The Archives
. . . Previously on our web site

  •   Opinion: We need to play Pryor now if we want to beat USC next week, so let him take the snaps.   Sept. 3

  • For the fifth straight year the USC Trojans are idle in Week 2. Against the four teams they played after the bye: Four wins by a combined score of 196-58. Hmmmm.  Sept. 3

  • History will be made when Minnesota plays at Bowling Green this weekend.  Sept. 3

  •   Tressel was impressed by USC and the Buckeye players are aware of the implications of the big game.   Sept. 3

    Thursday, Sept. 4
  •   It's official. Beanie Wells will sit out Saturday's game against Ohio U. In his place, Maurice Wells.   Sept. 4

  • ESPN Columnist wants to see big-time teams meet in big-time games at neutral sites to eliminate the dreadful practice of scheduling patsies in early-season games. One of his suggestions: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State.  Sept. 4

  •   His nickname really wasn't supposed to be Boom Herron but it fits anyway.  Sept. 4

  •   The number doesn't make Ray Small -- He makes the number, says he.  Sept. 4

  •   Blogger opinion: Let's rest him, and then, at Southern Cal, just pop Beanie out like he's exploding from a cake.  Sept. 4

  • Wait 'til you read who graduated from which school -- OSU or OU. There's a real kicker here.  Sept. 4

  • Everything you ever wanted to know about the OSU-OU game and the history of OU.  Sept. 4

    Wednesday, Sept. 3
  •   Playing for all the marbles? Buckeyes knuckle down, one game at a time.  Sept. 3

  •   On Saturday, the Buckeyes can join the august company of Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas and Nebraska in the exclusive club of those with eight-oh-oh victories.  Sept. 3

  • Despite USC's big victory (after all, it was Virginia), Matt Hayes of Sporting News still forecasts an Ohio State-Georgia meeting for the BCS championship.   Sept. 3

  • Breakdown of why, how Ohio U. lost again to Wyoming --and by the same score as last year.  Sept. 3

  • The LSU-Troy game has been postponed to Nov. 15. Troy is the Bucks' fourth opponent this year, right after USC.    Sept. 3

  •   Wells, Pryor and the polls.   Your questions answered. Sort of.  Sept. 3

  •   In Ohio, concern about Beanie's toe outpaces politics even.  Sept. 4

  •   To play Beanie or not to play Beanie, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler, uh, never mind.   Sept. 4

  •   The continuing saga of Beanie Wells' big toe,   Sept. 4

  •   It's the toe, the toe that's     vexing Beanie Wells.  Sept. 3

    Best rundown of the day: Nice   analysis of everything by Dispatch beat writers. Don't miss it.    Sept. 2

  •   Surprise of the day and lost in the shuffle: Terrelle Pryor is now No. 2 at quarterback, behind Todd Boeckman and bypassing Joe Bauserman.    Sept. 2

  •   There's no reward in the     poll rankings for playing pansies, Bucks discover.    Sept. 2

  •   Beanie feels fine, Tressel   says, and our hurting tailback will be ready for Southern Cal, and maybe even Ohio U.     Sept. 2

  •   Ohio State dropped into to      third as Southern Cal vaulted into No. 1 in the AP and coaches polls.    Sept. 2

  •   Buckeye photos usable as   wallpaper for your monitor are available from the Dispatch.    Sept. 2

  • Ohio U. coach sees "huge challenge" when Bobcats face Buckeyes.    Sept. 2

  • An addition to our web site -- a calendar for club activities, plus, of course, a game schedule. (Listed in links, below)    Aug. 31

    Let's not forget who's No. 1   at quarterback -- and who's not .     Sept. 1

  •   The Michigan-Ohio State   game Nov. 22 in Columbus is NOT on the broadcast schedule set by ABC/ESPN/ESPN2.  Sept. 1

  • An in-depth analysis of everything wrong with Michigan (lots) and what's right (not much). It will be a long season in Ann Arbor.     Sept. 2

  •   Ohio State snagged the top  -rated running back recruit, according to sources. The losers: LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State, Michigan.     Sept. 2

  •   Ohio State tore up Jim Tressel's contract, giving him a new one worth $1 million-plus more, raising his salary to $3.5 million, making him the Big Ten's highest-paid coach. Details     Aug. 30

