Tia Johnston
Guest
Buckeye Bits: Joey Bosa gets $135 million contract extension, the NBA bubble actually works, more
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.
Another day, another news cycle filled with COVID-19 updates, former Ohio State players getting paid, corny Clemson players, and panic about the possibility (or lack thereof) of a college football season. I have all that and more for you in today’s Buckeye Bits, but first, another PSA from Ohio State Athletics, who are quite literally begging fans to wear a mask.
These seasons depend on YOU=
️ 
️ 
We like sports - YOU like sports!
| #IWantASeason
pic.twitter.com/VCwjiBrQ1c
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) July 29, 2020
If you’re reading this article, I assume you like sports and, therefore, I assume you would also like a season. So....#MaskUp. Now, onto today’s headlines.
From around Land-Grant Holy Land...
Paul Bixler, OSU’s Mr. Inconsistent as head coach
Jim Baird, LGHL
Next up in our “24 Club” series, Jim tells the story of Paul Bixner, who coached the Buckeyes for exactly one season in 1946 before his team suffered a 52-point loss against Michigan— the worst defeat for any OSU team against the Wolverines in Columbus.
Even in the 1940s, Ohio State would not tolerate a head coach who loses to Michigan by that big of a deficit. On a completely unrelated note, Jim Harbaugh is approaching his sixth season as head coach of Michigan.
Which former Ohio State safety would you want back in Columbus?
Me, LGHL
Malik Hooker. Next.
Ohio State 2022 tight end target could be nearing a decision
Gene Ross, LGHL
Ryan Day and tight ends coach Kevin Wilson have made a great impression on the No. 18 tight end in the 2022 class. The Georgia-native tweeted that he had “big news coming soon”, and told Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts that Ohio State is “one of his top three schools.”
(Update to Gene’s article: Bennett Christian announced his top three. Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee)
From around the gridiron...
Gov. DeWine: Too early to know Ohio State football’s 20 percent capacity plan is safe during COVID-19
Nathan Baird, Cleveland.com
On Tuesday, Ohio State announced that Ohio Stadium will be at “no more than 20 percent” capacity this fall (which is obviously subject to change before the season begins), however shortly after the announcement, Gov. DeWine held a press conference where he said he was not aware of this plan, and that it’s still too early to know if 20 percent capacity is doable.
Five Ohio State freshmen who can make special teams impact
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
The guys who stand out on special teams one year, usually find themselves a solidified spot on offense or defense the next year. Holbrook predicts which true freshmen will make the biggest impact on special teams this season, thus getting a head start on their position battles.
Swapping Justin Fields — Would the Ohio State QB beat the Buckeyes if he played for other teams? Buckeye Talk Podcast
Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com
On their Buckeye Talk podcast, Cleveland.com’s Lesmerises and Nathan Baird answer the horrific question: What if Justin Fields played for another team? If he played for Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin or Georgia, could they beat the Buckeyes? In other words, just how valuable is a starting quarterback and how does the rest of the offense’s talent impact his performance?
Kyle McCord’s accuracy stands out at QB Collective event
Steve Wiltfong, Bucknuts
Ohio State five-star quarterback 2021 commit Kyle McCord took part in the QB Collective event over the weekend in Indianapolis. A former NFL signal-caller said that “his strength is going to be his accuracy,” and another QB collective coach added that McCord was “one of the prettiest throwers.”
CBS Sports hot-seat rankings: Where Big Ten coaches stand
Brad Crawford, Bucknuts
Ryan Day is not on the hot seat, per CBS Sports.
Same, Jeff.
I’ll never forgive those referees https://t.co/57aLDADmGq
— Jeff Okudah (@jeffokudah) July 28, 2020
Clemson’s TikTok is a disgrace to the sport of college football, as were the referees on the night of December 28, 2019.
From everywhere else...
Joey Bosa just became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
The Chargers and DE Joey Bosa have reached an agreement on a 5-year, $135 million extension that ties him to LA the next six years, per @AdamSchefter.
$102M guaranteed - a new NFL defensive record. pic.twitter.com/HxL1v4ji5Y
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 29, 2020
Bosa and the Chargers have agreed to a $135 million contract extension that includes $78 million fully guaranteed at signing and $102 million in total guarantees, which are both NFL records for a defensive player. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Bosa is now the highest-paid former Buckeye in the NFL, surpassing Michael Thomas, who signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Saints a year ago.
One of the greatest collections of talent in college football history continues to get in the pros.
Chargers DE Joey Bosa: 5 years, $135 million.
Saints WR Michael Thomas: 5 years, $96.25 million.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: 6 years, $90 million.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 29, 2020
Attention recruits! You play for Ohio State, you get paid. It’s as simple as that.
Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa join Ohio State football alums on NFL’s Top 100 for 2020 list
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
Nick Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa (not a bad day for Joey) were named to the NFL’s Top 100 for 2020 list, ranking No. 17, No. 24 and No. 34, respectively. They join Marshon Lattimore (No. 76) and Cameron Heyward (No. 84) who were announced earlier this week.
The top 10 players will be revealed at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday on NFL Network.
I think it’s time we take our College Football Island idea a little more seriously...
Sources: Zero NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus out of 344 tested at Orlando campus since last results were announced July 20.
Consecutive testing rounds where no new player has tested positive.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 29, 2020
The bubble impact on sports:
NBA: 0 positive tests since July 13th
NHL: 0 positive tests in 4,256 administered in 7-day span July 18th-25th
MLS: 0 positive tests in last nine major rounds of testing
NWSL: 0 positive tests during its entire tournament
Huge.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 29, 2020
Meanwhile, another Miami Marlins player tested positive for COVID-19 today, bringing their total to 18 reported positive cases!
The MLB is not playing in a bubble.
