Pretty obvious inspirational quote for this week’s Wednesday update, don’t you think? If you’re really interested in what I’m listening to these days, here you go.

Varmint

Buckeye 411

• Fun With Numbers- As a reminder, Coach Meyer is 14-1 lifetime after bye, and 32-2 with multiple weeks to prepare for a game.
• Injury Update- According to Monday’s press conference, Etienne Sabino is back and will be starting against Wisconsin this week.  Bri’onte Dunn has sprained his MCL and will miss this week, but won’t need surgery- he’s hopefully back for The Game. Armani Reeves is back from the IR, and Corey Linsley is a bit banged up, but will go on Saturday.
• Meyer’s Musings- In Tuesday’s B1G conference, Coach Meyer said that they haven’t really talked much about an AP championship with the team, choosing instead to try to “win as many games as we could for our seniors” He spoke about how the Wisconsin match up has become a great rivalry, particularly since they’re in the same division now.  Looking at the offense, he mentioned how well the team is working together, and that Carlos, Braxton, and the Offensive Line really feed off of each other.
  
• Watch These Guys- Both OSU’s Braxton Miller and Wisconsin’s Monte Ball have been named to the “Players To Watch” list for the Walter Camp Award.
  
• 

  We See You Trollin', Hatin'...

  Bert Blathers- Also in Tuesday’s B1G Conference Call, Coach Bielema talked about how impressed he is with Ohio State’s improvement as the season has progressed. He mentioned the offensive line in particular, and said that they are playing really well at this point in the year.  He also addressed speculation that his team would be satisfied after last week’s win, which put them into the Conference Championship Game for the second straight year; and said that his team would not see a let down against the Buckeyes, especially given last year’s game. Added to the fact that it’s “Senior Day”, and it’s sure to be a high intensity game.

• Simon Says- In reflecting on the game this weekend, senior captain John Simon commented, “The tougher team always wins this game”. Not sure what that says about the 2010 team, but it does bode well for this group heading off of the bye week.
• The Gentleman’s Response-  NSFW due to language, but… yeah.
• Hoops Note- Tournament travel for 2015 is going to be AWESOME! {Sees Ohio State Sent To Southwest Region}
  
• Ticket Masters- Camp Randall is a tough place to play, but insiders are telling us that Buckeye fans headed to the game should be able to get tickets pretty easily this time around. Part of it is the early struggles that the Badgers have had this year, but part of it is that the game is scheduled for one of the Wisconsin High Holy Days.
• Hoops Note, Part Two- Congratulations to the Albany Great Danes, Ohio State’s opening day victim, for knocking off the University of Washington on Tuesday night!

Uniform Updates Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, Armani Reeves, Big East Conference, Bo Pelini, Braxton Miller, Bret Bielema, Brionte Dunn, BYU, Coach Urban Meyer, Corey Linsley, Denard Robinson, Etienne Sabino, John Simon, Maryland, Mike Gundy, Monte Ball, NCAA Tournament, SBP, Sharif Floyd, Tommy Tuberville, Twitter, Uniforms, Wisconsin
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Football

It’s the bye week, and there’s only one song for the occasion. Well, two… something for everyone.

Nice...

Buckeye 411

•  Injury Update- Tuesday, Coach Meyer said that it was better than 50/50 for Etienne Sabino to return for the Wisconsin game, something that will add a much needed boost to the Ohio State linebacker corps. No other injury news was given, so it’s safe to assume that Reid Fragel and Orhian Johnson are both OK following their leaving the Illinois game.
• Freaking Flyer Miles- There’s no rest for the Buckeye coaching staff, who are traveling the nation reconnecting with current verbal commitments and starting to reach out to some new names.  Joe will have an update later this afternoon, but we do know that the coaches are hitting Ohio harder than the presidential candidates as well as canvassing Texas, the DC area, and renewing connections in the south (Carolinas, Louisiana, Florida). They’re doing some bye week fishing, and with a much wider net than we’ve seen in the past… we’ve even got 2015 and 2016 offers starting to go out.
• Stiffarm Trophy? In spite of the fact that his coach has been a bit closed mouth about it until recently, Braxton Miller has emerged as a candidate for the Heisman.  He talked briefly with the media about this opportunity yesterday- check out The Sporting News’ coverage of the conversation.
• Other Awards- Monday also saw Bri’onte Dunn named the B1G Freshman Of The Week for his work in the fourth quarter of the Illinois game.  Defensively, Ryan Shazier was named B1G Player Of The Week for the second straight game… see Sammy Silverman’s tribute after the jump.
• Yeah, But… Urban Meyer in the B1G teleconference on Tuesday said that the Illinois game wasn’t Ryan’s best as a Buckeye, and he left a lot of opportunities on the field.  Remember, folks- he’s only a sophomore…
• Meyer’s Musings- Coach also mentioned that there’s a two edged sword in dealing with bye weeks; it gives you the chance to get healthy, but it can also lead to a lack of focus and momentum. He spoke briefly about Reid Fragel as well, and said that it was the senior’s work that was evident in how well that he was playing- that when he didn’t apply and push himself, he was only “average”.
• Rumblin’, Bumblin’, Fumbling? The fumbles were not an issue for Rod and Bri’onte, in Coach Meyer’s mind; they are something to work on, but not something to take away from their playing time.  Additionally, much to the nightmares of B1G defensive coordinators, Coach Meyer said that the two back look that Ohio State thrived from on Saturday would be something that Ohio State would continue to utilize, given the production and development of all of his running back corps.
• Help Us Help You?  Hey- if you’re on the ol’ Twitter, your favorite bunch of miscreants is trying to get to 2002 followers by the November 24 game against That Team Up North. Yup, the one where they’re paying tribute to the 2002 national championship team… see what we’re doing there? Oh, and if you’re the Fake Jim Mora, nevermind. Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, Arkansas, Basketball, Braxton Miller, Brionte Dunn, Danny Hope, Etienne Sabino, Hawaii, Heisman Trophy, Indiana Hoosiers, Marquette, Michigan, NCAA penalties, Nebraska, Nike, Oklahoma, Orhian Johnson, Reid Fragel, Rod Smith, Ryan Mallett, SBP, Sports Illustrated, Sugar Bowl, Twitter, Uniforms, Women's Basketball
Categories: Humor, Michigan Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football

