Meyer keeps pumping out great classes 
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One of Urban Meyer’s keys to victory isn’t that difficult to figure out. While he is having almost unprecedented success as a first-year coach at Ohio State -- there have only been two other coaches to start with 11 consecutive wins at the school -- it all begins in the recruiting world.
Meyer has long been known as a tireless recruiter and will work until the last possible second to either flip a prospective commit or land the big name. His recruiting class in February ranked sixth -- the highest it has been since 2008 -- as his resume no doubt brought some of the bigger name recruits from other programs.
Taylor Decker, Kyle Dodson, Se’Von Pittman, Joey O’Connor, Tommy Schutt, Armani Reeves and Camren Williams were all destined for other universities before becoming Buckeyes nine months ago. Meyer had similar success at Florida as the Gators were almost always in the upper echelon of the class rankings.
Meyer has long been known as a tireless recruiter and will work until the last possible second to either flip a prospective commit or land the big name. His recruiting class in February ranked sixth -- the highest it has been since 2008 -- as his resume no doubt brought some of the bigger name recruits from other programs.
Taylor Decker, Kyle Dodson, Se’Von Pittman, Joey O’Connor, Tommy Schutt, Armani Reeves and Camren Williams were all destined for other universities before becoming Buckeyes nine months ago. Meyer had similar success at Florida as the Gators were almost always in the upper echelon of the class rankings.
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Senior sendoff: Looking for happy ending
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There is no shortage of fairy tales in the senior class.
A tight end made a transition to right tackle, struggled early and became one of the most important blockers on the team. A fullback moved over to defense in the middle of the season and became a starting linebacker after three days of practice.
A cornerback overcame an up-and-down career to lead the team in interceptions, much like a linebacker who took his time developing finally emerged as a marquee playmaker. A defensive end battled back from microfracture surgery and played almost the entire season. A two-time captain is playing at perhaps the highest level of his career and reaching rarified air in school history.
The Buckeyes have special stories all over the place, and of course, they've all added up to something pretty magical in the win column as well. Their collective tale won't exactly be cheapened if it doesn't end with a victory in the blood feud with Michigan on Saturday at Ohio Stadium, but the coach who has only been with them for one season would clearly prefer to help write a happy ending.
"What they’ve done, I know this is a very proud tradition here at Ohio State, but what they’ve done -- I want to do the best I can that they can find a way to win this game," Urban Meyer said. "And they could go down in the history books as one of the greatest senior classes of all time."
First things first, the Buckeyes have one more major hurdle ahead of them in the bid for a perfect season. But heading into the last game in the careers of those seniors, three of them have stood out this year as perhaps under-appreciated for what they've offered compared to some higher-profile veterans.
Nathan Williams
A tight end made a transition to right tackle, struggled early and became one of the most important blockers on the team. A fullback moved over to defense in the middle of the season and became a starting linebacker after three days of practice.
A cornerback overcame an up-and-down career to lead the team in interceptions, much like a linebacker who took his time developing finally emerged as a marquee playmaker. A defensive end battled back from microfracture surgery and played almost the entire season. A two-time captain is playing at perhaps the highest level of his career and reaching rarified air in school history.
The Buckeyes have special stories all over the place, and of course, they've all added up to something pretty magical in the win column as well. Their collective tale won't exactly be cheapened if it doesn't end with a victory in the blood feud with Michigan on Saturday at Ohio Stadium, but the coach who has only been with them for one season would clearly prefer to help write a happy ending.
"What they’ve done, I know this is a very proud tradition here at Ohio State, but what they’ve done -- I want to do the best I can that they can find a way to win this game," Urban Meyer said. "And they could go down in the history books as one of the greatest senior classes of all time."
First things first, the Buckeyes have one more major hurdle ahead of them in the bid for a perfect season. But heading into the last game in the careers of those seniors, three of them have stood out this year as perhaps under-appreciated for what they've offered compared to some higher-profile veterans.
