All Things Buckeyes

January 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment

I have been a Buckeye fan since I joined the U.S. Air Force and man, I haven’t seen a day like yesterday!  What day am I talking about you ask?  I am talking about yesterday’s amazing recruiting coup.  The Buckeyes had a day to remember and the future is very much as bright as the stars that fill the night sky.  12 stars that is!  TWELVE!  Long time target from Florida, Binjimen Victor finally joined the Dream 16 and it essentially triggered the start of the Buckeyes huge day.  Later in the day, after Victor accepted the offer from Ohio State, a pair of Maryland commits made their decision to flip to the Buckeyes.  There had been a bevy of rumors swirling about the dynamic duo about their commitment status.  Eventually, the two finally acknowledged the rumors and made it official.  Maryland’s own, QB Dwayne Haskins and OLB Keandre Jones made their decision to bring their talent to Columbus.  After weeks of silence, the inevitable was finally taking effect.  Since his arrival, Coach Meyer and company have had at least one quarterback commitment per recruiting cycle.  In his first class, although he was committed to Coach Tressel, Cardale Jones was the first to pledge to Meyer.  Secondly, J.T. Barrett.  Thirdly, Stephen Collier.  Then Joe Burrow and former QB prospect turned Wide Receiver Torrance Gibson.  Now with Haskins’ commitment in the 2016 class and Danny Clark in 2017, the Buckeyes can essentially concentrate on key skill position players and blue-chip prospects.  Once again, I cannot explain how great of a day in recruiting yesterday was and the class of 2016 is far from finished.

Personally, I think this class could improve more.  I am still counting on having at least 3-5 spots left in this years class.  Give or take, I think Coach Meyer and company can drastically improve the future and as it stands now, it is as bright as it can be, but the scary thing about it, it can get better.  There are still targets out there that the Buckeyes still have a good, if not great shot at.  The biggest fish in the proverbial pond is an obvious one.  A huge one at that.  Louisiana’s Rashard Lawrence.  A mammoth and a beast of a Defensive Tackle, he has the Buckeyes in his final two, along with the hometown LSU Tigers.  Lawrence will be announcing this Friday, shortly before noon and it is an even 50/50 shot.  We will see on Friday, but I do not want to get my hopes up.  The Buckeyes have a good shot and now that they are in the final two, they are in great shape.  There is also New Jersey product, Jordan Fuller.  He is another prospect who is another one to watch.  He is visiting TTUN soon and we will just have to see if the Jersey pipeline will reel him and Gary in.  I think the Buckeyes have a good shot with Fuller as well.  Barring any surprise sleepovers or intimate tree climbing “recruiting dates” with Harbaugh, I fully expect Fuller to become a critical piece to the Buckeyes future plans.  Another name that recently came up is Mecole Hardman from Georgia.  With the help or early enrollee Austin Mack, he took an surprise official and came away impressed.  Coming away impressed is one thing, but on twitter, he teased about wrecking defenses together with Dwayne Haskins.  It is something to keep an eye on.  Speaking of Haskins, he also tweeted current Miami commit Sam Bruce.  Haskins either jokingly or seriously asked Bruce “So what’s up”.  Bruce is another offensive weapon that the Buckeyes could unleash on unsuspecting defenses, IF he decides to flip and pledge to the Buckeyes.  Other big names to watch are Pennsylvania’s own Damar Hamlin, Kentucky’s Rodjay Burns, Florida’s Carlos Becker, Ohio’s Malik Harrison and a current Vols commit who will be visiting Columbus, North Carlonina’s Marquill Osborne.  A combination of a big-time recruit in Hamlin and four underrated targets, with big-time potential.

The countdown to National Signing Day will be an interesting storyline to follow until the 2017 cycle begins.  With two weeks left until Signing Day, I am too excited for what may or may not occur.  There is nothing like being ecstatic about a recruit who surprises and/or shocks the world and their parents with their decisions and the disappointment of a big-time recruit spurning the Buckeyes for another school.  I will have my eyes peeled and will be paying close attention.  Here’s to a boom filled National Signing Day.  Go Buckeyes!!!

