ITS's Bowl Challenge 2010

The Bowl season is upon us, and college football is almost over. It's time for the first College Bowl Mania challenge!

Info:

There is a prize for whomever wins the challenge, and that is a free t-shirt (of your choice) from our ITS Shop!

Go to this link (you need an ESPN account, and they are free if you don't have one)

Password is "sugarbowlbound"

There is no age limit, but please only use one entry.

Good luck, and have fun!

Game Preview and Objective Opinions: Ohio

"Just give me the check and I'll be on my way."

Who? Ohio University Bobcats, you know, the guys from Athens. They have townies and everything seems to be up hill.



What? The 3rd step.


When? Saturday September 18th, 12pm.


Where? Ohio Stadium/Big Ten Network/Sharks Cove Hermosa Beach, CA(for me)



Why? MACrifice.


Uggghhhh team we're not gonna talk about what happened last time. Sure we won, but it was way closer than it should have been.... I'll be honest, writing about the OSU vs OU game is kinda blah. Are there even OU fans? I mean, most people that I know that went to OU are OSU fans. Yet the last time we played there were like 3 tools they kept showing on TV cheering for Bob's cats. I just don't feel particularly inspired. I've been to Athens a few times and I'll tell you what I noticed: Lots of hills, Sonic, and lots of townies. That's it.
Fran Solich, formerly of Corn Husker fame, is still at the helm of the mighty Bobcats. After winning a national title in..... ummmm well nm. OK, so they made a bowl game last year and lost to Marshall in said bowl game. Frank Solich used to coach a storied program, now he resides in Athens, Ohio. While Lincoln, NE and Athens, OH probably aren't that much different it's like going from CEO of eBay to wannabe governor of a bankrupt state. Don't worry OU fans and alumnus, I'm done picking on Athens. I'll talk about the two players I know of on OU's football team; Boo Jackson and Julian Posey.

Fresh Faces

Fierce

Depending on how closely you follow Ohio State basketball, you may or may not be away that the 2010-11 version of the squad will look drastically different from last year's Sweet 16 team. Gone is arguably the most talented player from the team and the reigning National Player of the Year. However, Thad Matta once again brought in one of the top recruiting classes in the country (#2 on ESPN), including 4 players in the ESPN Top 100, and 2 McDonald's All Americans. We have just a little over two months until the basketball season gets under way, and as the title of this post suggests I would like to introduce the new members of the basketball Buckeyes to the general public. Let us start with the figurative and literal biggest player coming to campus; Jared Sullinger

The toughest games for 2010

*I understand there is a post similar to this on SBN Cleveland. These are my own opinion.*

With the season nearly upon us I wanted to give my opinion on the easiest and the toughest opponents that the Buckeyes will face this year. The cupcakes will be at the top followed by the knee knockers at the bottom.

Eastern Michigan @ OSU- Seriously EMU, just stay home. I know that the paycheck is very enticing but is it really worth the physical beat down that you will get from the Buckeyes? Just think long and hard before you board that bus for Columbus.

Please god, not this again.

Marshall @ OSU- As a student at BGSU during the early aughts, I can remember Marshall being quite a force in the MAC and running up and down the field against my Alma mater. Times have changed however and the move to Conference USA has not been a good one for MU. The thundering herd will be fired up to open the season in the shoe and will probably hang in there for a quarter or so but I don’t see any real challenge from the boys in Green and White.

Ohio @ OSU- I think just the thought Of Boo Jackson running around the shoe in our last contest against the Bobcats was enough to bump Ohio above Marshall. These inter- state contests can be tricky. Most of the opposing players are usually ticked that they aren’t playing home games in Columbus and have a chip on their shoulder. Plus, OSU has that ridiculous unbeaten streak against foes from the state that I am sure is tacked to locker room billboards across the MAC. I am sure someday this string of wins will be broken but it won’t be this day… or any day that I am still alive.

Indiana @ OSU- Ben Chappell and Co. will invade the shoe with some pretty decent weapons in said Quarterback and his number one target Tandon Doss. They have the potential to have a pretty good offensive attack but will be hard pressed to stop anybody on the other side of the ball. Unfortunately, the Hoosiers are going to run into THE best defense when they play THE Ohio State University (I have a few people that read this blog which will absolutely hate that I used the phrase tOSU. Your welcome guys). OSU wins but this one but it could be tougher than in past contests against Indiana.

