Lotta stuff rattling around the ol’ brainpan the last couple of days… sometimes it’s good to have a bit of distraction from the harshness of our realities. Here’s the song that’s been stuck in my subconscious…

Buckeye 411

• Our Long National Nightmare Is Over, Part One- Braxton’s hair is back to normal. Whew.
• Making Friends Money- The four letter network was in Columbus on Tuesday, as a part of their spring football trip. As a homer, I’m fully aware that they were in Ann Arbor while spring practice was in session and waited until after Saturday’s game to visit the WHAC. Nonetheless, Coach Meyer met with Rece and Spiels to talk about the expectations that lay before the team for 2013. Good to see that they could take time away from their usual narrative regarding Buckeye football, no?
• Graphic Du Jour- Sammy Silverman knows no off season:

• Our Long National Nightmare Is Over, Part Two- Ohio State has got a new women’s basketball coach.  Now, we need a home run for our hockey program.
• Hoops. There It Is- Congrats to Tayler Hill, who went fourth in Monday’s WNBA draft!
• Smack Talk- Vrabel has it.

Read More

Tags: Boston Marathon, Braxton Miller, Chip Kelly, Concussions, Ed O'Bannon, ESPN, Kevin McGuff, Mike Vrabel, Oregon, Pat Summerall, Ridell, Sammy Silverman, SBP, SEC, Southern Cal, Tayler Hill, TTUN, Urban Meyer, Willie Lyles, Women's Basketball
Categories: College Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

No, it’s not time for the IlliBuck trophy again… Tuesday’s “news” was full of terrapin conversation, so we go where it leads. As such, here’s this morning’s soundtrack… I’m sure my folks will recognize it.

You want me to hang that WHERE?

Buckeye 411

• Urban Legend- The world was a twitter yesterday with news that Urban Meyer had revealed that Woody Hayes once let a turtle bite him… well… you know. While I agree with Vico that it should have been immediately evident that the story was a playful fabrication, as it wasn’t weird enough, it should also be noted that Coach Meyer told the same story last year with Earle Bruce as the protagonist. Never the less, the Ohio State PR department decided that it would be wise to clarify that the story was merely a tall tale, lest the area’s extensive Testudines Advocacy Group (TAG) call down the thunder on the University.
• Perhaps- That’s why the IlliBuck is a Woody?
• Turtle Not Included- Thursday is a sacred commemoration for Buckeye Nation, as we celebrate St. Woodrow’s Day, which will be the 100th anniversary of his incarnation upon the earth. As part of the festivities, today the University will be unveiling a great statue of the man over at the WHAC, which is my only critique.  If other schools can have their statues by the field of battle, shouldn’t Woody’s be near his beloved and sacred Horseshoe as well? Perhaps some industrious student can make that happen.
• Speak Loudly, And Carry A Winning Record- Last week, Coach Meyer made some comments about talking to the B1G Coaches about the conference’s recruiting and their national brand. Of course, the media and writers from other fanbases blew it out of context and presented it as “Urban going to tell the B1G how things should be done!” Well, come to find out, it was actually a well facilitated conversation that a number of coaches had already been a part of, and that a number of other reasoned folks agreed with. Interesting, that.
• Oh, Mark May- Never change.
• Vote Or Die- Seriously, I’m afraid John Simon will track me down, so I’ve cast my ballot numerous times already. Read More

Tags: Alabama, B1G, B1G Conference, Brady Hoke, Compliance, Expansion, IlliBuck, John Simon, Mark May, Olympics, Oregon, Oversigning, SBP, Uniforms, Urban Meyer, Woody Hayes, Wrestling
Categories: Conference Expansion, Ohio State Football, Ohio State Football History

Wilson

While National Letter of Intent day is Wednesday, Ohio State received word Monday that Texas athlete Dontre Wilson wasn’t interested in waiting until then, as he verballed to be the latest member of the Buckeyes’ 2013 class.