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

All Things Buckeyes

January 11, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Recruiting News

Wide Receiver Recruiting:

On the eve of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, all Buckeye fans, including myself are anxiously waiting for Michigan Wide Receiver, Donnie Corley to accept the scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.  Now, Corley has committed and the disappointment sets in.  EXHALE.  Sure he would have been an awesome signing, but there is still a few targets on offense left on the board.  This is where targets like Florida standout, Binjimen Victor and his pal and Miami commit, Sam Bruce come to mind.  The Buckeyes also may still have a chance with another Florida star in Nate Craig-Meyers.  They could also kick a few old tires and re-initiate contact with Florida’s Tre Nixon or go for another timely flip.  This isn’t the end of the world and our class has not fizzled.  Not even close.  We have a Top 5 class in most recruiting websites and Top 3 in a select few as well.

Now as of now the Buckeyes only have Austin Mack as the only Wide Receiver on board.  It might be too late in the game but after we lost out on Corley, we can now turn up the heat on the aforementioned “Big Three” in Victor, Bruce and Craig-Meyers.  Nixon is a long shot but Urban Meyer has a knack for closing out recruiting classes strong and with authority.  He can flip recruits if needed as well.  And what people forget, we have had success with top-tier Wide Receivers in the past two recruiting classes and we have depth at that position.  Names like K.J. Hill, Alex Stump, Torrance Gibson, Johnnie Dixon, Terry McLaurin and I can go on and on with this.  The fact that they are just waiting in the wings and waiting for their shot at playing time.  I feel like they are as hungry as ever and with the departure of Mike Thomas, Braxton Miller and Jalin Marshall, they have an opportunity and a viable shot to gain some coveted playing time next season.  The Buckeyes are loaded so don’t panic.  Even if we miss out on the big named targets, we will be okay.

The Countdown Until NSD:

Well if you pay attention to the recruiting wars in College Football, then you know that this is where the great coaches and the ace recruiters put a full court press on potential recruits.  This is my favorite time of the year.  And it very well could be my least favorite time, IF the recruit I want in Scarlet and Gray spurns us for another team (ahem, Amari Cooper/Laquon Treadwell/Chirtian Wilkins/Stephon Diggs/Chritian Kirk/Myles Garrett just to name a few).  I have my heart ripped out of my chest and have jumped up and down when any form of Buckeye gear is picked up and raised.  Ideally, I would like to finish out strong but it might not be in the cards.  With how the class stacks up, it is looking like we have a few more spots left.  Between 5-7 spots after the mass exodus that had just occurred.  Not including the yearly offseason attrition that may or may not occur.  Players may see no shot at any playing time and transfer (Mike Mitchell/Jeremy Cash) or a few might end their young careers due to injury plagued seasons at Ohio State.  It is going to be fluid once spring ball is upon us so we might as well sit back and speculate for the time being.  Here is my Class of 2016 wishlist:

High Interest Targets:

Jordan Fuller, DB, New Jersey

Rashard Lawrence, DT, Louisiana

Binjimen Victor, WR, Florida

Sam Bruce WR, Florida

Brandon Burton, DB, California

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Maryland

Nate Craig-Meyers, WR, Florida

Rashan Gary, DT, New Jersey

Jared Mayden, DB, Texas

Rodjay Burns, DB, Kentucky

Demitris Robertson, ATH, Georgia

Damar Hamlin, DB, Pennsylvania

Karamo Dioubate, DT, Pennsylvania

Aaron Hansford, OLB, D.C.

Malek Young, DB, Florida

Carlos Becker, DB, Florida

Malik Harrison, ATH, Ohio

Keandre Jones, OLB, Maryland

Chris Daniels, DT, Texas

Tylin Oden, QB, Tennesse

Prince Sammons, DE, Ohio

Final Predictions:

Jordan Fuller, DB, New Jersey

Rashard Lawrence, DT, Lousiana **Surprise Pick**

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Maryland

Binjimen Victor, WR, Florida

Sam Bruce, WR, Florida **Last Minute Flip**

Malek Young, DB, Florida

Carlos Becker, DB, Florida

Breakdown:

I had to play it safe with a few of these picks.  Jordan Fuller is someone that we need in the fold and to top it off Becker and Young both flip to the Buckeyes.  Rashard Lawrence shocks everyone and creates his own legend in Ohio.  Victor finally comes on board, Bruce makes his move and Dwayne Haskins reveals his intent to don the Scarlet and Gray.  This is a dream scenario for me and I am not afraid to be wrong because with recruiting, you never know.  Here’s to the countdown until National Signing Day.  Go Bucks!!!