Buckeye's first trip to TCF a good one?

OSU @ Minnesota- This will be the silver bullet’s first visit to TCF Bank Stadium and I am sure the locals will pack the place to the gills (with a large contingent of OSU fans no doubt). Night games on the road are never easy and the gophers will put up a fight for awhile. However, the talent gap between these two is grand canyonesque (yeah, it’s a word now) and might get ugly by the third quarter. If nothing else, we can all be thankful that we don’t have to watch games in the Metrodome anymore.

Purdue @ OSU- With Purdue Harbor still fresh in the minds of the Buckeye faithful, I expect this to be a revenge game. Purdue does field a good defense with some legitimate playmakers. I know I still have vivid nightmares of Ryan Kerrigan toying with our OL last season. However, this game is in C-Bus which negates that train whistle factor. I like the Buckeyes by a couple touchdowns but the OL must do a better job against their talented DL.

OSU @ Illinois- For some reason the Illini always seem to play OSU tough and this year may be no exception with the game being played in Champaign. The Zooker will have his troops fired up but it won’t be enough. Dreamy hair can only get you so far on the football field. Big Ten road games are always a challenge but the Illini just won’t have the talent in the end. That doesn’t mean that the bucks can take this week off. All Tressel has to do is show the replay from 2007.

Pryor's got some unfinished business to attend to.

Penn State @ OSU- The Nittany Lions should have a good rushing attack (if Royster decides to show up) and will present a good test for OSU. Unfortunately for their outrageously annoying and unbearable fan base they have no quarterback with any real game experience. Sure, Newsome has had some mop up time but bringing a guy with limited experience into the shoe is no way to win. They will have to try and ride the legs of Royster and I know a certain front 7 that is licking their chops thinking about that. Usually PSU would be a lot closer to the top of this list but I just don’t see them putting up much of a fight this season with the game in Columbus.

Michigan @ OSU- What a sad and embarrassing time it is in Ann Arbor. Did you ever think 4 years ago TTUN wouldn’t a least be in the top two difficult opponents? I know I didn’t. I still put them as the 4th toughest contest just because it is still “The Game” but I struggled to put UM this high. There is always a chance that the unthinkable can happen but I just can’t fathom an upset in the shoe this year. Tate and Velcro may still be sharing snaps by this point in the season which destroys the continuity within an offense. Will DickRod still be head coach when Thanksgiving weekend comes? Probably, but it may be his last game on the sidelines for the Maize and Blue.

Enough is enough..

Miami @ OSU- The first big test for the Buckeyes comes when the Miami Hurricanes invade the 'Shoe on Sept. 11. I am already sick and tired of the talking heads discussing the ’02 championship game and it has not even begun yet. The hype for this game will be huge and I am mentally preparing myself to see replay after replay of a certain pass interference call from 8 years ago. Jacory Harris is a dual threat QB that could give the Buckeyes some headaches. However, they see a superior version in practice every day so the silver bullets should be ready. Miami will have the athletes to compete but Tressel should have our boys ready for this one.

OSU @ Iowa- The Hawkeyes will have revenge on their mind when OSU visits Kinnick stadium late in the season. OSU barely escaped with a victory last year even though they were facing an unproven and very young QB. Over the past few seasons, everybody’s favorite coach of the year has built a pretty solid team in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes boast a tough defense, a good quarterback (when he throws it to the right team) and a solid running game. This may serve as the Big Ten championship game as both teams could be undefeated. There could be BCS bowls on the line as well as MNC implications for this one.

Will Wisky Jump Around?

OSU @ Wisconsin- This one scares me the most. Getting out of Madison with a victory is never easy. Scott Tolzien, John Clay and Nick Toon form a dangerous trio for the Buckeyes to deal with. Throw in the best OL in the Big Ten (maybe the country) and you have a very formidable opponent. The game is also under the lights which gives their obnoxious fans ample time to fuel up before kickoff. Although the Buckeyes will have their hands full, Pryor has been there before. As we all know the Wisconsin game a couple years ago was really his coming out party. I am confident that the bucks have the firepower to win this game but it won’t be easy. Wisconsin is a definite contender in the Big Ten this year.

