Spiral bound and everything!

Another Wednesday, another mainstream media member making less than accurately informed statements about issues they think they understand…

Buckeye 411

• Hall? Maybe- This week, Jordan Hall was cleared physically to play by the OSU medical staff, but the jury is still out on how “ready” he is- game speed, etc. Tuesday was a testing day, so we may hear more as the week progresses; personally, I’d prefer that he rest and get ready for B1G season.
• Dodson? Better- Late Tuesday night news broke that Ohio State freshman Kyle Dodson had experienced dehydration as a part of Tuesday’s grueling practices.  The University reports that he is healthy, though, and we will keep you up to date as the situation develops.
• Injury Updates- Nathan Williams is still banged up, and may be limited this week. Michael Bennett’s groin injury is more complicated than initially thought, he will need further time off to recover (some whispers of a possible redshirt for the sophomore).
• Bears: One of the points that Coach Meyer emphasized was that normally this week would be a chance to review the fundamentals with the team, particularly given some of the miscommunication that still is happening on offense and defense.  However, the Cal Bears run a defense that Ohio State will only see in this week’s matchup, the famous Buddy Ryan 46 (named after former Buckeye Doug Plank). If there weren’t concerns already about OSU’s ability to run in the interior of the line, Carlos Hyde’s replacements will have to do so against a stout three man front.
• Consider Yourself Warned- There’s a strike in Chicago that’s getting all of the news these days, but Buckeye fans should be aware of a brewing controversy on campus as well... #TeamGroundCrew
• West Coast Speed- Cal is a program known for producing great receivers and return specialists, and this year is no exception. In the teleconference this morning, Coach Meyer pointed to Keenum Allen as yet another in the long line of skill position performers for Coach Tedford; given some of the miscommunication in the secondary, this has got to be a concern for Ohio State on Saturday.
• Greatness Comes In Pairs: Newest Nissan “Heisman House” video is amazing for all the right reasons: Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, Archie Griffin, Cal Golden Bears, Charlie Weis, JB Shugarts, Jeff Tedford, Jordan Hall, Kyle Dodson, Mich1gAAn, Michael Bennett, Mississippi State, MZone, Nathan Shapiro, Nathan Williams, Oregon, SBP, SEC, Texas A&M, Tickets, Tim Brando, Tony Gerdeman, Urban Meyer, Yahoo!
Categories: College Football, Humor, Michigan Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Football

All The Better To Hear You With

Buckeye 411

• Shower Ends Sweat- This “Duh!” headline actually points to an interesting story Tuesday about why former Buckeye Andrew Sweat chose to end his bid at a professional career. According to the Dispatch, Sweat slipped in the shower the morning that mini-camp was to start and experienced concussive-like symptoms similar to what he wrestled with during his time in Columbus. After they lingered longer than he’d expected, he sat down and talked with his family; I’m sure the recent news about health issues in the NFL had to be at the back of his mind (OK, maybe not the best choice of phrase there). Given that he’s also been accepted to several law programs, it does make sense to look at the bigger picture- heck, even Michigan fans think so. Godspeed and best wishes, Mr. Sweat!
• Hall Of Fame? More Like Hall O’ Lame, AmIRite?-  The College Football Hall of Fame announced their incoming class, and somehow Orlando Pace was not amongst the nominees in spite of the fact that he was a potential candidate. Seriously- the best offensive tackle in the history of Ohio State sports, a two time Lombardi trophy winner and one of two people to win either the Lombardi/Outland three times.  Pace was also a Heisman (!) finalist, and should have been a cake walk into the CHoF.  Doubt me? Watch this video…  Pace wasn’t the only snubbed choice, as Nebraska’s Tommie Frazier also missed the cut. You remember Frazier; three time National Championship Game MVP, Heisman runner up to Eddie George, and dude I met last fall. Video evidence hereabouts.  You know who did get in? Ty Detmer, the guy who brought us such memorable moments as this.
• Rocketman-  JD Weatherspoon announced today what we’d expected for a while- he’s transferring to Toledo to finish his college career. Best of luck, ‘Spoon!
• Justice, Of Sorts- The man who shot former Buckeye recruit Jamel Turner was found guilty on all charges today. The shooting took the life of another Youngstown native.
• Your Weekly Dose Of Swoon- Double shot this week: Craft the pitcher and meeting the governor.
• A Hairy Situation- Nick Mangold getting his chest waxed? Nick Mangold getting his chest waxed.
• Meet The New Boss- Tuesday was the Urban Meyer Town Hall for students at OSU; it was pretty much what you’d expect (huge thanks to @KristinPantoni), except for this bit of brilliance: Read More