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

All Things Buckeyes

January 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The Battle of CFB’s Storied Programs:

Well after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Fiesta Bowl, the Buckeyes season ends on a high note.  Although, it was only a 16 point win, the Buckeye defense showed promise after DE Joey Bosa exited the game mid to late first quarter.  Backup Sam Hubbard took Bosa’s place and did an admiral job during his absence.  Tyquan Lewis was also playing at a high level throughout the game and as the only starter left on the defensive line, he definitely will have momentum in the upcoming season.  It was evident that Bosa was sorely missed after his untimely exit, but the Buckeyes possess talent all over the depth chart and at every position.  But like always the next man up mentality that is instilled into the culture of the Buckeyes thrived and showed out once again.  Bosa being out and Lewis as the only remaining starter left on the defensive line, with Adolphus Washington serving a suspension and Tommy Schutt out with a broken foot, the reserves show that talent is there at every position.  The struggled in the beginning but came up clutch in the end registering back to back sacks and Darron Lee capped it off with a strip sack to seal the game in the end.

The offense was running on all cylinders and J.T. Barrett and Ezekiel Elliot had their way with the injury-riddled Notre Dame defense who also lost a star in the first quarter in Jaylin Smith, who in fact was a huge Buckeye target and the brother of former Buckeye Running Back, Rod Smith.  Michael Thomas also had a good game scoring a touchdown on a hitch route in the redzone.  The game was never in doubt.  The Buckeyes saw Sparty get demolished by Alabama and the questions and thoughts of “what could have been” plagued the Buckeyes.  In the game it showed the angry and motivated team that should use this as a kickstarter to next years season.  As displayed and heard by Ezekiel Elliot, the Irish “did not want to be there anymore”.  The passion and the motivation was there and it could springboard next years team who, if I am not mistaken, travel to Oklahoma for what is a home and home.  The Buckeyes definitely proved that when they are motivated and when they want to, they cannot be stop and they are one of the best teams in the nation, if not the best.  They will most undoubtedly use this as fuel for next year but it is the end and I am looking forward to National Signing Day.

The Exodus Begins:

It is now official, the Buckeyes season is done and now it is just a waiting game to see who will stay and who will go.  As of now, Bosa, Lee, Powell and Elliot have all declared.  Bell and Thomas are also expected to follow suit, but haven’t let their intentions known.  I will continue to update you on this, but for now let us savor that Fiesta Bowl victory.

The Recruiting Wars:

The Buckeyes received a commitment by way of New York in Jahsen Wint.  The Buckeyes get their yearly flip and there could be one or two more coming.  There is definitely a few more precious spots left and with the potential early NFL Draft departures, there could be more scholly’s up for grabs.  The Buckeyes are looking to close out strong with the number one recruiting class and with the recent LSU commitments, we need a huge effort to close out this year.  My wish list would be Victor, Corley, Gary (Longshot), Lawrence (Another one), Fuller, Hamlin and Haskins.  I am definitely dreaming but anything can happen so we shall see if we can get another few surprises on National Signing Day.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, College Football Recruiting, NFL, NFL Draft, Ohio State Football

All Things Buckeyes

January 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Injury News:

The Fiesta Bowl showdown with the Golden Domers is only a week away and the Buckeyes have let that pesky injury bug into the locker room.  News broke recently that supposed starter, Tommy Schutt has been battling an unspecified foot injury for the past few weeks.  Now the team doctors have finally identified the problem.  Tommy Schutt has been diagnosed with a broken foot and is now officially out of the Fiesta Bowl.  He is ending his Ohio State career with what is essentially a season ending injury, but if it is any consolation, he will be more than fine in the long run.

Brax Sighting ?:

Will we have the privilege of seeing a Braxton Miller filled game plan?  I sure hope so.  I would love to see Miller light up Nortre Dame’s defense and cap off his Buckeye career with a resounding and convincing win.  With the Fiesta Bowl being the venue of his last career game, I feel like the coaches will try to highlight their outbound players in some manner to reward them for their loyalty and their commitment to the program.  With the draft coming within the next few months, I feel like they are just foaming at the mouth at the opportunity to finish their season.  I feel like there will be a few newer wrinkles to both the offense and the defense.  I am hopeful that they will find a way to get everyone, including Braxton Miller to get involved.

