Ohio State-Marquette carrier game canceled
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
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By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
The Carrier Classic men's basketball game between Marquette and Ohio State was called off Friday because of condensation on the court on board the USS Yorktown in Mount Pleasant, S.C. The game was delayed for almost an hour as attempts to dry the court were made, but the condensation kept returning on a chilly night.
There were no announced plans to make up the game. Ohio State, ranked No. 4 by the Associated Press, is set to open its home schedule at 2 p.m. ET Sunday against Albany at Value City Arena.
The Ohio State women were able to play earlier Friday, and No. 7 Notre Dame beat the No. 19 Buckeyes 57-51. Tayler Hill scored 18 to lead the Buckeyes.
There were no announced plans to make up the game. Ohio State, ranked No. 4 by the Associated Press, is set to open its home schedule at 2 p.m. ET Sunday against Albany at Value City Arena.
The Ohio State women were able to play earlier Friday, and No. 7 Notre Dame beat the No. 19 Buckeyes 57-51. Tayler Hill scored 18 to lead the Buckeyes.
OSU in mix for ESPN 150 WR Cunningham 
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
5:54
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By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 wide receiver Jordan Cunningham (Davie, Fla./University School) will be taking advantage of his team’s bye week to take an official visit to Stanford.
The Cardinal have been considered one of the favorites for the 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior for several months.
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OSU visits Nick Glass, Nick Ruffin
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
3:15
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Georgia got some love from Ohio State on Friday.
With ESPN Watch List quarterback DeShaun Watson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville), ESPN 150 inside linebacker and Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) and ESPN Watch List outside linebacker Korie Rogers (Buford, Ga./Buford) already paid a visit, the Buckeyes were at it again.
This time, Ohio State checked in with Georgia commit and ESPN 150 safety Nick Glass (Atlanta/St. Pius X) and his teammate cornerback Nick Ruffin.
With ESPN Watch List quarterback DeShaun Watson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville), ESPN 150 inside linebacker and Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) and ESPN Watch List outside linebacker Korie Rogers (Buford, Ga./Buford) already paid a visit, the Buckeyes were at it again.
This time, Ohio State checked in with Georgia commit and ESPN 150 safety Nick Glass (Atlanta/St. Pius X) and his teammate cornerback Nick Ruffin.
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Meyer visits Watson, Johnson, Rogers
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
1:53
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer was near his old stomping ground Friday and visited high schools with quite a few big names in the Peach State.
One of the most notable names was dual-threat quarterback and Clemson commit DeShaun Watson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville).
He checked in with ESPN 150 inside linebacker and Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) as well as ESPN Watch List outside linebacker Korie Rogers (Buford, Ga./Buford).
One of the most notable names was dual-threat quarterback and Clemson commit DeShaun Watson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville).
He checked in with ESPN 150 inside linebacker and Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) as well as ESPN Watch List outside linebacker Korie Rogers (Buford, Ga./Buford).
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Ohio State pays QB Drew Barker a visit
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
12:32
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Quarterback Drew Barker (Hebron, Ky./Conner) is becoming very familiar with Ohio State.
An attendee at the spring game, the ESPN Watch List junior took an unofficial visit to The Horseshoe for the season opener against Miami (Ohio) and is planning another for the Michigan game on Nov. 24.
The admiration apparently goes both ways as assistant coach Zach Smith paid a visit to Barker's high school on Friday.
An attendee at the spring game, the ESPN Watch List junior took an unofficial visit to The Horseshoe for the season opener against Miami (Ohio) and is planning another for the Michigan game on Nov. 24.
The admiration apparently goes both ways as assistant coach Zach Smith paid a visit to Barker's high school on Friday.
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Tom Hauck for ESPN.comMax Redfield is out at USC -- is Leon McQuay in?
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You can also rank the battles this week in SportsNation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Counting down the five most impressive statistical performances so far this season for Ohio State as it heads into a bye week before trying to close out a perfect season against Wisconsin and Michigan.