  •   Tickets to Ohio State football games are now rated among the most expensive in the nation -- tied at the top of the price list with Texas and Notre Dame at $65 a clip, according to a survey. Details.     Aug. 30

  •   Are Buckeye fans paying to   see Ohio State playing the pansies and what if the team starts slumping?     Aug. 30

  •   The numbers will determine Ohio State success or failure.     Aug. 30

  •   Taking a page right from   the playbook of Anthony Gonzalez, Brian Hartline is a big target for his quarterback.   Aug. 29

  •   Defensive tackle Doug       Worthington, a big factor on defense, will play in the opener -- a judgement call by Coach.  Aug. 29

  •   The Farewell Tour of five      outstanding Buckeyes. Staying one more year for Ohio, for history.     Aug. 28

  •   . . . and predictions of how   they'll do in '08.  Aug. 28

  •   The Columbus Dispatch has   redesigned its buckeyextra web page and now it's a work of art, with a great appearance and graphics. Check it out.     Aug. 28

      A nice interview with and profile of Beanie Wells, A Man in His Own Zone.     Aug. 28

    Ohio State 43, Youngstown State 0
          Lions and Tigers and Bears. Beanie and Pryor and Bucks. Will Wells be OK? How 'bout that trifecta of quarterbacks? On a special page, all the game-day news we can fit. Read away.
    Others Played Stars Late into Game Too
          The Buckeyes were not alone in playing their skill stars late in the game. Witness Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, Pat White, Graham Harrell and P.J. Hill, all of whom saw significant second half action. Story.








          First sentence of the LA Times story on Southern Cal's opening-day victory: "Bring on the Buckeyes." Followed by more references to Ohio State's national-impact visit to USC Sept. 13.   Details

  •   The Buck gridders will be   escorted onto the field by TBDBITL, or so the report goes. "We kind of rehearsed it, slightly,” receiver Brian Hartline said. “I hope it works out . . . and it’s not a mess. . .  Hopefully we don’t take out any band members.”     Aug. 28

  • A lighthearted look at the Penguins of Youngstown State.     Aug. 28

  • In the last seven meetings between teams rated No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation, Ohio State has appeared in five of them. Is Jim Tressel The Man or what?     Aug. 28

  • A sampling of opinions looks into the Big Ten's trength.   Aug. 28

  •   The Buckeye seniors are   dead serious about their final year.     Aug. 28

  •   Another under the radar performer for the Buckeyes?     Aug. 28

  • Don't look for Appalachian State to pull a repeat. LSU is not Michigan.     Aug. 28

  •   He's too frivolous to be a   captain --thus spake tackle Alex Boone.    Aug. 27

  •   Look for photos of the Fab   Five Buckeyes tomorrow, says Cleveland Plain Dealer. We'll have a link to the pix posted here.    Aug. 27

  •   He's Beanie Wells and he's   the most NFL-ready of any of the Heisman candidates.     Aug. 27

  •   If you still haven't got   enough of Beanie Wells, here's a video reel putting his talents on display.    Aug. 27

  • Count 'em, 25 exciting games this season.    Aug. 27

  • For the hardcore fan who just can't get enough football.    Aug. 27

  •   Re Terrelle Pryor,   remember that three freshmen scored in the first quarter in last year's opener.    Aug. 27

  •   Mentally, it's no-win   proposition when Buckeyes face Youngstown State, a team they're expected to beat by five touchdowns.    Aug. 27

  •   What, me worry? With Jim   Tressel so it might seem.    Aug. 27

  • From ESPN: Ohio State at USC, Sept. 13: It's the game of the year, period. The winner is an immediate national title contender and the loser won't be eliminated. No game this season will even approach the defensive talent on the field. . . . .     Aug. 27

  •   Stewart Mandel of Sports   Illustrated just loves the Buckeyes and cites an NFL draft analyst who says you could draft players from just the Buckeye roster and field a good pro team. Oh, yeah; he also picks them as No. 1.    Aug. 26

  •   That's one confident guy   taking the snaps for the Buckeyes.    Aug. 26

  • There are actually football games in venues other than the SEC, incredible as it may seem.     Aug. 26