Recruiting News:

Well the Buckeyes lost out on a couple of prominently known defensive lineman over the last two weeks.  Dexter Lawrence from North Carolina committed to the Clemson Tigers and Antwuan Jackson from Georgia committed to Auburn.  These are huge losses in the recruiting trail, but the Buckeyes still are in the running for a few highly sought after defensive lineman.  Louisiana’s Rashard Lawrence, New Jersey’s Rashan Gary and Georgia’s Tyler Clark.  If none of these names end up a Buckeye commitment, then it is certainly not the end of the world.  The Buckeyes have more than enough talent and playmakers to occupy those positions or potentially man them at a high level to keep the Buckeyes afloat.  There aren’t that many spots left in this years class.  There is approximately 5-8 spots left and there can be as many as 10 depending on which underclassmen choose to do in regards to leaving early for this years draft.  It is nothing official and mostly guess work, but you can say that the end of this recruiting year will and should end in spectacular fashion.  Expect fireworks.

 

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football Recruiting, NFL Draft, Ohio State Football

All Things Buckeyes

December 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment

There is only 19 more days until our new years date with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and I am definitely craving some Buckeye football.  I for one cannot wait for the New Years Six Bowl Game.  The Fiesta Bowl will have nothing short of a spectacular show and I am hoping that it is a one-sided type in favor of the Scarlet and Gray.  It would put a meaningful grin onto Buckeye fans worldwide and it would cap off a season that didn’t go as planned.  Now, all Coach Urbs and company have to do is finish with a bang and finish so that the outgoing seniors and the NFL early entrees leave for greener pastures.

So if you have been living underneath a rock, we have a ton of talent that are both leaving and that are thinking about taking the leap to the next level.

Here is a list:

  • Joey Bosa, DL (Jr.)
  • Ezekiel Elliot, RB (Jr.)
  • Vonn Bell, DB (Jr.)
  • Eli Apple, DB (Rs So.)
  • Cardale Jones, QB (Rs Jr.)
  • Taylor Decker, OL (Sr.)
  • Adolphus Washington, DT (Sr.)
  • Chase Farris, OL (Sr.)
  • Jacoby Boren, OL (Sr.)
  • Michael Thomas, WR (Rs Jr.)
  • Braxton Miller, H-Back/WR (Sr.)
  • Darron Lee, LB (Rs So.)
  • Joshua Perry, LB (Sr.)
  • Tyvis Powell, DB (Jr.)
  • Tommy Schutt, DL (Sr.)
  • Nick Vannett, TE (Sr.)
  • Cam Williams, LB (Sr.)

Now this isn’t a confirmed list of the players who are leaving.  This is just to show you that we are about to look different on both sides of the ball.  This isn’t as alarming though because we have one of the best recruiters in the land in Coach Urban Meyer and not to mention he has a ton of All-Star recruiters as well so we will be in good hands.  Reload and replenish.  Reload and replenish.  Now with who you might ask?

Here is another list of potential recriuts:

  • Dexter Lawrence, DT (North Carolina)
  • Rashard Lawrence, DT (Louisiana)
  • Rashan Gary, DT (New Jersey)
  • Dwayne Haskins, QB (Maryland)
  • Binjimen Victor, WR (Florida)
  • Nate Craig-Meyers, WR (Florida)
  • Donnie Corley, WR (Michigan)
  • Jahsen Wint, SS (New York)
  • Demetris Robertson, LB (Georgia)

There are countless more recruits but these are the ones that the Buckeyes have a punchers chance at getting on National Signing Day.  We still have a while until that happens and anything can happen.  Here is to another potentially successful recruiting season.

Bringing In A New Era:

After this bowl season, we will have to say goodbye to Coach Ash and he will be on the opposing sideline next season for Big Ten foe, Rutgers.  Coach Ash will be sorely missed and his recruiting prowess will be too.  Don’t fret Buckeye fans because Urban Meyer once again pulled a rabbit out of his hat and scored a suitable replacement in Greg Schiano.  Former Rutgers Head Coach.  Which is ironic.  Coach Schiano is also the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Bucs and after some time off he will join the Buckeyes and light a fire underneath his players.  I cannot think of a better coach than Coach Schiano.  Sure he is known as a control freak and his players in Tampa eventually tuned him out due to his personality, but he is a huge hire.  He will prove that he can move past that and he will also become an asset in the recruiting game.  I cannot wait to see who he can score in the recruiting scene.  Here is to a year or two worth in the Schiano Era.

