Archives for August 2014

247sports Top 100 for 2017 released (Buckeye Targets)

August 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Today brought the news that 247sports has put out their 2017 Top 100 ranked players and OSU has quite a lot of targets in it. Lets break it down.

Commits

Danny Clark- #43 overall and #2 QB and #2 in Ohio

Targets

Josh Myers- #3 overall #1 OL and #1 in Ohio
Trevon Grimes- #10 overall
Donovan Peoples-Jones- #13
Bruce Judson- #16
Richard LeCounte- #23
Marcus Williamson- #60
Danny Davis- #64

Other offers

Dylan Moses- #1
Darnay Holmes- #28
Colin Wilson- #29
Kayden Lyles- #36
Josh Ross- #50
Jacoby Stevens- #58
Keyshawn Johnson- #80
Anthony Hines- #86
James Robinson- #89

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

3 Things That Need to Change for Ohio State to win the National Title (Guest Post)

August 11, 2014 by 2 Comments

We here at MotSaG are interviewing several potential writers and have each of them to write about a different topic and will present them to our readers so they may give some feedback. Please leave some comments for the guys and show some support. Thanks

This post is is brought to you by Ryan Black and you can find him on Twitter at @BrutusAndBeers.

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Ok! Ok we get it. Ohio State will be one of the top ten teams in the country to start the 2014 season. That’s been the case every year, almost. Using the preseason coaches poll, the Buckeyes have been ranked a top ten team 10 out of 13 times since their last national championship. Though this means absolute zilch, it does at least show that the 85 scholarship palyers (most years) and the 20 “try hards” that make up this team every year are within striking distance of “it”. “It” being that tasty treat that has been usurped by our southern enemies every year since 2004. How do they get over the hump in 2014? Every year the fans and media stick to the same plan to success:

1. “This star player (Braxton Miller) needs to stay healthy or this team is done for.”
2. “These new starters on this unit (2014 offensive line) need to live up to their predecessors.”
3. “This position group needs to improve greatly from the previous year. (2014 linebackers).”

While all of these numbered points are true; they are basically said every year with only the names changing.

Remember how we could ill afford to lose Tommy Pryor to injury in 2010?
Or how nervous we were when Jimmy Laringitus and Malcolm Jenkus were set to take over the 2006 defense?
How about how we hoped Rick Mangold could fill Alex Stephanopoulos’s shoes at center?

Ok, the names maybe blurry but the formula is the same. Let’s ignore the obvious. Here are three less talked about things that need to happen for the Buckeyes to win back the crown in 2014:

1. Get Dontre Wilson the daggum ball!

51cEDBo+yvLBeanie-babiesThe year was 1992 and all I wanted for Christmas was a Talkboy. I desperately needed it. Next Christmas that talkboy had been in a box in the basement for months and the only thing I wanted to get my ugly little hands on were Beanie Babies- all the beanie babies. When it comes to college football fans- Sophomore Dontre Wilson is that talkboy and freshmen Curtis Samuel, Noah Brown and Johnnie Dixon are those beanie babies. Around this time last year everybody was talking about that Wilson kid- and for good reason. He was just the kick in the can a less than explosive offense needed. Looking back to the 2013 year, he had a solid season average wise. He averaged over 8 yards a carry and almost 9 yards a catch. For some reason he was not used as much as these numbers indicate. In fact, in the four closest Big Ten games (MSU, UM, NW, UW) Wilson had a combined four carries. The Ohio State offense played well in three of those four games, but why was Dontre not used in close games? Whatever it is, it can’t happen this season. Braxton Miller was a beaten man by the end of last year and there is no Carlos Hyde in the backfield.
Coach Urban Meyer hinted that Dontre’s 2013 snaps were limited because of pass blocking. It doesn’t matter, with the loss of Philly Brown and Carlos Hyde a big play threat needs to emerge. I think that threat is sitting in a box right now being ignored. While the brand new gifts under the tree are getting all the attention.

