It’s not summer yet, no matter how many days of 90+ degree weather that we have in Los Angeles… but the summer blockbuster season is upon us. With that in mind, let’s revisit an SBP favorite for this week’s soundtrack.

Buckeye 411

It’s Disney? Rats…

• Brick Wall Not Included- which is too bad, because you’re going to want to run through one once you’ve checked out the latest hype video from the Ohio State staff.  We’ll embed it once that option is available, but for now, take two minutes away from the TPS reports and watch it at the official site.
• And The Good News? Coach Meyer is planning on being here for quite some time.
• Still Making A Difference- Great article in Inside Higher Education about Jim Tressel’s new career, including something that this higher education professional can certainly relate to,

The beauty of it is, kids are kids and people are people, and if they first and foremost feel that you care about them and that you really are there to serve them, it’s easy. I’ve had the chance to hone those skills for many, many, many years, and to me it’s second nature to want to see what I can do for someone.

This also sounds familiar,

That marketing and television and all of the funds that are involved in major college athletics have certainly taken a little bit of control, not just for the institution, but I think it’s affected the experience for the youngsters. It’s not necessarily what I believe in, and I worry a little bit that there’s so much time invested into that singular passion, that — are we giving them the experiences that they are going to need through the rest of their lives?

Akron students… I hope you know how fortunate you are.

• Yeah, We Know- The team at Everyday Should Be Saturday has a bit of fun at Ohio State’s schedule for 2013; it’s a fair and hilarious critique, amplified by an SEC school dodging a trip to Columbus (go figure). Oh well… we can’t all play Georgia Southern, Chattanooga, and Furman.

Buckeye Hoops

• Like Mike- We received some well deserved criticism last week that we hadn’t given former Buckeye and current Grizzle fo shizzle Mike Conley any love for his amazing play throughout this year’s NBA playoffs.  Well, never fear dear reader- Sports Illustrated gave junior their cover, and Bill Simmons’ Blog Of Wonders identified his prowess against more heralded opposition. Read More

Tags: Auburn, B1G Conference, Brady Hoke, Jim Tressel, Kentucky, Michigan State, Mike Conley, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Pay It Forward, Penn State, SBP, SEC, TTUN, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Basketball, College Football, Humor, Michigan Football, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football, Outreach

While the details are still coming out, I can’t stop thinking about how amazing the situation in Cleveland was yesterday. We need more folks like Charles Ramsey who would be willing to get involved when it’s easier to just mind their own business. Only one soundtrack possibility today, then.

Silver Dollar Pancakes- Exquisite!

Buckeye 411

• Mmmmm… Pancakes. Ken broke the news yesterday, but here’s the official word on the best offensive lineman to ever play the game’s induction into the College Football Hall Of Fame. It’s the first time that anyone can remember that Eddie George led Orlando over the goal line…Here’s a video clinic on how to play the left tackle position, and a very very very long afternoon for Penn State’s defenders.
• Speaking Of Greatness- Another Buckeye was honored on Tuesday, as Cris Carter was the toast of Middletown as they celebrated his induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in Canton this upcoming August.  Also of note, Cris has still got wheels.
• Somewhat Related- Attn: Duron. Alas.
• More Honors-  Coach Meyer was received yet another accolade on Tuesday at the Northeast Ohio Football Foundation as the college coach of the year (shared with Mount Union’s Larry Kehres).  Coach Meyer again accepted it on behalf of this year’s senior class, who Coach Tressel recruited. I can’t decide what the best part of this video package is, but “Tress goofing with Urban” has the lead coming down the stretch.
• Divine Intervention- We all heard the rumors regarding Urban and Sharif Floyd; seems like Tebow’s Dad wanted to stay involved in Coach Meyer’s programs, since Vonn Bell received a sign that he should matriculate to Columbus. Me? I just get the Daily Show or Kimmel late at night… Perhaps I need to upgrade my provider.
• Good Good Byes- The OZone has great interviews with some of the Buckeyes who are headed to “the Show” from a media event at the WHAC on Tuesday- check out what John Simon, Jake Stoneburner, and Zach Boren had to say as they prepared for the next step in their careers.
• Good Byes? For what it’s worth, there are reports that Ohio State sophomore David Perkins may be transferring out of Columbus. If true, I fully believe that it may have something to do with an assault earlier this spring (totally kidding, people).
• Lucrative Business, That- In addition to some amazing moments, the Dayton Regional brought in the cash. Good to know.
• This Week In Sammy Silv- Ready for The Chase? Read More