 

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, NFL Draft, Ohio State Football

All Things Buckeyes

December 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment

The Chaos That Never Was:

Championship Weekend has come and gone and unfortunately, the Buckeyes did not make the College Football Playoffs to defend it.  We had our chance to set ourselves out, but simply but it wasn’t in the cards on that day.  That still feels like a freshly cut wound that had been in contact with salt or alcohol.  It still hurts but not as bad as the week that we blew our shot to repeat.  I for one wanted to see a rematch of the Sugar Bowl from last years Playoffs, but my dreams were dashed by Geiger’s last second field goal to all but doom our chances at making the playoffs.  I am salty but it won’t ruin or deter me from being loyal to my Buckeyes.

Florida had no chance at stopping the Tide and the Tarheels and the Trojans “tried”.  I love the College game because there is always a chance for someone to get upset or beat.  It is the name of the game.  Unfortunately, it did not happen for the Buckeyes.  I still love this team and I still know that we could play with anyone in the field of four, but let us not focus on the negatives and let us all just focus solely on what we have left for this season.  Bowl Season.

Let’s Have A Fiesta:

Well if you live under a rock, which I seriously doubt, you now know who made the field of four for year two of the College Football Playoffs.  Clemson sits at number 1 and they will be matched up against number 3 Oklahoma team.  Number 2 Alabama will go up against number 4 Michigan State team.  Both matchups are as expected.  The Orange Bowl game has the potential to become a good old fashioned shootout.  The Cotton Bowl game is the opposite and is solely about both defensive units.  It is amazing BUT I will be biased and say that I would’ve preferred that rematch that I talked about earlier.  That is neither here nor there and we did blow it.  So there are and there should be no excuses really.

Now since we finished 7th in the Playoff Standings, we were chosen for a date with the Golden Domers of Notre Dame.  This is an intriguing matchup for me because I pay close attention to the recruiting aspect of things and there are a couple of players on the opposite team that the Buckeyes admired.  Kizer, who is from Ohio wanted to play for the Buckeyes but he never received an offer out of high school.  Another player was a highly sought after Linebacker Jaylon Smith.  I wanted him to be a part of that years class but the lure of the Irish was too strong to overcome and by the looks of it Daelin Hayes will also most likely spurn the Buckeyes for the Irish as well.

This matchup will be intense and hotly contested, but I for one hope that the Buckeyes come out with the rage and the grit that made them so dangerous in the last years Playoffs.  I hope they do what they did to that Team Up North.  A lot of the senior would love to go out with a bang and to topple the Irish on January 1st would be a season saver.  The season was not a complete loss but it could’ve been better.

The Rutgers D-Ash:

Well it happened again, another valuable positional coach was lured away from the Buckeyes to fill a once vacant Head Coaching gig.  I am not bitter but he will be sorely missed.  Coach Ash was our meal ticket into Texas and that will be hard to replace or replicate.  I wish Coach Ash luck and I for one hope that Coach Meyer and Company hit another home run for his replacement.  I thing that it would be cool to have former Buckeyes DB’s such as Winfield and Gamble coach the kids up at Ohio State or at least serve as someone who will teach technique but not have the title of coach.  The word currently escapes me but you know what I mean.  No worries though, Coach Ash will coach the secondary during the Fiesta Bowl.  Let us all focus on the new task at hand.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

All Things Buckeyes

December 1, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Wolverine Tears:

These Wolverine tears taste amazing!  After a heartbreak at home, the Buckeyes once again showed that they should at least be considered as a potential College Football Playoff candidate.  The Buckeyes entered the game limping after a home loss to those darn Spartans and a major heartbreaker.  The gameplan was not working and the Buckeyes couldn’t maintain control in the trenches.  Fast forward to this past weekend, the Buckeyes demonstrated that they should at least be considered to be a part of this years playoffs, IF and I mean IF, chaos happens during the Conference Championship weekend.

A couple of losses to for the teams that are ahead of the Buckeyes would do wonders for their cause.  While we are all hoping for a miracle, I will hold out just a smidgen of hope for this to happen.  I will pray to the College Football gods for a miracle.  Just like 2007 when the Buckeyes utilized said “chaos” to sneak into the BCS Championship Game, but now it will be used to get into the CFB Playoff.  A Conference Championship Game would’ve helped the Buckeyes cause, but that is just how it is and that is how it will stay.  For now at least.  I for one would be hoping for a miracle.