  •   The pre-season stuff is coming to an end. Time to concentrate on Youngstown State.    Aug. 26

  •   He won't start, but      defensive tackle Doug Worthington will get his reps.    Aug. 26

  • Named to his all-America team by Ivan Maisel of ESPN: Alex Boone and Chris Wells.    Aug. 26

  • Note to the SEC: Just shut up and play.    Aug. 26

  • Twelve ESPN analysts pick their bowl-game participants -- and winners -- and half of them see Ohio State in the BCS title game but only two foresee a Buckeye victory.     Aug. 25

  • Kirk Herbstreit picks his play makers and there's a plethora -- well, a lot anyway-- of Buckeyes in the listings.     Aug. 25

  • Three Buckeyes make preseason all-America list.    Aug. 25

  •   The new depth chart doesn't list Brandon Saine -- at running back, that is.    Aug. 25

  •   The Buckeyes are ready for the new clock rule.    Aug. 25

  •   Sporting News previews its   No. 2 team. Guess who.    Aug. 24

  •   High hopes for 2008, that's   what Brian Hartline has.     Aug. 24

  •   OK, it's a year away but   here's a look at the 2009 Buckeyes.     Aug. 24

  •   Some Q and A on the  Buckeyes.    Aug. 24

  •   Dennis Dodd revisits the   hopes of Ohio State for the hat trick.    Aug. 23

  •   The Buckeyes have a dual   reason for wanting Beanie Wells to win the Heisman.     Aug. 23

  •   Linebacker James  Laurinaitis becomes two-time captain of the team.     Aug. 22

  • Time Warner counters, offers to broadcast Buckeyes on per-game, pay-per-view basis, which Big Ten Network says it cannot do because it has full deals with 230 other providers.     Aug. 22

  • Troy Smith shares his playing hopes and his shock at the business side of the NFL.     Aug. 22

  •  When the opposition concentrates on Laurinaitis, it lets Marcus Freeman step up.    Aug. 22

  • Ohio State will make history by making it three straight in the Big Ten.    Aug. 21

  •   Terrelle Pryor reminded  Thad Matta of someone else -- a 7-foot-4 phenom now playing in the big hoop league.     Aug. 21

  •   Tressel takes the team to  Kenyon to listen to the man who has won 47 national titles --47, count 'em.     Aug. 21

  •   What rankles Jim Tressel? It's the kick return game.    Aug. 21

  • And now, starting for the Ravens Saturday (sound trumpets) Troy Smith -- you remember him.    Aug. 21

  •   The battle of the  kickers continues.     Aug. 21

  •   Football forecasting: Not  for sissies.    Aug. 21

  • Gets his swagger back, does Ted Ginn, thanks to new quarterbacks.    Aug. 21

  • The faces and voices of the Big Ten coaches, in a video.Aug. 21

  •   The new documentary on Woody Hayes doesn't sing.    Aug. 21

  •   The Buckeyes are probably  hotter now than at any point in their 119-year history, with interest at an all-time high.  Aug. 20

  •   Who else could call James Laurinaitis "Dumbo" and live to tell the tale? And here's another version.    Aug. 20

  •   For Vernon Gholston the arrival of Bret Favre took off some of the pressure.    Aug. 20

  •   The Plain Dealer notes on the practice by the Buckeyes. The Columbus Dispatch says the Buckeyes reveal little in the open practice. The Plain Dealer says Terrelle Pryor is throwing differently.     Aug. 19

  •   Pryor, Wells, Adams are the standouts in the practice.     Aug. 19

  •   Report # 3 on Terrelle by the O-Zone. Plus a photo gallery of the practice.     Aug. 19

  •  Three Buckeyes are nominated for the Walter Camp award -- most of any school.     Aug. 18

  •   He's down to 337 pounds says guard Steve Rehring. Any slimmer and he'd be running pass routes.    Aug. 18

  •   The Buckeyes plan to play tougher this year.     Aug. 18

  •   Ten questions about the Buckeyes.     Aug. 17

  •   Most underpaid coach is Jim Tressel, who disagrees with the method of calculation.     Aug. 17

  •   Tressel is pleased with Boeckman and Pryor, says Terrelle's going to play.     Aug. 16