2. Bump Up

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One of my friends growing up is now a defensive assistant for a MAC program. He was able to watch the Clemson game with me. Play after play seemed to be a bubble screen to the slot receiver or h back for the Tigers. Ohio State would be in zone and the defensive backs would be standing back in Sarasota. 8-10 yards were achieved without any effort; Clemson didn’t need to adjust. Yes Clemson had a few deep bombs mixed in. Those worked as well. At least twenty times I hollered in my beer induced frustration, “Nick, Why are they playing so far back and giving them 8 yards a play?!!!” He had no answer. This went on all game and I kept asking my knowledgeable friend the same question (I do tend to stay on loop when drinking). He finally just said, “Ryan, I don’t know. This is the dumbest gameplan I have ever seen!” “Now shut up and quit asking me the same question!”

This was not just a Clemson issue. Michigan had similar success- a lifeless Michigan team. Ohio State must use their athletes to challenge opposing backs and receivers. If nothing else it will at least put the ball back in Braxton’s hands in ten seconds instead of ten minutes. With a new defensive coordinator and a bunch of young freaks ready to step up, this approach has to be implemented day one. Of course bump and run can’t be called every play, but if a more aggressive approach is not used in 2014 the Buckeyes maybe playing my rude friend in Detroit next bowl season.

3. Kill Sparty

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The next part of Ohio States to-do list is simple-beat Michigan State. Doesn’t sound too hard, does it? Ok it’s going to be really hard. It looks as the season will come down to that November 8th night. Don’t get me wrong, it’s possible that Ohio State stumbles in another game. However, a loss to Sparty in November would end all hope. I find it hard to see where Michigan State will lose two other Big ten games. No big ten title = no national title. One would think Ohio State will be heavily favored against any team from the West for the game in Indy if they get there.

So there it is. Other than the usual factors, Ohio State has to have these three things happen to have a shot at “it”. The last step is very obvious. Win the whole damn thing.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

Top 3 Moments in OSU History (Guest Post)

August 11, 2014 by 1 Comment

We here at MotSaG are interviewing several potential writers and have each of them to write about a different topic and will present them to our readers so they may give some feedback. Please leave some comments for the guys and show some support. Thanks

This post is is brought to you by Stephan Sharp and you can find him on Twitter at @StephanSharp

When I was asked to write about my top three events in Ohio State history, my first thought was “How am I going to narrow this down to three?” To make my choices a little easier, I decided to only pick from events that have happened in my lifetime (since 1990). I know I am leaving out a great deal of important events by doing this, but it was the only way I thought would be fair and allow me to write about games I have witnessed and not just read about. Now on to the countdown…

No. 3: Ohio State 28 – Troy 10, Sept. 20, 2008

If you don’t remember much from this game, I can’t blame you. Terrelle Pryor’s first start for the Buckeyes ended with him throwing four touchdown passes on just 16 attempts. At the time, it was the smallest crowd in Ohio Stadium in six years with just 102,989 in attendance.

This game being Pryor’s first start is not why I have this game on my list. This was the first game I had the privilege of attending in person at Ohio Stadium. Walking from the parking lot, past St. John Arena, and seeing the rotunda on game day for the first time is something I will never forget.

I’ve been to other games since this one, including victories over That Team Up North in 2010 and 2012, but a rather lackluster win over a Sun Belt school will always hold a special place in my heart.

No. 2: Ohio State 85 – Tennessee 84, Mar. 22, 2007

Just five days after needing Ron Lewis and his clutch three-pointer to send an eventual second round victory over Xavier to overtime, the Buckeyes again needed late-game heroics to continue their quest for a first national basketball championship since 1960. Ohio State ended up falling in the national title game to Florida, but that does not diminish how great this game was.

I remember watching this game from my couch and being so frustrated with the performance of the first half, which ended with the Volunteers up by 17, that I seriously contemplated going to bed (this was the late game in the San Antonio regional and I had school at 7:45 the next morning) rather than allow myself to suffer through a blowout loss. I decided to give the team 10 minutes to show me something and fight their way back in it. I’m glad I stuck it out. The game was tied again halfway through the second half.

Greg Oden struggled with foul issues the entire game, playing just 18 minutes while scoring only nine points to go with three rebounds and four blocks. But that fourth block was the biggest of his career in scarlet and gray. His last-second, soaring swat of Ramar Smith’s potential game-winning lay-up is the first thing I think of when asked of Greg Oden and the 2006-07 Buckeyes.