Now, back to the tears, that taste SO GOOD!  This was supposed to be a tightly contested game.  The Game of all games.  The Scarlet and Gray versus The Maize and Blue.  The first installment of Urban Meyer VS Jim Harbaugh.  It went the way that I wanted it to go.  I was screaming well into the fourth quarter for Coach Meyer and the Buckeyes to run up the score.  This was no time for pity.  We needed to crush the Wolverines in the fashion that we had done to get the attention of the Committee.  To keep the Buckeyes fresh in their minds.

The Buckeyes offense rose from the dead.  Literally!  After a snoozer and after poor game planning, Coach Meyer assisted in the play calling.  And it worked and/or helped.  Tremendously.  J.T. Barrett looked less predictable as opposed to the Michigan State game, the play calling was more straight forward, the execution was crisp and ZEEEEEEEEEEKE RAN WILD!!!  Let’s feed this man and help his cause for the Heisman or should I say HE15MAN.  The Silver Bullets returned and stuffed every run, but it did enough to disrupt the Wolverines.  Yes, they passed on us, but could they run?  NO!  Meh!  Well there are 363 days left until TTUN comes into the Shoe for a date with Coach Meyer, round 2!

All The Gold Pants:

For what its worth, I find it interesting how recruiting works out.  After terrible seasons, like Coach Fickell’s Interim Head Coaching year after the ousting of the one and only Jim Tressel, the one’s who were a part of that class and for those who have stayed, congrats to you all.  Congratulations are in store for the players who have been there through those tough times.  Players like Taylor Decker, who stuck with their commitment have had quite the career.  Case and point, four, I say again FOUR pairs of gold pants.  Now for all the noobs who just started following the Buckeyes, Gold Pants are gained after defeating that team up north.  The ones who have stuck with their commitment have four of them.  The class of 2011 also have a Conference Championship AND a National Title.

Now, a certain recruit comes to mind, Kyle Kalis.  I follow recruiting closely and I remember all the fuss and all the talking that he was doing after he flipped to play for Coach Hoke.  I guess the Buckeyes get the last laugh.  What do you have to show for yourself?  I guess you thought that Coach, ahem Former Coach would still be around or that Michigan would go back to how they were in the early years.  I think that it is comical and I could name a bunch of other Michigan players who were once Buckeye targets.  Jabrill Peppers, Jake Butt, and so on and so fourth.  They made careers out of what they had accomplished, but until you guys can consistently beat the Scarlet and Gray, (shrug).

The Waiting Game:

This will be a weekend to watch.  As opposed to putting hope out there and hoping that Penn State would help us out, it is just laughable right now.  I want to believe but we will just have to see.  Either way, I see the Buckeyes still getting a great bowl game.  Either way, here’s to hoping for the Football gods to answer.

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

All Things Buckeyes

November 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Buckeye Blues:

If you are as much of a die-hard Ohio State fan as I am, you are very much displeased with Saturday’s turnout.  With so much anticipation and with so much riding on this game, the Buckeyes just flat out played poorly and sloppily to the point to where minor mistakes derailed their title defense.  Now I am not saying that they are completely out of the Playoff picture, they will just need a lot of help…  A LOT!!!  They need to prepare for a Michigan team hell bent to make a statement in the first installment of Meyer VS Harbaugh.  This will be the most inopportune time to fall asleep or to go through the motions.  Needless to say this is a terrible way to send off their seniors, but it happens in College Football.  This isn’t the last brick in the foundation by any means.  If and I mean IF Penn State can upset Sparty at East Lansing, and IF the Buckeyes show up in Ann Arbor next week, they have a punchers chance.  But with me being the realist that I am, that isn’t the likeliest scenario.  But again, you never know.  Well played Sparty, well played.  Great win and FYI I hate you lol.

Offensive Offense Play Calling:

This is a tricky and touchy subject for me.  What I saw today was atrocious and a complete disaster.  There comes a time and place to call certain plays, but when you run the same QB Draw play expecting a different result?  You sir or ma’am are high.  Whoever is calling the plays on offense needs to be less predictable, less conspicuous.  WHY NOT FEED ZEKE?  But that’s none of my business though.  Something needs to give and Urban Meyer needs to address the lack of creativity when on offense.  Either help out more with the play calling or go out and find a coach who calls less predictable plays.  The QB Draw can only be effective for a short period of time.  Win or lose though, lose in this segment, I am still a proud Buckeye fan.  Hopefully they show some fight and show that they are indeed a great offense.