Tags: 2012 Basektball, Aaron Craft, Academics, ACC, ACC/B1G Challenge, Andrew Sweat, B1G, Big 12, BTN, Charlie Weis, Duke, Finance, Gene Smith, Jamel Turner, JD Weatherspoon, Mark Pantoni, Mickey Marotti, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Money, NCAA, Nick Mangold, Orlando Pace, Playoffs, Rose Bowl, SEC, Southern Cal, Texas, Tom Osborne, Tommie Frazier, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Basketball, College Football, Conference Expansion, Humor, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

In this week’s edition of news and notes, we take a look at the ever swirling world of college “playoffs”; helping you get to the bottom of the matter. You can probably guess where this is headed…

Never forget

Buckeye 411

• Hangin’ With Urb- Hopefully you were one of the students who were able to get your tickets to the upcoming “meet and greet” with Ohio State’s new head coach. If so, I’m sure you’re in for a treat. Absolutely no disrespect to Coach Tressel, but the public speaking and offensive styles of these two men were pretty consistent: The Senator wanted to kill clock, lull you into complacency, and wait for you to make a mistake. Coach Meyer will see how many questions he can answer in a minute, and expects every one of them to score.
• Ah, Gee-  Ohio State’s president was in the news again, this time for saying what most of us realized anyway- the recent “print media” coverage of the Ohio State program was less than flattering, often inaccurate, and aimed at drawing eyeballs/pageviews more than conveying the truth.  My favorite part of that interview? George “Buckeye Raffles and UCLA Weed OMG!!” Dohrmann comment-

(Gee) knows more about bow ties than he does about journalism.

Probably true, but since Gordo is a fifteenth level bow-tie ninja, what does that say about your point?

• Sure, But What About The Laser Cats?  In news that is sure to make the guys at Buckeye Empire happy, the Ohio State University is now home to a really big frickin’ laser. I just so happen to know a very large, probably immobile target that might work for testing, should the need arise.
• We’re Not Ones To Go Around Spreadin’ Rumors- Buzz started yesterday regarding some upcoming Ohio State attrition in the person of Brian Bobek.  We wish him well in whatever decision he makes, and clarity in the interim.  Additionally, the roller coaster that has been the Mike Heuerman Recruitment has taken another turn- from recruiting Bosa and Anzalone to the Buckeyes, Bill Greene now holds that Notre Dame leads and a decision might be forthcoming.
• Gettin’ Paid, Son!! In the world of young adult athletes who are allowed to make money, the NFL draft starts tomorrow! Some early projections include Mike Adams going in the first or second, with Brewster, Posey, and Herron following a few rounds later. Two other observations from that article- I hope someone takes a flier on Nate Ebner, and this might be the most understated piece of commentary ever-

OT J.B. Shugarts (seventh or free agent): Good size, but had false start and some foot problems with the Buckeyes.

• Tweetles and twootles- If you’re on the twitter, a) give us a follow and b) check out the #BuckeyeNationProblems hashtag from last night.
  
• Video And Such- We’re awaiting the next bunch of greatness from a certain southern sportscaster, but in the mean time this ain’t too bad: Read More

Tags: Academics, Adidas, Arkansas, BCS, Bowls, Brian Bobek, BYU, Charlie Weis, Daniel Herron, DeVier Posey, E. Gordon Gee, Hawaii, JB Shugarts, John L Smith, Kansas, Mike Adams, Mike Brewster, Mike Heuerman, Nate Ebner, NCAA, NFL Draft, Nike, Norm Chow, Oregon, Playoffs, Rose Bowl, SBP, Southern Cal, Tony Parker, TSUN, Twitter, Uniforms, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, Humor, Michigan Football, Ohio State Football

Charlie Weis is fired. (yeah, it doesn’t have that same panache)

No surprises- will Bowden be next?

Update- Yup. It will be interesting to see if this has any impact on the “you’ve got to forfeit your wins” issues that FSU has been appealing. Or, if it hastens Joe Pa’s exit.

