Archives for January 2014

Vrabel is leaving and Braxton is staying

Well you can chalk today up as good news and bad news….

Mike Vrabel just confirmed that he is leaving OSU to take a position with the Houston Texans in the NFL. What a wonderful opportunity for our beloved Buckeye. Although it will hurt recruiting and our Buckeye hearts it does help him and his family so much.

Braxton Miller as we repoted last weekend has confirmed that he will be back at OSU for his SR season and that is great news for OSU fans. He is needed so much to help the young QBs learn the system and give them another year in the system to learn it and prepare to take over for him when he graduates next year.

We will have more on both these stories as they progress.

As If Buckeye Fans Need Something Else to Cheer—Something Big Is Brewing In the Wrestling Room

wrestlingOhio State Wrestling has enjoyed a thrilling rise to prominence and fans have noticed as large crowds have started to witness Buckeye wrestling meets. Still, while no one would expect wrestling to rival football or basketball in prominence, what has been happening is still flying under the radar for fans who, if they experienced what is going on, would embrace and enjoy the sport as we figure out how to entertain ourselves in this long winter.

Coach Ryan with 2X Buckeye NCAA Champ and future coach J. Jaggers

Coach Ryan with 2X Buckeye NCAA Champ and future coach J. Jaggers

Before an introduction to this year’s team, consider a few reasons why wrestling is worth your time as a fan. First, wrestling itself is enjoying a fascinating re-birth. Almost banned from the Olympics, the sport re-made itself and in the process has cast aside the trappings of tradition and set out a course of making the sport a much more enjoyable fan experience. Wrestling excitement also accrues as a by-product of the growth of MMA—the most successful UFC and Belator fighters are often former wrestlers. The collegiate wrestlers of today are likely the international MMA stars of tomorrow. Indeed, Ohio State national wrestling greats Kevin (the “Monstah) Randleman (an NCAA champion) and Lance (“The Party”) Palmer (an NCAA runner-up) have been among the brightest of MMA fighters.

Junior, and two-time NCAA Champion Logan Stieber will go for three as he attempts to be only the fourth person to win four NCAA titles

Junior, and two-time NCAA Champion Logan Stieber will go for three as he attempts to be only the fourth person to win four NCAA titles

Closer to home, Ohio has long been one of the best amateur wrestling states in the country, including strongholds in Columbus, Dayton and the belt running from Toledo to Cleveland. Better yet, Ohio State coaches are finally keeping Ohio’s best wrestlers at home: head coach Tom Ryan, an NCAA finalist at Iowa, Lou Rosselli (also head coach at the Ohio Regional Training Center—which was responsible for more than half of the 2013 National Freestyle Team members) and J. Jaggers—himself a two time Buckeye NCAA champion (see JJ win his fourth Ohio High School Championship here). To top it all off, the Buckeyes have turned themselves into a national power, and incredibly, Buckeye junior Logan Stieber (Norwalk, Ohio) is on pace to become only the fourth person in history to win four NCAA titles. More on that in a bit.

But, haha, a cautionary note is in order. In 2013-14, the road to potential greatness will probably take a detour. For reasons unique to each individual wrestler, several key contributors to the would-be Buckeye bullet train are taking a redshirt year, including Logan’s brother Hunter—ranked #1 most of last year before finishing third at the NCAA tournament in Des Moines. Also, several very talented recruits, including junior world champion Kyle Snyder, will not arrive on campus until next season. So 2013-14 is likely a season to watch individual achievements and growth, as we all prepare for what looks like a super-fun 2014-15.