Recruiting Extravaganza Fail:

Of all the weekends to no-show, it had to be this weekend where all the blue-chip and top choice recruits flooded into the Shoe to watch a battle.  They got a battle on defense from both sides, but the offenses failed to provide a spark.  Especially Ohio State’s.  There is no word yet on what the visiting recruits had said or mentioned about the game, but you never know.  It was a hotly contested game throughout and I think the atmosphere and the fans helped it.  You never know until National Signing Day and we won’t know until an announcement happens, but in this day and age, that means nothing.

Bittersweet Endings:

So there are a ton of media outlets who are reporting that both Ezekiel Elliot and Cardale Jones are headed to the NFL Draft after the season.  That is a huge blow to the Buckeyes when it comes to our current Running Back corps, but with Antonio Williams from this current recruiting class and Mike Weber from last years class, along with Curtis Samuel still in the fold, I see no issues at all with Zeke’s decision.  We are well taken care of in that aspect.  It is also safe to say that the QB position is also covered.  Last year the Buckeyes snagged touted recruits Torrance Gibson and Joe Burrow and they have Tristan Wallace in this current recruiting cycle.  They also still have J.T. Barrett too.  So it is all good for the most part.  I hate to see them go but I think that it’s safe to say that I will trade for all of the former Buckeyes in Madden Next year and I am hoping EA Sports releases another NCAA Football game soon.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, College Football Recruiting, NFL, NFL Draft, Pro Football

All Things Buckeyes

November 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment

They’re Coming:

Well Buckeye faithful, it is now officially Sparty Week.  In a few days, four more days to be exact, Coach Urban Meyer and company will welcome Sparty into our beloved city for a battle.  Sparty does not need the Trojan Horse to penetrate our stadium, but make no jokes about it, this one?  WILL BE A WAR!!!  Former Buckeye Assistant Coach Dantonio with look to secure yet another upset over Urban Meyer and not to mention he looks to return back to his old stomping grounds.  This will be a battle until the end and I am hoping and I am praying that we come out victorious, but there is no such thing in College Football.

The Buckeyes had their tune-up against a flailing Illinois squad who gave them fits.  Although it was another sloppy game, I feel that they needed more of a resounding victory to boost their confidence for the meat of their schedule.  Alas, a win is a win, no matter how ugly it was to watch.  I am confident that even though the offense struggles, the defense will be there to bail them out.

All in all, I am predicting that the Buckeyes will defeat the Spartans in the Shoe.  Another UGLY, TIGHTLY CONTESTED GAME.  The young guns will step up for their Seniors on Senior Day.  Part of me hopes that since it is Senior Day, the Buckeyes will be extra motivated to secure their spot in the College Football Playoffs, but it is just wishful thinking.  Buckeye Seniors and NFL Draft eligible players like King Shrug, Joey Bosa will be zeroing in on their last game in the Shoe.  They will be looking to win one last home game before they depart to the NFL.

The Spartans still have a great defense and it will be interesting to see what they have in store for J.T. Barrett and company on offense.  Vonn Bell and the hounds on defense will be ready for Connor Cook.  I have a sense that although the Buckeyes won at East Lansing last season, there is still a lingering chip on their shoulders after taking that loss in the Big Ten Championship game.  Go Bucks!!!

Primetime Recruiting Extravaganza:

I am not going to even try to list the names of the recruits who are coming to see these two titans clash once again.  It would be ridiculous, but there are a ton of elite talent that are headed to the Shoe to watch.  This will be Urban Meyer’s equivalent to the well known “Friday Night Lights” but without being a night game.  Kickoff will be at 3:30 ET and if you’re like me, overseas, you have to stay up a little later that you wanted to.  WHY NOT?!?  I am hoping that a couple of recruits who weren’t able to make it like, New Jerseys own, Jordan Fuller tune in whenever possible.  Fuller will be unable to attend due to his team being 10-0 and chasing a state title.  I am hoping for some good news, but I don’t expect it.  But anything can happen.