  •   Pryor, unlike Troy Smith, tries to solve first with his eyes, not his feet.     Aug. 17

  •   The Buckeye receiving corp is talented .   . . deep . . .  and versatile.     Aug. 17

  • Ohio State got one less first-place vote and Georgia is ranked No. 1 ahead of the No. 2 Bucks in the Associated Press pre-season poll.     Aug. 17

  •   Buckeye guard Steve Rehring on Terrelle Pryor: "Right now, he's learning the system, and sometimes he tries to make too much stuff happen with his feet. But sometimes, you're like, 'He shouldn't have done that,' and he takes it 20 yards down the field. The other day, he takes it 45 yards down the sideline for a touchdown, outruns a guy who has an angle on him. That was impressive."     Aug. 16

  • Dennis Dodd pontificates and the Buckeyes come up roses. Be sure to read sections 2, 11, (game of the year), 13 (upset of the year), 14, 15, 17 and 21. Well worth the time for some Buckeye chest pumping.    Aug. 15

  •   Egad! Terrelle Pryor is a mere mortal.     Aug. 15

  •   The Buckeye line depth may rival 2006.     Aug. 15

  •   Buckeye free spirits engage in the, uh, hirsute of happiness.     Aug. 15

    The offensive linemen: Watching weight and fixing fish.     Aug. 15

  • Photos of the Big House reconstruction at Michigan.     Aug. 15

  •   OK, fullback it is for Curtis Terry, who may also still play at linebacker.     Aug. 14

  •   He's Lawrence Wilson and he's the Bucks' best candidate to replace Mr. Gholston.     Aug. 14

  •   Once again, the Buckeye defense must prove itself.     Aug. 13

  •   Bottom Line: Heacock thinks defensive line will be in good shape.     Aug. 13

  •   The coaching staff insists it isn't looking ahead -- or maybe just a little.    Aug. 13

  •   You notice Rafaele Gibson when he's playing defensive end on third downs.      Aug. 13

  •   Does Brandon Saine have competition as the fastest of the Buckeyes ?     Aug. 12

  •   OK, so just what will the Buckeye offense look like in 2008?     Aug. 10

  •   Even if considering a "pistol" offense, the Bucks employ a silencer named Todd Boeckman.     Aug. 10

  •   No doubt about it, Terrelle is eager to learn.     Aug. 10

  • So, every team's got negatives, is that it?    Aug. 10

  • Everything, EVERYTHING you wanted to know about Tempo, aka the Spread Offense. And further explanation. And, finally, the 10 fastest teams (Bucks not among them).    Aug. 10

  • Three possible surprise teams and three possible flops.    Aug. 10

  • Introspection and humor in college football, from a Sporting News guy.     Aug. 10

  •   He's ridden buses to games and slept in questionable motel rooms during an excursion in minor-league basball so not much bothers Joe Bauserman, including being behind Todd Boeckman and maybe Terrelle Pryor in the quarterback hierarchy at Ohio State.     Aug. 9

  •   You got questions? Tackle candidate Bryant Browning has answers. After all, he was valedictorian.     Aug. 9

  •   The media swarm, Beanie splits and Terrelle is v-e-r-y cool.     Aug. 9

  •   For Beanie Wells, confidence is the difference between last year and this.     Aug. 7

  • Sorting out the title-game scenario depicted by SI.     Aug. 7

  •   Two tantalizing looks at Ted Ginn-- (1) Why he's going to get better and (2) a wonderful video of some of his great runs at Ohio State.     Aug. 6

  •   Buckeye practice opens and Terrelle quickly gets black-shirted.     Aug. 5

  •   Sports Illustrated puts the Buckeyes No. 2 in its preseason rankings. And in predicting all-Americans, of 22 selections, three Buckeyes were chosen --Beanie Wells, James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins.     Aug. 5

  • ESPN rates Georgia, USC and Ohio State 1-2-3 in the pre-season power rankings.     Aug. 5

  •   Based on the recruiting results and outlook, the Buckeyes have it.     Aug. 5

  • The best of the 42 BCS games -- and the Buckeyes win a couple, lose a couple.     Aug. 5

  •   Ohio State is anxious to get Terrelle Pryor involved in the offense.     Aug. 2