2010 Team Previews: Michigan State

Dont' look at me like that Sparty. I really wanted to rank you higher!

Michigan State, where do I start? It's not like any Big Ten fan can't rattle off some historic moments of "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory". We've almost come to expect it. 4th quarter and down by only a couple points to Notre Dame in South Bend. Just marching down the field. Kirk Cousins is on fire. Michigan State is in the end zone, Cousins fires and misses a wide open receiver in the back of the end zone. Don't panic, still time left and a down or two. Next play, Cousins steps back, fired, picked off. Oh Sparty, why do you toy with our emotions? Why do you try to trick us in to believing you cna pull it off when we all know you're going to screw it up in the last minutes.

This seemed to be a continuing theme in the 2009 series. Much like Purdue, who I covered on Tuesday, Sparty lost it's good share of close games. Six of Michigan's State's Seven losses were by 8 or less points, or basically one touchdown and a 2 point conversion. So close you can taste victory. Close enough that when you fail it hurt worse than the blow out loss to Penn State at home.

2009 was a tough year and there was lots of squandered chances. Even though stud running back Javon Ringer(from Dayton btw, couldn't make grades at OSU) left for the NFL after a season of carrying the ball about 1000 times a game, hopes were still high in East Lansing. Kirk Cousins was the future, and the receiving corps was something to behold. In 2009, Cousins lived up to the hype for the most part. As a sophomore, Cousins threw for 2,680 yards and 19 touchdowns. Along with those 19 TDs came 9 interceptions though, mostly at the exact wrong moment. For MSU to be successful in 2010 Cousins, like many other signal callers int he Big Ten, has to improve. He must relish the moment when the game is on the line, and must make the right decisions.

As Cousins goes, so go the Spartans.

Returning for his sophomore season is running back, and 2009's leading rusher, Larry Caper. Caper as true freshman ran for468 yards on 120 for 6 touchdowns. If you're good at math, like all the braniacs that occupy the computer labs at the Axis of Arrogance Center for Kids That Can't Read Good, that's an average of 39 rush yards per game. In case you didn't know, that's a big drop off from Ringer's 30 million yards on 10 million carries for 1 million TDs in 2008. The drop off in the run game could be a key to what went wrong in 2009. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to recognize that this has to improve for the Spartans to succeed in the 2010 campaign.

Two of the team's top three receivers return in the forms of BJ Cunningham and Mark Dell as well as the teams leader in all-purpose yards, Keshawn Martin. Keyshawn was 3rd int he Big Ten and 11th nationally in kickoff returns. Cousins must be feeling GOOD to have those kinds of weapons at his disposal. I know I would. The question remains; will he have time to throw to them?

The 2010 does return three fifths of its' talent from 2009. However both tackles are brand new. Red-shirt freshman Chris McDonald and Sophomore Jared McGaha(appeared in 13 career games, mostly on special teams) will have their hands full against conference opponents that are chock full of defensive line talent. Hopefully whoever is protecting Cousins blindside is a fast learner, otherwise we could be seeing the back up very early.

On defense? Do you have to ask?! 2010 preseason defensive MVP returns along with fellow senior LB Eric Gordon. Sophomore Chris Norman looks to fill in as the weak side "will" linebacker for the 2010 squad. Also new to the projected starting defensive lineup is CB Johnny Adams (2 starts as a freshman) and DE Tyler Hoover. 3 new starter on a defense loaded with veteran talent, not too shabby.

Poised to make a run in these snazzy new duds. Also: note the further "Oregonification" of college football.

Let's take a look at the Green and White's 2010 schedule and my predicted(and probably incorrect) results, shall we?

Western Michigan (W): Last year Sparty lost to CMU, but Dan LeFevoure doesn't play for this directional school.

Florida Atlantic (W): I'd bet Ian's house on this game.

