Buckeye Blogger NetworkA great game on Monday night led to a great result- Michigan didn’t win. I’m sure that was as exciting for you as it was for Rick Pitino, right?
Congratulations to the Louisville Cardinals on their season, and to Columbus’ Trey Burke on his college career. Thanks, too, for deciding to go pro so I can actually enjoy your talent without being sick to my stomach.
Closer to home, the BBC Bracket Challenge has a winner… artist extraordinaire, Kevin Dearth, whos “RIP Homer” entry won by one point over two other challengers. The neat thing about this entry- it’s named in honor of his step father, a Louisville fan who passed away earlier this year.
Kevin wins the prize package- a shirt from The Buckeye Room, an autographed copy of Maurice Clarett’s new book, some swag from our friend Mekka Don, and the chance to grace the pages of tBBC with a guest post.
For staff bragging rights, The Wonder From Down Under edged out yours truly by one point as well- I knew Charles had some of that Australian mojo going for him.
Thanks for participating in this year’s event… Go Bucks!
Like Janelle the week before, tBBC was representing loud and proud as Ohio State’s basketball team moved onward through the West Regional to Los Angeles’ Staples Center.
Starting Wednesday of last week, I was fortunate to get an “up close” look at the team as they prepared for and worked to earn a right to head to Atlanta for the championships. And while the weekend didn’t end with the Buckeye’s cutting down the nets, it was a memorable one for many reasons.
Satellite Office
Sponsored Post- Every year, teams hold their collective breath as the NCAA selection committee convenes to assign seeds and sites to the 64 best teams in the country. For many teams, the simple luck of the draw could mean the difference between cross-country trips on a few days rest, or home court advantage just miles from campus.
This year, quite a few draws hold significant promise for a handful of teams. Georgetown, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas, and Kansas State have each benefited significantly from the seeds bestowed upon them by the committee, and look to ride something of a home court advantage to the Sweet 16.
Over in the West Region, the two seeded Ohio State Buckeyes will be playing just up the road at UD Arena in Dayton. Like Georgetown in the South, it wouldn’t be wise to bet against this two seed riding home court to the Sweet 16.
UD Arena (Dayton, Ohio)
For great deals on March Madness tickets, from the first four all the way to the Final Four visit TiqIQ.com.
One Team. One Dream
At the beginning of each season, every program has hopes for ‘one shining moment’ where they cut down the nets. This year, that all ends in Atlanta.
As Ohio State has struggled and succeeded in the toughest conference in basketball this year, it’s been with this goal in mind. Learn from the victories. Learn more from the losses. Remember the goal.
Starting the fourth week of March, they and the other teams that have earned the right to be in the NCAA tournament will begin taking one step toward hoisting that trophy; one step, with hopes of more. Last man standing.
As always, we’ll be following the tournament from tip to tail here at tBBC, even through the “play in” games. And, as always, you’ve got a chance to not only join us but show off your prognostication ability as well. Read More
It’s early, especially out on the Left Coast, and many of us are still recovering from the celebrations that enveloped our last moments of 2012.
It’s still early for OSU hoops; Buckeye basketball begins B1G play tomorrow, when things start to mean something. After a November and December that left more questions than answers in the minds of many Ohio State fans, it’s important to remember that it’s still early enough to make a difference; championship teams are crowned in March and April, but January is the where the foundations for Madness is built.
It’s even earlier, too, for the Ohio State football program that’s still finding itself after a miraculous season- in spite of being undefeated a, a year without a bowl game (in case you hadn’t heard) brings a sense of discontent that hopefully drives the workouts and planning of the months until the Spring Game and August camp and fall kickoff and why can’t it be here tomorrow? It’s also too early to know what this team will even look like- this week is highlighted by recruiting news and all-star games, but what will be the final result in February? In August?
It’s early, the first hours and memories of 2013 are now beginning… a new year breaks for us and for our favorite program. What will the next 12 months hold? What can we do now to ensure 2013 is epic? Here are some of the “resolutions” that our staff have suggested…
What’s one resolution you hope the Buckeyes make this year?
James- I hope the football team stops having the mentality of a 12-0 team that didn’t get to play in a bowl game and starts having the mentality of an 0-0 team that is about to go on a championship run.
WVa- I am hoping that Coach Coombs makes a New Years resolution to NEVER leave the Buckeyes.
Eric- I would like the Buckeye Basketball team to make a resolution to shoot better during the Big Ten season. And preferably during the NCAA Tournament too, but I’m not going to ask for too much now.
Jason- I hope CJ Barnett and Christian Bryant resolve to become not only big hitters but excellent tacklers and cover guys. Our back end was weak, those guys have shown the potential and talent to be great. Do it.