No. 1: Braxton Miller
No. 1: Braxton Miller
- When: Sept. 8 against UCF
- What: The expectation had always been that the spread offense would feature the strengths of the sophomore quarterback, but in just the second game in the new system, it pretty much relied on Miller's ability exclusively in a physical, grinding nonconference meeting with UCF. Still working out some kinks and then dealing with multiple injuries at running back, the Buckeyes simply relied on Miller to carry the offense -- and he did that with 155 passing yards and a touchdown to go with 27 rugged carries for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Impact: There's no shortage of impressive performances to pick from, and trying to narrow it down to the top outing this season is certainly a challenge. But it became clear early on that the Buckeyes would only go as far as Miller could take them with his dual-threat ability, and from the first time he was asked to shoulder the load against UCF and through more recent Big Ten play, he has delivered every time for a team without a loss yet with new coach Urban Meyer.
- How: The accuracy in his throwing arm still leaves a bit to be desired, but Miller clearly has enough ability to keep teams honest and keep them from loading up to stop him from running. Even when they do, Miller's rapid acceleration, elite speed and a competitive streak that drives him to fight for every yard and bounce back from injuries has made him almost impossible to slow down on the ground this season.
- For the season: 184 carries for 1,166 yards and 13 touchdowns; 124-for-218 for 1,753 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and 6 interceptions
- He said it: “[Twenty-seven carries are] too much, that’s 27 hits and he’s blown out right now. We’ve got to be smart. But someone has to run the ball right now, and he’s our best answer. ... Braxton Miller is the best runner on our team." -- Urban Meyer, after the win against UCF
What does 10-0 do for recruits? A lot
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
When a coach like Urban Meyer comes into town with two national championships and a pedigree for landing the elite athletes in the country, it’s not hard for recruits to get excited.
When he’s got that program churning into the bye week undefeated, that interest heightens. But when said coach flips a commit on national signing day and then gives the go-ahead for ESPNU to go behind the scenes for a show called ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days it’s even harder to ignore what’s happening in Columbus.
Offensive tackles such as Jimmy Byrne (Cleveland/St. Ignatius) always liked the Buckeyes, but now the ESPN Watch List junior has them in his top two.
When he’s got that program churning into the bye week undefeated, that interest heightens. But when said coach flips a commit on national signing day and then gives the go-ahead for ESPNU to go behind the scenes for a show called ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days it’s even harder to ignore what’s happening in Columbus.
Offensive tackles such as Jimmy Byrne (Cleveland/St. Ignatius) always liked the Buckeyes, but now the ESPN Watch List junior has them in his top two.
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Michigan commit Conley still thinking Ducks
November, 8, 2012
11/08/12
12:00
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By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
One of the biggest recruiting battles brewing as the 2013 recruiting cycle begins to hit it's peak, is one that seemingly came out of nowhere. After a long commitment to Michigan, CB Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) has said publicly in recent weeks that Oregon is his favorite school. While it is not uncommon for a recruit to talk about a favorite school, it doesn't always mean that school is the best fit for him.
The No. 62 player in the latest edition of the ESPN 150 took a risk by openly discussing his desire to visit Oregon, Cincinnati and most recently, Ohio State. Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has been pretty firm in his rule that if a recruit takes a visit to another school while he is committed to Michigan, his commitment is no longer recognized.
Conley has spoken to the Michigan staff since the rival Buckeyes offered the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder two weeks ago. After expressing his desire to do so, he was told by the Michigan staff that if he chose to visit Oregon and Ohio State, he would no longer be considered a Wolverines' commit.
The No. 62 player in the latest edition of the ESPN 150 took a risk by openly discussing his desire to visit Oregon, Cincinnati and most recently, Ohio State. Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has been pretty firm in his rule that if a recruit takes a visit to another school while he is committed to Michigan, his commitment is no longer recognized.
Conley has spoken to the Michigan staff since the rival Buckeyes offered the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder two weeks ago. After expressing his desire to do so, he was told by the Michigan staff that if he chose to visit Oregon and Ohio State, he would no longer be considered a Wolverines' commit.