Notre Dame (W): Sparty NEARLY squeaked this game out last year against a Notre Dame team that had a lot more talent than they do this season. Cousins avenges this loss, but no flags are planted at the 50.(even though I like the swagger)


Bye we... just kidding Northern Colorado (W): win.

Wisconsin (L): Tolzein doesn't make mistakes(that often), and John Clay is a damn good running back. Bucky Badger in a close one.

@ Michigan (W): All signs point to our buddy Velcro Robinson taking over the starting spot from Fivecier. With that said, his accuracy, and just throwing in general leaves a lot to be desired. 3-3-5 defense is weak, Sparty wins!

You get to keep this bearded fellow!!

Illinois (W): Nothing needs to be said.

@Northwestern (W): Chad made a sad face :(

@Iowa (L): Iowa has one of those defensive lines that I was talking about. Big, tough, physical guys that can get to the QB and force mistakes. Ameristanzi and Cousins interception it out, and Ameristanzi wins it. Well, the defensive line wins it.

Minnesota (W): Football shaped locker rooms do not win games, Ahli. Brewster tweets something dumb after this game. Write it down.

BYE WEEK: Finally an athletic department that gets it.


Purdue (W): Purdue is improved over last year, but MSU has better talent from what I can tell thus far. The Boiler secondary will have some game experience under their belts at this point, but MSU has a QB that can gun it. That will pay off.

@Penn State (L): This was a tough one for me. I went back and forth on this game, but went with my first choice in PSU. this game will pit strength versus strength. PSU's only weapon is Evan Royster and the run game, and they'll have to try to smash through Greg Jones and the MSU run defense. Royster doesn't gain over 70 yards, but I think PSU wins. I wouldn't mind being wrong here.

Final Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-3 in the Big Ten. is 9-3 a disappointment? I'm not sure. could they win 10 games? Absolutely. As I see it now, Sparty has improved, but I still wonder if they've come far enough. The good news? You're goin bowlin!! The Toyo...Konica Minolta Gator Bowl!

Weeee, COPIERS!!!

2010 Big Ten Media Day:Recap

The Big Ten kicked off its annual media day in Chicago Monday. Coaches answered a variety of questions from the media and there were a few that stuck out as semi-interesting (tough to do at these things). Here is a quick recap featuring some of the contenders for the Big Ten title in 2010.


Ohio State- When Tressel was asked whether the national perception of the conference has altered because of last years success, he had this to say.

"I think you're only thought of as your most recent performances. If you look at the Big Ten as a whole, our recent performances, our bowl game performances, whether we won or we lost, because we lost a couple of tough ones, I thought what people remember most recently about our football is pretty good darned good."

I thought the last part to that answer was priceless. That is the closest you will ever come to hearing JT swear. This is JT when asked about how expansion might effect the rivalry between OSU and Mighigan.

"Look back in our history, most recently it's been in the last regular season game. Prior to that, it wasn't. So where it will be in the future, I'm not sure. But I don't think it will ever change in its importance and the people that are involved in it, especially, what it means to all of them and all of us."

I was a little disappointed to hear that Tressel would support the game being played at a different part of the season. To me OSU-UM has always been special at the end of the season. I guess expansion means the times they are changing. As long as the conference gets the divisions right for 2011, I guess I could get on board with playing this game earlier in the year. Finally, JT commented on his rising Junior class.

"I just see a lot of growth in them. And that's the fun of what we do. We get all nervous and so forth, and we talk a lot about how we do, whether we won the Rose Bowl or won this many games or that many games. I know what coaches get nervous about is how does young person progress, are we getting him ready for the rest of his life."

The Juniors on this team are really good. Add the top 5 recruiting classes that we are going to get and the Bucks can be good for years to come. That being said, the class of Tressel is really on display here. He is always concerned with the growth and well being of his players. We really hit the jackpot with this guy. I also had to make sure I got a "and so forth" quote in there.

Iowa- Ferentz was asked what he thought his chances were to knock tOSU off their pedestal this year.

"One thing for sure, if you're going to try to win a Big Ten Championship, you're going to have to find a way to compete with them and beat them. And not many people have had much luck doing that."

Hey, at least the coach of the year for what, like the past decade in the Big Ten knows his place! I think Iowa will have an outstanding defense this year. If Stanzi (Ohio native... just had to throw that in there) can stop throwing the ball to the other team, they have a chance to be good this year.

