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

Welcome to the calm before the storm… unless you’re an NIT junkie, then your Madness has already started.  In honor of Coach Calipari’s fantastic coaching job on Tuesday night, today’s soundtrack channels the thoughts of Wildcat fans as they get to watch the rest of the tournament. Hey… you think they’ll have time to join our Bracket Challenge?

It’s What We Do

Buckeye 411

• We Talkin’ About Practice? Tuesday was a return to the WHAC for the Buckeyes after Spring Break, and it sounds as if it was a bit of a “rusty day” for the Scarlet and Gray. No need to panic, though- this is typical for teams the first time they put the pads on in the spring or in the fall.
• Injury Update- Barrett, Shazier, Wood, and Bogard were in “orange” jerseys today, although JT was taking mental reps behind Braxton as the practice went along. Jordan Hall had a hamstring strain as well, but Coach Meyer said that there was nothing to be overly concerned about with his progress.
• TP Again- Tyvis Powell seems to, at least for now, locked in on the #1 Star position, with Roby and Doran Grant at corner.
• Committee- Rod Smith and Warren Ball ran the ball really well Tuesday, although Smith caught the ire of Coach Drayton with his nonchalant flip of the ball in the endzone.  Anything to help break the fumble-itis, right?
• Caffeinated- Apparently Kerry Coombs is in mid-season form, screaming at what he perceived to be a horrible call by an official helping monitor the scrimmages.
• los ‘Los- After practice, Carlos Hyde talked about his decision to return, and his desire to help Coach Meyer get his first 1K yard runner. He also was honest about the fact that he had some work to do in order to be NFL ready, a sentiment that his coach agreed with. Read More

Tags: Aaron Craft, B1G Conference, Carlos Hyde, Devin Smith, Dontre Wilson, Frank Epitropoulos, Jack Mewhort, Jim Delany, Jim Foster, Jordan Hall, Kerry Coombs, Mekka Don, Men's Hockey, Rod Smith, SBP, Spring Practice, Tyvis Powell, Warren Ball
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

It’s championship week here at tBBC, and we’ll have all your B1G Tournament coverage coming up until the Buckeyes cut down the nets.  So, it only makes sense, then, to have our soundtrack for today be the latest from OSU alum and friend of the site Mekka Don, who’s scored an exclusive deal to provide music for their coverage. From the press release:

The intersection of music and sports is prominently on display during high profile sporting events.  Almost every sports arena has a DJ; players submit playlists to be played during warmups; and networks license music to help create excitement for their broadcasting.  Mekka Don, an independent hip-hop artist and former NCAA athlete (Ohio State football), has inked a multi-song licensing deal with the Big Ten Network to provide music for the upcoming Big Ten Tournament games and coverage.  The Big Ten Tournament begins on March 14^th on the Big Ten Network.

And here, in an exclusive for tBBC readers, is the the title track for tournament time:

You can support Mekka Don and download this at his site on iTunes… just in time for March’s Madness.

Buckeye 411

• That Happened- And we’ll talk about it in today’s commentary. But first, some better updates.
• 

  Heacock is going WHERE?

  Welcome Back? Rumors have been swirling all week that former Buckeye Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock would be returning to the WHAC in a “quality control” capacity; huge tip, it seems, to Nevadabuck from the Scout site for dropping the knowledge first.  The position would be similar to what a number of schools (most specifically Alabama) are doing in expanding their staff, and you’ve got to think that it will not only strengthen the Silver Bullets but also maintain the relationships that Heacock had with area high school coaches. In addition, it provides a fallback of sorts should the defensive staff lose a member to another opportunity.

• The Ping Of The Bat- What are you doing Friday, before the Buckeyes tip off in the B1G Tourney? Might as well head over to Bill Davis Stadium for the Scarlet and Gray’s Home Opener.  Ah, spring…
• Once A Buckeye, Part One- Ramzy at 11W is a must read every Tuesday, but today’s article knocked it out of the park. It’s a continuation of his conversation with Maurice Clarett, who several of us have had the privilege to connect with over the past year or so. Ramzy talks deeper about MoC’s story outside of Ohio State, particularly his passion for impacting the lives of young adults and his new project… do yourself a favor and go read it now.  I’ll wait. When you’re done, head over to Maurice’s site and pick up a copy of his book… incredible stuff. Read More