No. 1: Ohio State 31 – Miami (FL) 24 2OT, Jan. 3, 2003

This was a no-brainer for me. Number one is the only football or basketball national championship won by Ohio State in my lifetime so far. The game no one gave Ohio State a chance to win. The game Ohio State won.

This was just a great game from start to finish between two great teams battling for the BCS National Championship. Everyone remembers Cie Grant coming on the blitz to force Ken Dorsey into throwing a poor pass on 4th and goal in the second overtime. Everyone remembers the pass interference call on Glenn Sharpe that gave Ohio State another life in the first overtime. Everyone remembers the horrific knee injury Willis McGahee suffered in the fourth quarter. The play I remember most is Maurice Clarett chasing down Sean Taylor and ripping the ball away following a Taylor interception in the third quarter.

A Mike Nugent field goal ended that drive, giving the Buckeyes a 17-7 lead. If Clarett does not pull off that outstanding play, Todd Sievers 40-yard field goal to send the game to overtime wins the game for Miami. Instead, Clarett’s final touch as a Buckeye ended up being in the second overtime as a short touchdown run that would prove to be the national championship-winning score.

What are your thoughts on my top three events in Ohio State history? Would any of these make your list?

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Basketball, College Football, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football, Site News

Todays OSU Football Practice Highlight Video

August 8, 2014 by 1 Comment

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football

Top 3 Trap Games for OSU This Season (Guest Post)

August 8, 2014 by 1 Comment

We here at MotSaG are interviewing several potential writers and have each of them to write about a different topic and will present them to our readers so they may give some feedback. Please leave some comments for the guys and show some support. Thanks

This post is is brought to you by Christopher Owens and you can find him on Twitter at @BigDaddyChrisO.

Looking ahead at the 2014 Ohio State football schedule, there are games where most fans will simply say, “Oh, that’s an easy win, don’t have to worry about that week.” In the history of college football, that is often the kiss of death to national championship runs (2007 Backyard Brawl comes to mind). Ohio State should be, and likely will be, favored in every game this season, Michigan State being the only question. Let’s take a look at three of those games and examine them more closely, and why they might be “trap games” for the Buckeyes this season.

1. VS Navy

The biggest question going into this season is, of course, the Ohio State defense. The defensive line will be fine, but the linebacking core and secondary are basically being overhauled after losing Butkus Award Winner Ryan Shazier and Bradley Roby. We know the talent is there (Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, High School Butkus Award Winner Raekown McMillan), but it’s young and unproven for the most part. The Navy game will be an excellent test of the linebackers. Navy returns their quarterback, Keenan Reynlods, who was the leading rusher and passer last season. He is the star and centerpiece of the Navy Triple Option attack, rushing for 1346 yards last season for the team that was second in the country in rush yards per game. Missed tackles have been a killer for the Buckeyes the last two years. This opening game against a tricky offense will be a huge test for the young defense, and tackling in the open field will be a key to stopping the ground attack from Navy.

2. At Penn State

Most fans will look at this game and think back to last year’s 63-14 embarrassment of Penn State in Columbus. Last year’s edition of this game was probably the Buckeyes’ best defensive performance against a team with a fantastic QB/WR duo with Christian Hackenberg and Allen Robinson. This year, there is no Robinson, which would lead many to think this game will be even easier. However, State College is not nice to Ohio State. Since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, the Buckeyes lead the series 14-7, and over that span, Ohio State is just 5-5 at Penn State, versus 9-2 at home.

3. VS Maryland

Maryland started 4-0 last season, before being squashed by eventual champion Florida State 63-0. Maryland’s biggest problem was not their level of play, but the injury situation. Quarterback CJ Brown, wide receiver (and former OSU recruit) Stefon Diggs, defensive back Jeremiah Johnson, and linebackers Vannik Cudjoe-Virgil and Matt Robinson, who are all considered the top players at the positions for Maryland, were all injured at some point last season. All of these players return under coach Randy Edsall, whose Maryland team has gotten better each year under his tenure (2-10, 4-8, 7-6). This will also be Maryland’s third season in the 3-4 scheme, typically when a scheme overhaul is complete. Maryland will likely have a stronger defense than last season, after already cracking the Top 20 in sacks, Top 10 in tackles for loss, and Top 25 in opponent 3rd down conversion. The Buckeye defense will not be as tested against Maryland as against Penn State’s Hackenberg or Navy’s Triple Option, but the one-on-one test between Diggs and whomever Coach Ash puts on him will be great theatre, given that the Maryland offensive line gives Brown time to find Diggs.

