State quarterback will appear on the seven season of Gruden's show, "Grudens QB camp."

- Ari Wasserman, Northeast Ohio Media Group


Jon Gruden's show on quarterback prospects, "Gruden's QB camp" is always a popular watch during the NFL offseason leading up to the NFL Draft, and it will feature a familiar face for Buckeye fans in Cardale Jones. Jones will join California's Jared Goff, North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, Michigan State's Connor Cook, Penn State's Christian Hackenberg, Memphis' Paxton Lynch, and Mississippi State's Dak Prescott.

Cardale didn't get a chance to show off his stuff at the NFL Combine this past week after pulling his hamstring while running the 40-yard dash. "Another mystery - perhaps the biggest mystery in college football history. Who is he? He comes out of nowhere, takes the cape off and the Buckeyes win the national title, and I haven't seen him since," Gruden said in a statement via ESPN. "He's inexperienced and there's not a lot of film to look at. He'll be one of the most intriguing shows we've ever done." The show is set to begin on April 12 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN and its affiliated networks.

STICK TO SPORTS

• You can now watch competitive Call of Duty matches live inside Call of Duty
• Here's what happens when you eat In-N-Out burger for 30 days
• 9 amazing photos from Scott Kelly, the first American astronaut to live nearly a year in space

Continue reading...

My five best CFB futures value bets - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


My five best CFB futures value bets
ESPN
If you're looking for someone to tout Alabama at 6-1 to win the 2016-17 College Football Playoff National Championship, this isn't the column for you. And while I would like to champion Clemson at 7-1, you don't need to hear that from me after watching ...


Continue reading...

forgot I had this game .I converted it to hd enjoy

Script Ohio: Jim Tressel and Cris Carter to Speak at Ohio State Coaches Clinic
Joe Dexter via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Joe Dexter and Clair Crawford talk about the latest news from Ohio State that Cris Carter, Jim Tressel, Fred Pagac, and others will speak at the 85th Annual Ohio State Football clinic in early April.

The post Script Ohio: Jim Tressel and Cris Carter to Speak at Ohio State Coaches Clinic appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

Continue reading...

Ohio State as preseason No. 14 is just about right for next season
Chad Peltier via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The advanced stats are a little down on the 2016 Buckeyes -- why is that?

For their part, last season's preseason S&P+ projections had the eventual national champion Crimson Tide at the top of the S&P+, followed by Ohio State at 2nd. This year, the Buckeyes come in at a disappointing 14th.

Thanks to Bill's individual rankings for each of the three components of the rankings, it's easy to see where that pessimism comes from. While they rank 5th in recruiting impact and 3rd in five-year weighted S&P+, the Buckeyes are 18th in returning production. It's much worse when you look at Bill's original article on returning production, where Ohio State was 127th, or second-to-last (the difference between the two rankings comes from applying returning production to last year's S&P+).

So let's dig in to this ranking -- is 14th too low or about right for the 2016 Buckeyes, who have to replace an astounding 71% of their production from the 2015 season?

Digging in to returning production


Bill wrote a little about the Buckeyes inauspicious 127th ranking in returning production:


So that's not promising, and if it holds true, then people are bound to lose some money. But going a step deeper, Bill found that the highest position group correlations with offensive and defensive S&P+ were, in order: defensive backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks. Obviously this doesn't control for offensive system, but it does speak to the potency of offensive passing attacks and the related need for strong defensive backs.

This is the most ominous area of concern for Ohio State. Despite being consistently successful under Urban Meyer, returning J.T. Barrett at quarterback, and recruiting extremely well at all three of these positions, Ohio State is losing Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, and Tyvis Powell from the backfield, as well as Braxton Miller, Michael Thomas, and Jalin Marshall at wide receiver.

Bill also found that defensive experience seems to matter more on defense, where returning production can account for 22% of a team's chance in defensive quality to just about 14% on offense. That means that the heavy defensive personnel losses -- which also includes Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, and Darron Lee -- make it hard to project the Buckeyes as a top team, especially on defense (oh, and they lost Chris Ash too, so they'll be breaking in Greg Schiano at co-defensive coordinator).

So yes, there's a slew of talented recruits waiting in the wings, and J.T. Barrett is back to lead the offense. But the major questions for the spring are easy -- and they're not about who will be starting on the offensive line. Rather, look for emerging wide receivers (looking at you, Torrance Gibson and Noah Brown) as well as who is slotted in at corner and safety.