Nathan Williams
- Position: Defensive end
- Stats sheet: 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, a pass broken up and a forced fumble
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Star recruits psyched for OSU-Michigan
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The laundry list of players scheduled to visit The Horseshoe this weekend is a virtual who’s who among the top recruits in the nation.
In fact, it would have been even stronger if some individuals weren’t still in their respective high school playoffs.
Still, with names such as ESPN 150 linebackers Daniel McMillian and Trey Johnson, and wide receiver James Quick scheduled to make official visits, it’s an impressive collection.
In fact, it would have been even stronger if some individuals weren’t still in their respective high school playoffs.
Still, with names such as ESPN 150 linebackers Daniel McMillian and Trey Johnson, and wide receiver James Quick scheduled to make official visits, it’s an impressive collection.
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LB Martrell Spaight to visit OSU, WVU
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Martrell Spaight (Coffeyville, Kan./Coffeyville Community College) finished his sophomore season with 130 tackles, seven sacks, three pass breakups and a blocked kick -- and he did all that in only nine games.
It was Spaight’s all-in play that made him the Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Spaight’s 130 tackles ranks him fourth on the school’s all-time list for single-season performances.
Now, it’s time for the former North Little Rock (Ark.) standout to look at FBS programs. Spaight will visit Ohio State this weekend and has a visit set for West Virginia the weekend of Dec. 8.
It was Spaight’s all-in play that made him the Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Spaight’s 130 tackles ranks him fourth on the school’s all-time list for single-season performances.
Now, it’s time for the former North Little Rock (Ark.) standout to look at FBS programs. Spaight will visit Ohio State this weekend and has a visit set for West Virginia the weekend of Dec. 8.
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Ohio State offers 2014 LB Kyle Berger
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer’s quest for a big-time linebacker in the Class of 2014 continued this week when Ohio State offered a big name from a big program.
Kyle Berger (Cleveland/St. Ignatius) picked up his first offer, but the 6-foot-3, 205-pound outside linebacker will likely get plenty more after a junior season that put the Wildcats in the Division I state quarterfinals.
“It’s awesome just thinking you’re possibly going to be playing football in college and it’s possibly going to be for a school like Ohio State,” Berger said. “It’s always been my goal to play Division I football.”
Kyle Berger (Cleveland/St. Ignatius) picked up his first offer, but the 6-foot-3, 205-pound outside linebacker will likely get plenty more after a junior season that put the Wildcats in the Division I state quarterfinals.
“It’s awesome just thinking you’re possibly going to be playing football in college and it’s possibly going to be for a school like Ohio State,” Berger said. “It’s always been my goal to play Division I football.”
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Video: Michigan-Ohio State preview
November, 20, 2012
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By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Michael Rothstein from WolverineNation and Austin Ward from BuckeyeNation preview this weekend’s annual edition of “The Game.” Michigan is looking for its second win in a row and its first win in Columbus since 2000, and Ohio State is looking to complete an undefeated season and beat Michigan for the eighth time in nine years.
OSU's season to bring recruiting success
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
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Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Billy Price (Youngstown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch) might have put it best when he said recruits will either jump on the Ohio State train or get run over by it.
The third commit in the 2013 class said yes to the Buckeyes back when they were coming off a 6-7 campaign. With the school headed into Michigan week this season at 11-0, the defensive tackle is obviously a little biased, but he is all smiles as he travels to the Horseshoe for “The Game.”
What Price sees is a formula in which winning breeds winners as he thinks Ohio State has an advantage by being unbeaten this late in the season when it pertains to recruiting his class and the next.
The third commit in the 2013 class said yes to the Buckeyes back when they were coming off a 6-7 campaign. With the school headed into Michigan week this season at 11-0, the defensive tackle is obviously a little biased, but he is all smiles as he travels to the Horseshoe for “The Game.”