  •   Include Craig Krenzel in the list of clutch players.     Aug. 2

  • And the clutch teams are . . . be sure to read to the end.     Aug. 2

  •   Ohio officials can buy season tickets for the Buckeyes.     Aug. 2

  •  The top 10 team flops in the BCS era include the '99 Buckeyes.     Aug. 2

  •   And the list of candidates to replace Joe Paterno is .  .  .       Aug. 2

  •   And if you have the time to read it, Tony Gerdeman's list of 100-plus things to look for this season.     Aug. 2

  •   The stakes in the OSU at USC game are huge, as the first football coaches poll of the year appears.     Aug. 1

  • . . . And the poll itself.     Aug. 1

  • Talk about ominous, first-year coaches at Michigan have a history of beating Ohio State.     Aug. 1

  •   A terrific profile on James Laurinaitis in USA Today. He's looking out for his little sister at OSU.     July 31

  •   Dealing with the fallout from transferring to OSU. Ex-Wolverine Justin Boren talks about it in an extensive interview.     July 31

  •   The homebody known as Jim Tressel.     July 31

  •   The refs blew it in last year's Ohio State-Illinois game, the Big Ten says.     July 30

  •   Statistically, the number of Buckeye player arrests don't mean much.     July 30

  • JoePa was a little premature in indicating whom his successor might be. And have Paterno and his staff lost control at Penn State?     July 30

  •   The Indianapolis Colts say that former Buckeye Quinn Pitcock has retired.     July 30

  •   Defensive tackle Doug Worthington faces DUI charges.     July 29

  • And former Buckeye Shane Olivia admits he was addicted to painkillers.     July 29

  • The SEC: Home of the multi-million dollar coaches.     July 29

  •   The Bucks are used to the pressure, says James Laurinaitis.     July 28

  •   For ex-Buckeye Ben Hartsock, his career with the Atlanta Falcons, and his appetite, are taking off.     July 28

  •   Competitor-plus, that's Terrelle Pryor.     July 27

  •   One man's opinion: What they say and what they really mean.     July 27

  •   The best? It's James Laurinaitis say his peers in the Big Ten.     July 26

  • A fresh, spirited interview with JoePa, who tells why he couldn't play QB today.     July 26

  •   No more harping on those title-game losses.     July 26

  •   It pays, to the tune of $50 million, to have played for the Buckeyes. Ask Vernon Gholston.     July 26

  •  Here's Todd's take on Terrelle.     July 25

  • Depth-chart surprise: Chimdi Chekwa is listed as starter at cornerback, replacing Donald Washington.     July 25

  • An unflattering look at the Big Ten.     July 25

  • Do the Buckeyes need more bling?     July 25

  •  Tressel imports ex-49ers to speak to the players.     July 24

  •  
  • The rivalry status of Texas-Oklahoma has lost its luster.     July 24

  •   Ohio State will stifle USC. AND win the national championship. (See prediction #15)     July 23

  •   Carson Palmer is not a bad guy; you'd do the same thing.     July 23

  • This isn't about the Buckeyes but if you've ever played golf or any other sport with your spouse, you may enjoy it.     July 22

  •   James Laurinaitis discusses great Buckeye linebackers.     July 22

  •   Hanging out with Alex Boone. See the video.     July 22

  •   Photo montage of Beanie Wells.     July 22

  •    Who is Super Reccruiter? It's Jim Tressel.     July 21

  •    Beanie and the Heisman. Are they a match?     July 21

  • Carson Palmer hates Ohio State fans.     July 21

  •    It's the Buckeye defense that needs to stand up, Bill Livingston writes.     July 20

  •    A great profile of Rex Kern, who still keeps Woody Hayes time.     July 20

  •    No predictions yet on how the Buckeyes will fare.     July 20

  •   Popularity, thy name is Jim Tressel. His book signings are a sellout -- even in New Jersey. Lots of good photos of coach, as well.     July 17

  •   Check the take on receiver Ray Small in "Around the Oval" -- happened upon in discovering a listed Buckeye link ceased blogging. If you notice broken links, please email the webmeister.     July 17

  •  TheESPN preview of the 2008 Buckeyes is now available to all (previously only to paid subscribers).     July 16

