4-Star Tight End Marcus Baugh Commits To Ohio State

According to Bucknuts ($) 4-star tight-end Marcus Baugh has committed to Ohio State as of last night.

The decision to play for coach Urban Meyer was heavily influenced by the success of former Gator, Aaron Hernandez, now of the New England Patriots.

Baugh is rated as the No. 3 tight end in the country, the No. 9 player in the state of California and the No. 93 rated prospect overall. His commitment is the 8th verbal pledge in Ohio State’s 2013 class.

Throughout the process, Baugh has been interested in Ohio State and when an offer came, the Buckeyes immediately shot near the top of his list. The 6'4", 225-pounder already has some familiarity with the program due to having a cousin that is enrolled at Ohio State as a student.

Baugh chose the Buckeyes over offers from the likes of Florida, Washington, UCLA, Nebraska, Arizona State, California and more. Despite all of those offers, Baugh claims to be done with his recruitment.

This is a great commitment, as the Buckeyes will try to add 1 more tight-end in the class of 2013, whether it be Mike Heuerman or Josh McNeil. This commitment also shows the recruiting abilit of Meyer, as he was able to lock down a great tight-end from out West, Riverside (Calif.) J.W. North, to be exact.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics. 

Gator Bowl Live Blog: Ohio State vs. Florida

The 2011-2012 Gator Bowl is finally upon us. Jim Bollman is coaching in his final game. 'nuff said. Enjoy the game, as Ohio State will not be attending a bowl game next year. Join us down below!

The live blog starts at 12:45 PM EST. We hope to see you there cheering on the Buckeyes!

Mike Vrabel Retained As Linebackers Coach

In addition to the hire of Everett Withers, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has decided to keep Mike Vrabel on the staff as their linebackers coach. Here's what Urban had to say: 

“I had heard such great things about Mike Vrabel as a player, but the key thing for me was I wanted to talk football with him," Meyer said. “"I wanted to see him recruit, and I wanted to meet his family. I have since spent a lot of time with him, and he has a wonderful family."

“I also spoke to a number of people I know well, who also know Mike very well, including Bill Belichick. Coach Belichick and I had a really good discussion about Mike. While Mike is young, we both agreed that the unique experiences he has had as a player, coupled with the things he has already accomplished as a coach and recruiter for Ohio State, has prepared Mike for this opportunity. I am very pleased he will be on the staff."

Meyer has now named six assistants to his Ohio State staff. In addition to Withers and Vrabel, Luke Fickell will stay on and call plays as co-defensive coordinator, Taver Johnson will handle secondary duties, Stan Drayton will coach the running backs and Tom Herman will handle the quarterbacks while also serving as the offensive coordinator.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest Ohio State news and updates. 

The 2011 Ohio State Team Awards

Herron has come a long way

It was announced over the weekend that the annual team awards for the football team were given out. Daniel "Boom" Herron was the head-liner this year, getting the team's MVP status.

After leading the Buckeyes in rushing last season with 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns, Heron was suspended the first five games of the 2011 season for his involvement in the tattoos-for-memorabilia scandal.

He was suspended an additional game by the NCAA for the overpayment he received from now-dissociated booster Bobby DiGeronimo, but returned to run for 596 yards and three touchdowns over the final six games of the season. The Buckeyes won their first three games with Herron back in the lineup, including a 33-29 upset of Wisconsin in Columbus. Herron ran for 160 in that game, but Ohio State then slumped with a three-game losing streak to close out the season. They will now play in the 2011-2012 Gator Bowl, against Florida.

