Happy “Dad’s Day”, to all the fathers (intentional and accidental), grandfathers, and father figures out there…

Buckeyes

• Future Buckeyes cleaned house at yesterday’s Big-33 game, won 50-14 by Ohio’s all stars over their compatriots from Pennsylvania.  Standouts were Doran Grant, with a 101 yard pick six, Devin Smith with 3 catches for over a hundred yards and 2 TDs, and Cardale Jones’ stellar day at QB.
• The star for Ohio was Akise Teague, future Bearcat, who won MVP awards. I think that we’ll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Teague in the future… you can count me among the ones disappointed he didn’t get a Buckeye offer.
• At the Big 33, Ejuan Price confirmed that he had received his release from Ohio State, and was more than likely headed to Pitt. In spite of speculation that his decision was based on the current “scandal” in Columbus, his comments point to something many of us had thought all along-

“It had nothing to do with the allegations. I know what kind of people they are. Everybody makes mistakes, but that’s just not where my heart is. I don’t think that’s where I wanted to go in the first place. They’re still good people whether all of that stuff happened or not. Coach Tressel is still a good guy. They’re still all right with me.”

• Several were concerned that Doran Grant may join him in not appearing, as the 2011 Buckeyes report today for summer quarter. Instead, it sounds as if he and Curtis Grant have taken a leadership role with this class-

If anything, the linebacker from Richmond, Va., said, the troubles have served as motivation for not only him but also two of his fellow freshmen, defensive back Doran Grant and quarterback Braxton Miller.

“I talk to Doran all the time, and to Braxton, and our attitude is, ‘Let’s go in and do it, man. Let’s be a big three and go in there and help make it happen,’” Curtis Grant (no relation to Doran) said before arriving on campus this weekend. “I told Braxton he’s got to lead that offense, and that I am going to do my best to come in and try to get a starting spot, and try to lead the defense the best way I can.

• Big Kudos to the Ohio State Athletic program, who clinched second place in this year’s “Director’s Cup” competition. Given that first place is always Stanford, this is a major win… Almost as awesome as seven in a row.

Greatest Father's Day Gift Ever.

Elsewheres

• The NCAA is meeting with 50 presidents this summer to talk about concerns regarding the future of the Association, particularly the possibility of the loss of “Amateurism”. We’ll be talking more this summer about this concept and whether or not it holds water any more.
• Today’s Dispatch also gives us a great overview on the NCAA- helpful primer for upcoming conversations around watercoolers in Indianapolis.
• Up in Ann Arbor, our favorite former Pizza CEO has a new idea for marketing TTUN- Mascots.  Given his experience, we’re crazy excited to see what they come up with… although I could have sworn they had something last year.
• Finally… a sad “Father’s Day” to music fans nationwide, as we lost The Big Man yesterday…

Tags: Akise Teague, Big 33, Cardale Jones, Curtis Grant, Devin Smith, Director's Cup, Doran Grant, NCAA, SBP, Ticklebears
Categories: Michigan Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Football, Recruiting