So what do you look for this winter? Let’s start with Logan Stieber. Buckeyes everywhere need to know we are witnessing greatness. It doesn’t come around that often—cheat yourself at your own peril. From Late 2011 to late 2013, Urban Meyer and Logan Stieber had exactly the same number of losses, which is to say, zero. Logan has won the NCAA title as a redshirt freshman and sophomore at 133 pounds, first over rising national freestyle star Jordan Oliver of Oklahoma State and then over combative and feisty Tony Ramos of Iowa (here is Logan’s 2013 win against Ramos—you cannot help but also love Iowa Coach Tom Brands– ). Like Urban, Logan lost late in 2013. In Logan’s case, the loss came shockingly to Penn State freshman Zain Retherford in Logan’s first B1G match at a new weight—141 pounds. All credit goes to Retherford. He resisted Logan’s attempt at a pinning turn (with the assist of a dangerous move call by the referee) and Retherford seemed to wear Logan out with a second period ride-out on the strength of a bold and punishing figure four leg hold that Logan probably never saw coming. But one has the feeling Logan will learn from that overtime loss to come back stronger than ever—and I mean strong in all respects—Logan is pound for pound perhaps the strongest athlete in the country. Logan Stieber projects as one of the very best wrestlers in the world (a junior world runner-up himself)—expect him to grow into his new weight and regain his place at the top of the podium on an historic run.

Buckeye strongman Ian Paddock will attempt to regain his All American form

Buckeye strongman Ian Paddock will attempt to regain his All American form

To my mind, the most intriguing wrestler of all is 149 pound senior Ian Paddock. Ian is a wrestler you cannot help but root for from the bottom of your heart. A two time All-American, injuries and personal near-tragedy sidelined Ian, who was then beaten out by Stieber high school classmate, Cam Tessari. But before last year’s B1G tournament, Tessari was suspended (he has since transferred to Hofstra) and Ian found himself pressed into emergency service. He responded with an emotional win over Michigan’s highly regarded (and sometimes highly boorish) Eric Grajales. If wrestling matches lasted no longer than 2-1/2 minutes, Ian might well be the best wrestler in the country at any weight. For whatever reason though, Ian consistently fails to take his overpowering first period effort into the second and third periods. There are two months before the B1G tourney starts. Ian is capable of greatness if he can find that later period gear that has escaped him. Hopefully it will be fun to watch him do just that.

Johnni is bringing the juice

Johnni is bringing the juice

The most pleasant surprise of this young season has been the emergence of 133 pound red-shirt sophomore Johnni Dijulius. Winner of the Cliff Keen Invitational (watch this quick but crazy amazing pin) in Las Vegas and otherwise off to a great start, Johnni has come back from his red-shirt year a new man and has rocketed to a surprising #5 national ranking. After watching his dominating performance at Penn State, one has to think the ceiling for Johnni is not in sight. He will be a fun young man to follow.

Finally for this installment, let me point out the self-proclaimed dark horse, the irrepressible senior, Nick Heflin. You always know when Nick is wrestling—no matter how intense or large the crowd, somewhere you can hear the Heflin family cheering section put forth an encouragement that must do justice to the rebel yell. Nick has moved up not one but two weight classes, now performing in the 197 pound class. Last year at 174 pounds, the separation between Nick and a national championship was negligible—eventual champion Chris Perry edged Nick 3-2 in overtime. Nick then went on to score a dramatic cross-face cradle pin for fifth place over tough, trash talking, chest pumping and 70’s mustachioed Mike Evans of Iowa. Nick is ranked fourth this year, is unbeaten (other than three medical defaults) and win or lose is one of the most entertaining wrestlers to watch. He always gives everything he has and is not afraid to take a shot even to his peril, as once happened in overtime against Evans in the dual meet with Iowa last year (meet the Darkhorse, an obvious Buckeye warrior, after his last match against Evans).

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Darkhorse no more, Nick says “bring it”

This is the first of a series of articles kicking off the Ohio State run to the B1G tournament. In dual meets the Buckeyes are 5-1. The Buckeyes do not return home until January 17 against Northwestern. They then face Nebraska at home the next week and on January 31 they host Michigan, a meet up which always mirrors the intensity of the gridiron rivalry. Although the Buckeyes submitted a sub-par performance in their B1G opener against defending national champion Penn State, one has the feeling that even if this is a year when the team takes its breath before daring to take huge steps, these young men are on the rise. It will be fun while watching various individuals grow and compete. But it will also be worth the effort just to watch one Buckeye in particular as he attempts to stride into history.