Here are some past MVP Award Winners:

2001: Jonathan Wells

2002: Craig Krenzel & Chris Gamble

2003: Michael Jenkins

2004: Mike Nugent

2005: A.J. Hawk

2006: Troy Smith

2007: Beanie Wells

2008: Beanie Wells

2009: Kurt Coleman

2010: Dane Sanzenbacher

First Look: Gator Bowl

All of your recruits are mine

It has now been over a week since the announcement Urban Meyer would be taking over as head man in Columbus. The rumors began to fly a week before (H/T @11W!) said announcement and for once in my life, those rumors ended up as fact. I am giddy with anticipation as to how fast Urban can turn things around and what the offense might look like next season. I don’t see how this hire won’t be a slam dunk. Urban also brings some much needed sex appeal to the Big Ten which is often viewed as plodding and slow to the rest of the country. I don’t think that is a fair assessment but once you’re labeled as such it is tough to shed that stigma.

The NCAA recently granted the university permission to expand their coaching staff for the bowl season. Fickell will be concentrating on game planning for the Gators while Meyer hits the road in an effort to salvage our recruiting season. I know the NCAA probably would’ve done this for any school but it felt good for our overlords to do something nice instead of launching more investigations. I still think that the Buckeyes are treated unfairly by the NCAA but such is life as a football powerhouse. I’m not the type of person who delves into the world of conspiracy theories. Well, that’s not entirely true. Who doesn’t like a little mystery in their life to keep the wheels turning? I just have a hard time believing that Urban won’t have any input into the game planning for the Gator Bowl.

The Gator Bowl Meet and Greet: Who Are The Florida Gators?

Florida has some speed

As it was announced Sunday night, Ohio State will take on the Florida Gators in the 2011-2012 Gator Bowl. Both teams are coming off a disappointing 6-6 regular season, but have high hopes for coming out with a win in this game. So let's take a look at who the Florida Gators are.

Coach
Will Muschamp: 6-6 (3-5) 1st Year
On December 11, 2010, University of Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley named Muschamp to succeed current Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer as the head coach of the Florida Gators football program. 

Since that time, Muschamp has led the Gators to a 6-6 season, which is disappointing for a team that has won 2 National Championships in the past 5 years. On January 3, 2011, Muschamp announced the hiring of Charlie Weis, former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, as the Gators' new offensive coordinator. Weis is a four-time Super Bowl champion and a former head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish team. 

The offense isn't as good as Ohio State's (shocking, I know), but their defense is certainly greater than the Buckeyes' attempt this year. Let's take a look at some of those key players after the jump.

Recap: Ohio State 33, Wisconsin 29

Devin Smith for the win

After the first half of the season came and went with anxiety, disappointment and many second half collapses, Ohio State (5-3, 2-2) finally came out on top over a quality opponent, and did it in style. The Wisconsin Badgers (7-2, 3-2) fell to the Buckeyes on another Hail Mary play, for the second straight week. Of course, Russell Wilson had a chance at the end with about 20 ticks on the clock, but couldn't complete a pass although Nick Toon came up very close twice. When you look back on Ohio State in 2011, this may be the turning point on a chaotic season. If Ohio State wins out, the Buckeyes will be facing the inaugural B1G Championship Game in Indianapolis. This game was by far OSU's toughest test of the season, and perhaps one of the most important games as far as trying to maintain a sense of Big Ten superiority.

The two Big Ten losses the Buckeyes have suffered have come at the hands of Nebraska and Michigan State, both who are in the Legends division, while Ohio State and Wisconsin both fall under the Leaders division. There were so many key moments in this game, and for OSU to upset a rival like the Badgers was huge for confidence in true freshman Braxton Miller and the rest of this young Buckeye squad down this last stretch of games, including 2 key match-ups in November: Penn State, and at Michigan.

2013 Linebacker Recruit Tim Kimbrough To Visit OSU For Wisconsin Game

Tim would be a nice addition

Tim Kimbrough, a 2013 recruit that plays outside linebacker is rumored to be visiting Ohio State this weekend, when the Buckeyes host Wisconsin at 8 p.m. Normally, recruits don't visit unless they have an offer, and while Kimbrough may not hold an offer just yet, Ohio State might jump into this recruit at the right time. If he leaves OSU with an offer, or soon after receives one, he might lean heavily towards the Buckeyes.

