What’s really important

Continued thoughts and prayers to our friends in Cowboy and Sooner land… soundtrack should be obvious for today.

Buckeye 411

• Watchful Eye- Monday saw a couple more “watch lists” for post-season accolades. Corey Linsley is on the Rimington list; an award first won by Buckeye great LeCharles Bentley. Juniors Ryan Shazier and Bradly Roby are on the list for the Lott Award, named for the second greatest safety to play the game.
• Also Awarded- While the Men’s Baseball team is headed for the B1G tournament, a couple of Buckeyes were honored by the conference today. Pellant and Dempsey were both named to the B1G First Team for their work this season; Dempsey’s nomination was unanimous. Now that’s a closer…
• Bigger Things- Our man-crush and all around great guy John Simon signed a four year contract today with the Baltimore Ravens, which I’m sure will be able to buy more free weights for him to lift and stuff-

Simon’s contract has a total value of $2.545 million, including a $385,652 signing bonus. The deal includes base salaries of $405,000, $495,000, $585,000 and $675,000.

• Real Ain’t Real- We had a lot of fun with Lennay Kekua, and “her” ability to pull the wool over the eyes of at least one Notre Dame student athlete (and the national media). However, a bit closer to home, the folks at Buckeye Planet have been instrumental in fleshing out the story of an imposter posing as an Ohio State All-American… you seriously need to read the thread, it’s got twists and turns and intrigue and things that make me wonder what in the holy hell is wrong with people.
• In Case You Missed It- Our brothers from another mother over at Buckeye Empire are breaking down the Ohio State roster so you can choose a new favorite now that Simon has graduated.  Also, we’ve launched our “Buckeye Hall Of Fame” series this week… neither set of coverage will include Giovanni Strassini.
• Future Is Bright- If you’re not Loving our incoming hoops recruiting class, perhaps a Parade of acknowledgement will help bring you up to speed.
• Mmmm… Barbecue- In  California, they call everything held near a flame “barbecue”… even ‘smores. Seriously. In Tennessee, they know the truth, and even have an amazing sense of humor about it. Good thing they’ve got that disclaimer- can you imagine Craft’s steals numbers if he had sticky stuff on his fingers?
• Motivation: If you didn’t have a reason to get your butt to the gym, Sammy Silverman reminds you the bigger purpose: Read More

Tags: Aaron Craft, B1G Conference, Bradley Roby, Buckeye Planet, Corey Linsley, ESPN, John Simon, Marc Loving, Pay It Forward, Ryan Shazier, Sammy Silverman, SBP
Categories: Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

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

Welcome to Wednesday, the first of May… it’s officially grilling season (unless you live in California, where it’s always that time). Here’s today’s soundtrack; if you don’t know why, then… well… keep reading.

Archie’d

Buckeye 411

• Is The Right Time- The ABC/ESPN/Disney schedule for college football came out on Monday, the the Buckeyes will get to show their stuff in prime time on at least three occasions this upcoming season: Against Wisconsin, at Northwestern, and again when Penn State comes to town. Some interesting history with those teams- Obviously, the Badgers and Buckeyes have loads of fun under the lights, and I think Jim Tressel is still trying to run up the score for the last night game in Evanston. The Lions were gracious hosts last year for a late game, certainly a payback for the darkness in the ‘Shoe back in 2008. While it hasn’t been announced as of yet, there’s also the possibility that the Cal game could end up as a 7:30 or so kick off on the East Coast.
• Why? Recruiting. Urban Meyer loves the big game atmosphere, and having the Buckeyes on TV with the eyes of the nation’s top recruits on them cannot be a bad thing. Also- With Ohio State’s “questionable” schedule strength next season, the more exposure they can build will certainly help toward addressing any rankings situations for the end of the season.  C’mon, Pasadena…
• Congrats- To all the 2013 graduates from THE Ohio State University, particularly the bros who got Heisman Bombed above.
• The Future- With top QB recruit Deshaun Watson sticking with his commitment to Clemson, it seems that Ohio State has started to look more closely at Louisiana’s Brandon Harris.  Worth keeping an eye on.
• Hoops Updates- Our friends over at The Buckeye Room are hosting Evan Ravenel for autograph sessions; and your Aaron Craft adorable meter needs recalibration.
• Also? Evan Turner doesn’t like geese. So there’s that.
• Design Du Jour- From the mind and computer of Ohio State’s graphics guru: Read More

Tags: 21013 Season, Archie Griffin, B1G, Brandon Harris, Duke, ESPN, Evan Turner, Mark Emmert, Mike Krzyzewski, NCAA, Northwestern, Oregon State, Penn State, Sammy Silverman, SBP, The Buckeye Room, Wisconsin
Categories: NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football, Recruiting

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

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

Well, howdy-do, Buckeye nation! Thanks for paying attention to my little neck of the sunshine state… hope it works out as well as last time Ohio State had a team out here.  You know what? Since we’ve already got a visit scheduled to the Bay Area for September, what say we just go for the trifecta and come on back out this way in January. Multiple options for today’s soundtrack- Vintage, Old School, Hippie, Country, Top 40, Hip Hop, Rock. Oh, and I’ve got a great recommendation for a place to stay.