The main concern for any “trap game” this season is the Ohio State defense. We saw what a porous defense could cause last year against teams over which Ohio State was heavily favored, like California, Michigan, and Illinois. A coaching change and new players will help that problem, but the young players will likely make some mistakes. The first game against Navy will be a huge test for this young defense to start the 2014 season.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football

Top 3 Recruits Ohio State Needs To Land (Guest Post)

August 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment

We here at MotSaG are interviewing several potential writers and have each of them to write about a different topic and will present them to our readers so they may give some feedback. Please leave some comments for the guys and show some support. Thanks

This post is is brought to you by JT Perry and you can find him on Twitter at @Reppin614.

I was recently posed a very simple, yet very complex question. “Who are the three most important recruits for Urban Meyer to land in the 2015 Recruiting class who are uncommitted right now?” When first asked this, several names crossed my mind, but many of these names were quickly crossed off the board looking at the depth and the skill sets that Urban Meyer has acquired in previous classes. After a while of narrowing down my focus to the most important recruits for the 2015 class, I came up with three names that pack a powerful punch. Those prospects are: DE Josh Sweat, OT Drew Richmond, and RB Damien Harris.

Josh Sweat

Josh Sweat from Chesapeake, VA has crazy athletic ability and potential for a high school recruit. Many experts compare Sweat to fellow Defensive End, Jadeveon Clowney, who may be the most athletic football player that many have seen in a long time. If Josh Sweat turns into anything like Clowney, then it is very easy to see why Sweat is the top prospect Urban needs to land in 2015. Clowney was of course the number 1 pick in this year’s draft and Sweat may see his name called this early 3 years from now, especially under Larry Johnson Sr. (Ohio State’s Defensive Line Coach). Larry Johnson is one of the big reasons that Ohio State is a finalist and will receive an official visit, along with Virginia Tech, Florida State, Oregon, and Georgia. Many see Virginia Tech as a favorite to land Sweat’s services, but Tech hasn’t had much success in keeping talent in state and Sweat is too quiet of a kid to get a read of where he may be leaning, but he remains a huge need in this class.

Drew Richmond

How many of you want to see another Orlando Pace at Ohio State? Well, if Drew Richmond from Memphis, TN, were to choose Ohio State, then you may very well get your wish. Drew Richmond has stated that he grew up an Ohio State fan and reiterated his interest in the Buckeyes by attending Ohio State’s ‘Friday Night Lights’ last week. Envisioning an elite Offensive Tackle with the skill set that Richmond has with the superior coaching of Offensive Line Coach Ed Warinner spells a combination which has the potential to produce Pace 2.0. Richmond has also expressed that he looks up to Orlando Pace and even tries to mold his game after his. This is why Drew Richmond becomes the second most important recruit that Ohio State needs in this class. I mean who wouldn’t want another possible Orlando Pace? So, how hard will it be for Ohio State to land this talented prospect? Quite hard considering the Buckeyes are competing against programs such as Alabama and home team, Tennessee. Even counting this, I would not bet against Urban Meyer on this one, as this recruitment reminds me of a fellow offensive lineman’s recruitment in Demetrius Knox, last year.

Damien Harris

Why is RB Damien Harris such a need in 2015, with promising backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Curtis Samuel already in the fold at Ohio State now? Well, Damien Harris brings a total different game than fellow running backs, Elliott and Samuel. Harris reminds me more of the game that El Guapo (Carlos Hyde) brought to the Buckeyes last season. Harris has the speed with the best of them, while also supplying some explosive power and anger that he runs with. I can see Harris adding some weight once he gets with Coach Mick (Ohio State’s Strength and Conditioning Coach), and looking more like El Guapo. Right now, Damien is a little smaller than Hyde, as he sits at 5’11, 205 lbs. I feel that Elliott and Samuel both lack the natural build to ever be what Hyde was, even though both backs will most likely pay huge dividends at Ohio State. So, why is Damien Harris so important? We haven’t seen our offense without Hyde since early last season and when Hyde came back, he added a new component to our offense. The question becomes will Ohio State struggle with this component now gone? If so, Damien Harris could come in in 2015 and fill that void as a true freshman. How good of a chance does Urban have with Harris? I’ll stick with a fair to good chance. Harris is from Berea, KY and has us in his recently released final 5, along with Kentucky, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Florida. Kentucky is seen as the biggest threat as Stoops has been able to pull in some top names in the last couple classes. That combined with Damien feeling the hometown superstar pressure has Kentucky sitting in good shape as well. Harris’s relationship with Ohio State commits, Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell, along with relationship with Urban Meyer is why I believe he will eventually join the 2015 Recruiting Class when he decides on December 13th. Let’s not forget that Harris grew up a Michigan fan and was once committed to them, who are now eliminated from consideration. That makes this recruitment and potential win, that much sweeter.