  •  Coach hears that Terrelle Pryor loves to watch film.     July 16

  •   Two days ago, Tressel's book was almost sold out. But fans waiting for a personal tell-all may have a long wait.     July 16

  •  The latest updates on the Buckeyes.     July 16

  •  Are some pre-season mags populated by imposter writers?    July 16

  •  Check this link for a softer, more insightful analysis of Tressel's book.     July 14

  •   Ten things Beanie needs to do to win the heisman.     July 14

  •  Could the Bucks set offensive records? That's not how Tressel operates.     July 13

  •   Mark your calendar. Jim Tressel and Tim Tebow will be guests July 21 on ESPN on the season debut of "College Football Live" at 3:30 p.m. If you want to submit questions (and maybe get your name on the air), check this link.    July 12

  •  Will the gas prices cut down attendance at college football games?    July 12

  •   Ex-Buckeyes conduct a literacy program in the Columbus schools.     July 11

  •  Twelve athletes join the Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame.    July 11

  •   Some fans are not happy with the university's new football ticket lottery.     July 10

  •  Detroit Free Press issues a scathing indictment of Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. July 10

  •  There are those who just love to hate our Buckeyes. And there are other opinions.    July 9

  •  Buckeye receiver Brian Robiskie, one of three male finalists for the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar of the Year award, is honored.     July 9

  •  Rich Rodriguez bites a 4 million dollar bullet.    July 9

  •  Jim Tressel has a long history with Recruit No. 24.     July 9

  •  Poor Troy.A schedule to die for -- or with.     July 9


            Our Defensive Guru
  •  Ohio State's Jim Heacock is the best defensive coordinator in the land.

  •  The SEC might decide to mimic the Big Ten and start its own football network.

  •  Buckeye defensive end Lawrence Wilson is tapped as one of the breakout players for 2008.

  •  Two preview magazines pick Florida No. 1 in their preseason forecasting.

  • Believe you know Jim Tressel's philosphy? Take the test and if you want, buy the book, "The Winners Manual For the Game of Life" (Tyndale Press, $24.99), which came out July 15..     July 16

  • Ohio State will play in two of the top 10 defining games of the 2008 season, writes Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated.

  • Players that transcend the game. Our Archie is on the list.

  • The Sports Blawger at the Sporting News lists his top 10 coaches. Our guy is No. 2

  • Sporting News choice as Best run defense scheme: Jim Heacock, Ohio State. Sporting News Choice as Best RB workhorse: Chris Wells, Ohio State.

  • If Ohio State beats Southern Cal, nobody beats the Buckeyes in 2008.

  • Ohio State gets 24th commitment for 2009, Sam Longo of Bellbrook High School, son of Gene Longo, an outside linebacker for the Buckeyes in the '80s.

  • All you ever wanted to know about Rich Rodriguez and what he's doing at Michigan.

  • Athletes going broke. Not a pretty sight, or tale.

  •  In head-to-head competition with Rodriguez, Tressel has recruited six of the seven athletes that both of them coveted.

  • ESPN's Mark Schlabach re-posits his bowl selections for the coming season -- and it's Ohio state vs. Georgia.

  • A sports collectible firm has acquired rights to Knute Rockne memorabilia, including the famous "Win One for the Gipper" speech, but it's difficult to hear it very well.

  • Penn State recruits say Joe Paterno has told them that a head-coach successor is already on the staff so stability will be continued.

  •  Despite being hit in the eye by a BB-gun shot, Nevada's Quincy Bagsby is still on the big-time college football radar.

  •  There'll be 14 OSU or former OSU athletes on hand at the Olympics in Beijing. And the swim trials are still going on.

  • The fans speak out: As long as Joe hangs around, Penn State will never return to glory.

  • Of the 23 commitments in the 2009 Buckeye recruiting class, 6 are linebackers, two are running backs and there are three defensive backs, defensive linemen, offensive linemen, wide receivers and athletes.

  • . . . Which brings us to: Why does Ohio State recruit so many defensive backs but apparently so few offensive linemen?

  • Looking at some of the long-time traditions that include The Masked Rider at Texas Tech.


  •  Antonio Henton may prove to be a Buckeye after all.

  • Here's ABC-ESPN's complete football broadcast schedule for 2008.