What Price sees is a formula in which winning breeds winners as he thinks Ohio State has an advantage by being unbeaten this late in the season when it pertains to recruiting his class and the next.
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Buckeyes add energy guy in 2014 SF Tate
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
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By
Reggie Rankin | ESPN.com
ESPN 60 small forward Jae'Sean Tate (Pickerington, Ohio/Central) committed to Ohio State Monday, joining ESPN 60 power forward Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington, Ill./University High) to get the Buckeyes off to a tremendous start tin the Class of 2014.
At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, Tate brings toughness and competitiveness to the floor. He runs the floor hard and finishes above the rim with power in transition. He is a slasher in the half court and finishes through contact with ease. He rebounds and blocks shots in and out of his area and is capable of defending all three perimeter positions. Tate plays hard and is not afraid to do the dirty work help his team. As his skill develops, his offensive production will increase rapidly.
At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, Tate brings toughness and competitiveness to the floor. He runs the floor hard and finishes above the rim with power in transition. He is a slasher in the half court and finishes through contact with ease. He rebounds and blocks shots in and out of his area and is capable of defending all three perimeter positions. Tate plays hard and is not afraid to do the dirty work help his team. As his skill develops, his offensive production will increase rapidly.
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The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a significant 48 hours of recruiting. Thad Matta’s group accepted a commitment late Monday night from ESPN 60 small forward Jae’Sean Tate (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central). Tate is ranked the No. 43 overall player in the junior class.
On Sunday, the Buckeyes had landed No. 27 overall junior Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington, Ill./University). It’s clear the Buckeyes are already on the verge of piecing together a strong 2014 recruiting class.
Tate had visited Columbus unofficially a number of times this fall. Over time, he’d developed a deep relationship with Matta, one that proved to be vital in allowing him to feel comfortable enough to pledge. Tate also considered Michigan and Iowa.
On Sunday, the Buckeyes had landed No. 27 overall junior Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington, Ill./University). It’s clear the Buckeyes are already on the verge of piecing together a strong 2014 recruiting class.
Tate had visited Columbus unofficially a number of times this fall. Over time, he’d developed a deep relationship with Matta, one that proved to be vital in allowing him to feel comfortable enough to pledge. Tate also considered Michigan and Iowa.
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Jacobs family now gets a B1G rivalry
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Let the trash-talking begin.
When Maryland announced it was joining the Big Ten on Monday, it set forth an interesting situation in the Jacobs household.
Taivon Jacobs (Forestville, Md./Suitland) is a senior wide receiver ticketed to play at Ohio State next fall as a 2013 Buckeyes commit. His brother Levern is a freshman wide receiver for the Terrapins.
When Maryland announced it was joining the Big Ten on Monday, it set forth an interesting situation in the Jacobs household.
Taivon Jacobs (Forestville, Md./Suitland) is a senior wide receiver ticketed to play at Ohio State next fall as a 2013 Buckeyes commit. His brother Levern is a freshman wide receiver for the Terrapins.
