Quick update- the University of Michigan has released it’s decision regarding self-imposed sanctions for it’s football program this morning, including a request for two years probation, a loss of quality control staffing, and a letter of reprimand for coaches, including Coach Rodriguez.
Details are here, Coach Rodriguez’ response is here.
More reflection, commentary, and schadenfreude forthcoming.
Since our own Jim is finalizing his Master’s degree in Columbus today, there’s no other song to help us celebrate than this classic from Mr. Hetfield and friends:
Even though it’ll be final next week-ish, congrats are in order!!
go out this morning to Ellen Tressel, who’s recovering from heart surgery.
family values
All reports are that things went fine, and that she’s doing well. Looking forward to hearing that she’s on her way home in the new family convertible.
Today, Ohio State received it’s eleventh verbal commitment for the 2011 class, welcoming Centerville Lineman Michael Bennett.
Mr. Bennett is a 6′ 3″ offensive and defensive lineman, although many project him to be a defensive force for Ohio State.
A target with national attention, he held offers from Nebraska, Michigan (although, who doesn’t?), Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, and West Virginia, among others. Ohio State’s main competition was with Northwestern, as his desire was to be at a school with an excellent medical program.
He boasts impressive quickness off the ball, as well as a “seek and destroy” mentality. Mr. Bennett was all GWOC as a junior, and joins a litany of Elks who have gone on to play in the Scarlet and Gray.
For the detractors who point to Ohio State’s history of unsuccessful recruiting in the trenches, the 2011 class should answer questions: of the eleven current verbals, eight are linemen and one is a tight end. Great start to a great class.
Here’s the Scouting Ohio video-
Welcome to the family, Mr. Bennett!
Ohio State has received it’s first verbal from a Tight End for the 2011 class, as Florida standout Jeff Heuerman has joined the Buckeyes one day following his visit to the spring game.
First Saturday in the 'Shoe of many- Photo by Josh Winslow
The 6′ 5″ 235 pound Heuerman held offers from Boston College, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Wisconsin, and had visited Michigan prior to coming to Columbus. A “legacy” who was thought to be a lock for the Wolverines (dad played basketball in Ann Arbor), Jeff knew the moment he got home this weekend what his decision would be.
“When I got off (Ohio State’s) campus, I just knew I wanted to be a Buckeye. There’s really no sense waiting. When you know something you know it, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger.”
Jeff plays at Barron Collier High in Naples Florida, and seems to be pretty well connected with OSU verbal Jeremy Cash.
Number one in their hearts- Photo by Josh Winslow
Welcome to the Buckeye Family, Mr. Heuerman!
For more amazing photos from the Spring Game or of other Ohio State events, check out Josh’s site– One of the best there is!
Who’s excited about FOOTBALL!!! tomorrow?
*raises hand, jumps up and down, pees a little.
Stay Buckeye, my friends
Jeff’s got a new article over on the “other-ship” that builds on Eric’s thoughts about the Spring Draft: Most Interesting Matchups.
One that he and I have talked about some is the Torrence/Posey faceoff. If DTorr (nickname patent pending) is going to be the man this year, he’ll need to prove his ability to cover elite WRs. Posey is one of those.
Plus, there’s been some chippy-ness this spring between the two; the stuff that happens when athletes compete against each other at the highest level. Or, when one wore the same outfit as the other. That kind of thing.
Heyward versus Shugarts should be an intriguing “clash of the Titans”, as should Simon against Boren/Brewster.
Other things to watch for- Will the Borens (Grey) beat the Homans (Scarlet)? How much time will TP get? Why was Guiton chosen second overall?
As a reminder, the Buckeyes will be wearing shades of pink to honor Stefanie Spielman- the jerseys will be auctioned off after the game. Even if you can’t make it to Columbus, there’s a way to get involved with this important issue.
While it’s good to keep the “it’s only Spring” aspect in perspective (unlike some people), it’s finally football.
Thanks be to God.
Quick update- Fearless Leader has made it out of surgery and is doing well.
Hopes are that he’ll be home later today, and will be on the sidelines covering practice tomorrow.