  • Can't recall if it was posted previously, but this conjecture on a "golden age" of Ohio State football is worth revisiting, just the same.

  • All in favor of a football playoff? Not the schools that count.

  • He's always been in favor of a playoff, Joe Paterno says.

  • Only 11 coaches rate the absolute-untouchable category. Guess which coach in Ohio makes the grade.

  • Sports Illustrated writer says Beanie Wells is the top candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

  • That dropped pass lingers in the mind of Brian Robiskie and motivates him.

  • Just Discovered: Sports Illustrated Has a nice Ohio State football page.

  • Jim Tressel and his brothers donated the money to replace the football surface at Baldwin-Wallace where their father coached.

  • A playoff is inevitable says the Florida State president.

  • The best players, by position, in the Big Ten, according to Matt Hayes of the Sporting News.

  • Two ESPN commentators foresee Buckeyes blazing through the footfall firmament in 2008.

  • . . . . and then there is The Voice of Caution pointing out that five Ohio State teams ranked No. 1 in the preseason (1969, 1970, 1980, 1998 and 2006) failed to finish No. 1.

  • Another pundit casts his vote for the Buckeyes as No. 1 football team in 2008. Four other Big Ten teams make the top 25.

  • The Wolverines are undergoing several transformations simultaneously.

  • So what's a 22-year-old former minor league pitcher doing playing backup quarterback for the Buckeyes?

  • A lad from Newark (Ohio, that is) will lead the Best Damn Band in the Land.

  • Don't worry about who's going to be Penn State coach, Joe Paterno tells potential recruits.

  • Others may doubt, but CBS sports columist Dennis Dodd predicts Ohio
    Bucks' 2008 schedule listed at bottom of the column.
    State is the No. 1 football team in the land going into the 2008 season.

  • . . . .And then there's the poll combining the opinions of five respected (?) institutions that puts Georgia first and the Buckeyes second.

  • Columbus Dispatch columnist Bob Hunter is horrified, just horrified, after reading Gee's comments.

  • If John Cooper made "the Hall", then Jim Tressel is a lock, writes Bill Livingston in the Plain Dealer.

  • Found: The site of the first Ohio State football game.

  • The Ohio State at Southern Cal game Sept. 13 has been promoted to primetime. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. (CST) on ABC.

What They Say About Bucks
  • Vernon Gholston is just what the Jets' doctor ordered. Columbus Dispatch.

  • Great expectations for 2008 Bucks translate, unfortunately, to "title game or bust." Columbus Dispatch.

  • Grant, Barton drafted but Buckeye pickings are slim. Plain Dealer.

  • Matt Hayes ranks Georgia No. 1, Ohio State 2d. Sporting News.

  • Chance of changes to BCS seem slim. USA Today.

    How the Mighty Have Fallen
          The anticipated starting quarterback for defending national champion LSU, Ryan Perrilloux, has been suspended indefinitely "due to his failure to follow team rules." The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that Perrilloux's transgressions include missing classes, workouts and at least one team meeting. The sad details.

    How the Conferences Stack Up -- One Opinion
          It's the Defense, stupid, the defense that matters: A look at the top conferences, why the Big Ten isn't that bad, and the Buckeyes will be back. The skinny.

    Hold the Text Messages, Please!
          "I don't want any more attention," Terrelle Pryor says. His list of college choices remains unchanged. More.

    First Michigan, Now LSU.
         Casting about for a top-tier opponent, Appalachian State trolled and caught the big one -- LSU. The Mountaineers will play the Tigers Aug. 30 at LSU. Stay tuned

    And If Beanie Wells leaves?
          Have the Buckeyes gotten too thin at running back? Insight.

    Pryor Has a Prior Commitment?
         Bill Livingston, columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and one of our favorite writers, posits that no way is Terrelle Pryor going to Linebacker U in State College, Pa. His reasoning.      

    Bucks Top Big Ten Recruiting War
          Ohio State won the recruiting battle in the Big Ten, according to the Sporting News' Tom Dienhart. The rundown.

    Settling in for the Wait Now
          Terrelle Pryor may take his official visit to Penn State after basketball season ends, but no date has been set. The story.