At the end of the day, if Urban can land any of these prospects in the 2015 recruiting class, he will be getting a game changer and potential, future all-American. All three of these prospects have the potential to be a factor in their first year along with their entire tenure at Ohio State. If Urban were to somehow land all three, well buckeye fans, get ready for a very intriguing 3-4 years that could see many national titles appearances and wins, if they all pan out to reaching their full potential. Not that we don’t already expect national title appearance and wins, but any three of these guys would put Urban Meyer and our Ohio State Buckeyes over the top. All three may just be a pipe dream, but a dream I’m willing to live in.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, High School Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With: , ,

Buckeye Practice Circle Drills Hype Video

August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Buckeyes Moving Into Fall Camp Hotel (Photos)

August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Every year there is a day where every OSU football player moves into the hotel for Fall football camp and the pictures that come from that day are almost always glorious. Some of the things you really get to see are how big some guys got in the off-season. Or how out of shape some may have gotten. Other things that are intriguing is what do they bring (TVs, Video Game Systems, Stereo Systems, or even food). Our friends at Lantern TV (Formerly Buckeye TV) the student run newspaper/TV station were kind enough to allow us to use their photos for this article.

No. 1 RB Ezekiel Elliott is all smiles.

No. 1 RB Ezekiel Elliott is all smiles.

Michael Bennett looks in great shape and ready to kill some QBs and tell some jokes.

Michael Bennett looks in great shape and ready to kill some QBs and tell some jokes.

Curtis Grant obviously uses Animal Crackers for muscle development.

Curtis Grant obviously uses Animal Crackers for muscle development.

Tyquan Lewis (Foreground) and Tracy Sprinkle arriving.

Tyquan Lewis (Foreground) and Tracy Sprinkle arriving.

Dontre "The Unibomber" Wilson?

Dontre “The Unibomber” Wilson?

Click the link below to see more pictures from today’s camp arrivals…

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Ohio State Football Camp Hype Video

August 7, 2014 by 1 Comment

There is no way to get enough actual video coverage of football right now. Thanks to the fine folks at THE Ohio State University here is some video of OSU practice. My best takeaway? Looks like Chris Carter is in great shapes and really fast for a big man.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

Former Buckeye Greg Oden Arrested (Per Report)

August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

It is being reported this morning that Greg Oden was arrested early this morning and charged with battery. Details are sketchy right now but it sounds like it happened in his hometown of Lawrence, Indiana. Here is what is being reported right now…

New details from the Indy Star…

The incident happened around 3:30 a.m. in the 7200 block of Maple Bluff Place, according to a Lawrence Police Department report.

Officers arrived at the home to find the victim crying and lying across a bed holding her face, police said. A woman described as the victim’s best friend first told officers what happened, police said.

“He punched her in the face,” the witness said, according to the report.

The victim initially was “uncooperative,” police said.

The victim’s best friend, police said, told the woman, “There isn’t that much love in the world. You need to tell that he punched you in the face.”

Police “observed blood, swelling to the nose, lacerations to the forehead and nose area of the victim’s face,” according to the report. They also “observed blood on the sofa and floor in the sitting area. (They) observed (blood) on the living room carpet (and) dirt from a flower pot that was knocked over.

The house belongs to Oden’s mother.

Oden was “calm, apologetic and cooperative” when officers spoke with him, police said.

“I was wrong, and I know what has to happen,” Oden told police, according to the report.

Filed Under: College Basketball, NBA, Ohio State Basketball Tagged With:
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