Straight Up The Olentangy...

Midweek look at news and notes from around Ohio State and the nation… getting ready for what’s been predicted to be a very wet weekend.

Hey! Have you signed up for pick-em yet?

Buckeye 411

• Injury Updates- We found out Monday that Warren Ball has had surgery on his foot and will be redshirting this season, but Tuesday brought good news to the Scarlet and Gray.  According to Coach Meyer, Nate Williams passed the agility and mobility tests that the program had for him, and will more than likely see some action on Saturday against Miami.  While this will be more limited than he’d surely like, I’m confident that this gradual move to get him ready for the rest of the season will pay huge benefits.  It remains to be seen, though, if this plan gets adjusted in the weather situation… sloppy conditions might lead to a re-injury, and Ohio State will work to avoid that.
• ‘Bloody‘ Buckeyes- Tuesday’s practice was the most challenging of the week, but players interviewed afterwards said that it was mostly mentally taxing.  From the sound of it, they emerged with flying colors, and will not be “full go” for the rest of the week.
• Explosive- That was how Carlos Hyde described this year’s offense, and it also sounded as if Philly Brown has become a significant playmaker in the team’s eyes.  Braxton also talked about Jake Stoneburner’s move to receiver creating a number of opportunities for the team, given his skill set.
• Stormy Saturday? While Isaac will be on the minds (and raincoats) of tailgaters at the ‘Shoe, one Buckeye who will be glad to be in the weather is newly reinstated Storm Klein.  While his role with the team is still to be determined, Coach Meyer said that it was the conversations with both the Klein family and the family of the alleged victim that made him decide to allow the senior to return to the team.
• Earning Their (Loss Of) Stripes- Three more freshman became “Buckeyes” on Tuesday, including Armani Reeves and walkons Craig Cataline and Craig Fada.
• As If There Were Any Doubt- After a 12 year study, the four letter network finally announced why they give OSU so much coverage… eyeballs. Whether it’s creating covering controversy and scandal or blowing really bright sunshine up the derrieres of Buckeye fans during All Access, the number don’t lie: Columbus is the highest rated college football market in the country. They tie for that spot with Birmingham Alabama, although the latter only has ‘Bama football, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo“, QVC, and episodes of “Cops” on their cable packages.  They had more channels, but they cut them loose. (see… ’cause they oversign a lot in Alabama… nevermind.)
• Rocketman- While Ohio and the nation mourn the loss of Neil Armstrong, a great idea popped up on reddit regarding a way to honor the hero during an upcoming OSU game. Huge h/t to Mark Titus, who pointed us in this direction- the idea being that Armstrong, an Ohio native and a Purdue grad should be remembered during the OSU/Purdue game in the ‘Shoe this season.  What do you think??
• Consider Yourself Warned. You’re getting ready for the Miami University game this week, and need your breakdown of the matchups to watch for between the Buckeyes and the RedHawks.  You want in-depth coverage and previews that will get you even more ready than you already are.  Get ready for something amazing on Thursday… the analysis that this team deserves.  What if there’s just a touch of greatness yet to come… how cool would that be? #BuckeyeVoltron

Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, Alabama, Armani Reeves, Braxton Miller, Bret Bielema, Carlos Hyde, Corey "Philly" Brown, Craig Cataline, Craig Fada, Denard Robinson, ESPN, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Jake Stoneburner, Matt Barkley, Miami RedHawks, Nathan Williams, Neil Armstrong, Purdue, SBP, Storm Klein, Twitter, Urban Meyer, Warren Ball
Categories: College Football, Humor, Michigan Football, Ohio State Football

It is a fine line between cheeky web shenanigans and far more serious banter in this age of social media. The internet never forgets.