Kimbrough himself is 6'1'', 218 lbs. He's another recruit that is added to the already large list of recruits attending this game. Adolphus Washington, among others, and many more recruits. This game is turning out to be pretty big for Fickell and the recruiting staff, as they continue to pile on offers to big recruits.

The Indiana Warren Central junior linebacker racked up 11 solos, seven assists, and 1 tackle for loss and four big hits in the team's season opener, which they won 64-13. Kimbrough is arguably the top prospect on a defense that includes senior top 100 defensive tackle and Notre Dame commit Sheldon Day, Indiana linebacker pledge Jordan Wallace, Purdue safety commit Jordan Shine, and Cincinnati defensive end verbals Jonathan Burt and Joshua Posley.

He currently holds offers from North Carolina and Purdue, and the Warren Central coaching staff says Iowa could be next. Other programs showing strong interest (besides Ohio State) is Notre Dame, Florida, and Cincinnati. Kimbrough is very high on the Buckeyes and Irish, and visited each campus this summer, along with Tennessee's.

Video Highlights after the jump

Recap: Ohio State 37, Colorado 17

Miller had 83 yards rushing

The Miller era has begun in Columbus, Ohio. After being announced that true freshman Braxton Miller would be starting the game against Toledo on Thursday of this past week, you could expect the youngster to have some nerves before and during the first couple of minutes of the game. It showed on the first drive, after Miller fumbled a snap, but was soon taken care of thanks to forcing a quick 3 and out from our defense. That's when Miller seemed like a different person, a calm and collected QB that was able to rush where he wanted when he wanted. Against Colorado (1-3), Miller went 5/13 (38% completion percentage) for 83 yards, but had 2 beautiful touchdown strikes to his main target this season, Devin Smith.

Troy Smith had Ted Ginn and Anthoney Gonzalez as his targets, while Boeckman had Robiskie, and Terrelle Pryor had Posey and Sanzenbacher. It seems like the new connection is Miller to Smith, who paired up 3 times. He finished with 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Reid Fragel was Miller's other target, who he only found once, but the majority of the play-calling was in favor of Braxton's legs. Of course, handing the ball of is also important when you have the thunder-lightning combo of Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde. Hall, who amassed 231 all purpose yardage, with 84 of that coming on the ground. He also had two long kickoff returns, 1 which was called back while the other was stopped short inside the 5-yard line. Carlos Hyde only had 6 carries to Hall's 18, but still managed to get 40 yards out of it, and a touchdown that sealed the deal for Ohio State (3-1) later in the game.

When Colorado came into the 'Shoe, they didn't run their offense like they wanted to. Early on pressure from the defense didn't allow much to happen on the offensive side of the ball for the Buffs, including not rushing Rodney Stewart as much as they should have, which is one their strong suits. Eventually on long drives quarterback Tyler Hansen was able to float 2 touchdowns over the top of Buckeye defense, but they didn't use the screen until late in the game (Ironically, when things were moving well for the Buffs) which might prove to be an Achilles heel for this defensive secondary. Michigan State next week will be sure to watch the film and take advantage of situations like this. Colorado truthfully had a chance to make this game competitive, but misfortune fell when they stepped on their own feet by turning the ball over twice, and not doing well on special teams.

Luke Fickell Gets First Win As Head Coach

After much speculation and waiting, the 2011 season finally started. Start it did, as the Buckeyes rolled to a 42-0 win over the Akron Zips. Luke Fickell was coaching in his first game as the main man, and Joe Bauserman and Braxton Miller were impressive in their season debuts. More in the recap, which will go up tomorrow. Go Bucks!

Recap: Jersey Scrimmage

Will Bauserman start?

Yesterday, the jersey scrimmage took place which really gives a nice showing of where people are on the depth chart, and how people have progressed in camp. With that, let's get onto the notes.