Tags: Charlie Weis, Notre Dame
Categories: Uncategorized

The only thing that would be the cherry on top of the ice cream that was a sixth straight win in The Game would be a Notre Dame loss… at home… on Senior Day… for the second straight year… to 4-5 UConn.

Yeah, it’s a great day. The loss brings the Irish to 6-5 for the year; and if MAChigan State’s QB doesn’t have a brain fart and overthrow a wide open receiver and then toss a pick in the endzone with time expiring, they’d be 5-6.

What brings it full circle- one of their losses was to Mich1gAAn. Seriously.

Charlie, it’s been good to know you.

Tags: Charlie Weis, Notre Dame
Categories: Uncategorized

Look! It's the hardest working belt in America!

ESPN is reporting (must be insider to view) a rumor that Fatty McButterPants may be out at Notre Dame at the end of the season.  Bob Stoops and Kirk Ferentz are listed as possible contenders to replace him, with Bob Stoops already expressing interest in the position.

Also, it’s 2:30 and TTUN still sucks.

Tags: Charlie Weis, Notre Dame
Categories: Uncategorized

Times a thousand...

What’s 2100, you say?

Webhits at the BBC due to Jim and I coming on board? Nope.

Booster dollars given to U$C players over the past week? Not as far as we know.

Cholesterol levels of certain coaches at midwestern Catholic institutions? Maybe- what did he have for lunch?

Number of SEC fans it takes to change a lightbulb? Not going there…

Uniform combinations for the Oregon/Nike Ducks? Nope- three grand is too low.

Hours wasted by members of Congress “exploring” and “investigating” the BCS? Again, too low.

Members of the Wolverines who’ve quit or transferred since coach what’s his spread came on board? You’re getting closer…

As of today, it’s been two thousand, one hundred days since MACh1gAAn has defeated Ohio State in football.

Two thousand, one hundred. Deux mille cent. Zwei tausend hundert. две тысячи 100. Due mila cento. δύο χιλιάδες εκατό. Dos mil cientos. Bunches.

For perspective, a kid born on November 23, 2003 (the day after TTUN’s last win) would more be entering kindergarten this fall.

Yeah, that kid

It’s guaranteed to be at least 91 more, and it looks to continue for a while yet. No matter what people say.

But today, as always, is a great day to be a Buckeye.

Tags: BCS, Charlie Weis, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, SEC, The Game, USC
Categories: Uncategorized

I wish I were kidding about this, but Brian at MGoBlog today has posted a story about the 2008 Michigan rushing stats that (in his mind, and in the minds of the sycophants that follow him) prove that Rich Rodriquez is succeeding at UM.

The basis of his statistical discovery is based on Michigan’s 3.91 yards per carry in 2008, and how that puts the ‘08 squad in 4th place of the past 8 Michigan squads in that category.  Here’s the chart he uses…..

He follows that up by saying the following;

Fourth! Above average!

If you needed any evidence that whatever Rich Rodriguez is doing on the ground is a pretty good idea, that should suffice.

Whatever anti-depressants Sam McGuffie is taking, he really needs to stop leaving them lying around where other people can get to them.

What Brian fails to point out in his desperate attempt to pour sunshine on the gloomy masses at MGo is that he’s comparing Michigan 2008 to Michigan in the prior 7 years….and the previous 7 years rushing stats at Michigan are frankly NOT that good.  Yeah, I know they had Mike Hart.  But the fact is that the rushing attack at Michigan has NOT been very good in this century.

Let’s add a column to Brian’s chart and see how it looks.  The new column will state what Michigan’s ranking was in the Big Ten on the same statistic, yards per carry.

If Brian wants to find comfort knowing that his 2008 squad has consistently remained in the bottom of the Big Ten in yards per carry, then….yes, Rich Rod has done an outstanding job!

Meanwhile, the rest of us will sit back and carefully note that Rich Rodriquez is to Michigan what Charlie Weis is to Notre Dame.  A barely-average coach being propped up by blind loyalty.

————–

In other news, sophomore Michigan safety Artis Chambers has quit the Michigan football team and asked for a transfer.

Tags: Big Ten, Charlie Weis, MGoBlog, Michigan, Mike Hart, Miscellaneous, Notre Dame, Sam McGuffie, Stupid people
Categories: Miscellaneous