Tags: 'Da U, Arizona, Bob Stoops, College Football Hall Of Fame, David Perkins, Duron Carter, Eleven Warriors, ESPN, Finances, Higher Education, Jake Stoneburner, Jim Tressel, John Simon, Kaleb Ringer, Kansas Basketball, Larry Kehres, Miami, Money, Nevin Shapiro, Orlando Pace, Pro Football Hall Of Fame, Sammy Silverman, SBP, SEC, Tommie Frazier, Uniforms, Urban Meyer, Vonn Bell, Will Hagerup, Wyoming, Zach Boren
Categories: Michigan Football, Ohio State Football

The Leaders and the Legends will sing their swan song in 2013. The NFL draft has come and gone: Where did the Buckeyes end up? How stupid or smart were the Cleveland Browns? It’s Wednesday, let’s rumble!

 Don’t go away mad, just go away…

“It’s good for the fans, it’s good for the players. It strengthens our schedule from the perspective of the postseason and binds the conference together in a powerful way.”

And with those Jim Delaney comments, the Big Ten has realigned for the 2014 season. The first year to include Maryland and Rutgers will also include the newly realigned Big Ten East and Big Ten West.

Those eyebrows look like a bunch of spiders in a wrestling match!

Let me say it, Hallelujah!

Last week I mentioned in Quick Hitters that the BCS had tapped the strongest of their think tanks to come up with the name of the college football playoff and appropriately named it The College Football Playoff. Kudos to Delaney, Gene Smith and the guy who ruined Domino’s Pizza (can you really ruin something already terrible?) and is now AD at TTUN for bringing in some world class nerds to do major research and realize that the fans of the Big Ten were almost unanimously in favor of one thing: Michigan sucks. What I meant to say is they were in favor of the divisions being called anything other than Leader and Legends and preferred a more simple approach like North/South or East/West. Thanks to Jim Delaney and those crazy eyebrows for finally giving the people what they want.

Side note: I remember being in favor of Lakes and Plains over what they chose.

The Buckeyes are in the East division with Penn State, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Rutgers and TTUN.

Meanwhile the West will be home to Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, Iowa and Minnesota. Read More

Tags: 2013 NFL Draft, Barkevious Mingo, Cleveland Browns, Jake Stoneburner, Jim Delaney, Joe Banner, John Simon, Jonathan Hankins, Michigan Sucks, Reid Fragel, The Game, Zack Boren
Categories: Analysis, College Football, Conference Expansion, Football Analysis, Humor, Michigan Football, Ohio State Football

In Process

Spring has finally arrived in Columbus, it seems- time to enjoy Oval Beach and discover all of the kids’ toys that were buried under the snow.  Being Ohio, though, it only means that there’s another storm on the horizon… so, there’s but one choice for today’s soundtrack.

Buckeye 411

• Spring Forward- Lots and lots of news this week in preparation for the Spring Game in Cincinnati. Again, the “move” is due to a) Renovations in The Shoe and b) Wanting to increase the Buckeye presence in the southeast corner of the state. Kerry Coombs can only do so much, you guys.
• Tickets And Stuff- Sounds like there are a number of seats still available… you can get all of the information you need at the University site. Oh, and did we mention that they’d be selling/serving “BEvERages” at the event?
• Difference Makers- In the comments, we want your opinion: Who will be the “surprise” of this year’s Spring Game? Anyone primed for a breakout?
• Chasin’ A Dream- Jeff Svoboda over at Buckeye Sports Bulletin ($) has a great article on “The Chase” for Ohio State, both for the team as a whole, and for the players’ individual goals and expectations. Well worth the read, if only for a better understanding of the focus for a team coming off of an undefeated, yet incomplete, season.
• This Week In Sammy Silverman: Seriously, I’m convinced that Ohio State has the best graphics team in the country… Read More