CFB and the NFL will likely not play in a bubble.
You do the math.
Continue reading...
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.
Another day, another news cycle filled with COVID-19 updates, former Ohio State players getting paid, corny Clemson players, and panic about the possibility (or lack thereof) of a college football season. I have all that and more for you in today’s Buckeye Bits, but first, another PSA from Ohio State Athletics, who are quite literally begging fans to wear a mask.
These seasons depend on YOU=
️ ️ We like sports - YOU like sports!
| #IWantASeason
pic.twitter.com/VCwjiBrQ1c
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) July 29, 2020
If you’re reading this article, I assume you like sports and, therefore, I assume you would also like a season. So....#MaskUp. Now, onto today’s headlines.
From around Land-Grant Holy Land...
Paul Bixler, OSU’s Mr. Inconsistent as head coach
Jim Baird, LGHL
Next up in our “24 Club” series, Jim tells the story of Paul Bixner, who coached the Buckeyes for exactly one season in 1946 before his team suffered a 52-point loss against Michigan— the worst defeat for any OSU team against the Wolverines in Columbus.
Even in the 1940s, Ohio State would not tolerate a head coach who loses to Michigan by that big of a deficit. On a completely unrelated note, Jim Harbaugh is approaching his sixth season as head coach of Michigan.
Which former Ohio State safety would you want back in Columbus?
Me, LGHL
Malik Hooker. Next.
Ohio State 2022 tight end target could be nearing a decision
Gene Ross, LGHL
Ryan Day and tight ends coach Kevin Wilson have made a great impression on the No. 18 tight end in the 2022 class. The Georgia-native tweeted that he had “big news coming soon”, and told Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts that Ohio State is “one of his top three schools.”
(Update to Gene’s article: Bennett Christian announced his top three. Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee)
From around the gridiron...
Gov. DeWine: Too early to know Ohio State football’s 20 percent capacity plan is safe during COVID-19
Nathan Baird, Cleveland.com
On Tuesday, Ohio State announced that Ohio Stadium will be at “no more than 20 percent” capacity this fall (which is obviously subject to change before the season begins), however shortly after the announcement, Gov. DeWine held a press conference where he said he was not aware of this plan, and that it’s still too early to know if 20 percent capacity is doable.
Five Ohio State freshmen who can make special teams impact
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
The guys who stand out on special teams one year, usually find themselves a solidified spot on offense or defense the next year. Holbrook predicts which true freshmen will make the biggest impact on special teams this season, thus getting a head start on their position battles.
Swapping Justin Fields — Would the Ohio State QB beat the Buckeyes if he played for other teams? Buckeye Talk Podcast
Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com
On their Buckeye Talk podcast, Cleveland.com’s Lesmerises and Nathan Baird answer the horrific question: What if Justin Fields played for another team? If he played for Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin or Georgia, could they beat the Buckeyes? In other words, just how valuable is a starting quarterback and how does the rest of the offense’s talent impact his performance?
Kyle McCord’s accuracy stands out at QB Collective event
Steve Wiltfong, Bucknuts
Ohio State five-star quarterback 2021 commit Kyle McCord took part in the QB Collective event over the weekend in Indianapolis. A former NFL signal-caller said that “his strength is going to be his accuracy,” and another QB collective coach added that McCord was “one of the prettiest throwers.”
CBS Sports hot-seat rankings: Where Big Ten coaches stand
Brad Crawford, Bucknuts
Ryan Day is not on the hot seat, per CBS Sports.
Same, Jeff.
I’ll never forgive those referees https://t.co/57aLDADmGq
— Jeff Okudah (@jeffokudah) July 28, 2020
Clemson’s TikTok is a disgrace to the sport of college football, as were the referees on the night of December 28, 2019.
From everywhere else...
Joey Bosa just became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
The Chargers and DE Joey Bosa have reached an agreement on a 5-year, $135 million extension that ties him to LA the next six years, per @AdamSchefter.
$102M guaranteed - a new NFL defensive record. pic.twitter.com/HxL1v4ji5Y
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 29, 2020
Bosa and the Chargers have agreed to a $135 million contract extension that includes $78 million fully guaranteed at signing and $102 million in total guarantees, which are both NFL records for a defensive player. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Bosa is now the highest-paid former Buckeye in the NFL, surpassing Michael Thomas, who signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Saints a year ago.
One of the greatest collections of talent in college football history continues to get in the pros.
Chargers DE Joey Bosa: 5 years, $135 million.
Saints WR Michael Thomas: 5 years, $96.25 million.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: 6 years, $90 million.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 29, 2020
Attention recruits! You play for Ohio State, you get paid. It’s as simple as that.
Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa join Ohio State football alums on NFL’s Top 100 for 2020 list
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
Nick Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa (not a bad day for Joey) were named to the NFL’s Top 100 for 2020 list, ranking No. 17, No. 24 and No. 34, respectively. They join Marshon Lattimore (No. 76) and Cameron Heyward (No. 84) who were announced earlier this week.
The top 10 players will be revealed at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday on NFL Network.
I think it’s time we take our College Football Island idea a little more seriously...
Sources: Zero NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus out of 344 tested at Orlando campus since last results were announced July 20.
Consecutive testing rounds where no new player has tested positive.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 29, 2020
The bubble impact on sports:
NBA: 0 positive tests since July 13th
NHL: 0 positive tests in 4,256 administered in 7-day span July 18th-25th
MLS: 0 positive tests in last nine major rounds of testing
NWSL: 0 positive tests during its entire tournament
Huge.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 29, 2020
Meanwhile, another Miami Marlins player tested positive for COVID-19 today, bringing their total to 18 reported positive cases!
The MLB is not playing in a bubble.
CFB and the NFL will likely not play in a bubble.
You do the math.
Continue reading...