Buckeye Blogger NetworkGrowing up a Buckeye fan was one of the few things my dad and I had in common. We watched every game on TV or listen to it on the radio. Whether it was on TV or radio, we did whatever it took to make sure we caught the game. Unfortunately, I never got to experience and game at THE Shoe with my dad before he passed away. After all those years of watching and listening to the games and dreaming of how great THE Shoe must be, I never thought I would be able to get to see it in person.
My first game at THE Shoe was versus Penn State in the infamous game where the Buckeyes won and the only touchdown was Ted Ginn’s punt return. Then five years ago, after being on a waiting list for 6 years, I was chosen to be an usher. I went from not knowing if I would ever see a game live to being able to see EVERY game and I still don’t think it has sunk in yet. Today I would like to step in for WVaBuckeye and give you my view from section 15 on the D Deck.
TBDBITL
Being the band geek that I am, of course I have to start with The Best Damn Band in the Land. The Ohio State Marching Band is almost as famous as the football team itself, and every week they come down that ramp in the North stands to a standing ovation to 105,000 of its dearest fans. And every week the Silver Bullets charge on the field through the band’s tunnel, but this year is a little different as they spell out “OHIO” in a very classy diamond formation and then the team charges through that. Read More
| Following an epic National Letter of Intent Day at Ohio State, several of the Buckeye Blogs wanted to take a closer look at how this will all play out for the future. Be sure to check out the work at The Buckeye Blog, Buckeye House Call, Men of the Scarlet and Gray, Our Honor Defend, and The Silver Bullet for their responses to the round table questions and all things NLOID related. |
Marion. But of course.
It’s Groundhog Day; February 2, 2012. While it might be tempting to channel our inner Ned Ryerson, reliving the epic signing day yesterday over and over and over again wouldn’t be all that productive (unless you’re Bret Bielema’s therapist). Nope, it’s time to embrace the other side of the festive event and recognize that yesterday was a sign that the seasons were changing. The long, dismal, self inflicted winter of Buckeye Nation’s discontent is moving on, and the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an oncoming train.
No, Urban Meyer didn’t look for his shadow as he emerged from the Ohio State War Room on Monday, but you can bet that his presence has cast a shadow across the hearts of B1G fans as certainly as it brought sunlight to Columbus and beyond. A new day was here- a day where most of the B1G took yet another step strengthening their position against signing day abuses; a day where the most egregious oversigners had to change their habits and make decisions on NLOID; heck, a day where James Patrick Tressel may have even found a home.
But for Buckeye fans, little of that mattered. Most of them celebrated by quoting the great Mark Twain in reflection of their favorite squadron- “Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” As we all know, though, they don’t hand out crystal footballs on signing day so the work continues for the OSU staff and student athletes. And for those of us who follow and report and reflect on their decisions, there are always questions to be answered.
Who are you most excited to see in the Scarlet and Gray?
Eric- Hands down, I’m the most excited to see what Brionte Dunn can bring to the fold. Reportedly, Dunn is a bruising power back that will harken back to the days of yore for the Buckeyes.
Many people have made a big deal about how Dunn won’t fit into Urban Meyer’s system. That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Recall that Tim Tebow was often used in lieu of a power back, being used to plow ahead for yardage. Florida is not a state known for it’s big bruisers, being better known for it’s speedsters of course, and Urban Meyer was simply not able to get the kinds of running backs he prefers – the big kinds.
Meyer will easily integrate Dunn into the offense, and it should be fun to watch unfold. As a bonus, Bill Greene commented during his Q&A liveblog yesterday that he believed Dunn would be the starting running back for the Buckeyes next season. Just as an FYI. Read More
The Super Bowl of recruiting is finally here.
[Update] Don’t forget to check out the Signing Day Chat with Bill Greene. Bill is the best in the business and it is well worth your time.
[Update II] You can also go back and view Kyle Dodson’s announcement if you missed it, which featured a unique way of choosing the Buckeyes that is worth watching.
Welcome to The Buckeye Battle Cry’s signing day headquarters for Ohio State’s 2012 class!
For people that follow recruiting obsessively, this is like the Super Bowl.
Below you will find all of the latest information on the players that may be deciding to join Ohio State’s class today, as well as the latest on the verbally committed players that have signed and faxed their letters of intent to Ohio State.
Please feel free to join the conversation in the comments section and to follow the links for the latest information and discussion via BuckeyePlanet.com.
Ohio State may get all of the signing day targets below, or they may get none of them. It should make for an interesting day.
Regardless of what happens with the players making decisions today, this is an outstanding class for the Buckeyes and it will be a lot of fun watching develop in the years to come. Click through for all the details on this epic day.
 Big man on campus. Ho hum, another day in Buckeye land with another commitment. The latest comes from Cleveland Heights offensive tackle Kyle Dodson (6’6″ 310 lbs). Dodson is the finishing touch on what has turned into a solid group of 2012 offensive linemen for the Buckeyes. He joins Taylor Decker, Joey O’Connor, Patrick Elflein, and Jacoby Boren in the class. At one point not that long ago, this group looked like it could be in serious trouble. Filling the depth at tackle was particularly concerning for the future. Thankfully, Meyer turned that around in a big way- securing commitments from Dodson and Decker at tackle and throwing in O’Connor for good measure. Despite the strong finish from Meyer, Dodson’s decision to be a Buckeye was far from a sure thing throughout his recruitment. After saying that Ohio State was his dream school early on in the process, Kyle committed to Wisconsin over the summer after Coach Tressel left Ohio State. Read More |
 Jamal Marcus becomes the next LB in the 2012 class looking to make an instant impact on Ohio State's defense. The incredible infusion of talent into the Silver Bullet defense continues today with the verbal commitment of NC LB Jamal Marcus. Within days of each other, linebackers David Perkins, Camren Williams and now Jamal Marcus have chosen to be Buckeyes. It can’t by emphasized enough how exciting that is for the future of the defense. The pitch to the recent 2012 recruits is a chance for early playing time after a very down year in 2011. That message has hit home with Jamal Marcus and the other LBs, who are poised to make a major impact right out of the gate (similar to what Ryan Shazier did as a true freshman in 2011). It wouldn’t be surprising to see all three get on the field next season- although a redshirt year for at least one of them is likely. The competition will be intense to see who gets on the field, and that will lead to improved play from the group. Read More |
Bill Greene is without a doubt the best in the recruiting business. The Live Chat will start at 1 p.m.
Enjoy!
OH OL Kyle Dodson will be choosing between Ohio State, Southern Cal, Michigan State and Wisconsin shortly after noon.
Stay right here with The Buckeye Battle Cry for a live chat with Bill Greene at 1 p.m.
Urban Meyer doesn't make it easy keeping up with recruiting news in Columbus these days.
With national letter of intent day only 48 hours away, the 2012 class is quickly winding down. Our predictions from last week still stand for the most part, but here are a few minor updates:
While things are winding down in 2012, they are just getting started in 2013. Read More