MotSaG Chat with Steven Gonzalez

osuHelmet4star_recruit_iconI recently had the opportunity to interview Steven Gonzalez a 2015 Olman from Union City, NJ. The 6’5″ 305 lbs 4 star OL recruit has been on Ohio State fans radar for a few months now as the coaching staff has made him their top Interior OL recruit. He has recently named OSU his leader and listed a top 5. The young man has dealt with some serious set backs in recent months with the passing of his father last September. The one thing you can tell by the way he answers every question I asked was his father was an important part of his life and helped to mold Steven into the fine young man he is today. Ohio State would be extremely lucky to have them come and play for them and for that matter any school who gets his services will be better off for it.

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247sports ranks him as a 4 star and the 59th best recruit in the country. Rivals ranks him a 4 star and the 165th best recruit in the country. ESPN ranks him a 4 star and the 77th best recruit in the country. Scout ranks him a 3 star and the 38th best OT in the country. Steven projects to play the Offensive Guard position at Ohio State but could also play Tackle as well. Here is the interview in its entirety I hope you enjoy it as much as I did doing it. Thank you to Steven Gonzalez for taking the time to do this interview with us here at MotSaG.

SYR- If you could please tell us about your home life… Parents, brothers and/or sisters, where you were born, Have you always lived in in the same place?

Steven- Well I live with my mother and I was born in Englewood, NJ. My father recently passed away in September. I have 1 older brother and a younger brother. Then I have 3 older sisters. I have lived in the same place since I was born. I mean after my fathers passing, it has been pretty rough but we’re fighting through it.

SYR- Can you give us your current stats such as height, weight, 40 yard time, bench press, etc?

Steven- I am 6’5 and 305 lbs. My bench press is 350. Power Clean is 295. Squat is 505. I run a 5.3.

SYR- Tell us a little bit about your HS FB team such as record and offensive style?

Steven- Well we made the semi-finals 3 years in a row. We run a Wing T offense and a 4-3 Defense with a mix of 3-3-5 and 4-4. We went 9-2 this year including playoffs. An OL named Josue Matias starts left guard at Florida State and just recently won the National Championship, he’s #70 and is projected to be a high prospect in next years NFL Draft

SYR- What are your goals for your Senior season?

Steven- My goals for my Senior season is to win a state ring, then i want to be first team all-american (got 2nd team JR All American by MaxPreps), then I want to go to the Under Armour All American Game and participate in that. Then lastly, I want to sign to the college I end up choosing.

SYR- What college football team did you grow up being a fan of and why?

Steven- I really wasn’t too interested into college football as a child, I was more into the NFL and like I didn’t really understand college football too well. But the team I would always hear about being good is Miami U and thats the team some family members of mine like and I grew up liking them as well.

SYR- You have offers from all over the country which one was the most exciting for you to get and why?

Steven- I feel like all my offers were exciting, but the one that stood out was the Ohio State offer. My coaches had no connection with them and they just found me, watched my tape, offered me, and have told me I’m the top interior lineman they’re recruiting in the 2015 class, which is very exciting to know and is a blessing.

SYR- Who would you say is your personal hero and why?

Steven- My father is my personal hero, he’s the one that got me into football and taught me how to play. Ever since then, I’ve been making him proud with all of the attention I’ve received. Also, I feel like my mother is also because she provides so much for me, I’m blessed to have a great mother who cares so much about her sons future and will do anything for him to be great and to succeed. They’ve taught me so much and have matured me into the man I am today.

SYR- If you were going to die tomorrow what would your final meal be?

Steven- Ha, well God forbid I do anytime soon, but if it was to happen my last meal would be rice, black beans and chicken. Some good ole’ Spanish food haha.

SYR- Who do you think you compare to most in the NFL or College right now?

Steven- I feel like I compare a lot to Josue Matias, left guard from Florida State.

SYR- Who is your favorite College player of all time? And favorite NFL player of all time if different from College?