Wilson, a one time Oregon commit, has been in contact with Coach Meyer and the staff for quite some time. After Oregon coach Chip Kelly left to flee NCAA sanctions pursue an NFL opportunity with the Eagles, Wilson re-opened his recruiting. Shortly thereafter, he was in Columbus for an official visit where he, in the words of sources from Texas, “fell in love with Ohio State”.

Oregon did not go quietly, however, as their entire coaching staff visited with him following his trip to Columbus. Wilson was also scheduled to have traveled to Stillwater and visit TBPU, but cancelled that trip. Instead, he chose to visit Austin this past weekend, where news of his being a Buckeye lean started to surface. This was the second such “leak” from the Longhorns- they also let it be known that A’Shawn Robinson was headed to Alabama after the star stepped away from his commitment to Texas.

Wilson played at De Soto High School, and was assessed as a four star recruit by most of the national services. He’s a smaller athlete, and is projected to play in the slot at Ohio State, or as it’s being called “the Percy Harvin position”. He makes a great counter punch to Ohio State’s power running game, and may see playing time early on.

He was named the Dallas Area Offensive Player of the Year by the Dallas Morning News following a senior campaign that saw him amass 1,892 yards and 37 touchdowns rushing, while also catching 37 passes for 752 yards and nine TDs as well. You can check out some of his many highlights after the break. Read More

Tags: 2013 Class, 2013 Recruiting, Chip Kelly, Dontre Wilson, Oregon, Texas
Categories: College Football, Recruiting

It’s a relatively quiet week for Ohio State sports (*knocks on wood*); coaches are recruiting, hoops is preparing for an attempt to sweep That State Up North, and all the students are above average.  So, let’s dig around the ol’ interwebs and see what we can find to chat about today, shall we? Oh, and I’m enjoying this at the moment.

Nothing is free

Buckeye 411

• Tress Talks- He’s gone, but not forgotten, and 97.1 had an interview with the new Akron administrator today that was chock full of the types of discussion that Ohio State fans were familiar with for ten years. He comments that he does “everything but Saturday afternoons” at Akron, but that he hasn’t had a moment where he felt like he needed to put the whistle back on an coach as much as he misses the chess game and camaraderie. He said that there’s a “whole bunch of things I’d have done differently”, but that he gave his heart and soul to the University for 10 years- something that he feels wonderful about. About his legacy, he looks to the players and coaches that he worked with, and sees those relationships as strong as ever no matter the circumstances. When questioned about the NCAA process, he said that he felt that he was treated more than fairly throughout and doesn’t worry too much about that now that it’s in the rearview mirror. Coach talked about his philosophy for helping engage students who might find themselves in trouble… that you support them through the process, you walk alongside them through the consequences, and that these have been watershed moments for many of the students he’s had a chance to work with. Tressel is confident that Coach Meyer is in the midst of doing amazing things, and that the Buckeyes are in great hands for the long haul.

• Stolen Memories- Well, this is interesting: Mike Adams has lost his Rose Bowl ring following a burglary at his house.
• Graphic Content- We’ve highlighted Sammy Silverman’s great work before, but Buckeye nation is certainly lucky to have constant reminders of the great things happening in Columbus. Here’s this week’s celebration of Sunday’s win (!SWOON!), their rising up the rankings, and a reflection on the magic of a 12-o season. In case you’re looking for yet another wallpaper for your desktop, here’s a great photo from thorolgrafix to add to your collection.
• Redemption- Be sure to check out Maurice Clarett’s new venture.
• By A Hair- Our newest hoops deep threat made an interesting promise yesterday, saying that he’d dye his hair scarlet and gray if he got enough retweets.  Well, what are you waiting for… get to retweeting!
• For Whom Vonn Bell Tolls- We know that the “soft verbal” to Alabama was refuted, and that Saban was with him all day Monday. We also know that Tennessee’s staff was at his school today… so what’s the big deal? Is this young man really worth all that effort? Well, see for yourself: Read More

Tags: Amedeo Della Valle, Finances, Jim Tressel, Lane Kiffin, Miami, Mike Adams, Oregon, Southern Cal, UNLV, Vonn Bell
Categories: College Basketball, College Football, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

Well, it’s the day that I’m certain you have all been anxiously awaiting, leading us to only one choice for today’s soundtrack. Well, Ok… two, and anything from these guys would also suffice.