Some reason for optimism


14th doesn't sound good -- Ohio State fans are used to better than that since Urban came to Columbus. But there's a big difference between S&P+ ranking and rating. That is, just looking at the rankings doesn't show the clusters of teams in the S&P+ and the actual quality differences between the ranked teams. The S&P+ rating on the other hand, does, and it's designed to show you how many points better that team is relative to the theoretical average college football team.

I took a look at the top-25 in the S&P+ and plotted the S&P+ ratings on a normal distribution. From this, teams 8-11 (USC, Tennessee, Washington, and Notre Dame) are the average top-25 teams. 18 of the top 25 teams are within one standard deviation from the mean. Oklahoma State, Auburn, and Texas A&M are two standard deviations below average in the top 25, while LSU, Clemson, and Oklahoma are two standard deviations above the top-25 mean. Alabama is off in a category by themselves at about three standard deviations above the mean for the top-25 S&P+ ratings.

Ohio State, at fourteenth, is roughly .7 points below the average of the top-25 S&P+ ratings. The highest-ranked team within a single standard deviation from the mean is Florida State, ranked fifth. So it's reasonable to assume that these teams are all around the same quality -- Florida State is projected to be around a field goal better than Ohio State right now, just outside the hypothetical preseason advanced stats playoff.

That's a sneaky-good place to be. The only issue is that Oklahoma is fourth in the projected S&P+ rankings and about five points better than the Buckeyes, going by the advanced stats. And the Buckeyes travel to the Sooners in just the third week of the season. But other than that tough game against the Sooners, Ohio State has a lot of potential and time to grow and develop throughout the season until 22nd-ranked Michigan State (a field goal worse than the Buckeyes) and sixth-ranked Michigan (about a field goal better than the Buckeyes) at the end of the season.

Continue reading...

NFL Combine Thoughts
Ken via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


So, the NFL Combine is finally over. I also understand that the Buckeyes had quite a few players invited to the combine; 14 to be exact. I’ll look at some of the Buckeyes’ Combine performance and offer brief thoughts on what it means in regards to the upcoming NFL Draft, April 28-30.

Joey Bosa

Let’s get this out of the way.

From Bleacher Report’s Ian Wharton:


Wharton nailed it with this assessment. Defensive line ply is about short-track agility and quickness. There tends to be a lot of ‘wash’, a lot of clutter that defensive linemen need to work their way through/around. The drills indicate that Bosa can do this. The game film confirms that he has done this.

About that 40-yard time, again from Wharton:


Listen, if you are an NFL general manager and you are relying on your d-linemen making plays 40 yards downfield, you have way bigger issues to address. Joey will be fine; his body of work at Ohio State speaks for itself. He’ll be a high draft pick.

Darren Lee

We know that Darren Lee is a play-maker. We know he is fast. The Combine showed us just how fast he is. Sub-4.5 (4.47 to be exact) was his recorded speed. That was the fastest of the linebackers. He also (for linebackers) had the top result in he broad jump and placed 5th in vertical leap. OK, so now we know that Darren is very athletic. Again, fans have reference to lee’s game film to show how he put his athleticism to use. It’s kind of like a dog chasing a car; one he’s caught it, what does he do with it? Darren knew exactly what to do with the cars he caught at Ohio State.

In Mondays’ Script Ohio, Joe Dexter brought up the intriguing possibility, or at least potential, of the roster flexibility that Darren could provide an NFL team. We’ll go with his position as a weak-side linebacker, just to get this story set up. Joe suggested the possibility that Darren could also be a serviceable strong safety. Think along the lines of a Donnie Shell, or a Troy Polamalu. Only much bigger.

My goodness…

Ezekiel Elliott

Zeke didn’t wear himself out at the Combine; he ran the 40 yard dash, vertical leap and broad jump. He was so-so in leaping and jumping, but acquitted himself well in the sprint, running it in 4.47. He did fine in the pass catching drills and with no “blocking” drills didn’t get a chance to show probably one of his best attributes, an absolutely cut-down blocker.

No matter, there is ample game film of what he can do with/without the ball in his hand.

Of interest, to me at least, was some follow-up to Ezekiel’s post-MSU game commentary on OSU’s play calling. From the Detroit Free Press:


I think this outspokenness is a tempest in a teacup. After all, Zeke was not wrong. All the evidence in the world supported that statement. The venue in which he said it may not have been exactly right, but that hardly qualified Elliott to have to stand in the ‘splaining docket on character issues. Too bad the Browns have too many glaring needs.