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Classic Ohio State-Michigan schedule
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
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By
Scott Kendrick | ESPN.com
One of the most underrated things about Ohio State-Michigan week? The TV replays of the classic games. They're all over ESPN Classic this week -- with a marathon all day Wednesday -- and there are a couple on Big Ten Network as well. Here's the schedule (all times Eastern):
ESPN Classic
ESPN Classic
- Tuesday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m.: 2000 (Michigan 38, Ohio State 26 -- End of the line for John Cooper)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.: 1977 (Michigan 14, Ohio State 6 -- Red-zone mistakes cost Buckeyes)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.: 1987 (Ohio State 23, Michigan 20 -- Upset in Earle Bruce's last game)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, noon: 2003 (Michigan 35, Ohio State 21 -- Michigan's only win over Jim Tressel)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m.: 1995 (Michigan 31, Ohio State 23 -- Tim Biakabutuka runs wild)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 4 p.m.: 2005 (Ohio State 25, Michigan 21 -- Buckeyes rally in fourth quarter behind Troy Smith, Ted Ginn)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.: 1999 (Michigan 24, Ohio State 17 -- Tom Brady throws for game-winner)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m.: 1997 (Michigan 20, Ohio State 14 -- Charles Woodson wraps up Heisman)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 10 p.m.: 2006 (Ohio State 42, Michigan 39 -- No. 1 vs. No. 2)
- Thursday, Nov. 22, 7:30 a.m.: 1969 (Michigan 24, Ohio State 12 -- The 10-Year War begins)
- Thursday, Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m.: 1978 (Michigan 14, Ohio State 3 -- Woody's final home game)
- Thursday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m.: 2004 (Ohio State 37, Michigan 21 -- Troy Smith arrives)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.: 1974 (Ohio State 12, Michigan 10 -- Mike Lantry misses for U-M's only loss)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.: 2011 (Michigan 40, Ohio State 34 -- Michigan breaks seven-game streak)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 1:30 p.m.: 1974 (see above)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 3:30 p.m.: 2006 (see above)
It's the last week before the Big Ten championship game, which means this is the last game before bowl season for some teams and the last game until next year for others. Let's look at the story lines for Week 13:
Friday
No. 14 Nebraska (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (4-7, 2-5), Noon, ABC: In the second installment of the Heroes Game, Iowa will need a heroic effort to pull off the upset, even at home. The Hawkeyes have lost five straight, while Nebraska comes in riding a five-game winning streak and just needing to take care of business here to win the Legends Division. It's hard to imagine the Huskers slipping up now, but as we saw this past weekend, sometimes crazy stuff happens.
Saturday
No. 19 Michigan (8-3, 6-1) at Ohio State (11-0, 7-0), Noon, ABC: Perhaps you've heard that these two schools have a little bit of a rivalry going on. The Game is always a big deal, and this year's edition looks like the biggest one since 2006. The Buckeyes are looking to finish off a perfect season, while the Wolverines would not only love to ruin that but need it to stay alive for a division title and for an outside shot at a BCS at-large bid. The Devin Gardner/Denard Robinson combo gives Michigan some crazy explosiveness, while Braxton Miller will try to rebound from his first subpar game of the season at Wisconsin. And it's Urban Meyer's first entry into this rivalry as head coach. Is it Saturday yet?
Wisconsin (7-4, 4-3) at Penn State (7-4, 5-2), 3:30 p.m., ESPN2: This game is meaningless in the big picture, but it won't feel that way for the Nittany Lions' seniors who have created a unique legacy. The Badgers no longer have a division title to play for and are going to Indianapolis regardless. Still, Wisconsin can help its bowl placement with a win and doesn't want to go into the Big Ten title game on a two-game losing streak. Montee Ball needs one more touchdown to break a tie with Travis Prentice for the NCAA career record.
Michigan State (5-6, 2-5) at Minnesota (6-5, 2-5), 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network: It's still a little hard to believe that the Spartans have to win their finale just to go bowling, but that's the predicament they put themselves in. At least they're on the road and not at home, where they went winless in Big Ten play. Will any Michigan State fan even want to travel to watch this team play another game? Minnesota could make that a moot point by winning on senior day and getting to seven wins, which would be a great achievement in Jerry Kill's second year. The Gophers' home finale could be overshadowed by the A.J. Barker controversy this week, however.
Indiana (4-7, 2-5) at Purdue (5-6, 2-5), Noon, BTN: The Old Oaken Bucket game takes on real meaning as Purdue needs to win to reach its second straight bowl. Indiana saw its bowl hopes end last week, but the Hoosiers will be fired up for this rivalry and would love to keep the Boilermakers home. Danny Hope could be coaching for his job. Purdue has won eight of the last 10 meetings between these two, but Indiana came out on top the last time they met in West Lafayette in 2010.