Spark Something Great

Buckeye 411

• Turf to Surf- Well, it’s 9 days into 2013, and day two of Ohio State’s reign as National Champion… what are you going to do to celebrate? Coach Meyer seems to be interested in doing some fishing with his son, and will be doing a special edition of “Gridiron Outdoors“.  According to the press release we got earlier, the episode will

provide viewers a unique look into his life away from the sidelines. Urban offers insight into why he came back to coach, the passion he has to coach college athletes and what it truly means to “get away.” The episode is about more than just fishing as a sport; it captures how the spirit of the outdoors brings families closer as Urban and his son Nate tackle shark, barracuda, black jack, grouper and tarpon.

Not to be left out, Coach Hoke will head over to Long John Silvers’ for their “Whitefish Wednesdays”. Hushpuppies, beware.

Coach Meyer’s episode will air on Saturday, July 12th at 7:00 PM ET on the Outdoor Channel. Consult your local blah blah blah

• Surf AND Turf? Following Ohio State’s third place finish in the AP poll (like anyone pays attention to that), Urban landed a $150K bonus as a part of his salary… enough to get some steak to go with the salmon he catches, I’m sure. There have been a number of articles written about the arbitrary nature of the final poll- why some people had the only undefeated team in the country ranked tenth, for instance- but when you realize that ending up one spot down the rung cost Urban an additional $100K, you can understand that your consternation is probably not anywhere close to what it could be.
• Target Practice- Tuesday saw the “unveiling” of the BCS Championship Logo for 2014, the final year of the current configuration (more later). That’s the goal for this Buckeye team… and if you follow any current members on twitter or facebook, you know that they’re fully aware of this fact.  January 2014 will see the 100th Rose Bowl Game AND the BCS Championship hosted in Pasadena- tBBC is already working on tailgate options for either matchup should the Buckeyes head out to my backyard.  ‘Cause last time was AMAZING.
• This Week In Slam Thompson- This happened Read More

Tags: AP Poll, B12, B1G, BCS National Championship, ESPN, Mike Leach, Oregon, Rose Bowl, Sam Thompson, SBP, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, Humor

OK, this one might actually be interesting…

(4) Oregon (11-1, 8-1 Pac 12) vs (5) Kansas State (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)

Thursday January 3rd, 8:30 EST ESPN

The History:  The Tositos Fiesta Bowl has been a staple in Glendale, AZ for 42 years.  A group from Arizona State originally pitched the idea to the NCAA in 1968 but the NCAA rejected the proposal.  One year later the NCAA approved the bowl as part of their annnual bowl games.  The Fiesta Bowl is played at The University of Phoenix Stadium and has hosted 7 National Championship games (Does anyone remember 2002?) since it was first played in 1971. Not only is this Fiesta Bowl important to college footbal, it is important to the Glendale area.  Over a 5 year span the bowl has generated over $1 Billion in the Glendale economy.

Read More

Tags: 2012-13 Bowls, Ducks, Fiesta Bowl, Kansas State, Oregon, Wildcats
Categories: College Football

Wonder if it's a metaphor for something...

Well, here we are, at the second biggest shopping day of the holiday and fiscal season. It’s kind of sad, really- all those unwanted or mis- purchased gifts being dragged back to the mall, where “Good Will To Men” is certainly in short supply.

That being said… how hard is it to follow a list? And what part of “bullets” looks like “marbles”… grumble grumble grumble.  Given what’s in the theaters beginning yesterday, you’ve got two choices for today’s soundtrack.