Cardale Jones

Not bad comp numbers as far as it went, it just didn’t go far enough. Due to hamstring injury, Cardale did not participate in throwing drills. With limited career game rep experience, showing off his arm (strength and accuracy) would have been a nice benefit for Cardale and for NFL staffers. The lack of participation may not have necessarily hurt him, but this now puts a lot of pressure on a very good performance on March 11th (OSU Pro Day) in Columbus.

Nick Vannett

Nick didn’t run, but evidently showed good skills in receiving drills. We know that Nick can block, defensive linemen around the country can attest to that. This was a good sign that Vannett showed well with the receiving drills at the Combine, since he didn’t have as many receiving “drills” at Ohio State as we’d have liked. All that Nick needs to do is run a “position-decent” 40 time at Pro Day. Nick demonstrated at the Combine that when given an opportunity, he is a good receiver. He has plenty of game film to make his case that he is a good blocker. For any team looking for a versatile tight end/H-back, Nick’s your guy.

Eli Apple

Eli didn’t dawdle in his 40-yard time; at 4.44 it was the 10th fastest time recorded.

Per Michelle Bruton, again of Bleacher Report;


In addition to Eli being athletic (we’ve seen the games) and fast (see 4.44) it seems that he’s benefited from Ohio State’s mix of coverages. Eli will able to slide easily into the either/or of (man/zone) coverages. And, could it be that another Ohio State defender goes to the Steelers?

The post NFL Combine Thoughts appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

Continue reading...

Joey Bosa drops in latest NFL mock draft - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Joey Bosa drops in latest NFL mock draft
247Sports
Just outside the first round, McShay has Buckeyes defensive tackle Adolphus Washington and receiver Michael Thomas in his list of the next 10 best prospects remaining. Draft day should be a banner day for Ohio State, and it will be an excellent ...

and more »

Continue reading...

Big Ten women’s tourney tips off with two Wednesday games
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

The Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament tips off today at 1:30 p.m. ET with No. 13 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 Northwestern, followed by No. 14 Illinois vs. No. 11 Penn State at approximately 4 p.m. No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Michigan State and No. 4 Indiana join the Terrapins with double-byes in Indianapolis. We’ve got the full schedule as well as links to watch live streams of all games on BTN. We’ll post highlights throughout the tourney in a variety of places, including our women’s basketball playlist on YouTube. Also, for select in-game highlights and all post-game recaps and

Continue reading...

Watch D'Angelo Russell say he has ice in his veins after hitting a clutch 3
Luke Zimmermann via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Get buckets, young Buck.

For whatever reason, it took potentially lame duck Lakers coach Byron Scott two-thirds of the season to see the light and finally start playing former Ohio State standout (and No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft), D'Angelo Russell.

Russell made that decision pay off Tuesday night.

In a matchup of 17-43 and 11-49 teams, with just over 30 seconds to go, Russell did his best Steph Curry impersonation and pulled up without conscious beyond the top of the key to hit an extremely clutch late three pointer.

While making his way back up the court, Russell told anyone that would listen, "ice in my veins. Ice in my veins."

Take a look at the former Buckeye star's hero act for yourself:



Russell would go on to finish with 39 points in 35 minutes played.

May this be the first of many game deciding shots for the rising star.

Continue reading...

2017 Prospect Interview – Matt Dotson
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 past few years, Ohio State has had some top-notch tight ends come through the program and join the NFL. Some of them, like Jeff Heuerman and Jake Stoneburner , didn’t see much of the ball while they were here, but they’ve been able to move on to the next level. The Buckeyes could be looking to get their tight ends more involved, however, with the with the addition of Jake Hausmann and Luke Farrell in 2016, and possibly 2017 prospect Matt Dotson, a composite four-star recruit and a top 10 TE in America. Dotson has noticed the Buckeyes’ tight ends haven’t gotten the ball much recently, but he explains the coaches have plans to change that. Dotson is a solid pass catcher and a downfield threat, so getting him the ball will be a good strategy if he decides to don the Scarlet and Gray in 2017.

Although Dotson plays high school ball at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, he claims there’s no pressure to stay in state. He didn’t grow up with a dream school in mind, so he is open to any opportunities. Like most high school seniors, he’s looking for a university with good academics and an entertaining campus life. Like most high school athletes, he’s searching for a program with solid coaching relationships and excellent facilities. Dotson also wants a program that knows how to use tight ends effectively. Ohio State has world class academics, campus life, coaches, and facilities, but the Buckeyes will have to make good on their promise to get the tight ends the ball more often if they want to continue to secure commitments like Dotson.