Silver Bullet, Knotts Berry Farm

Buckeye 411

• Big Plays- In today’s scrimmage, both Heuerman and Fields had long receptions for scores, coming on the first play and a fourth down play action (respectively).
• You Rock- Also, we found out today that former DeSales star and one time Michigan defensive end Chris Rock has returned home to Columbus to be a walk-0n third year sophomore at Ohio State. Given the last “walk on” from TTUN, there’s reason to be optimistic regarding his career as a Buckeye. If nothing else, he certainly helped my parenting skills.
• Backup Plans- It seems that Tuesday’s practice was a chance for the staff to look a bit closer at some of the folks who might be called into service if there’s an injury. Kenny G sat out while Cardale took snaps with the second team, and Carlos Hyde gave way to the “young Bucks” in the backfield. Which brings us to…
• A Good Problem To Have- Great reports from the Running Backs thus far; Rod Smith had an amazing practice Tuesday, while Brionte Dunn was singled out by some as a highlight  in last week’s practices. Not to be left out, Warren Ball’s shiftiness and ability to get extra yards seemed to be a constant part of Tuesday’s work. Oh, and there were even passes to a fullback during Tuesday’s drills.  Running Back by Committee ain’t to shabby when all of the Committee are stellar.
• Rising To The Challenge- Coach Withers talked at the end of practice about his wanting to see more from Corey “Pittsburgh” Brown, telling him that he wasn’t playing well enough to keep from being jumped on the depth chart by some of the incoming team.  On Tuesday, Brown seemed to be playing with that edge, making key plays in coverage as well as a crucial stop in the goal-line period.
• Up Front- Coach Meyer talked about how positively he feels about the current offensive line; they’re picking up where they left off, and should be among the best in the conference. Defensively, Michael Bennett has taken a more vocal leadership role for the D, including a firey moment when the Offense managed to score. Bennett, according to Coach Meyer, has graded out as 5/6 “wins” for each practice.
• New Crush Candidate- Since John Simon has chosen to leave me, I’m just going to get on #TeamSpence for the near future. From what we hear in practice, he’s going to be the next in great Ohio State rush ends. Read More

Tags: 2013 March Madness, 2013 West Region, Aaron Craft, Brionte Dunn, Cardale Jones, Chris Fields, Chris Rock, Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown, Everett Withers, Indiana Basketball, Jalin Marshall, Jeff Heuerman, Jim Heacock, Jordan Hall, Logan Stieber, Maryland, Michael Bennett, Nick Saban, Noah Spence, Officiating, Rod Smith, Sammy Silverman, SBP, Spring Practice, Syracuse, Tyvis Powell, Urban Meyer, Warren Ball
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

Sexier than the swimsuit issue

Today’s soundtrack is brought to you by 70 degrees and sunny skies in Los Angeles. Oh, and a little bit of EW&F.

Buckeye 411

• Buck And Cover- That thing over there is this week’s Sports Illustrated cover, well everywhere but the southeast. I think that the expectations and so forth for this team are pretty high…
• In Case You Were Wondering- Here’s the other cover… which may explain why Braxton looks so terrified on his “Breakout” photo.
• Healing Nicely- At the Combine last week, we learned that John Simon was recovering from shoulder surgery. It sounds as if it was pretty routine, if you call “requiring diamond tipped instruments to cut through his muscle tissue” routine.
• Nice Gig- Brandon Castel has a great article from the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer (unfortunately named, but it sounds like there are plans to change it). Who do I need to talk to to get assigned to the “Ohio State Cruise” beat?
• Updates- From Brandon: Jordan Hall is no longer a running back, but will be a “pivot”; Christian Bryant is the emotional leader of the defense (more later); and Urban didn’t really ‘call out’ the other coaches but challenged the conference to raise it’s standards.
• Gene’s Scene- We’ve talked before about the expansion landscape; Gene Smith this week said that the conferences is not looking to grow until they see how Maryland and Rutgers fit in. So- the B1G is totally annexing the entire B12 on Thursday.
• So Dreamy- Aaron Craft doing Aaron Craft things, on the radio this time.
• But… He only gets that interview because he’s a rosy cheeked white guy.
• Great Read- MoC’s new book is out, part of his Redemption Tour. Check it out here...
• This Week In Sammy Silv- Seriously, this needs to be a regular feature: Read More

Tags: Aaron Craft, Braxton Miller, Christian Bryant, Gene Smith, Jay Bilas, John Simon, Jordan Hall, Manti Te'o, Maurice Clarett, NCAA, Sammy Silverman, SBP, Texas Tech, Uniforms
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, Ohio State Football