Continued well wishes for recovery are appreciated- drop him a line over at facebook.
The boss is in the hospital. Ulcers, kidneystones, “the vapors”, all that.
Morphine today, surgery soon… and yes, I’ve already called “dibs” on the leftover painkillers.
Seriously- thoughts, prayers, and moonbeams to Jeff for a safe and quick recovery.
Sorry to break up the “welcome Mr. Cash” party…
When we were over at the other place that we don’t talk about anymore, we brought you the unfortunate news that 2010 Ohio State Signee Jamel Turner had left Fork Union Academy and returned to Youngstown.
This was concerning for Buckeye fans due to the fact that his tenure at Fork Union had been instigated by some off the field issues while at home. From the reports we had, he was excited to be at the military academy, had turned things around, and was thankful for Coach Tressel and the staff sticking with him.
Now comes word that Mr. Turner was involved in a shooting, and was struck in the ankle and hip by unknown assailants. As the investigation continues, it has been revealed that there were two handguns and a bag that was believe to have contained marijuana in the car that he was riding in.
We’ll keep you updated as this situation continues.
The Ohio State class of 2011 continues to grow, and Florida defensive back Jeremy Cash has verbally committed to the Buckeyes.
Hailing from Plantation HS, the 6′2″ Cash is ranked as a top 150 athlete by ESPN, and the #23 ranked safety by Scout.
Highlight film from his sophomore year (before he transferred to Plantation):
Cash’s offer sheet included Miami, Florida State, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Nebraska.
Junior Highlight film:
There were concerns that his “strong interest” in the Buckeyes was waning, since he needed to cancel his visit for the spring game. Obviously, these concerns were ill founded.
Most famous for arriving at the Ohio State summer camp in 2009 wearing a suit because he saw it as a “business trip”, Jeremy’s verbal brings the number of 2011 commitments to nine.
Listed as an “athlete”, he’s projected by most as a safety. He’s recorded a 4.45 40 time, a 4.5 GPA, and a 96.57 SPARQ score from the Nike Clinic.
Welcome to the family, Mr. Cash!
We’ve switched over to a threaded comments format (hooray!), but it could be even easier for you to use.
If you register for a profile over at IntenseDebate (or login with your WordPress account), it helps us not need to automatically approve your remarks.
Keeps the spammers away, as well as making your teeth whiter. It’s really cool.
Take a couple moments to sign up, sign in, and join the shenanigans.
In what will surely have many Buckeye fans looking for ledges to jump off of, the Ohio State football squadron gave up 78 points at home on Saturday.
Those fans, however, would be missing something special come August, as the team is just starting to warm up.
Hampered by injuries and absences during the spring practice season, the Buckeye offense only amassed 24 points in the modified scrimmage format used since Coach Tressel’s arrival in Columbus. Of this, the only true (non-wacky scoring system) points came from the kickers on two field goals.
According to Fox Sports Ohio’s Jeff Seeman, the scrimmage could have been more even if it weren’t for two factors. First, Terrelle Pryor is not (per the rules) allowed to scramble. Second, the center/QB exchange, usually a reliable factor between Pryor and Mike Brewster, was less than stellar today. Coach Tressel himself pointed to this being a huge factor in the score:
“I think offensively, it started when we had some issues with the quarterback-center exchange,” said Head Coach Jim Tressel. “When you have turnovers in our (scrimmage) scoring system that range anywhere from 3 to 12 points, you’re going to have a tough time catching up.”
On the other side of the coin, a defense which lost the most starters from last season seems to not be missing a beat. John Simon and Melvin Fellows both are showing the possibility of having a break out season, and the secondary has a swagger about it which will be beneficial in the fall.
Injuries to report: Jamaal Berry and Justin Boren both suffered foot/ankle injuries; these are not believed to be significant.
Continue to check in with tBBC and Spring Fever for your Spring practice news. The Ohio State spring game is next Saturday; the Buckeyes return to practice on Tuesday
Jeff’s bringing it again over at Fox Sports Ohio, and wraps up the Jersey Scrimmage prep with notes regarding OSU’s QB1, Terrelle Pryor.