- Drew Basil received plenty of opportunities to practice field goals today, and he delivered on all but his last attempt, which was no good. Overall happy with the kicking game as it is.


- The QB race has moved from 4 to 2, and it's Bauserman in the lead. Braxton and Bauserman both shared the same amount of snaps with the first and second team, so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a 2-way starting in the Akron game.


- Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde continued to be the #1 and #2 back respectively, while Rod Smith also received time with the 1st team later in the scrimmage. Jaamal Berry continues to be limited by a hamstring injury and did not see the field. Seems as if the Akron game will tell a lot of who goes where.


- The starting receivers continue to be Philly Brown and Verlon Reed, with Chris Fields receiving significant playing time as the third WR in the slot today. I'm in favor of that, as we have heard nothing but great things of Chris Fields. I'd also like to see some Doran Grant action at a slot position.


- The coaches seem to like having a speed back such as Hall or Berry in the slot when it comes the 4 wide receiver set. I'd like to see this in action. 

Fall Camp Notes

The past two days, the underclassmen and upperclassmen started to arrive at fall camp for the 2011 season. There are videos, photos, and more all around the blog-o-sphere, of them arriving, but they all had the same message for reporters. Their plan is to "Shock the World", which seems to be the motto for this upcoming season. 


With a quarterback controversy that will soon be answered, things are gearing in towards the start of college football. The team has a new look, and now has a new preseason camp location. The Buckeyes moved their off-field home for the next four weeks to the Hyatt Place hotel in Grandview Yard off Goodale Boulevard, southwest of campus. Previously, They had been based at the University Plaza north of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for years, but a team spokesman said this year officials “looked at the options and (the move) was a good business decision.”

The team will be based there through Aug. 26. Grandview Yard is a mixed-use development that has several businesses and restaurants, including the Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill.

Of the 105 players that returned to camp, Dorian Bell was not among them, as he was suspended for the 2011 season for a third issue with academics.Also not on board were: linebacker Jonanthan Newsome, who announced on Twitter a couple of weeks ago that he intends to transfer to Ball State; freshman linebacker Connor Corwell, who over the summer re-injured the two bones he broke in his lower left leg late last season, necessitating new surgery; and receiver James Louis, a redshirt freshman receiver who apparently has some off-field problems.

With that, the fall camp begins, so keep it here for all the latest action around the Ohio State camp. 

Are the Sanctions here Yet?

Can the Buckeyes be dominate?

Disclaimer: My tone for today’s column may be a little harsh. It has a lot to do with the upcoming kick in the balls the Buckeye’s are facing in August but also reflects my feelings on the 7 game lead that my beloved Indians choked away to the Tigers over the course of only two weeks. I knew the other shoe would eventually drop at some point this season but I wasn't prepared for that mammoth lead to evaporate in less than a fort night. 


I mean seriously, WTF is Carmona doing out there? Why can’t anybody hit the ball all of a sudden? How is Austin Kearns still earning a major league paycheck? All of these questions are enough to drive a man to the brink of insanity. I live and die with my teams and sometimes the line between them becomes a little fuzzy. Just thought I would throw that out there before today’s rant.

I am not sure how to feel about this upcoming season. Usually this time of year I am glued to the recruiting websites and lapping up any little piece of information about the Buckeye’s from any number of websites. As we all know, this year as been a lot different. It has been a living hell with the public flogging that Ohio St. has taken in the press and from opposing fan bases. It sure feels like the media blitz on OSU has been over the top and certainly worse than any other of our violating brethren faced (Alabama, Oregon, USC etc..). Does anybody else feel the same way? When the Trojans and Crimson Tide were being taken behind the woodshed, I remember reading numerous stories but don’t recall the scathing criticism and daily beat downs by reporters that our fan base has had to endure this summer.

The Silence Is Deafening

Time for Fickell to grab the big picture

The past 2 weeks in Buckeye Nation have turn fans upside down, shook them, and then flipped them back over so they vomit all over the floor.