Buckeye 411

• Perfect Ten- Well, not perfect, but the Buckeyes find themselves at the ten spot in the AP poll following losses to Duke and Kansas. Indiana and Michigan both hold their spots above the Buckeyes, who find themselves the highest rated two loss team in the country.
• Great Dane? News Monday was that the Bears had dropped former Buckeye Dane Sanzenbacher, who only amassed 2 catches this season after 20+ at the end of last year. The good news is that he was immediately claimed by the Bengals, so congrats?  I’m excited to see if he will be able to make an impact on the playoff bound Cinci squad, or if this will be a short-term assignment.
•  All Is Not Wells? Speaking of Buckeye alumni, Beanie is convinced that he’ll be traded following this season.
• Ballin’- Elsewheres, Jared Sullinger had a pretty good Christmas Day game against the Nets: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists. Well done, young fella.
• Stars- They make no sense at all.  Case in point: This is the tape of a “four star” high school senior. Four. Not five. Four.  Without setting the bar too high, I hope Joey Bosa turns the “star snub” into the same kind of drive that created John Simon.
• That Being Said- Bradley Roby was supposed to go to Vanderbilt to play wide receiver.  I guess the folks at OSU must know that they’re doing with recruiting and positions and so forth- here’s his sophomore video, in case you were wondering how things worked out for him. Read More

Tags: BCS, Beanie Wells, Bowling Green, Bowls, Bradley Roby, Chip Kelly, Dane Sanzenbacher, Expansion, Finance, Jared Sullinger, Joey Bosa, NCAA, Oregon, Oversigning, Rice, Uniforms, Virginia Tech
Categories: Humor, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

I find tinsel distracting

Tuesday’s news gave us two hall of fame suggestions for today’s sountrack(s).  And no, it’s not Christmas music- we’ll get to that later.

Buckeye 411

• Major Awards- It’s the silly season for College Football, and sure enough America’s favorite collegiate popularity contest machine has decided to include some Buckeyes as a reward for the undefeated season. ESPN put Bradley Roby on it’s All American First Team. (FWIW, ESPN also tabbed TTUN’s Tyler Lewan to it’s All American list; you may remember Lewan from his impression of a turnstile against Ohio State’s freshmen defensive linemen.) The Associate Press had a little less love for Ohio State’s defense- Roby and Johnathan Hankins were on the second team, while John Simon was a third team award winner.
• More Love For Simon- He told a Youngstown paper earlier this week that he was planning on playing in the Senior Bowl; certainly a sign that his rehab is going according to plan. Simon was also named a finalist for the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s national award for the Bobby Bowden Award.  We say this a lot, but I will honestly miss watching #54 lead his teammates on the field more than any Buckeye I can remember of late.
• Coaches, Too- Urban Meyer is a finalist for the 2012 Liberty Mutual Coach Of the Year, in spite of the fact that he couldn’t win the B1G CotY (an award that Ramzy nailed in his description of it as an award that’s  “granted only for temporarily overcoming institutional mediocrity.”).  Offensive Line Coach Ed Warriner has also picked up some hardware this week, being named the national offensive line coach of the year by his peers… pretty interesting what happens when you stop trying to run “Dave” every single play, ain’t it?
• Directions- “Well, you just go down to 12-0 Row and take a left…“
• Boom. Well, Cincinnati and their fans had a lot of fun with their brief success and stint as “Ohio’s BCS Team”- but any visions of being the premier program in the state ended on Tuesday, when it was revealed that Urban Meyer was asked to stump on their behest as they seek ACC membership. For those keeping score at home- Ohio State coaches don’t leave for other programs, and Ohio State doesn’t ask Cincinnati coaches to help hook them up.
• Pretty In Pink- There’s nothing more awkward looking than a middle aged guy standing in Victoria’s Secret during Christmas, picking up something for his special someone. Well, that “awkward” just got a little less so, ‘cause now you’re shopping for Buckeye gear.
• Best For Last- It should be no surprise that we’re huge fans of Sammy Silverman, the graphic design guru for Ohio State this season. So, we’ve got a ton of love for his “season recap” poster- check it out after the jump: Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, aTm, BCS, Bradly Roby, Cincinnati, Ed Warinner, ESPN, John Simon, Johnathan Hankins, Johnny Manziel, LSUFreek, Mark Emmert, Money, Oklahoma State, Oregon, SBP, T. Boone Pickens' University, Television Revenue, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, Humor, Miscellaneous, Ohio State Football