Janelle- I hope the basketball Buckeyes resolve to improve their free throw percentages. I’m tired of saying “death, taxes, and Ohio State missing free throws” during games. Read More
We’ve given the staff some time to be with their families, and kicked them out of their basement with threats of lumps of coal in their stockings if they didn’t interact with “real people” for a change.
Ho! Ho! I! O!
But before they stumbled off to enjoy the Roast Beast, we polled them all about their hopes and dreams for this season-
What do you hope that Santa brings the Buckeyes this Christmas?
James- In my football centric world, this time of year is all about finishing the 2013 football recruiting class with a bang.
Eric- I’d really, desperately, pleadingly wish that Santa would bring a decent shooting game for the Buckeyes. I know Matta asked for something similar, but perhaps Santa will listen to a 2-for-1? We need it so badly right now that I cannot even fathom how this team will survive the Big Ten season right now.
Janelle- I would really like Santa to bring the basketball Buckeyes a better shooting percentage. It has been painful watching them try to find an offense. For the football Buckeyes, I want him to bring top recruits.
Jason- I’d like to see Santa bring the Buckeyes a big time playmaker to compliment Braxton Miller. Maybe he’s already on the way in Ezekiel Elliot, maybe it’s somebody else. But I want our “Percy Harvin”. Someone that scares the daylights out of opponents like Ted Ginn Jr. used to.
WVa- I have a simple request for good ol’ Saint Nick.I want him to bring the good fans of Ohio State a National Title. Dosn’t matter to me who gets it because I know football is coming. I believe Men’s Volleyball was last one.
Mali- There’s a part of me that would like to see Santa give the Buckeyes a version of Conan’s Christmas List, but we pretty much get that all year round. So, instead, I’m dreaming of a Christmas filled with character- that OSU athletes will continue to work to make the great state of Ohio proud, in the community, in the classroom, and wherever they find themselves this holiday season.
What about college sports fans- what should the Jolly Old Elf bring those good people?
James- Is it too much to ask for ESPN to stop being so atrocious at everything they do and become watchable again?
Eric- DEATH TO ESPN. Oh, and cake. Non-lie cake.
Even Santa Hates TTUN
Janelle- I want Santa to deliver lumps of coal to the NCAA. Any questions?
Jason- I hope he brings us a losing (completely shut out to be more precise) bowl season for the SEC. I am no fan of the Irish and certainly not of TTUN, but these people must be stopped. What better time than now?
WVa- I want Santa to put a bunch of coal in the stockings of the delusional TTUN fans who think this is going to be like the ten year war. Hoke isn’t going to survive Coach Meyer.
Mali- Clarity of purpose. Perhaps St. Nick can work some magic in Indianapolis and elsewhere that addresses what we’ve talked about regarding people making bankloads of cash off of college students. If not that, can we have an NCAA investigation into Alabama, please?
Ok, be selfish… what are you looking forward to under the tree?
James- I have my eyes on Grand Theft Auto 5 and the new Sim City… unfortunately neither comes out until the spring. So maybe some gift cards under the tree?
Eric- A shooting game for the OSU Basketball team? No, I suppose I’m really interested in…well… … … … hmm… Guess I won’t be disappointed this Christmas.
Janelle- I realllllllllyyyy want an iPad.
Jason- For me personally? Kate Upton with a big red bow wrapped around her. Ok ok ok, seriously I’d like a Playstation 3. I haven’t had a gaming console for a while now, it’d be fun to kill terrorists again.
WVa- I want an IPhone 5 but alas I know I won’t get it because I evidently have been a baaaaaad boy. (ed. Wow. TMI, bro.)
Mali- Well, they’re hard to come by with the Nike situation this year, but I’d love to see a John Simon #54 Ohio State jersey under the tree- it was my college jersey number AND worn by one of the best examples of what Ohio State athletics is supposed to be. To be fair, though- it’s been an amazing year, so my Christmas will be perfect if my daughters are happy.
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We say this every year, and yet it remains as true each day as it was back in 2006: the greatest gift we’ve received today and every day is you- your eyeballs on our work. With all of the great online OSU sites, we’re amazed that you chose to trust us to influence your perception of your favorite team.
(Partial) Staff Christmas Card Photo
So, for our “regulars” and the folks who check in via their RSS reader, for our Facebook and G+ and Twitter friends, for our great partners and sponsors, for the gang that joins the online sports bar that are the livechats, and for the other members of the BBN and Buckeye Blog-o-sphere who are both a blast to work with and great support for tBBC and all Ohio State fans, we are eternally thankful.
May this Christmas season be a blessing to you and your families as well.