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Ohio State amps up recruiting efforts
November, 8, 2012
11/08/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Aside from the handful of offers Ohio State coaches made this week, they checked in on more than a few commits and targets.
Among them were ESPN Watch List wide receivers Dominique Booth (Indianapolis/Pike) and Austin Roberts (Carmel Ind./Carmel) and ESPN 150 running back Cornelius Elder (Nashville, Tenn./The Ensworth School). Buckeyes commit and offensive tackle Tim Gardner (Indianapolis/Lawrence Central) was also paid a visit.
Ohio State talked to coaches about ESPN Watch List juniors like cornerback Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, N.J./Paramus) and defensive end Da’Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge) as well as Hand’s teammate Marcus Boone -- a 2014 running back.
Among them were ESPN Watch List wide receivers Dominique Booth (Indianapolis/Pike) and Austin Roberts (Carmel Ind./Carmel) and ESPN 150 running back Cornelius Elder (Nashville, Tenn./The Ensworth School). Buckeyes commit and offensive tackle Tim Gardner (Indianapolis/Lawrence Central) was also paid a visit.
Ohio State talked to coaches about ESPN Watch List juniors like cornerback Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, N.J./Paramus) and defensive end Da’Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge) as well as Hand’s teammate Marcus Boone -- a 2014 running back.
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Fab Five: Ryan Shazier breaks out again
November, 8, 2012
11/08/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesRyan Shazier's 13 tackles in Ohio State's Sept. 15 victory over California were a big reason that the Buckeyes were able to evade the upset.No. 2: Ryan Shazier
- When: Sept. 15 against California
- What: There certainly wasn't anything missing from the first two games of his sophomore season, but it was the third that offered the most clear example of what Shazier was capable of -- or, at least provide a reminder of his playmaking barrage at the end of his freshman season. The Buckeyes were far from perfect defensively in the win over Cal, but Shazier's 13 tackles, 2 takedowns for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble helped the Buckeyes do enough to survive and foreshadowed what was still to come.
- Impact: The big plays Ohio State gave up perhaps added more drama than was necessary and made the final score closer than it needed to be, but the defense also chipped in a couple significant plays along the way. Shazier, in particular, stuffed a Cal drive just before halftime that could have tightened up a two-score game by shooting into the backfield for a third-down sack that forced a punt, preserving Ohio State's advantage.
- How: There might still be room for improvement on the mental side, but physically Shazier has been more than capable of making up for it with an incredible blend of strength and speed to complement a relentless motor that allows him to make plays anywhere between the sidelines. At times he's also had to shoulder more of the load than expected with senior Etienne Sabino out with a broken bone in his leg, middle linebacker Storm Klein dealing with a back injury and a lack of depth that prompted Ohio State to convert fullback Zach Boren over to linebacker. But Shazier has done everything that's been asked of him, and has a stuffed stats sheet to show for it.
- For the season: 98 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 11 passes defended, 4 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles and a touchdown
- He said it: “He's an athlete and he's very blessed, he runs around and makes tackles, but he's also out of position at times. ... There's still so much more there. He can even be better." -- Urban Meyer
Ryan Timmons talks finalists and visits
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
7:21
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Ryan Timmons' visit to Purdue gave the Boilermakers a leg up on the competition. Whether or not that lasts remains to be seen.
"It was great," the ESPN 300 athlete prospect from Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin said. "I went on my official this past weekend. It went well. I got a better understanding and a better feeling about the school."
Purdue's leg up on Timmons' other four finalists came thanks to more introductions. Of all the schools recruiting him, Timmons has only met one entire coaching staff. That's Purdue. He also was able to spend time with Boilermaker head coach Danny Hope.
"It was great," the ESPN 300 athlete prospect from Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin said. "I went on my official this past weekend. It went well. I got a better understanding and a better feeling about the school."