First, coach Jim Tressel and now, quarterback Terrelle Pryor are gone, both victims of NCAA violations and allegations that are spreading rapidly, and seem to have no end to them at all.

Luke Fickell has been the head coach since the announcement that Tressel resigned, but other than a terse statement about Pryor's departure, he has not spoken publicly.

I'm not sure whether or not he decided not to speak, but this is already a mistake for the new head coach. He needed to hold a press conference as soon as he could to show he had a firm grasp on the situation, and putting his stamp on this football team. Who else is going to do it? Gordon Gee? Gene Smith? Both are under fire not only by Buckeye fans but the national media itself.

Nothing says it better than this from the Dispatch:

"Fickell talking doesn't make the allegations magically go away. But it can reassure people that someone competent is in charge and that there will be better times ahead. And right now, the program needs that."

Now, Ohio State has announced that Fickell will meet the media on Monday at 4 p.m. What will come of this, I'm not sure. Buckeye fans need a new leader, because we have zero as it stands. We need someone to lead us into victory, and assure us that we're going to pull through this together. Buckeye Nation is calling, but who will step up and answer? The silence is killing us.

Armageddon: A Week Later

Our favorite school is under fire

I have had almost a week to digest the Jim Tressel firing and the disappointment caused by the situation has not subsided one bit. The fall from grace for our former head coach was swift and painful. Only a year ago, the buckeye nation was basking in the glow of a rose bowl championship and the whispers of a national title contending team could be heard from coast to coast last summer. The scarlet and gray were returning a load of starters and many in the national media had pegged these buckeyes to be playing for another shot at a BCS title. Things didn't work out that way, thanks to Wisconsin, but we were still able to get that SEC monkey off our back with a thrilling Sugar bowl win down in New Orleans. By then, we all knew about the discounted tattoos and selling of trinkets but figured that was going to be the end of it. Unfortunately, reporters smelled blood in the water and the incessant digging revealed just how deep this scandal went. 

What I wouldn’t give to be back to that ignorant bliss I enjoyed last summer.

Jim Tressel Is A Buckeye For Life

The Senator is here to stay in our hearts

On Saturday evening, after a well planned Facebook group started, a pack of about 200 people that were fans/students of the Ohio State University, surrounded Coach Tressel's house and started to sing "We Don't Give a Damn for the Whole State of Michigan" in which he replied with a quote that will forever define The Vest:

"Don't forget: Nov. 26th we're going to kick their ass!"

This, beyond anything else, shows his true dedication and love for the Buckeyes of Ohio State. While his play-calling may be soft and boring, he has changed his mild mannered ways as of lately, along with the rumored cuss word sounded at the 2011 Sugar Bowl. We will always stand behind Coach Tressel and his ways, and of course will always be welcome in Buckeye Nation.

Also, this is pretty classic:

Dorian Bell Suspended For The 2011-2012 Season

According to the Dispatch and many more, Ohio State linebacker Dorian Bell has been suspended for the 2011 season because of a violation of team rules. The exact violation hasn't been released yet, and may not be ever.

Bell, a third-year sophomore from Monroeville, Pa., did not make the trip to the Sugar Bowl in January for undisclosed reasons. That makes it likely that Bell is a repeat offender and drew a stiffer penalty for the latest violation.

He currently stands at 6'1'', 225 pounds, appeared in eight games last season, and at times was on the second team, backing up Ross Homan. He made nine tackles, including half a sack, and also forced a fumble.


This year, Bell was rumored to be one of the favorites to join the duo of Sabino and Sweat, and take that coveted third spot. Now, it seems as if the Buckeyes will be headed in another direction, one in which I think may be Storm Klien. Bell was also a highly touted recruit. Rivals.com rated him a five-star prospect in the class of 2009, ranked the third-best outside linebacker nationally and the No. 33 overall prospect.


This is just an added part on to an already sad off-season for Buckeye athletics after the NCAA took notice of the allegations. We'll keep you up to date on any more happenings.