Illinois (2-9, 0-7) at Northwestern (8-3, 4-3), Noon, BTN: Northwestern can wrap up a pretty impressive nine-win season and extend the misery of its top rival. The health of Kain Colter and Venric Mark will be the main angle to watch this week. Illinois coach Tim Beckman hasn't done much if anything to endear himself to Illini fans this season, but a win here could be a small step in that direction. His team is really thin, though, after enduring several more injuries last week. What are the chances Daniel Day-Lewis can show up in character to present the Land of Lincoln Trophy?
Friday
No. 14 Nebraska (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (4-7, 2-5), Noon, ABC: In the second installment of the Heroes Game, Iowa will need a heroic effort to pull off the upset, even at home. The Hawkeyes have lost five straight, while Nebraska comes in riding a five-game winning streak and just needing to take care of business here to win the Legends Division. It's hard to imagine the Huskers slipping up now, but as we saw this past weekend, sometimes crazy stuff happens.
Saturday
No. 19 Michigan (8-3, 6-1) at Ohio State (11-0, 7-0), Noon, ABC: Perhaps you've heard that these two schools have a little bit of a rivalry going on. The Game is always a big deal, and this year's edition looks like the biggest one since 2006. The Buckeyes are looking to finish off a perfect season, while the Wolverines would not only love to ruin that but need it to stay alive for a division title and for an outside shot at a BCS at-large bid. The Devin Gardner/Denard Robinson combo gives Michigan some crazy explosiveness, while Braxton Miller will try to rebound from his first subpar game of the season at Wisconsin. And it's Urban Meyer's first entry into this rivalry as head coach. Is it Saturday yet?
Wisconsin (7-4, 4-3) at Penn State (7-4, 5-2), 3:30 p.m., ESPN2: This game is meaningless in the big picture, but it won't feel that way for the Nittany Lions' seniors who have created a unique legacy. The Badgers no longer have a division title to play for and are going to Indianapolis regardless. Still, Wisconsin can help its bowl placement with a win and doesn't want to go into the Big Ten title game on a two-game losing streak. Montee Ball needs one more touchdown to break a tie with Travis Prentice for the NCAA career record.
Michigan State (5-6, 2-5) at Minnesota (6-5, 2-5), 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network: It's still a little hard to believe that the Spartans have to win their finale just to go bowling, but that's the predicament they put themselves in. At least they're on the road and not at home, where they went winless in Big Ten play. Will any Michigan State fan even want to travel to watch this team play another game? Minnesota could make that a moot point by winning on senior day and getting to seven wins, which would be a great achievement in Jerry Kill's second year. The Gophers' home finale could be overshadowed by the A.J. Barker controversy this week, however.
Indiana (4-7, 2-5) at Purdue (5-6, 2-5), Noon, BTN: The Old Oaken Bucket game takes on real meaning as Purdue needs to win to reach its second straight bowl. Indiana saw its bowl hopes end last week, but the Hoosiers will be fired up for this rivalry and would love to keep the Boilermakers home. Danny Hope could be coaching for his job. Purdue has won eight of the last 10 meetings between these two, but Indiana came out on top the last time they met in West Lafayette in 2010.
Illinois (2-9, 0-7) at Northwestern (8-3, 4-3), Noon, BTN: Northwestern can wrap up a pretty impressive nine-win season and extend the misery of its top rival. The health of Kain Colter and Venric Mark will be the main angle to watch this week. Illinois coach Tim Beckman hasn't done much if anything to endear himself to Illini fans this season, but a win here could be a small step in that direction. His team is really thin, though, after enduring several more injuries last week. What are the chances Daniel Day-Lewis can show up in character to present the Land of Lincoln Trophy?
OSU commits will meet in state semifinals
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
12:45
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Division II will be where it’s at in Ohio this weekend as far as Ohio State commits are concerned.
Darron Lee (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany), Cam Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood) and Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) each reached the state semifinals with their teams. Lee and Burrows will square off in one semifinal on Friday night, and Thompson is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Aurora in the other.