Currently, Dotson lists his top 5 schools, in no particular order, as “Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Oregon.” Right now his crystal ball prediction has him 50/50 with Tennessee and Ohio State, but Coaches Kerry Coombs and Ed Warinner have been in contact with Dotson almost daily trying to sway him away from the Volunteers. They have to work fast because Dotson plans to make his decision before his senior year next fall. “Once I make a decision,” he tells me, “I will most likely not take other visits.” As of now, he’s scheduling visits, and you can bet top programs will continue to recruit him until signing day.

On the football field, Dotson models his game after Rob Gronkowski, and with the success Gronk has had at the NFL level, it’s hard to find a better role model for the position. Off the field, Dotson enjoys eating, fishing, and playing Xbox games like Madden, Call of Duty, Far Cry, and Grand Theft Auto. He’s been enjoying the recruitment process so far, and he says he’s “just so grateful to have the opportunity.”

Look for Dotson to start visiting schools here shortly and to narrow down his list ahead of his anticipated decision before his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @MattDotson21 for all the latest football news.




Continue reading...

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Preview
Charles via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


It’s March and that means its tournament time for NCAA basketball. Things get started this afternoon when the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament gets underway in Indianapolis, Indiana. With three teams guaranteed for the NCAA tournament, one other almost certainly in, and five teams on the bubble there is certainly a lot to play for as teams look to improve their NCAA seed, boost their tournament resume, or hope for a miracle run to the conference title and the automatic bid it carries. We take a quick look at all of the teams in the tournament and what they are playing for and then tBBC staff makes their picks as to how the tournament will play out.

A week ago Ohio State (23-6, 15-3) looked like they had the regular season conference championship and the tournament’s number 1 seed well in hand. They were on top of the conference standings having swept second place Maryland, were on an 11 game winning streak, and had an offense that looked unstoppable. Then things fell apart as the Buckeyes lost two heart breakers in a row, in overtime at Minnesota and in triple overtime at Michigan State. The loses cost OSU the regular season title, dropped them to the #2 seed in the conference tournament, and dropped them to at least a three seed and possibly a four seed in the NCAA tournament. The Buckeyes will have almost a week between the loss to MSU and their first game in the tournament, plenty of time to analyze what went wrong and get hungry for revenge. In addition to playing for pride and showing that they are the top team in the Big Ten, as they looked for most of the season, OSU is looking to fight back to a 2 seed in the NCAA tournament and hopefully some geographic preference in which region they get.

Maryland (27-3, 16-2) took advantage of Ohio State’s disappointing final week to win their second straight Big Ten regular season title. This was the Terrapins second season in the conference and so far their only two losses in conference play came at the hands of OSU, both this season. Maryland enters the tournament fifth in the country and looking almost assuredly to be a 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. A Big Ten tournament title and a slip up by Baylor could move the Terrapins into the 1 seed conversation but Maryland really has little to play for in the tournament as anything but a blowout loss in their first tournament game will likely keep them in the two seed spot.

Michigan State (22-7, 13-5) finished third in the conference and are ranked 19th in the country. They are a lock for the NCAA’s and nice late season wins over Minnesota and Ohio State have them looking like a fifth seed in the NCAA tournament. The Spartans have a lot to play for in Indy as a Big Ten Tournament title would give them a chance at a four seed in the NCAA’s which means home court advantage for the first two rounds.

Indiana (20-10, 12-6) finished fourth in the conference. After a rough start to conference play, the Hoosiers finished the regular season by winning 7 of their last 8. IU is mostly likely in the NCAA tournament but at least one win in the Big Ten tournament would guarantee that.

Rachel Banham became the Big Ten’s new leader in career scoring this season but Minnesota (19-10, 11-7) is currently on the bubble due to a weak strength of schedule and an RPI rank of 76. The Golden Gophers have been inconsistent this season due to a struggling defense and a lack of reliable help for Banham on the offensive end. Minnesota absolutely must win their first Big Ten game to remain in the discussion for the NCAA and likely needs to make it to the tournament title game in order to get into the Big Dance.