Tags: Aaron Craft, ACC, Antoine Winfield, B1G Basketball Awards, Baseball, Beanie Wells, Bo Ryan, BTN, Chris Gamble, Denard Robinson, Deshaun Thomas, Eleven Warriors, Jim Heacock, March Madness, Maurice Clarett, Mekka Don, Mike Nugent, North Carolina Tar Heels, Notre Dame, Santonio Holmes, SBP, Shaggy Bevo, tBBC Playlist, Texas, Will Smith
Categories: College Basketball, 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

The offseason brings us another variation from the format of your midweek news and notes, as a couple of big stories have dominated the college sports landscape. That being said, it’s not like I’m going to deprive you of your Wednesday motivational tunes.

Might As Well Get Comfy

Lack Of Institutional Control

For those of you waiting for the other shoe to drop in the Hurricane Situation, you can breathe a bit now.  Kinda.

On Tuesday, the NCAA finally sent their Notice of Allegations to the Hurricanes, after a week  that saw the folks from Indianapolis as the well focused center of national ridicule. We’d be wondering what was taking so long in this process, given that the NCAA had been “involved” in the investigation for over two years- turns out that the time in question had been spent violating the NCAA’s own principals and going against the advice of their legal counsel in their conversations with Nevin Shapiro.

In addition to paying the attorney who was questioning Shapiro as a part of his financial issues, the folks at the NCAA also provided him with a “burner” cell phone to contact them and financial resources to his prison account. Again, not the best idea for an organization who prides themselves on holding people accountable because the “should have known” what to do and dings them for not doing it.

The fallout was immediate- NCAA folks terminated or “resigned”, and folks calling for NCAA president Mark Emmert’s head, which, given the recent friends that he’s made across the nation, completely seems within reason.

The news of the “injustice” done by the NCAA to the fine folks in Miami ended up finding many fans in an interesting place- turning to Da’ U as their white knight in the fight against the evils of Emmert’s staff. Tuesday’s official response by University President Donna Shalala continued to create the dissonance- she is right that the NCAA has overstepped themselves extensively, but seems to forget that the University’s representatives were involved things that led them to receiving what many say is the “lack of institutional control” label in their Notice. Read More

Tags: 'Da U, Johnny Manziel, Mark Emmert, Miami Hurricanes, Michigan, NCAA, Nevin Shapiro, North Carolina, Oversigning, SBP, TBPU
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, NCAA Investigations

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

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

#Swish #Swoon

A bit of a different look at things this Wednesday, as I was fortunate to join Jim, JoeL, and Janelle in attending Ohio State’s win against Iowa in the hoops of shootyness.  So, here’s your musical interlude for this festive event.

Buckeye Hoops Thoughts

• Great Value- This was my first trip to Value City Arena, and it was more than fantastic. Great seats (thanks, Joe!) and a good, if ugly win
• All About Timing- Not for the Buckeyes (yet), but just a comment on the 6:30 start… tons of empty seats for a Tuesday night game. I know it’s not a weekend match against Michigan, but c’mon, people!!
• Nuts. Housed.- Couldn’t have been more impressed with the Student Section, some of whom had queued up around 10 or so. Who needs classes, right? While the game was low on energy overall, the Nuthouse certainly didn’t reflect that… well done!
• He’s Crafty- Aaron broke the steals record (and our hearts… #Swoon) right in front of us. Congrats, #4!
• Reinforcements- Thomas went out and the Buckeyes went cold… although it could be argued that they were cold before this (for a couple of reasons). That being said, Matta and others have talked about how this year will need to be a “second option by committee”… and we didn’t see someone step up when Thomas was getting his injury looked at.
• On The Other Hand- Four Buckeyes were in double digits, so the wealth was spread around pretty well. Sad to see DT not get another consecutive 20 point game, though.
• This Week In Slam Thompson- I wish I had a highlight to point to, but somehow some one managed to overthrow him. How do you get the ball outside of his range??  That being said, it’s probably better that he didn’t throw one home- I was sitting to a nice lady who didn’t need to hear what exclamations would have come out of my mouth should the awesomeness have manifested itself. Read More

Tags: Aaron Craft, Costumes, Deshaun Thomas, ESPN, Iowa, Manti Te'o, Miami, Nevin Shapiro, Nike, Sam Thompson, SBP, Shots from the Schott, Thad Matta, Virginia Cavaliers
Categories: Conference Expansion, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Basketball