Here’s how the 17 Ohio State commits fared over the weekend in high school action:
J.T. Barrett: Rider (Texas) quarterback is out for season with knee injury. His team beat Dunbar 44-26 in bi-district round of Class 4A Division II playoffs.
Marcus Baugh: John W. North (Calif.) tight end season finished.
Joey Bosa: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle held Miami Beach to one touchdown in 42-7 Class 7A opening round victory.
Cam Burrows: Trotwood-Madison cornerback recorded six tackles in 42-14 Division II, Region 8 win over Cincinnati Turpin.
Ezekiel Elliott: John Burroughs (Mo.) and its running back advanced to a third consecutive Class 3 title game with 28-6 win over Monett. Elliott rushed for 233 yards and scored three touchdowns to bring career total to 97 scores.
Tim Gardner: Lawrence Central (Ind.) offensive tackle helped Bears rush for 305 yards in 28-15 Class 5A semifinal win over Center Grove.
Michael Hill: Pendleton (S.C.) defensive tackle season finished.
Taivon Jacobs: Suitland (Md.) wide receiver caught 7 passes for 88 yards and scored touchdown in 41-6 Maryland 4A South regional final loss to Wise.
Darron Lee: New Albany safety sealed 32-30 Division II, Region 7 win over Marion-Franklin with interception in waning moments. He also scored two touchdowns from quarterback position and returned punt for another score.
Tyquan Lewis: Tarboro (N.C.) defensive end/linebacker watched Vikings jump out to 30-point lead as team beat Northeastern 52-24 in third round of 2A playoffs.
Evan Lisle: Centerville (Ohio) offensive tackle season finished.
Jalin Marshall: Middletown (Ohio) athlete season finished.
Billy Price: Austintown Fitch (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Tracy Sprinkle: Elyria (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Jayme Thompson: Toledo Central Catholic safety held Michigan commit Ross Douglas to 26 yards receiving and 16 yards rushing, intercepted pass for touchdown and recorded sack in 42-14 Division II, Region 6 final win over Avon. Douglas finished with 69 yards rushing, but 53 came in fourth quarter with Thompson on bench.
Johnny Townsend: Orlando (Fla.) Boone punter season finished.
Eli Woodard: Eastern (N.J.) cornerback caught 8-yard touchdown pass on offense to lead team to a 41-38 win over River North in Group 5 postseason opener.
Darron Lee (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany), Cam Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood) and Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) each reached the state semifinals with their teams. Lee and Burrows will square off in one semifinal on Friday night, and Thompson is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Aurora in the other.
Here’s how the 17 Ohio State commits fared over the weekend in high school action:
J.T. Barrett: Rider (Texas) quarterback is out for season with knee injury. His team beat Dunbar 44-26 in bi-district round of Class 4A Division II playoffs.
Marcus Baugh: John W. North (Calif.) tight end season finished.
Joey Bosa: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle held Miami Beach to one touchdown in 42-7 Class 7A opening round victory.
Cam Burrows: Trotwood-Madison cornerback recorded six tackles in 42-14 Division II, Region 8 win over Cincinnati Turpin.
Ezekiel Elliott: John Burroughs (Mo.) and its running back advanced to a third consecutive Class 3 title game with 28-6 win over Monett. Elliott rushed for 233 yards and scored three touchdowns to bring career total to 97 scores.
Tim Gardner: Lawrence Central (Ind.) offensive tackle helped Bears rush for 305 yards in 28-15 Class 5A semifinal win over Center Grove.
Michael Hill: Pendleton (S.C.) defensive tackle season finished.
Taivon Jacobs: Suitland (Md.) wide receiver caught 7 passes for 88 yards and scored touchdown in 41-6 Maryland 4A South regional final loss to Wise.
Darron Lee: New Albany safety sealed 32-30 Division II, Region 7 win over Marion-Franklin with interception in waning moments. He also scored two touchdowns from quarterback position and returned punt for another score.