Come to Penn SCHTAAATE!!!

Penn State- Paterno was asked if he was going to coach until the day he died. The guy does have some good one liners!

"Is that wishful thinking or what? Oh, I really don't think about that. I just -- I'm enjoying it. I like to coach. I had a little bout earlier in the year, nothing serious. Didn't make a big deal out of it." 

JoePa may be old as dirt but you can't deny that the dude is tough as nails. He then commented on the huge game down in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 11.

"I think to be able to go with a bunch of kids and go down there and play defending national champion and on the road before a very hostile crowd, I think it would be a good experience. We'll be a better football team for it."

I LOVE the fact that they scheduled this game. I know I will be rooting for PSU for at least 3 hours this season. I have a lot more to say on this in my next piece for ITS.

Who, me?

Wisconsin- The more I hear Bret Beleima talk, the more he kind of annoys me. I think there is an inferiority complex developing over in Madison. I sense a real dislike of the Buckeyes whenever they come up. However, that has nothing to do with this question. The media wants to know how it feels to have an established quarterback going into this season.

"It's very -- as a head coach it's an unbelievable feeling to know that answer's already there. And to have that answer be Scott Tolzien, for any of you that's interviewed Scotty, he's a perfectionist, he's a detail guy."

I think that Wisconsin poses the biggest threat to an undefeated season for Ohio State. Camp Randall is a tough place to play at night. If Tolzien can keep the passing game afloat, John Clay should be able to do some damage this year.

Stick a knife in it, RR..

Michigan- Obviously, I do not feel that UM is a contender for much of anything this year but what is any Ohio State article without some Michigan bashing? DickRod was asked if he was starting to feel the pressure to win the OSU game and what the last two years were like against the Buckeyes. He had this beautiful excuse. "Last year in particular, the Ohio State game we didn't deserve to win it. We turned the ball over too much. That's why they won." Well he got one part of that right. He must of forgot that the Bucks have bigger players, better coaches, superior recruiting classes, an unstoppable running game, explosive receiving threats and a dynamic quarterback. Your days are numbered buddy.

It keeps on rolling..

Alright, if your like me, you don't care what Seantrel Henderson has done, (barring anything illegal), as long as he comes to Ohio State. Well, about a month ago we reported to you that Seantrel headed to Miami was pretty much a done deal. That would be too easy right? Right.

"Rumors out there that Seantrel Henderson might not be headed to Miami after all. Stay tuned."

Via @rivalsmike 


First off the "rumors" part is the least believable. As far as I know, someone could have just made it up since this is a dead spot for sports news. I tend to believe the other side of that, where there is a possiblitly this will pick up steam over the next few weeks. Since fall camps haven't started, and he never actually enrolled.

"Henderson said his son is eligible to play this season and has been cleared academically. But Henderson still must go through the admissions process."

Via Miami Herald

Gimme another shot..please?

So many people are tired of hearing about this kid, but if he plays for Ohio State, which is unlikely, would it really bother you that he is on the field? What if he helps us win a National Championship? Sure, we could do it without him, but then Pryor will be gone either next or season after. Then what? We have Miller, but no real linemen. Unless Henderson comes. I know the kid is a pain media wise, but a big part of it is his father. I say that we should give another shot, even if this news is just a rumor and never actually happens.

We will keep you up to date on any more news.

Update: This tweet pretty much confirms he is still going to Miami, the reason the rumor picked up steam was due to his academics, but he was still admitted. Crap.

Seantrel Henderson was in Miami.

"According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, Henderson was in Miami on Saturday."

Any chance at all he comes to this?

As I reported to you earlier in the week, Seantrel is leaning towards Miami, and apparently was his second choice behind USC. This news doesn't bode well for the Buckeyes, and I have a feeling we can start forgetting about it. Now comes the real sad part. If Seantrel would go to Miami, Ohio State, or anywhere else, then he might be able to get out of his LOI (letter of intent) and then not have to sit out a season.