Pryor dispelled some of the whispers that have had heard regarding his self absorption, saying that awards and accolades are not significant to him.
“I’m not cocky at all. I think I’m more of a people-person,” said Pryor. “I’m happy all the time and I really enjoy my teammates. I feel great as an individual and I feel great as a quarterback.”
“(The Heisman) means nothing to me,” Pryor said quickly. “Obviously it’s a great honor to be mentioned with all these other athletes, but my main focus is Game One and my teammates. My teammates are more important to me than the Heisman Trophy. Winning games is more important than the Heisman Trophy, and we have to take this one game at a time.
Yup, he’s been Tresseled…
Also according to the boss, he’s passing has improved greatly:
Down in the west end zone, Pryor was putting on a show during drills. He was tossing passes back and forth with the other quarterbacks, and his receiver would give him a very specific target, holding his hands in one spot. Pryor was nailing his target from 45 yards out every time.
In a video posted over at 11W, TP talks about the new NCAA rules and believes that one may have been aimed at him.
TP waxes theological a little bit, and feels that the new rule is taking away from the “fun of the game”.
Another insight from earlier in the clip- Stoneburner is a special kind of talent, and should be used more often this season.
Other quick notes– Newsome was back, but still no Duron sighting. Buchanan is killing the ball on punts, hitting the roof of the WHAC several times.
UPDATE – tBBC has now added threaded comments to our page. We’re working on finding real-time comments, but this is a clear upgrade from our prior system. Enjoy! (oh, and it was really f-ing cool to meet Cris Carter)
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Liberally borrowing from the Fearless Leader’s work over at Fox Sports Ohio:
Tomorrow’s recap will include press time with Terrelle Pryor.
Our favorite 7 foot former Buckeye (sorry, Granville) is doing some “man on the street” videos in Portland.
Check out the latest, talking about his connections with the Ohio State faithful in the Rose City
Well, we might as well get back to the business at hand.
Remember that one coach of that one team?
Remember how a lot of people thought it was a bad idea to hire him?
Remember how he hasn’t taken his team to a bowl game in his first two years, breaking a ridiculously long streak during an era where teams who go .500 can go to the postseason?
Remember his record against the rest of the conference?
Remember how he was going to be an insider, who “got” the rivalry?
Remember how he ended up getting that one team investigated by the NCAA?
And remember how he left his former team, the one that he said he was loyal to, and shredded tons of documents on his way out?
Wonder what else is going on with him?
Yeah… Good times.
You know what? Screw it- let’s go back to the Playlist:
Here’s another argument against the BCS– If playing in one of the marquee games isn’t significant enough to keep your head coach from bolting, it’s probably not as big of a deal as you might be making it. And this year’s Sugar Bowl qualifies as the “doesn’t anyone want to coach this thing?” match up- Rumor has it that a random ticket drawing will decide the offensive coordinators for both teams.
We're in good hands
Interestingly enough, this game has no meaningful connection to “Sugar” that I could find- it was simply a name chosen to represent the attempts at civic pride and tourism. This game, along with the Orange and Sun Bowls, is the second oldest in the country (behind, of course, the Rose). First played in January of 1935, the only undefeated team of the north (Temple’s Owls, coached by the legendary Pop Warner”) met the only southern team with a perfect record, the Green Wave of Tulane. The Wave won that first meeting 20-14. It has been the host for numerous national championships and (in 1956) controversy as part of an important moment in American history.
Ohio State fans will more than likely be very familiar with the Bearcats of Cincinnati. After decades languishing in the shadow of THE state institution, UC staged a thrilling game between the ‘Cats and the eventual national champions
Following that, they found success under the leadership of several talented head coaches. First, Mark Dantonio left the Buckeyes to lead the Bearcats. Once Coach Dantonio left for the big time at Michigan State, Central Michigan’s Brian Kelley was named as the new head coach. In his tenure, Kelly built the Bearcats into a Big East power; this would have been his team’s second consecutive BCS game (they fell last year to Virginia Tech; don’t be surprised if you didn’t know that). As such, UC began marketing themselves as “Ohio’s BCS Team” and proudly representing the “bUCkeye State“.
