Year in review: RBs thrive in tough spot 
November, 28, 2012
11/28/12
11:20
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A position-by-position look at a perfect season for Ohio State, continuing today by rewinding to look at the explosive play in the backfield and the emergence of a rusher who refused to go down easily.
RUNNING BACKS
RUNNING BACKS
- Most valuable player: Thrust into the starting role thanks to a freak injury over the summer, Carlos Hyde didn't disappoint early in the season. After dealing with his own minor issue (a sprained knee) in September, Hyde again had to battle back and wait for a chance to make an impact for Ohio State's rushing attack. When Jordan Hall went down again with another injury, Hyde was ready to make the most of another crack at the first-team job and he never looked back. His physical style was complemented by underrated speed, and Hyde was a monster once the Buckeyes got near the goal line while ringing up 17 total touchdowns.
- By the numbers: For all the fuss that had been made about Urban Meyer's offenses never having a 1,000-yard rusher, he probably should have had two of them in his first season with the Buckeyes. Braxton Miller's playmaking ability at quarterback helped give Meyer his breakthrough first, but if critics are still holding out because he's not had a true running back clear the barrier, they're holding on by a thread. Even after missing two games due to injury, Hyde came up just 30 yards short -- and considering he averaged 97 yards per game in his first, nearly full season as a starter, he was a lock to get there if the Buckeyes were eligible for the postseason.
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OSU '12: In eyes of commit, recruit, coach
November, 28, 2012
11/28/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The dynamics of Ohio State coach Urban Meyer’s first season with the Buckeyes weren’t like many others in the Big Ten or in the nation.
The two-time national champion inherited a squad that went 6-7 that wasn’t bowl eligible and had a roster full of players he didn’t recruit. Add to that question marks at some key positions and Meyer’s 12-0 season was the stuff of legend.
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Freshman focus: Washington goes out big
November, 28, 2012
11/28/12
9:00
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The signs of development were there earlier in the last month of the season.
Urban Meyer joked about the fresh-faced look on one of his young, stud defensive ends had heading into a win over Illinois, and how Adolphus Washington was starting to chip away at it.
By the end of the freshman's first battle with rival Michigan, Washington looked like a full-fledged man -- and at least in a brief spurt, capable of filling the shoes of one of the most decorated linemen in Ohio State history.
The Buckeyes were quite obviously bitterly disappointed not to have two-time captain and Big Ten defensive lineman of the year John Simon on the field with them on Saturday against the Wolverines. But they were able to survive without him thanks largely to the work Washington has done this season to speed up his development and make a contribution.
His sack and forced fumble against the Wolverines might have been the only entry on the stats sheet, but it resonated given the opponent -- and the one-on-one matchup he won against one of the better blockers in the conference. Along with Washington, we wrap up the season-long look at the weekly contributions from the freshmen with a couple others who flashed and made an impact as the perfect record was officially nailed down.
Adolphus Washington
Urban Meyer joked about the fresh-faced look on one of his young, stud defensive ends had heading into a win over Illinois, and how Adolphus Washington was starting to chip away at it.
By the end of the freshman's first battle with rival Michigan, Washington looked like a full-fledged man -- and at least in a brief spurt, capable of filling the shoes of one of the most decorated linemen in Ohio State history.
The Buckeyes were quite obviously bitterly disappointed not to have two-time captain and Big Ten defensive lineman of the year John Simon on the field with them on Saturday against the Wolverines. But they were able to survive without him thanks largely to the work Washington has done this season to speed up his development and make a contribution.
His sack and forced fumble against the Wolverines might have been the only entry on the stats sheet, but it resonated given the opponent -- and the one-on-one matchup he won against one of the better blockers in the conference. Along with Washington, we wrap up the season-long look at the weekly contributions from the freshmen with a couple others who flashed and made an impact as the perfect record was officially nailed down.
Adolphus Washington
- Position: Defensive lineman
- Stats sheet: A tackle, sack and forced fumble
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2014 OG Mustipher talks OSU and offers
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Ohio State's relationship with Sam Mustipher continues to grow.
When he was just a freshman, the junior offensive guard from Olney (Md.) Good Counsel received one of his first scholarship offers from the Buckeyes, along with offers from Tulane, Illinois and North Carolina State.
"It was definitely humbling," Mustipher said of the early interest. "I knew going into this high school I would be surrounded by some talented guys."
When he was just a freshman, the junior offensive guard from Olney (Md.) Good Counsel received one of his first scholarship offers from the Buckeyes, along with offers from Tulane, Illinois and North Carolina State.