Steven- I really don’t have a favorite college player, there has been to many great college players, its hard to decide. But for NFL, I’d say right now it would be Adrian Peterson. I’m a Minnesota Vikings fan haha.

SYR- You have a top 5 of Ohio State, Rutgers, S Carolina, BC, Wisconsin. is there any other schools who are close to making the top 5?

Steven- Yes there are plenty of schools that haven’t or are close to offering that would crack that top 5 and even make it a top 10. Florida State, Oregon, Michigan State, Alabama, Miami U, Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Penn State would make that list bigger if they were to offer.

SYR- Do you currently have a leader?

Steven- Yes out of the offers I have so far, Ohio State is my leader.

SYR- Do you know when you would like to announce your commitment, if yes, when?

Steven- Well, I’m feel like I want to commit on Signing Day, but if I decide before and i’m solid on it, I will commit early.

SYR- Have you visited Ohio State yet if yes how did it go? and do you have any plans to visit them in the future? If yes, When?

Steven- I haven’t visited Ohio State yet, but I’m most likely going to see when I can head up for either a Junior Day or a spring practice.

SYR- What is your impression of Ohio State and Urban Meyer?

Steven- Coach Meyer is a proven winner with his National Championship win with Florida and the great success he’s had coaching. He’s just a great guy and a great coach. Ohio State to me is a great school, they send people to the NFL, they have great academics, they have a good fan base and a beautiful campus, and all of the coaches are great guys, especially Coach Warinner and Coach Pantoni.

SYR- Do you hear from Ohio State often?

Steven- Yes I do, I talk to Coach Warinner once every couple of weeks, and I talk to Coach Pantoni a lot.

SYR- Who is your lead recruiter for the Buckeyes?

Steven- Coach Warinner is my lead recruiter for me.

SYR- What would you like Buckeye Nation to know about you that they most likely don’t already know?

Steven- Well I just would like them to know I’m very very interested in OSU and I can’t wait to go up there and let’s say I do commit to OSU, you’ll be getting a great offensive lineman who will be ready to work, on the field and in the classroom, and be the best player/student/man he can be. I will represent the University very well.

You can follow Steven Gonzalez by clicking @StevenG511

Al Borges, Out at Michigan

b1g_iconKeeping one eye on the enemy is our job and even though Michigan State is becoming more of a menace than that other team up north, this is pretty big news:

While Michigan fans will tell you otherwise, Hoke is starting to feel his seat heat up. He’s had two “successful” seasons so far in his tenure, but last year’s 7-6 season was forgettable to most and unacceptable to Wolverine fans. One of the reasons they struggled this year was the inconsistency of the offense and the feeling the offensive parts either didn’t fit, weren’t being developed or simply not well coached. Michigan is capable of attracting top talent and this year’s offense was not at the level Michigan needs to be to remain relevant, both nationally and in the B1G.

So it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise seeing Al Borges let go, it’s not going to do Hoke any favors in the stabilization of his program going forward. First recruits have been decomitting and now he needs to find a replacement to helm his offense.

And this hire has to be a homerun.

Ryan Shazier: A Bright Spot in Dark Times

The 2011 college football season was one of the worst seasons in recent memory for the Buckeyes and their fans. The dismissals of famed head coach Jim Tressel and star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, along with suspensions of others involved in the now infamous “Tattoo Gate” left the football program in turmoil. The aftermath resulted in an unprepared Luke Fickell to take over the head coaching position and a host of young, unproven players forced into action. But through this nightmare 6-7 season one of the young players that was forced into action and shone bright was true freshman linebacker Ryan Shazier. When Buckeye fans saw Shazier on the field they knew he was going to be great.

Shazier played in all 13 games that season and started the final three. His first start against Penn State certainly made a big impression, as he led the team with 15 tackles. He finished the season with 57 tackles, one of the highest totals by a freshman in the last 15 years at Ohio State, along with three sacks, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. This was only the beginning of a great collegiate career.