    One Call Per Week
          Commentary from one of our favorite sports scribes. The link

    Recruitment Goes Geekish
          If you're not on the internet, you're not recruiting. Who's employing what.

    What They Say About Pryor's Delay
          Terrelle Pryor's non-announcement keeps in the air his decision on what school he will select. The sports gurus discuss the issue.
    It goes into overtime.     
    Give the kid a break.    
    Tressel likes what he's got so far.    
    Who won, who lost in recruiting wars.    
    Top 25 scorecard.
    A Perfect Recruiting Storm.


    It's Defense That Can Make the Difference
          An excerpt from an insightful column: "Offensively, there's nothing wrong with the Buckeyes that a few more passes to the tight ends and backs won't cure. (Which will happen right after Tressel starts wearing Hawaiian shirts instead of sweater vests)." Read it all.

    The Incoming Talent
          A look at Ohio State's football freshmen: Who May Have a Chance to play.

    Looking Ahead to the Fall
          About the big game with Southern Cal, the returning seniors, do we have a quarterback problem, and will the sports commentators go bonkers if the Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 in the ratings. Read it.

    Some Very Good News for Next Season









    James Laurinaitis
          The announcement that all-American linebacker James Laurinaitis will return to Ohio State for his senior season is a cheering piece of news.
          According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, 39 of the 44 players from the two-deep roster at the BCS National Championship loss to LSU are returning to Columbus, and two of the five that are missing are fullbacks.
          In all, five of the six OSU players who had been considering leaving for the NFL decided to stay.
         
    Buckeyes to Play Oklahoma
    In their ongoing goal of scheduling at least one big-time opponent per year, the Buckeyes will play Oklahoma in 2016 and 2017. Story.
  • Everything you want to know about the game is previewed by The Columbus Dispatch.     (10:22 a.m., Monday, Jan. 76)
  • A terrific preview and analysis by The Sporting News.     (10:22 a.m., Monday, Jan. 76)
  • Ohio State is undeserving of national scorn, writes the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Bill Livingston.     (10:22 a.m., Monday, Jan. 76)
  • The name of the game is focus.     (10:22 a.m., Monday, Jan. 76)
  • The Buckeyes will be playing three games tonight.     (10:22 a.m., Monday, Jan. 76)
  • Don't write off the Buckeyes.     (10:42 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • Matching up the Bucks and Tigers and rating who's better at each phase of the game.     (10:08 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • Thinking that LSU is going to blow out Ohio State is a big mistake.     (10:08 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • What we're talkin' 'bout here is redemption.     (10:08 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • A nice analysis of what makes Beanie Wells such a complete package.     (10:08 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • It's the turnovers, stupid--the turnovers.     (10:08 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • Another viewpoint on the Buckeye-Tiger showdown.     (10:22 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • At last, someone who picks the Buckeyes to win --even if he is from Ohio.     (5:55 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • Being the underdog has advantages for the Buckeyes.     (1:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • An in-depth, revealing portrait of the Jim Tressel nobody knows.     (1:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • How James Laurinaitis became the person he is. (Check out the family photo!)     (11:10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • The unstoppable force, Vernon Gholston.     (11:10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 6)
  • The bloggers' viewpoints: Heath Schneider... .Chris Edwards....Tracy Wholf....Keith Godfrey....     (8:10 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5)
  • So, are the Buckeyes the Rodney Dangerfields of college football?     (3:10 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5)
  • Maybe there's more to the promotion of Antonio Henton to backup quarterback than meets the eye. At least it'll give LSU something to think about.     (5:00 p.m., Friday, Jan.4 )
  • The video the Buckeyes learned to hate.     (10:00 p.m., Friday, Jan.4 )
  • It's apparent Dennis Dodd harbors neither love nor respect for the Buckeyes.     (10:00 p.m., Friday, Jan.4 )
  • Ohio State and Jim Tressel were made for each other.     (5:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3)
  • For Brian Robiskie, it was a case of the son imitating the father.     (5:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3)
  • Read the O-Zone's take on the Jim Tressel arrival press conference.     (5:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3)
  • The Big Ten has to play by more stringent recruit-signing rules than the SEC. So there!     (12:10 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2)
    Go to earlier, 2007 Postings here.
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