Attack on Paris:

First off, you are all entitled to your own opinion and you are all granted that right, but it looks like ISIS is in it for the long haul.  Attacking America’s longest reigning ally in France.  That is horrible and to have been the victim of such a vicious attack, I can only send prayers out to them.  It will be interesting to see what big brother U.S.A. would say to assist with this matter.  Oh and although I have mentioned this, it doesn’t mean that I only care about this event.  I am in the military and I flat out refuse to pay attention to those talking heads that only care about ratings.  I don’t watch the news because it’s nothing but stupid things.  Blah blah blah.  I only found out after I got to work and it was already on.

 

 

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, College Football Recruiting, NFL Draft, Ohio State Football

All Things Buckeyes

November 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment

The Return of the King:

This was the week that King Cardale Jones returned as the starter of the reigning National Champions Buckeyes.  This was also the week that Captain J.T. Barrett had to sit out after his OVI fiasco from last week.  The Minnesota game was interesting and as expected the Buckeyes pulled away in the second half while Jones is at the helm.  I am not a Cardale hater by any means.  I mean, I have no need or want to because he brought us the National Championship, but I also call it like I see it.  Without the reliable deep threat, he cannot spread defenses out.  The lack of mobility is evident and he just flat out struggles in the offense.  With that being said he also seems to be distracted for some reason.  I don’t know what it is and I cannot put my finger on it, but he looks like something is bothering him.  It isn’t affecting his production on the field, but as a fan, it is getting annoying.  I for one know that the Buckeyes should be destroying everyone they have played, but with Jones as the starter, the offense as a whole plays to the level of their opponents.  It has to stop.  Please make it stop.

Recruiting Battles:

Well it finally happened!  The Kareem Walker drama finally revealed it’s ugly head.  At last it is finally over.  The “I am committed, but I will continue to take my visits” drama is finally over!  Walker would’ve been a nice addition to this years class but he is obviously scared of competition.  I mean we have Mike Weber from last years class and Antonio Williams from this years class.  We sorely needed another slot to maximize the talent pool as well so good luck young man!  I am not bitter, we needed an opening and we can now focus on recruiting more talent.

With the extra slot, we have 3-5 more spots and it will be an interesting couple of months prior to National Signing Day.  I am hoping that we snag a couple of blue-chippers that will contribute as soon as they arrive on campus.  The targets that are still high up on the board are Michigan Linebacker Daelin Hayes, California Linebacker Mique Juarez.   Hayes was present during the Minnesota – Ohio State game and he came away impressed.  Certainly an interesting turn of events, but I do not expect anything concrete.  Although it is well known that the Buckeyes want to add one more linebacker to this years class, but I won’t be a bit surprised if they take both of the ones mentioned above.

The Buckeyes are also looking to add a top-tier Defensive Tackle and they have a shot at a few of them.  Louisiana’s own Rashard Lawrence, Georgia’s Antwuan Jackson, Texas’ Chris Daniels and North Carolina’s Dexter Lawrence.  I believe with the recent Walker defection, it pretty much puts Rashan Gary out of the Buckeyes grasp.

The Buckeyes are also looking at bringing in another Wide Receiver to pair with Austin Mack and a pair of Florida products in Binjimen Victor and Nate Craig-Meyers.  Binjimen Victor is the one who is most likely Buckeye-bound but with recruiting, you never now.  Craig-Meyers would be a nice addition but he is currently trending toward Gainesville.

Lastly, the Buckeyes are still working to find 1-2 more Defensive Backs.  Georgia’s Nigel Warrior, Pennsylvania’s Damar Hamlin and New Jersey’s Jordan Fuller are at the top of the Buckeye’s wish list.  They are all playmakers and blue-chip prospects and it would be a welcomed addition to the class.  They both are still up in the air and now it is just a waiting game.

Braxton Boo Boo:

This past week, Braxton Miller suffered an injury against Minnesota.  A potential concussion to be exact.  Coach Meyer said that Braxton just got the wind knocked out of him and now it is just a waiting game to see what the exact injury is or was.  Coach Meyer said that he looked to be fine after they dressed down.  Hopefully he comes back and hopefully the injury in question wasn’t that bad.

Poor Spartans:

Did you see the Spartans this past weekend?  I for one think that caught a bad break.  The receiver was not forced out of bounds.  To make it worst, they lost to a lucky Nebraska team who are flat out terrible this year.  Ohio State better trounce Illinois prior to their showdown with a potentially angry Spartans team who were robbed of a victory.

 

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