Shazier truly broke out his sophomore season as he started all 12 games for Ohio State and was a thorn in the side of every offense he faced. He more than doubled his tackle totals from his freshman season, recording 115 tackles for 2012. This was good for second in the Big Ten conference. His 17 tackles for loss led the league. He also had five sacks and three forced fumbles. Shazier’s only interception of the season was big as he returned it 17 yards for a touchdown against Penn State, which broke a 7-7 tie and propelled Ohio State to victory.

His biggest play though came against Wisconsin. Buckeye fans will remember it fondly. Late in the game Wisconsin was on the goal line, facing a fourth and one at the goal line and threatening to tie the game, as Wisconsin handed it off to Monte Ball. Then Shazier happened…

It was the first fumble of Ball’s collegiate career and ensured victory for the Buckeyes. Shazier was a big part of the 12-0, undefeated season for Ohio State and seemed to make a big play every time he took the field. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2012 and was named first team all-Big Ten by the media.

Shazier once again improved his numbers in 2013. He had 144 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles while starting all 14 games. This was good enough to lead the Big Ten in tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles. Shazier was named first team All-America by USA Today, Sports Illustrated, the Associated Press and Phil Steele. He was named first team all-Big Ten by the coaches and the media, while just missing out on winning the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award (in my opinion he should have won).

While Shazier didn’t have a lot of flashy plays in 2013, it was certainly the best of his career and he was an anchor on a Ohio State defense that struggled at times. He is definitely ready to make a jump up to the NFL, as the NFL Draft Advisory Board projected him to be a second round pick this spring. Yahoo Sports currently projects him 20th to the Arizona Cardinals. I have a feeling Shazier will be playing on a lot of Sundays over the next several years.

For Ohio State, the loss of Shazier will certainly be felt. The Buckeyes lose not only a great player, but a fantastic person and leader. While Shazier wasn’t at an A.J. Hawk-type level, he was certainly one of the top defensive players to come through Columbus over the last decade. His playing career only last three years at Ohio State, but his impact will remembered by Buckeyes’ players, coaches and fans forever. Shazier was part of the light that led the Buckeyes through dark days and back to the spotlight again.

Three Yards and a Cloud of Links

Good morning Buckeye Nation. Back by popular demand and an easy schedule I am here to help you get all caught up on Buckeye news.

So Close: Last night the Men’s basketball team fell to Michigan State in OT. Our Tony Rice did a nice recap last night after the game. The game seemed like it was going to get out of hand but the Buckeyes refused to give up. I for one am going to miss the kid with the scarlet cheeks and what he brings to this team.

It was nice to see positive things being said about the team following the loss not like after the B1G Championship game against the same team that had the same result. Heres a great tweet from a female fans view that has the scarlet and gray running through her veins:

New Rivalry: I have to say and I am sure others feel the same way about the new rivalry that has been born between Columbus and East Lansing. Don Mekka lets us know how we are pretty much feeling this morning:

Controversy brewing: Not sure how many folks caught this last night but is this acceptable or did Izzo cross the line. let me know your thoughts.

Another Tool: Yup it never fails when the Buckeyes lose in football tools come out of the woodwork to get their web hits up and show their hater nation colors. Shaun Heidrick decides it the right time to drive up traffic for Yahoo and blast Urban Meyer for losing two games in a row. It says that Shaun has followed the Buckeyes for 25 years while I am sure this is true to come out and say that Urban is falling Ohio State is an overstatement. While everyone is entitled to their opinion please come out with something that isn’t so over dramatic. The Buckeyes lost 2 games in a row after winning 24 that’s big I don’t care if they didn’t play anyone or what they won those games. Michigan State and Clemson exposed the weaknesses of the Buckeyes defense and that’s what great teams do. As a fan yes it hurt to see my favorite team lose but I’m not burning everything down with hate.

Growing up: Eleven Warriors brings us the tweets from WR Michael Thomas being a child. The only reason I say this is I feel as if he kind of threw his teammates under the bus. What do you think?

Until next time Buckeye Nation…

Don’t forget drop me a line and let me know your thoughts.