Then stuff happened.
Their head coach bolted on them for greener pastures (sound familiar?), the offensive coordinator and interim head coach did the same, and the Bearcats went back to the well of Central Michigan. Suddenly, ‘Cat fans who were livid at their coach leaving before a bowl game didn’t seem to have as many objections about their new coach doing the same to his former team.
Behind the drama, though, is a powerful offense ranked sixth in the nation in scoring, and averaging over 460 yards per game. UC is led by the arm of quarterback Tony Pike, who has thrown for over 2500 yards in spite of missing almost four games this season. While out, backup Zach Collaros’ passing and scrambling helped keep the Bearcats undefeated. Their primary target is All-American (and Florida native) Mardy Gilyard; the receiver has over 1100 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also averaging 31.6 yards per kick return. His 381 all purpose yards and two TDs were central in holding off Pitt to win the Big East Championship:
Defensively, Andre Revels leads the Bearcats with 103 tackles and one interception. In the secondary, Aaron Webster’s 4 picks have led to over 130 return yards; he also has forced two fumbles. Alex Daniels is tops on the defense with 6.5 sacks.
Other than running the slate in the Big East, UC also defeated an Oregon State team that was in the hunt for the Rose Bowl berth. This will be their second matchup against the Gators; they lost 48-17 in 1984.
Speaking of drama- how about all the fun that’s been happening around the Swamp these days? A friend of mine who works at Florida (I know…) answered the phone “Waffle House” the other day when I called. First, Charlie Strong left for a job leading Louisville (it’s a crime that this was his first serious opportunity, in my opinion). Then, receivers coach jumps ship to LSU. On Boxing Day, the head coach quits, only to come back on the next morning. Strange doin’s, I reckon.
Needed a hug
When last we saw St. Tebow of Gainsville, he was having a very bad day. The Heisman Trophy winner’s inability to carry his team to victory against Alabama may be the lasting image that people have of him, barring some sort of amazing game in New Orleans. While it’s true that he in no way lived up to the hype that surrounded him from ESPN and other arenas, the failures of the Gators cannot be fully laid on his shoulders. His offensive weaponry were limited from the beginning of the year; people were able to get pressure on him and impact the successes he previously had. Then there was that whole concussion thing… Are we sure Urban didn’t lock him in a equipment shed or something afterwards?
Other than Tebow, who ended the season as the Gators’ leading rusher, running back Jeff Demps’ 7.7 yards per carry average led the ground game. When Tebow tossed the ball, it was to either Aaron Hernandez (12.5 yards per catch, 4 TDs) or Riley Cooper (17.7/8). Florida’s team this year achieved an amazing balance between air and ground: the 12th ranked offense has averaged 217 yards on the ground and 225 yards through the air.
Where the Gators excel, though, is on defense. Returning all starters from the championship team that shut down Oklahoma, Florida is currently third in the nation in points per game allowed and fifth in the nation in yards per game allowed. Their defense has 20 interceptions on the year, led by All American Joe Haden’s 4. It will be interesting to see him and safety Major Wright (seen leading with his head in the video linked above) against the Bearcat offense and Gilyard. Up front, Carlos Dunlap (remember him?) and Jermaine Cunningham have seven sacks each; four Gators have totaled more than 60 tackles on the year. While they will certainly miss Coach Strong’s leadership; the talent and hunger are in place for this unit to redeem themselves from their failings in the SEC championship.
Jeff at the BBC: Florida
Mali: Florida
Jim: Florida
Eric: Florida
Vegas has this thing at almost two touchdowns for the Gators- who am I to argue? I think Florida has something to prove, that Tebow has his draft stock in mind, and that the Gators defensive speed is too much. Plus, UC has lost a head coach and a interim head coach; Florida has only lost a defensive coordinator, a receivers coach, and part of a head coach.
As always, our friends at SBN’s Alligator Army have got this thing covered. UC doesn’t seem to have any SBN bloggers willing to inform the masses and defend their honor, but there’s great coverage anyways.