Purdue (19-10, 10-8) finished sixth in the conference. After getting off to a strong start in conference play, winning their first five, the Boilermakers struggled for most of the conference season, losing 8 of their next 10 games before closing the season on a three game winning streak. Despite a worse record the Minnesota, Purdue has a better spot on the NCAA bubble due to a stronger strength of schedule and a RPI rank of 58. The Boilermakes must win their first Big Ten game in order to stay in the NCAA tournament and probably need a strong showing or a win over MSU to keep their spot.

Nebraska (18-11, 9-9) and Michigan (17-12, 9-9) finished tied for seventh but Nebraska won the tiebreaker due to winning the only regular season meeting between the two teams. The teams have been mirror images down the stretch with the Cornhuskers losing 5 of their last 7 while the Wolverines have won 5 of their last 7. Michigan has a slight chance to enter the NCAA tournament discussion with a run to the conference title game but both teams pretty much need the autobid in order to get in.

Iowa (18-12, 8-10) and Rutgers (17-13, 8-10) finished tied for 9th with the tiebreaker going to Iowa. Neither team has looked solid down the stretch and while a run to the Big Ten semifinals or finals could allow Rutgers to sneak into the Big Dance, they are both most likely autobid only teams.

11the seeded Penn State (11-18, 6-12), 12th seeded Northwestern (15-15, 4-14), 13th seeded Wisconsin (7-21, 3-15), and 14th seeded Illinois (9-20, 2-16) must win the tournament or their seasons are over. The Wildcats are the most shocking team on that list after being ranked in the top 20 at the start of conference play and pulling off an upset of Ohio State, the wheels came off for Northwestern.

Now that we’ve taken a look at the teams in the tournament, our writers here at tBBC weigh in with their picks and analysis. Let’s see who does the best, chime in with your pick in the comments section.



Michael: (Michael skipped straight to the semifinals)

Ohio St over Mich St in first semifinal. Buckeyes get payback after losing a heartbreaking 3 OT game vs Sparty.

Maryland over Indiana in other semifinal. Lady Turtles just way too much for Indiana.

Maryland over Ohio St in the title game. In a classic close hard fought game. The Lady Turtles win the title



Scott:

Northwestern over Wisconsin

Penn State over Illinois –someone’s gotta win–



Second round

Iowa over TTUN

Minnesooooohta over Northwestern

Nebraska over Rutgers

Purdont over Penn State



Quarterfinals

Maryland over Iowa

Minnesota over Indiana

THE over Nebraska

Sparty over Purcant



Semifinals

Maryland over Minnesoooohta

THE over Them



Finals

THE over the turtle.



Brandon: (Spoiler Alert…I know nothing about women’s basketball)

1st Round

Wisconsin vs Northwestern – Wisconsin

Illinois vs Penn State – Penn State



2nd Round

Iowa vs Michigan – Iowa

Wisconsin vs Minnesota – Minnesota

Rutgers vs Nebraska – Rutgers

Penn State vs Purdue – Purdue



3rd Round

Iowa vs Maryland – Maryland

Minnesota vs Indiana – Minnesota

Rutgers vs Ohio State – Ohio State

Purdue vs Michigan State – Michigan State



4th Round

Maryland vs Minnesota – Maryland

Ohio State vs Michigan State – Ohio State



5th Round

Maryland vs Ohio State – Ohio State



Joe: (I’m in Brandon’s boat, but I’ll throw my bracket into the wind and see if it sticks.)

1st Round

Wisconsin vs Northwestern – Wisconsin

Illinois vs Penn State – Penn State



2nd Round

Iowa vs Michigan – Michigan

Wisconsin vs Minnesota – Wisconsin

Rutgers vs Nebraska – Rutgers

Penn State vs Purdue – Purdue



3rd Round

Michigan vs Maryland – Maryland

Wisconsin vs Indiana – Wisconsin

Rutgers vs Ohio State – Ohio State

Purdue vs Michigan State – Michigan State



4th Round

Maryland vs Wisconsin – Maryland

Ohio State vs Michigan State – Michigan State



5th Round

Maryland vs Michigan State – Michigan State



Ken:

Northwestern > Wisconsin: They beat them once, by 18, they’ll do it again

Penn State > Illinois: Not a good time for Illini to be slumping. PSU will slump them out of the Tourney



2nd Round

Iowa > Michigan: Iowa is warming up at the right time, in contrast to their men’s team.

Minnesota > Northwestern: Minnesota won two close regular season games vs N’Western. Here, they get the hat trick.