Buckeyes Fall to Spartans in Overtime, 73-68

OSU LogoThat one was fun, but it hurt. The Buckeyes stated slow as MSU started hot. The Spartans hit two early threes as Ohio State played sluggish and sloppy, something that didn’t please the coach none too well. Thad Matta became a man of the scarlet, as only as he can do. The fire came out and Matta whipped the Buckeyes into shape and the half continued apace, trading buckets and trading leads.

As the half came to a close, the Michigan Spartans pulled away from and led by seven. The second half started just as easily for the Spartans as they extended their lead and went up by 10 quickly.

Ohio State cut the Spartans lead to five, 37-32, but a couple bad offensive sets and YET ANOTHER THREE by Valentine put the Michigan Spartans up by 10 again. Then things got ugly.

Michigan rattled off a 13-2 run off as Adreian Payne, the bane of my existence, dominated LaQuinton Ross for two emphatic put-back jams and a three pointer. Everything was going Michigan’s way.

With a little more than seven minutes left, MSU led 55-38 and looked to be in cruise control.

After the under-eight time out, Ohio State brought the full court pressure and the defense turned up. They snuffed out the Spartan offense and made some nice plays as they pulled to within ten with four minutes left.

Then, Aaron Craft happened.

Buckeye fans, let me take this moment to remind you we only have Craft for a few more months. In no time, his ruddy cheeks, his gritty gritness, his everything will be moving on. Take the time now to savor and enjoy what he does night in and night out.

So back to the Aaron Craft happening. He found Sam Thompson on a beautiful ally-oop and then scored on a spectacular reverse lay-up that took Valentine out of the game and brought the Buckeyes to within three, 54-57. Aaron Craft is simply amazing, but it gets even better — he inbounds the ball to himself (off Payne’s butt (IN YOUR FACE, PAYNE)) and lays it in to bring his team to within one. That series of events defines what and who Aaron Craft is.

This team looked dead and bloated but Aaron Craft willed them to come back from down 17. SEVENTEEN. They outscored Michigan 20-3 and sent the game to overtime.

Overtime went back and forth but Gary Harris’ dagger three with 28 seconds put the Spartans up three and they wouldn’t relinquish that lead.

Marc Loving had a chance at the end for the tie with another three pointer, but wasn’t able to convert. Keith Appling was fouled and iced the game, 73-68.

Ball game.

Eric Glover-Williams offer may be pulled (Per Report)

So the 2015 class got underway a few months ago and top Ohio athlete Eric Glover-Williams was the first 2015 kid to commit to OSU. Now there is a report from Todd Porter saying the offer may be pulled by OSU for “off the field issues”…

Glover-Williams was offered — and verbally accepted — a football scholarship to Ohio State. However, that may be in danger of being pulled. A source with knowledge of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts said the team is looking into “off-the-field issues” and investigating Glover-Williams. The source would not comment on whether the offer has been pulled.

Ohio State is not allowed to comment on recruits until they have signed a letter of intent, which can’t happen until February of Glover-Williams’ senior season with the Bulldogs.

McKinley head football coach Todd Filtz has heard there could be problems, but he hasn’t received any concrete information. Filtz has been out of town since Dec. 12 when his wife delivered the couple’s first child, a daughter.

“I haven’t been in town,” Filtz said. “I have received text messages and I hear things as well, but I don’t know what’s official and what’s not. I haven’t been in town to really know, so I’m not going to comment.”

Also from the article was this from OSU head coach Urban Meyer..

While Meyer is not permitted to talk about recruits, The Repository asked him how important it is to the university to monitor young players’ development and behavior off the field.

“When I first started 20 years ago, you didn’t know much,” Meyer said. “You know everything now. I have people where it’s their full-time jobs … that’s what they do. They monitor Facebook and Twitter and tweets and all that stuff. We have to find out — I want to know because we’re held responsible for all those guys.

“This is an era, a generation that … 18, 19, 20-year-olds, we know everything that’s going on every day because of what goes on these cellphones. Think about that for a minute, 18, 19,20-year-olds. So it’s a big part of what we do. Huge.”