Tyquan Lewis: Tarboro (N.C.) defensive end/linebacker watched Vikings jump out to 30-point lead as team beat Northeastern 52-24 in third round of 2A playoffs.
Evan Lisle: Centerville (Ohio) offensive tackle season finished.
Jalin Marshall: Middletown (Ohio) athlete season finished.
Billy Price: Austintown Fitch (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Tracy Sprinkle: Elyria (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Jayme Thompson: Toledo Central Catholic safety held Michigan commit Ross Douglas to 26 yards receiving and 16 yards rushing, intercepted pass for touchdown and recorded sack in 42-14 Division II, Region 6 final win over Avon. Douglas finished with 69 yards rushing, but 53 came in fourth quarter with Thompson on bench.
Johnny Townsend: Orlando (Fla.) Boone punter season finished.
Eli Woodard: Eastern (N.J.) cornerback caught 8-yard touchdown pass on offense to lead team to a 41-38 win over River North in Group 5 postseason opener.
Ohio State 10: Week 11 power rankings
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
11:00
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Maybe Ryan Shazier is running out of time to take over the top spot in the power rankings.
But the Ohio State sophomore is building a pretty strong case as the best defensive player in the Big Ten -- and he's also starting to give Braxton Miller a run for his money.
Shazier delivered another highlight-reel play that won't be forgotten by the Buckeyes for a long time, even if it ultimately didn't end up going down as a game-winner after he punched the ball loose from Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball at the goal line in the fourth quarter of the 21-14 overtime win on Saturday. And while that resume still leaves him a spot behind Miller in the latest edition of the Ohio State 10, he might be No. 1 in a different poll soon if he keeps up his torrid pace for one more week.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
But the Ohio State sophomore is building a pretty strong case as the best defensive player in the Big Ten -- and he's also starting to give Braxton Miller a run for his money.
Shazier delivered another highlight-reel play that won't be forgotten by the Buckeyes for a long time, even if it ultimately didn't end up going down as a game-winner after he punched the ball loose from Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball at the goal line in the fourth quarter of the 21-14 overtime win on Saturday. And while that resume still leaves him a spot behind Miller in the latest edition of the Ohio State 10, he might be No. 1 in a different poll soon if he keeps up his torrid pace for one more week.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
- Last week: No. 1
- Against Wisconsin: The sophomore clearly didn’t have his best stuff and was effectively bottled up by the Badgers' sound game plan, but that doesn’t diminish his value for the Buckeyes through the season. And what Miller might have lacked on the stats sheet over the weekend, he more than made up for by keeping his record as the starting quarterback perfect this season.
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Ohio State lost out on ESPN 150 offensive tackle and Pittsburgh commit Dorian Johnson (Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon), but the Buckeyes might have a backup plan with ESPN Watch List junior Jimmy Byrne (Cleveland/St. Ignatius).
After St. Ignatius lost a Division I, Region 1 final in triple overtime 57-56 to Mentor on Saturday, Byrne scheduled an unofficial visit to Ohio State to see the Nov. 24 Michigan game.
He has the Buckeyes and Notre Dame in his final two but has been able to see only the Fighting Irish, because most of his games were on Saturdays.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ohio State, to seeing their offensive line and to seeing how their game day works,” Byrne said. “It’s kind of the same thing I did when I went to Notre Dame. I’ll be looking more at my position than anything else.”
After St. Ignatius lost a Division I, Region 1 final in triple overtime 57-56 to Mentor on Saturday, Byrne scheduled an unofficial visit to Ohio State to see the Nov. 24 Michigan game.
He has the Buckeyes and Notre Dame in his final two but has been able to see only the Fighting Irish, because most of his games were on Saturdays.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ohio State, to seeing their offensive line and to seeing how their game day works,” Byrne said. “It’s kind of the same thing I did when I went to Notre Dame. I’ll be looking more at my position than anything else.”
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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.