Nebraska > Rutgers: Neither team had a decided advantage; yet, I’ll go with Nebraska

Purdue > Penn State: Purdue has already beaten PSU and is on a 3 game winning streak. Boiler Up!



3rd Round

Maryland > Iowa: Terps previous meeting was a 20 point win. Maryland’s only 2 loses this calendar year have been to Ohio State. It will stay that way.

Indiana > Minnesota: Indiana and Minnesota have split season series, but Indiana is hotter team right now.

Ohio State > Nebraska: OSU coming off two tough OT losses. It won’t matter.

Michigan State > Purdue: Like the men’s team, MSU women are peaking at right time.



Semifinals

Maryland > Indiana: Maryland cruises in semi-finals.

Ohio State > Michigan State: Buckeyes improve their ball handling and avenge the 3-OT loss



Finals

Ohio State > Maryland: I know it may be tough for teams of this caliber to sweep a season series, but hell, we’ve come this far.



JC:

Wisconsin over Northwestern – I have no idea why – but will go with the usual Badger over – yep! N’Western rhetoric…

Penn State > Illinois: Illinois is slumping … not good for them.



2nd Round

Iowa > Michigan: Iowa looks good right now.

Minnesota > Wisconsin: Minnesota will take down the Badgers because they can.

Nebraska > Rutgers: I have to say Nebraska … because … is Rutgers good at anything right now?

Purdue > Penn State: The Boilermakers know Basketball.



3rd Round

Iowa > Maryland: This looks to be a good game. I have go with Iowa – just because … well, I have that feeling?

Indiana > Minnesota: Indiana even on the split will have all their ducks in a row.

Ohio State > Nebraska: OSU – sorry Cornhuskers. The Buckeyes will shine after their recent OT losses.

Michigan State > Purdue: *SU will deliver just as the Men’s will.



Semifinals

Maryland > Iowa: Maryland has it all under control.

Ohio State > Michigan State: Buckeyes improve their ball handling and avenge the 3-OT loss



Finals

Ohio State > Maryland: Gotta go Scarlet & Gray!



WVa:

Nobody cares round but PSU gets hot

Northwestern > Wisconsin

Penn State > Illinois



Penn State continues to be the early rounds story

Iowa > Michigan

Northwestern > Minnesota

Nebraska > Rutgers

Penn State > Purdont
This round is the money round. Everyone wins that should except Sparty

Maryland > Iowa

Indiana > Northwestern

Ohio State > Nebraska

Penn State > Michigan State
On a collision course for number 3

Maryland > Indiana

Ohio State > Penn State
The Buckeyes need the win to get back into #2 seed conversation.

Ohio State > Maryland



Charles:

Wednesday

Northwestern over Wisconsin: Both teams have looked awful down the stretch but the Kitties beat the Badgers in Madison two weeks ago, that has to mean something, right?

Penn State over Illinois: PSU won the only meeting between these teams this season, I’m not sure the Illini could beat a high school right now.



Thursday

Michigan over Iowa: This should be a close one but the Wolverines have looked a bit less bad down the stretch.

Minnesota over Northwestern: The Gophers beat the Wildcats twice the season but they were both close games. The extra rest gives Minnesota the edge.

Rutgers over Nebraska: The teams split the regular season meetings with the home team winning each game. The Cornhuskers haven’t won away from home since January and Indy isn’t in Nebraska.

Purdue over Penn State: The Boilermakers have a little momentum while the Nitany Lions are still stumbling.



Friday

Maryland over Michigan: The turtles easily handle the weasels.

Minnesota over Indiana: The Hoosiers beat the Gophers a couple weeks ago but Minnesota has Rachel Banham, the Big Ten’s leading scorer, and she doesn’t want her career to end; a senior like that is normally good for one set of late game heroics in March.

Ohio State over Rutgers: You don’t think OSU is going to be pissed after how the regular season ended?

Michigan State over Purdue: This is a tough one, Indy is essentially a home court for the Boilermakers which tends to mean they are good for one more win than you expect while Sparty is normally good for exactly one win. I’ll go with MSU in a close one.



Saturday

Maryland over Minnesota: Banham won’t be enough to top the Terrapins.

Ohio State over Michigan State: The Buckeyes will want revenge.



Sunday

Maryland over Ohio State: This will be a repeat thriller like last year’s title game and unfortunately the turtles will once again pull out a narrow victory; it is really hard to win three games in a season against a team as good as Maryland.

The post Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Preview appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

Continue reading...