Meyer knew the question was coming from a reporter in Canton. He had a slight smirk on his face when it was being asked.

You can read the entire article by going here…

Noah Spence suspended for Ecstasy (Per Report)

The astounding part of this article was that the B1G initially suspended Spence for a year for the Ecstasy.. You can read the entire report by clicking here…

abc27 News has learned why Bishop McDevitt grad and Ohio State football player Noah Spence was suspended for three games, including the Orange Bowl.

His father, Greg Spence, says Noah tested positive for a small amount of ecstasy.

It’s standard procedure for every player to get tested prior to the Big 10 championship game, and Spence’s family says he was shocked when his drug test came back positive.

The family says Spence unintentionally took the drug when he was given an open drink by people he didn’t know at a party.

His father says the Big 10 originally suspended Spence for one year because they consider ecstasy a performance-enhancing drug. The NCAA considers ecstasy a street drug, which carries a lesser penalty.

The family appealed and the suspension was dropped to three games.

They appealed a second time, but the three-day suspension was upheld.

The Spence family says they also plan to file a lawsuit against the Big 10.

Michigan State Preview

OSU LogoWhat: Ohio State vs. Michigan State
Where: The Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
When: Jan. 7th, 2014 @ 9:00 PM (ESPN)

NOW the Big Ten season can begin.

Ohio State’s schedule up to this point has been fair-to-middling up to this point. Solid wins against Marquette and Notre Dame adorn Ohio State’s schedule but it could be said Michigan State is a little more battle tested. They got off to a fast start, beating Kentucky and a decent Texas team but they also lost to an average (for them) North Carolina team. Michigan State has struggled early in games (down at the half against Texas and, more recently, Penn State) and despite their relative experience they really don’t have an identity.

Shannon Scott's defenseOhio State, on the other hand, does have an identity. It begins and ends with their defense, which according to KenPom is the #1 AdjD (Adjusted defensive efficiency – An estimate of the defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions) a team would have against the average D-I offense.) in the nation. Led by Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott’s nagging defense, Ohio State’s defense has kept this team in games while the offense has struggled to find consistency.

Ohio States #1 defense will be going up against Michigan State’s offense which KenPom ranks as the 27th best. The trio of Craft, Scott and LZJ will go against MSU’s talented back court of Keith Appling, Gary Harris and Travis Trice (a member of the “I wish he was a Buckeye” All Stars). Harris and Appling are the focal point but I think Trice’s defense and athleticism could be the difference. Harris is hurt and I imagine Craft will keep a close eye on Appling. These match-ups are key but may end up playing each other to a stalemate.

Michigan State’s ace in the hole against Ohio State has always been Adrian Payne. Payne has always given Ohio State trouble. Seriously. It seems like he’s troubled the Buckeyes for like seven years. Is this guy a PhD student or something? He’s a stretch four that can play away from the basket and with his back to it. Amir Williams has struggled to defend him in the past and simply doesn’t have the footwork to guard him outside-in. Payne can get past him which is probably going to lead to foul trouble for Amir. If they have to go small, like they did against Purdue, I don’t like the Payne/Ross match-up.

LaQuinton Ross has been steadily improving through the first fifteen games, but he’s going to need another big night against the Spartans. He will cause match-up problems against Michigan State, and if their recent bouts of foul trouble continue, Ross may be able to make a living taking the ball to the hoop.

The back court match-ups may even up but I like our chances with Ross.

Michigan State is experienced. They’ve faced better competition (although they do bear a blemish on their record). Ohio is still inconsistent offense. The Breslin Brats make for a hostile environment for the visiting team. I think Ohio State has a chance, but it’s going to need to shoot the ball well and get a good game from its bench, particularly from Marc Loving, whose athleticism and relative newness should cause headaches for The Spartans to defend. Either way, this is going to be a great game, a clash of the class of the Big Ten. The victor grabs an early edge in the B1G Conference Race.

My head says MSU: 68 OSU: 63
My heart says OSU: 70 MSU: 66