Since I’ve already used my favorite piece of ACC team color trivia, I might as well talk about another SEC/ACC matchup. And yes, I asked to do this game because I loves me some chicken sammiches.
Still looks like the UC logo
Vintage
This is, for me, one of the traditional games. Started in 1968 and named the “Peach Bowl” until 1998, when Chick Fil A became a corporate sponsor. In 2006, the corporation took complete ownership of the naming rights; no more peaches.
Not that I’m really complaining- I’ve been known to drive quite a ways to support the current administration. When they say “we didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich” they ain’t kidding… plus, they put pickles on it, and serve sweet tea. Those things, and the Cathay Family’s commitment to giving their staff a day off, are reasons enough for me to sacrifice my cholesterol and for us to watch this game.
And it should be a good one, pairing a first year coach against one of the veterans of the collegiate game. Vols coach Lane Kiffin and his band of well paid merry men are coming off of a rebuilding year, with signature games against Georgia (win), Florida (moral victory), and Alabama (moral victory, amazing finish). They finished tied for second in the SEC East, and seemingly led the nation in secondary recruiting violations. Recent allegations imply improper usage of co-eds… I actually thought that was part of SEC conference rules.
The Vols are anchored on defense by All American safety Eric Berry, a player that impacts the ways coaches establish their gameplans. A ferocious hitter, his 83 tackles, two picks, and two recovered fumbles have set him up to make a lot of money playing on Sundays. However, linebacker Rico McCoy’s 112 tackles lead Coach Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron’s defensive stalwarts.
2009 Christmas Photo
While the news was freshman running back Bryce Brown, this team’s successes offensive hinge on the arm of QB Jonathan Crompton. For the year, this senior managed over 58% completions, and an efficiency rating of 135. His main targets have been Gerald Jones (41 catches, 610 yds, 4TD) and Denarius Moore (36, 473, 6). While Brown made news, Montario Hardesty amassed almost 1400 yards and 12 scores on the year.
Blacksburg’s finest began their season with a loss to potential national champion Alabama, and then struggled to defeat the Huskers in Lincoln. They also fell to Georgia Tech and UNC, but manhandled “Da U” 31-7. Fun fact- While the “Hokie” mascot seems to be some sort of turkey, the name itself comes from a cheer from 1896. And now you know… Personally, I wish they had more arrests- I’d love to read headlines about the “Hokie Pokey”.
Just precious
“Beamerball” is predicated on special teams excellence; although it seems as if this may be the reason they’re not playing in a BCS game- So far this year, Virginia Tech has only 2 kick returns for TDs, and have only blocked one punt and no field goals. On offense, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been responsible for almost 2500 total yards, including 344 rushing yards to go with four rushing touchdowns. Ryan Williams has totaled close to 1600 yards and 19 scores on the ground; Jarrett Boykin’s 715 yards and 5 touchdowns lead the receiving corps.
Defensively, Cody Grimm’s 99 tackles are tops for the team, but Jason Worilds is tied with him with 9.5 tackles for a loss over the season. In the secondary, Rashad Carmicheal has managed 5 interceptions for a defense that has held opposition to 18 touchdowns for the year.
Jeff at the BBC: Hokies
Mali: Hokies
Jim: Hokies
Eric: Hokies
Tennessee is going to be good- just not yet.
For more on this match up, and potential coupons for tasty sandwiches, check out SBN’s Gobbler Country and Rock Top Talk.
Wow- the “after Christmas events” are getting more and more interesting, ain’t they?
Texas Tech’s Mike Leach Suspended for Alamo Bowl
Allegedly, he made a player sit in an equipment bin during practice after the player wouldn’t play with a potential concussion. Because being careful with brain issues is for losers.
Bad enough, right? But, to take things further, the player was Adam James. As in Craig James’ son. As in the ESPN broadcaster initially assigned to do color commentary for the Alamo Bowl (he has since been reassigned).
No surprise that I love Cap’n Mike, and believe that his willingness to speak first and think second makes college football more interesting.
However, if this is true, and given what we saw at Kansas, this does not look good for the Red Raiders’ commander.