Winning The Game That Matters
Just because Ohio State doesn’t get the “privilege” of spending a lot of money going to a post season exhibition game doesn’t mean that Buckeye Fans shouldn’t care about the 2012-13 Bowl Season.
(although, the fact that 34 of the 36 games are being broadcast on ESPN/ABC might change your opinion)
At any rate, the post-season means that it’s contest time again. But first, a huge “Congrats!!” to Ken for winning our season-long Picks’ Challenge… his prize is on the way, and your prize will be a guest post from him here at tBBC.
And now to the good stuff… your chance to win. We’re using Yahoo! again instead of the Four Letter Network; let the record show that since we made the switch Charles Robinson has not been to Columbus.
/knocks on wood; rubs lucky Buckeye necklace
Here’s what you need to know- To get involved, click through the awesome link. You can also get there with this information
Group ID#: 13348
Password: elguap0
(note, that’s a zero and not an “O” at the end)
We’re still compiling a prize package, but you can bet that our friends at The Buckeye Room and Easy Canvas Prints will be involved somehow!
Bonus points for picking the one B1G team to win their game… so much for Wisconsin, am I right?
Don’t miss out…
Right about now, you’re either getting ready to sit down for an awkward family dinner with that weird uncle, or you’ve already eaten and are letting the tryptophan course through your body… Ah, the Holidays.
Here at tBBC we wanted to take a moment and reflect on the highs and lows from the past year, which will give me just enough time to snag that last piece of sweet potato pie while everyone is reminiscing.
Janelle: Coach Meyer. We knew that the Buckeyes would be better this season, but undefeated going into TSUN week? That far and away exceeded expectations. We knew it was possible, but after last season, I don’t think anyone was sure what would happen this year. He has rallied the troops and gotten them to play with so much heart and intensity. It has truly been fun to watch.
WVa: Braxton and Coach Meyer. In a season that the expectation was that the Buckeyes just be more competitive than last year, they have excelled because of these two. I am thankful for the relationship that they have forged as they lead the Buckeyes. The next two seasons will be very special because the Buckeyes have the best coach and the best player hands down. It’ll be interesting to have the discussion next year, when will their first loss together be?
Gary: Two things. I am thankful for being part of Buckeye Nation. This Nation has the best fans in all of college football. No one is more passionate than Buckeye fans. Second, I am thankful for a great football team that has fought through tremendous obstacles to become one of only two undefeated teams!
Eric: I must say that I am most thankful to have been able to participate on this blog for the last 4 years without having a drastic effect on my real life job. That it has enabled me to drastically improve my writing, improve my understanding of the sports I love, and participate in activities and events that I never thought possible a few short years ago. It may be the kind of activity that causes you to sit around for long hours of the day in your pajamas, but it is worth every anti-social minute.
I’m also thankful to have worked with some of the best sportswriters on the face of the earth here at the BBC. Each and every one of them has been an absolute pleasure to work with. The jokes shared, and the back and forth commentary and discussions we have both behind the scenes and in public are without a doubt some of the most enlightening, engaging, and entertaining I’ve ever had. Thanks guys. I hope to keep doing this with you for quite a bit longer.
Leader. Legend.
Jason: Urban Meyer. Who knows where we would be and what the future would look like if anyone else had been given the job. With Urban we know the future is bright. I’m also thankful for 11-0 and the chance to be 12-0. I’d also like to thank the guys (and girls) here at the BBC for giving me a place to rant each week. Thanks!
JoeL: Jim Tressel putting this program back on the map. I am so excited for him to be back in the shoe on Saturday and I am sure many people have mixed feelings about it, but without him, we wouldn’t be where we are today, we were stumbling against tsun, we were in shambles academically, and he resurrected the program, and while it wasn’t the way we wanted to see him go out, he was able to turn a successful program over to another great coach that I am thankful to be here.
Mali: I’d echo everyone’s sentiments thus far, particularly the pleasure of getting to be a part of this great group of writers and fans. In addition, I’d say that I’m also continually amazed by and grateful for the folks who come by every day and join our party- readers, commentors, facebook friends, and members of the twitterati. We don’t do this without you.
The other thing I’m most thankful for, Buckeye related, is John Simon. And Nathan Williams. Etienne Sabino, Justin Boren, Reid Fragel, Orhian Johnson, Jake Stoneburner, Ben Buchanan, and ALL of Ohio State’s senior class. Their dedication to the program, their willingness to stay and lead after one of the most challenging seasons in the program’s history is something that is rare in the “what’s in it for me” culture in college sports, particularly knowing that there’d be no post-season for them. Here’s to hoping that their final game is the type of victory that they deserve.