"It was definitely humbling," Mustipher said of the early interest. "I knew going into this high school I would be surrounded by some talented guys."
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Ohio State checks in on Da'Shawn Hand
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
9:01
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State’s full-court press for Da’Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge) continued Tuesday when assistant coach Zach Smith popped into the ESPN Watch List junior’s school to check in on the 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end.
The visit came on the heels of Hand’s unofficial visit to Columbus on Saturday, where he saw the Buckeyes complete an undefeated season with a 26-21 win over Michigan.
“He asked if I enjoyed the visit and what I thought of the game,” Hand said. “The visit shows they really care.”
The visit came on the heels of Hand’s unofficial visit to Columbus on Saturday, where he saw the Buckeyes complete an undefeated season with a 26-21 win over Michigan.
“He asked if I enjoyed the visit and what I thought of the game,” Hand said. “The visit shows they really care.”
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Awards watch: Miller, Simon take top honors
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
8:00
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- So much for waiting a year to become an award-worthy quarterback.
A longshot candidate for any trophy heading into the season thanks to the combination of pedestrian passing numbers as a freshman, his relative inexperience and the transition to Ohio State's new spread offense, the preseason perception of Braxton Miller largely seemed to be that it would take time for him to become an elite player on the national stage.
But that timeframe didn't work for the undefeated Buckeyes or their star sophomore, who picked up the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award on Tuesday to further validate his emergence in the conference. And even if he isn't invited to New York City for the Heisman Trophy presentation next week, the hardware he's already collected provides another reminder that Miller's development is ahead of schedule -- even if it's not complete.
"You know, I appreciate everything that went down this year, and with the guys, those seniors, it came out really well," Miller said during a press conference on campus Tuesday. "The hard work we put in during the offseason with [strength] Coach Mick [Marotti], it paid off in the end. I’m pretty appreciative of that.
"You know, it’s one step closer to all the goals that I want to reach playing football. There’s a lot more things I’ve still got to work at."
The work for the Buckeyes is done for teammate John Simon, who couldn't wrap up his career on the field against Michigan last week but still picked up the complementary award to Miller's by claiming the Big Ten's defensive player of the year honor.
The two-time Ohio State captain was both an emotional leader and the conference's most prolific sack artist. Simon topped the Big Ten leaderboard with nine sacks despite playing through injuries throughout the season and missing the Michigan game after being injured against Wisconsin, a game that would go down as his last action with the Buckeyes.
Perhaps no departing player will be tougher to replace than Simon as the Buckeyes turn their attention to next season and try to duplicate 2012's perfect record, with his production every bit as valuable as his work ethic. But they will have Miller returning to defend at least one major award from the Big Ten, and if he continues improving the way he did from his first year to his second, more could be on the way.
"It means a lot, achieving my goals, but I still haven’t reached them yet and have a lot of things to work on," Miller said. "Coach [Urban] Meyer and [offensive coordinator Tom] Herman, they’ve helped me a lot with the process since last year being a freshman. I’m getting better each and every day.
"I’d say the [goal is meeting the] potential that I have. I haven’t really reached all the things that I can really accomplish yet. Just taking one day at a time to get better."
There is already nobody better on offense in the Big Ten.
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Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireBraxton Miller's evolution as a passer is a big reason why he was named the Big Ten's offensive player of the year.
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireBraxton Miller's evolution as a passer is a big reason why he was named the Big Ten's offensive player of the year.But that timeframe didn't work for the undefeated Buckeyes or their star sophomore, who picked up the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award on Tuesday to further validate his emergence in the conference. And even if he isn't invited to New York City for the Heisman Trophy presentation next week, the hardware he's already collected provides another reminder that Miller's development is ahead of schedule -- even if it's not complete.
"You know, I appreciate everything that went down this year, and with the guys, those seniors, it came out really well," Miller said during a press conference on campus Tuesday. "The hard work we put in during the offseason with [strength] Coach Mick [Marotti], it paid off in the end. I’m pretty appreciative of that.
"You know, it’s one step closer to all the goals that I want to reach playing football. There’s a lot more things I’ve still got to work at."
The work for the Buckeyes is done for teammate John Simon, who couldn't wrap up his career on the field against Michigan last week but still picked up the complementary award to Miller's by claiming the Big Ten's defensive player of the year honor.
The two-time Ohio State captain was both an emotional leader and the conference's most prolific sack artist. Simon topped the Big Ten leaderboard with nine sacks despite playing through injuries throughout the season and missing the Michigan game after being injured against Wisconsin, a game that would go down as his last action with the Buckeyes.