Tags: Air Force, Army, Cincinnati, Denard Robinson, ESPN, Finances, Louisville, Mark May, Navy, NCAA failures, Penn State, Sammy Silverman, SBP, Spring Game, Title IX
Categories: Humor, Michigan Football, Ohio State Football

Still basking in the afterglow of last night’s HUGE win in Bloomington… but let’s talk a little football first, shall we? Oh, and here’s your Wednesday Morning soundtrack, showing some love to the Hoosier state.

Year Two. Day One. Courtesy @SammySilv

Buckeye 411

• We Hardly Knew Ye- A bit of bad news to start today, with reports that Se’Von Pittman has been given his release and has left the program. There were whispers that this might be in the works earlier, but we can’t help but wish the kid well moving forward.
• Spring Forward! Tuesday was the first practice in a bit of an unusual Spring Session, and one that started earlier than almost any other time in Buckeye history. Due to the switch to Semesters, the team will practice twice this week before heading off to warmer climes; upon their return they’ll go two or three times a week until the Spring Game at Paul Brown Stadium. This will give the young team a chance to have more meeting time AND stay healthy as the spring progresses, according to Coach Meyer.
• Injury Update- Ryan Shazier was limited today, as was Najee Murray and De’van Bogard, Jamie Wood, and J.T. Barrett.
• Highlights- With Shazier out, the defense was in nickle most of the day with Tyvis Powell at the “Star” position. Coach Meyer mentioned in his presser that Tyvis’ work this off season helped earn him this opportunity. Bradley Roby stood out, with what would have been two pick-six moments.  Offensively, Jordan Hall doesn’t seem to have lost a step in his role at “pivot”, and outleaped Christian Bryant for a great 40 yard catch.  Braxton, by all reports, was throwing darts today- several commented on his improved footwork.
• Banner Day- This is a pretty nice decoration… wonder if the wife will let me get one for our living room?
• Just For Kicks- Both Basil and Epitropoulos were punting today, with the latter being described as “booming” his attempts.
• Line Ups- On the defensive front, the first team was- Spence, Washington, Bennett with Schutt and Hale splitting time in the middle. Also of note Jamal Marcus was listed among the defensive linemen
• Big Nastys- The offensive front returners were all the same, with Chase Farris and Taylor Decker getting a look at the open spot.
• Truth- Coach Meyer, “If we put together a good D-line and linebackers, I think we’ll have a good team. If not, we won’t. It’s pretty simple.” Read More

Categories: College Football, Football Analysis, Michigan Football, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

The NFL Combine is over. Basketball season is getting good and maybe, just maybe the Buckeyes are catching their second wind. It’s Wednesday, let’s rumble!

Tommy Terrific at the 2000 Combine

NFL player factory

Seven Buckeyes were selected to participate in this year’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. John Simon, Jonathan Hankins, Jake Stoneburner, Zack Boren, Reid Fragel, Nathan Williams and Etienne Sabino were poked, prodded and dissected by doctors and NFL executives. They then went onto the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for tests of agility, speed and overall skill. Read More

Tags: Buckeyes at the Combine, Etienne Sabino, Jake Stoneburner, John Simon, Jonathan Hankins, Manti Te'o, Nathan Williams, NFL Combine, Ohio State, Ohio State basketball, Ohio State Football, Reid Fragel, Zach Boren
Categories: Analysis, Basketball Analysis, College Basketball, College Football, Football Analysis, Humor, Michigan Football, Miscellaneous, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

The Buckeye basketball teams backs are against the wall. A big time football player is rumored to be contemplating sitting out a season to his protect draft status and financial future. It’s Wednesday night, let’s rumble!