Duron Carter is 'Bama Bound

Last time you will see him in a Buckeye uniform

We all at least thought that when Duron Carter left Ohio State last year for Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, that he would be back, a better person and player, ready to take on the responsibility of being a STUDENT- athlete at The Ohio State University. He would break the records set by his father and at least equal if not surpass him in Buckeye football lore. All these expectations from a player who caught ONE touchdown pass as a freshman.

This past season Carter has 44 catches, 690 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games for Coffeyville. Interesting that he could not break over 1,000 yards playing for a Community College team but boasts plans to be a star at in a very high profile, high pressure atmosphere. I like most of you follow Ohio State players on Twitter. I followed Duron for much of last year and even Twitter I could probably tell you how important grades and getting back to Ohio State was to him. Not very important at all. Of course when he arrived, it was all about getting the grades improved and getting back to Ohio State. Somewhere along the course of the year, that all changed. The tweets became about recruiting visits, girls and not so much about school. We learned earlier this year that he would not be coming back to Ohio State for an undisclosed reason, most likely, in my mind, academics were still a problem. They might not have been, but I do not see the son of a former Buckeye, who had a chance to do great things as a Buckeye, choosing to play elsewhere unless that was the only choice. It is very interesting to me that he is now academically eligible to participate in football at Alabama.

Luke Fickell Named Assistant Head Coach

Great choice by Ohio State for the first 5 games

As of yesterday, Luke Fickell was named by Ohio State that he would be the head coach for the first 5 games in the 2011 season.

Here's what the school released on the decision:

"In that role, he will serve as interim head coach for the first five games of the Buckeyes’ 2011 season. He will also retain his role as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. 

“Luke Fickell is a Buckeye to the core. He has earned this promotion to assistant head coach through his hard work, dedication and performance,” said Smith. “ We have great trust and belief in Luke’s ability to work with our entire coaching staff to lead our young men through the first five games this fall. I have confidence our entire football family will work together to maintain our standard of excellence.”

Fickell is in his 10th year on the Ohio State coaching staff. He coaches the Buckeyes linebackers and is co-defensive coordinator, a role he assumed in April, 2005. In 2010, he was selected as the AFCA’s Assistant Coach of the Year for FBS schools, and was also named Linebacker Coach of the Year by Football Scoop.
“I am honored to be able to grow at a place and in a program that I know, love and respect. It is extremely humbling,” said Fickell."

I personally think this is the best possible choice for Ohio State as it stands, since Darrell Hazell is no longer with the program. Fickell is a good replacement for the first 5 games, and Buckeye fans are especially interested in seeing what his coaching style will be like. Many believe that when Tressel steps down (whenever that may be) that Luke will be the one standing there ready to take the job. I think it is difficult to make a jump from an assistant coach to head coach, and this will surely provide him the chance to show what he can do.

The Vest Takes A Hit

Yesterday, we told you that Yahoo! had a two month investigation going on that could be some bad news for Ohio State. Last night, we found out that OSU was conducting an investigation all along anyway, and found that Jim Tressel was, in fact, guilty. Ohio State then self reported a violation of NCAA bylaw 10.1 in January. Gene Smith said the staff became aware they had a leak (hence the Yahoo! report) and decided to come out with the information today. OSU has announced the following sanctions for Coach Tressel: A public reprimand and apology; a two-game suspension; attendance at a compliance seminar; and a $250,000 fine. 


While this is a pretty hefty punishment, it also might get the NCAA not to do anything about it, seeing the proper punishment has already taken place. Of course, the key thing is, is that if they are not satisfied with the results of this, then they could easily make Tressel suspended even longer, or something much worse. We have to keep our minds open though. While he will be missing the Akron and Toledo game, he will be back for the Miami game. We already know that the big question is who will start at quarterback next season. Now, that looms on the horizon even bigger, because they need all the help they can get, and Tressel has to miss all of the spring practices.