Perhaps no departing player will be tougher to replace than Simon as the Buckeyes turn their attention to next season and try to duplicate 2012's perfect record, with his production every bit as valuable as his work ethic. But they will have Miller returning to defend at least one major award from the Big Ten, and if he continues improving the way he did from his first year to his second, more could be on the way.
"It means a lot, achieving my goals, but I still haven’t reached them yet and have a lot of things to work on," Miller said. "Coach [Urban] Meyer and [offensive coordinator Tom] Herman, they’ve helped me a lot with the process since last year being a freshman. I’m getting better each and every day.
"I’d say the [goal is meeting the] potential that I have. I haven’t really reached all the things that I can really accomplish yet. Just taking one day at a time to get better."
There is already nobody better on offense in the Big Ten.
Analysis: Decommits could be big for OSU
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
5:55
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer’s 2013 recruiting class might get a big shot in the arm and the first-year coach did little to stoke the fire. Two ESPN 150 targets announced their decommitments on Tuesday.
The fact both were in Columbus on Saturday to watch Ohio State beat Michigan 26-21 makes it very intriguing.
Former Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) was the first to throw his hat back in the ring after the dismissal of Tigers coach Gene Chizik. The linebacker will have an in-house visit from Buckeyes assistant Luke Fickell on Wednesday.
The fact both were in Columbus on Saturday to watch Ohio State beat Michigan 26-21 makes it very intriguing.
Former Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) was the first to throw his hat back in the ring after the dismissal of Tigers coach Gene Chizik. The linebacker will have an in-house visit from Buckeyes assistant Luke Fickell on Wednesday.
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ESPN 300 Timmons speaks on Stoops hire
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
5:47
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Kentucky's hiring of Mark Stoops could potentially shake up Ryan Timmons' recruitment.
For weeks, it has seemed likely that the No. 2-rated undecided prospect in Kentucky would end up at Ohio State. He has visited Columbus often and will take an official visit to Ohio State in January so his mother can see the school. Stoops' hiring, however, has Timmons intrigued.
"Good," the four-star prospect from Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin said when asked what he thought about the hiring. "Glad it's over. [I'll] try and get ahold of him."
For weeks, it has seemed likely that the No. 2-rated undecided prospect in Kentucky would end up at Ohio State. He has visited Columbus often and will take an official visit to Ohio State in January so his mother can see the school. Stoops' hiring, however, has Timmons intrigued.
"Good," the four-star prospect from Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin said when asked what he thought about the hiring. "Glad it's over. [I'll] try and get ahold of him."
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Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington), the No. 9 cornerback in the 2013 class, has decommitted from Michigan. Conley had been contemplating taking visits to other schools, which goes against Michigan's no-visit policy for its commitments.
The ESPN 150 prospect took a visit to Ohio State unofficially on Saturday when the Buckeyes took on the Wolverines and has decided to decommit.
"Coach [Greg] Mattison was at my school today and we told him [I was decommitting]," said Conley, the No. 2 player in Ohio. "I felt like I did it too early and didn't wait to see what else would come. I like Michigan, but I like other schools too, and I want to visit them."
The ESPN 150 prospect took a visit to Ohio State unofficially on Saturday when the Buckeyes took on the Wolverines and has decided to decommit.
"Coach [Greg] Mattison was at my school today and we told him [I was decommitting]," said Conley, the No. 2 player in Ohio. "I felt like I did it too early and didn't wait to see what else would come. I like Michigan, but I like other schools too, and I want to visit them."
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LB Trey Johnson decommits from Auburn
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
2:51
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Two days after the announcement that Auburn had fired head coach Gene Chizik, the Tigers have lost their second commitment in the 2013 class. According to Central Gwinnett head coach Todd Wofford, ESPN 150 linebacker Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) is reopening his recruitment.
"Trey is going to decommit from Auburn today," Wofford said. "Trey wants to be fair to himself and to the teams that he has interest in. He isn't going to address Auburn until they name a coach."
Johnson took his first official visit over the weekend to Ohio State. Upon his return, he did not want to discussion the situation at Auburn.
"Trey is going to decommit from Auburn today," Wofford said. "Trey wants to be fair to himself and to the teams that he has interest in. He isn't going to address Auburn until they name a coach."
Johnson took his first official visit over the weekend to Ohio State. Upon his return, he did not want to discussion the situation at Auburn.