Purdue's leg up on Timmons' other four finalists came thanks to more introductions. Of all the schools recruiting him, Timmons has only met one entire coaching staff. That's Purdue. He also was able to spend time with Boilermaker head coach Danny Hope.
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Coach eval: ESPN 300 ATH Ryan Timmons
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
5:16
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Don't try to peg Ryan Timmons into a single position.
Receiver? Yeah, he can do that. Tailback? Yep, that too. That's why he's able to choose between a strong list of finalists: Ohio State, Arkansas, Illinois, Purdue and Kentucky.
Just ask, Chris Tracy, his coach at Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin High School about Timmons' versatility. Here, the coach answers some questions about his star player, also an ESPN 300 athlete prospect.
Receiver? Yeah, he can do that. Tailback? Yep, that too. That's why he's able to choose between a strong list of finalists: Ohio State, Arkansas, Illinois, Purdue and Kentucky.
Just ask, Chris Tracy, his coach at Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin High School about Timmons' versatility. Here, the coach answers some questions about his star player, also an ESPN 300 athlete prospect.
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Snodgrass announcement postponed again
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
2:28
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
ESPN Watch List receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) made a college decision close to three weeks ago. He just can't seem to find the right time to make it public.
The 6-foot-0, 174-pound receiver planned to have a ceremony at his high school Thursday but said the school asked him to delay the announcement because of another event that day.
"They keep saying they have things going on in the library," Snodgrass wrote in a text message.
The 6-foot-0, 174-pound receiver planned to have a ceremony at his high school Thursday but said the school asked him to delay the announcement because of another event that day.
"They keep saying they have things going on in the library," Snodgrass wrote in a text message.
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Fab Five: John Simon blows up Huskers
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
1:00
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Counting down the five most impressive statistical performances so far this season for Ohio State as it heads into a bye week before trying to close out a perfect season against Wisconsin and Michigan.
No. 3: John Simon
No. 3: John Simon
- When: Oct. 6 against Nebraska
- What: After a relatively quiet five weeks to open the season, thanks in part to nagging injuries the two-time captain didn't want to talk about publicly, Simon exploded against Nebraska and almost single-handedly altered its game plan with his frequent appearances in the backfield. The senior came into the game with just 2.5 tackles for a loss, but he doubled that with 5 takedowns behind the line of scrimmage against the Huskers -- including two sacks and a forced fumble for good measure.
- Impact: As the Buckeyes were prone to do during the first half of the season, they still gave up a handful of big plays and didn't exactly shut down Nebraska's high-powered rushing game. But Simon helped provide timely stops, and when the Huskers tried to throw, he battered and pestered quarterback Taylor Martinez consistently as Ohio State racked up four sacks and helped force three bad passes that were intercepted.
- How: The famously driven defensive lineman refused to let his health become a potential excuse for his slow statistical start, so he simply stopped talking about it. But it was clear by the time the Huskers came to Ohio Stadium that he was beginning to regain his strength, and they had no answer for him up front. Simon hasn't had another game quite as prolific since then, but he's been just as difficult to slow down as a pass-rushing threat and is making life difficult for opposing offenses even without putting up more crazy individual numbers.
- For the season: 39 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble
- He said it: “I felt pretty good that day. Why are you guys so, like, excited to keep asking me about [injuries]? It goes both ways, but I do feel good. I’m getting better every week. ... I mean, it’s part of the game, and we get excited for the games and it kind of takes the pain away.” -- Simon
ABOUT BUCKEYE NATION
Austin Ward
Austin Ward joined ESPN.com in 2012 after five years as a college football writer at the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. The award-winning journalist lives with his wife in Columbus, Ohio. Email him at ajward.espn@gmail.com.
Brad Bournival
Brad Bournival, a lifetime Northeast Ohio resident, joined ESPN in 2012 and is the recruiting writer for BuckeyeNation. He has covered sports at the professional, college and high school level for 16 years. Recently, Bournival was a freelance writer for The Plain Dealer, The Medina Gazette and SportsInk.com. Email him at bradbournival.espn@gmail.com.