In my short time on twitter, more specifically since taking on being a blogger for the Buckeye Battle Cry and the Good in Sports , I have tried to stick to a golden rule. If I don’t have anything positive to say, I won’t say anything at all.

Now that’s just me and it lends to my attitude that if someone is being stupid on twitter, I let them be stupid. It will take care of itself and people will see people for what they are through their actions.

Other people clearly do not share those same ideas regarding what is appropriate commentary on Twitter and online more generally.

This leads me to believe that what may or may not be considered cyber bullying needs to be looked in to and thought about more deeply by those that may participate in such not so innocent shenanigans.

I have seen people go on a rampage and attack players, fans, recruits and even bloggers for things that they post. Has anyone stopped to think that you cannot really hide behind the twitter account? Read More

Tags: LeCharles Bentley, Monday Morning Commentary, Twitter
Categories: College Football, 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

As much fun as the shenanigans and hilarity is hereabouts, it’s never been just about us. The gang works hard to bring you the news and important commentary, but it’s a lot more interesting  when you all jump into the mix. As such, we’ve got a couple of ways for you to get more involved.

Comments; Don’t just read; react and respond! Let us know your thoughts; even if they’re way off base, they can’t be any more random than what we come up with.  Be sure you check out our guidelines, and dive right in.

Read More

Tags: Facebook, Fantasy football, The Game, Twitter
Categories: Uncategorized

Some random thoughts floating around my skull tonight……

—————-

The Buckeyes have a LOT to live up to this year, and it’s much much more than a fifth straight Big Ten title and another crack at a big BCS bowl game.

Ohio State is more than just the champions of this league four straight years. We are downright dominating it, and that needs to continue. Take a look at this stat – here’s what the league looks like over the past four seasons;

Big Ten records 2005-2008

Ohio State has lost only 3 games in 4 years.  EVERY other team in the Big Ten has had AT LEAST one season with 4 losses in it….and we don’t have a TOTAL of four losses combined.

That’s not just champion material….that’s total control. And it needs to continue.

——————-

Earlier today, Wisconsin suspended a pair of players, Aubrey Pleasant and Shane Carter.  So far, no word on why the two were suspended, or any word on how long they’ll be out.

Surly teenager + nothing to do + Wisconsin = trouble

But it will hurt the Badgers. Both were starting safeties and both were seniors.

My biggest concern is not whether or not they players will return to the field this year, but whether or not it will affect the lineup on “Parks And Recreation” this fall.

—————

Word from Penn State today is that sophomore LB Michael Mauti has an ACL tear in his knee. Not good news for a linebacker. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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Tomorrow morning, I’ll be taking my daughter up to Cedar Point for one last time before she enters the 5th Grade. THIS is why I got two new writers….vacation days!

Just kidding guys…but make sure you put up a post for Day #19. Hint – use a punter whose name rhymes with Rom Rupa. And clean the kitchen. I don’t know who left those dishes, but it’s not my turn to wash them.

For those of you unfamiliar with Cedar Point, it’s THE place to go if you’re a roller coaster freak. Charlotte and I LOVE the coasters, so we’re all about it tomorrow. Also, it’s a few miles from the border of TSUN, so I’m wearing my Beanie Wells jersey. It’s been fun going up to CP for the last several years. Michigan fans usually just put their heads down and don’t look you in the eye up there anymore.

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The BBC is using Twitter right now (follow us here), but we’re still new to the medium and we’re just getting revved up in taking full advantage of it’s technology. We are still trying to become as popular as Eleven Warriors (story of our life, huh?).

Anyway, I was at work yesterday when I got word of my latest follower on Twitter. Yeah, I was pretty jazzed about it for the rest of the day.

Bo Biafra.

For those of you who don’t know the magic that is Bo Biafra, let me give you a taste. Here’s my favorite song of theirs, that I put into a video. Ladies and gentlemen, the lead singer of the Dead Schembechlers with their classic tune, “Chad Henne Is A Joke”. Lyrics are probably NSFW. Hide the kids and/or distract the boss.

Yeah, that was also a good excuse to post that video. It always pisses off the Michigan bastards. 250,000 viewers can’t be wrong.

Thanks, Bo. Nice to see you read The BBC. I’m a big fan.

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Tags: Aubrey Plaza, Aubrey Pleasant, BCS, Beanie Wells, Big Ten, Bo Biafra, Cedar Point, Chad Henne, Charlotte, Dead Schembechlers, Eleven Warriors, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michael Mauti, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Parks And Recreation, Penn State, Purdue, Shane Carter, Twitter, Wisconsin
Categories: Uncategorized