Hoops getting interesting

As you’re reading this, or maybe after you read this or a little before you read this, the Buckeye basketball team will be on the court facing the Minnesota Golden Gophers at The Schottenstein Center. This is a huge week for the Buckeyes after being slapped in the face with a backhand in Wisconsin on Sunday to the tune of a 71-49 beat-down.

Backs against the wall after the Wisconsin meltdown

At 18-7 the Buckeyes see their backs against the wall but home turf on their side as they face a must win situation against the Gophers. This would set up a huge showdown/rematch, again at home, against Michigan State. Win both games and watch the swagger return to set up the final push before the tournaments begin. A split has to be what the Buckeyes consider a worst case scenario as losing both would be catastrophic.

Michigan State took on the Indiana Hoosiers last night in a #1 vs #4 matchup. In a tight game that was actually pretty exciting to watch, it was the Hoosiers holding on to win 72-68 and keep their #1 ranking at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Sparty will now come to Columbus facing the possibility of a two game losing streak and certainly a little grumpy. Tom Izzo will have his team ready for what should be a war at 4pm on Sunday. (CBS tv) Read More

Tags: Big Ten Expansion, Jadeveon Clowney, Joe Paterno, Johnny Manziel, Marice Clarett, Michigan State Spartans, North Carolina Tar Heels, Ohio State Buckeyes, Thad Matta, Woody Hayes statue
Categories: Analysis, Basketball Analysis, College Basketball, College Football, Conference Expansion, Football Analysis, Michigan Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football, Ohio State Football History

We’re one week away from National Letter Of Intent Day, and the excitement (and chaos) is building.  We’ll talk a bit this week about the idea of “verbals” and visits, but let’s dig through the news bucket a bit first, shall we? Oh, and Mark Titus’ favorite band brings us our musical inspiration for the morning. Happy Wednesday.

Buckeye 411

• Taking My Talents To… Tuesday night, we got another great shot of Buckeye alum Greg Oden, just as rumors were swirling about his work to rejoin an NBA franchise. In what might seem to be the most ironic choice of programs, speculation is that his return could either be with the Cavaliers or the Miami Heat… although, I’m sure he’ll be a lot more professional about how he makes that announcement. Either way, Ohio State fans will be excited to see him back in action, and we wish him nothing but the best.
• As The Recruiting World Turns- Ohio State picked up a great wide receiver on Tuesday, but the recruiting cycle is far from over. We’re hearing positive things from Trey Johnson’s coach, but haven’t heard anything specific from him.  Ezekiel Elliott seems to be back on board as well, but has stated that he’s not willing to do interviews until a week from today, and announced on Tuesday that he would make his announcement at 3:00 PM at his school. Could this mean that he wants time to see what else happens with the OSU recruiting process before making his decision? Again, those who know feel confident that he will still be in the scarlet and gray, but that’s what makes this whole time of year so interesting, isn’t it?
• RE: Cruiting, Part Deux- The two “big names” that are still out there are Vonn Bell and Dontre Wilson; the former seems to be torn between the hometown Vols, Alabama, and the relationships that he has made with Ohio State’s coaches and possible teammates.  Bell has a visit from Coach Withers on Thursday; he’ll then shut down his recruiting and make a decision some time this weekend.  Wilson, the current Oregon commitment, had a great visit in Columbus last week by all accounts, but it was announced today that he would be visiting his home school with a trip to Austin this weekend. Given that the Longhorns recruited the last two Heisman Trophy winners and tried to make them play defensive back, it’s hard to see an offensive threat like Wilson in Austin, particularly given that the offense Texas runs has little similarity to the Ducks or what Urban Meyer is building.

Commentary- Commitment Read More

Tags: Alabama, Dontre Wilson, Ezekiel Elliott, Greg Oden, Manti Te'o, Michigan, Oversigning, Penn State, SBP, Trey Johnson, Virginia, Vonn Bell, Western Michigan
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, Humor, Michigan Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Football