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ESPN 300 ATH will see OSU again for mom
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
2:18
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Ryan Timmons has seen enough of Ohio State to know he wants to learn much more.
The ESPN 300 athlete from Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin said he will take his official visit to Columbus in January. The goal will be to learn more about the Buckeyes' facilities and academic support.
The four-star prospect was in Columbus on Saturday to see the Buckeyes beat Michigan. Ohio State finished the season 12-0.
The ESPN 300 athlete from Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin said he will take his official visit to Columbus in January. The goal will be to learn more about the Buckeyes' facilities and academic support.
The four-star prospect was in Columbus on Saturday to see the Buckeyes beat Michigan. Ohio State finished the season 12-0.
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LB Spaight enjoys OSU, ready for Rutgers
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
2:09
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Fresh off a productive trip to Ohio State, junior college outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (Coffeyville, Kan./Coffeyville Community College) is preparing for an official visit to Rutgers on Wednesday.
He’s only hoping the Rutgers trip will be just as memorable as the trip to Columbus, Ohio, was. Spaight was on hand to watch the Buckeyes defeat Michigan, 26-21, and finish the regular season 12-0. He was one of 105,899 in attendance.
“It was a great trip. I enjoyed the Division I atmosphere,” said Spaight, the reigning Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year. “I’m getting a feel for the speed [of the game] and things like that.”
He’s only hoping the Rutgers trip will be just as memorable as the trip to Columbus, Ohio, was. Spaight was on hand to watch the Buckeyes defeat Michigan, 26-21, and finish the regular season 12-0. He was one of 105,899 in attendance.
“It was a great trip. I enjoyed the Division I atmosphere,” said Spaight, the reigning Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year. “I’m getting a feel for the speed [of the game] and things like that.”
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Radio: Thad Matta on Ohio State-Duke
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
2:00
PM ET
By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
On "SVP & Russillo," Ohio State coach Thad Matta talks about Wednesday's matchup against Duke, the talent on the Buckeyes' roster this season, the incredible depth in the Big Ten and more. Listen to the podcast here. 
Year in review: QB play leads Buckeyes
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
10:30
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A position-by-position look at a perfect season for Ohio State, starting today by rewinding to look at the dynamic play from the guy taking the snaps and looking at some numbers that will go down in the school record books.
QUARTERBACK
QUARTERBACK
- Most valuable player: The starter at the most important position on the field and a spot that is occupied full-time by one guy makes this a bit obvious, but Braxton Miller was clearly the man most responsible on the field for what the Buckeyes accomplished in 12 games. The future for the sophomore figures to be even brighter, and there was nothing wrong with a year that included 3,310 yards of offense and 28 total touchdowns.
- By the numbers: With his multipurpose skills and the new spread attack, the ball was always going to be in Miller's hands the majority of the time. But it might still have been a bit tough to imagine the quarterback leading or tying for the most rushing attempts in seven different games for the Buckeyes and surviving the season in one piece -- which he did aside from the final quarter and overtime against Purdue. In all Miller rushed 227 times, with the toughness and durability he showed proving critical on the road to perfection.
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Top recruiting storylines from 'The Game'
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
There were no new commitments following Ohio State’s 26-21 win over Michigan on Saturday, but there were recruits being swayed as much as the flag poles atop The Horseshoe.
After combing over more than 20 storylines from the top-notch recruits attending the game, BuckeyeNation has come up with a top five:
1. Visit brings Ohio State closer for Quick: James Quick almost got caught up in the excitement. Then, he thought better of committing to Ohio State during his official visit. “I had a few times where I thought it was the place for me,” the ESPN 150 receiver from Louisville (Ky.) Trinity said as he and his family drove home on Monday. “But I have to look at other places to make sure I’m making the right decision for me.” Quick is rated the No. 10 receiver in the country and No. 98 prospect overall. “It was fun,” the four-star prospect said of the Columbus visit. “I enjoyed myself." -- Dave Hooker
After combing over more than 20 storylines from the top-notch recruits attending the game, BuckeyeNation has come up with a top five:
1. Visit brings Ohio State closer for Quick: James Quick almost got caught up in the excitement. Then, he thought better of committing to Ohio State during his official visit. “I had a few times where I thought it was the place for me,” the ESPN 150 receiver from Louisville (Ky.) Trinity said as he and his family drove home on Monday. “But I have to look at other places to make sure I’m making the right decision for me.” Quick is rated the No. 10 receiver in the country and No. 98 prospect overall. “It was fun,” the four-star prospect said of the Columbus visit. “I enjoyed myself." -- Dave Hooker
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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.