"Walters also raises an interesting point regarding Henderson's Letter of Intent.  The Henderson's are claiming that Kiffin assured the recruit there would be no major sanctions for the football program, and that could be used as a way to secure a waiver from the NCAA in getting out of the LOI and not having to sit out a transfer year. "

Seantrel coming out of this helmet?

The news stops there, but that is very grim news for Buckeye fans. We could see Seantrel in Columbus come Sept. 11, but not in the uniform I want to see him in. He will have the U. I hope this is all just talk, and no show, but I have a gut feeling this time there's no dodging the bullet.

Your POW.

Lebron James free agency has begun, and Ohio fans across the nation hold their breath for what they hope will be a good decision. Most think he will be headed to the Bulls, but the other part is thinking Cleveland. Nobody truly knows, including Lebron, until about Sunday night. Monday morning is the time to tune in. Lebron will be making his decision. Good luck.

Here we go again..

A report from the Twin Cities is saying that Seantrel Henderson might be headed to Miami, even if he has to sit out a season because of the transfer.

"Latest word is that Cretin-Derham Hall grad Seantrel Henderson, who was assured by new Southern California football coach Lane Kiffin during recruitment that USC would not receive serious NCAA penalties, is balking at his commitment and now leaning toward Miami, even though he would have to sit out a transfer season."

I think this means for sure Seantrel will be leaving USC for good, but I don't think anyone truly knows where he is going to be. Also, it could just be wishful thinking. I know that many Ohio State fans don't like/want the kid anymore, but I also know that mistakes can be made in the recruiting process. I think he should come to Ohio State if he is serious about wanting to be in the NFL. Obviously Miami is a great place to get that talent, at least it used to be, but Ohio State is the place to be now. Just look at Terrelle Pryor. He wanted a pro style place that would have him turned into a pro quarterback for the NFL. He doesn't want to be a project like JaMarcus Russell and Vince Young, he wants to be a Peyton Manning with some speed.

Come block for Boom/Berry/Hyde/Miller/TP/Everyone else.

Seantrel should do the right thing this time and learn from his mistakes. Jim Tressel knows what to do to get you ready for the NFL, and hell, you will most likely have a good time here anyways. Plus, this is the best place to try and win a championship right now. Although he would have to sit out 1 year, he could lead the squad with TP/Braxton Miller in 2011.

We will see what he decides to do, and most definitely keep you up to date on all the latest news regarding Seantrel and his new decision.

Lane Kiffin wants confirmation

Lane Kiffin and three assistants from USC went to Seantrel Henderson's house to make sure he was still going to report to camp. In the tweet, he also said, "we'll see." This is pretty interesting in the fact that Seantrel may be having second thoughts about heading to USC.

"In the wake of NCAA penalties to USC that include no bowl appearances for the next two seasons, as well as the loss of 30 scholarships over the next three years, there has been conjecture that Henderson has reconsidered his commitment to USC and that Miami and Ohio State could be back in the hunt."

Well, this keeps getting better and better. Wait, what about the dad, Sean? Wasn't it really his decision to make Seantrel go to USC, supposedly to get a record deal with Snoop Dawg. Surely he has something to say about Seantrel maybe getting back into the recruiting mix.

"Reached Tuesday, Henderson's father, Sean, had no comment, and Seantrel, who some day could be a first-round NFL draft pick, did not return phone messages."

Oh. So really, this could be a great couple of weeks for OSU fans. I'm not promising anything, but we might just get a transfer from the Trojans, with gift wrap.


Before I forget, USA is playing Algeria right now, and I just wanted to wish all soccer fans and USA'ians a happy, USA! USA! USA!

quotes found here.

USA vs. England.

Here's a little something to get your adrenaline pumping.

Update: 1-1 tie at halftime..on a lucky goal for USA.

Update 2: 1-1 is your final score.



USA! USA! USA!

Happy Easter Buckeye Nation!

On behalf of the ITS staff, we would like to wish you all a very happy Easter. Take a day off, and enjoy it with your family. Of course, any news we hear will be up on the site as quick as possible. Yes, we did make the egg ourselves.

Give me a break, it's harder than it looks.

Spring means Football.

Finally, the time has come around that football gets to be talked about again. I mean, did we ever really stop talking about it? The date and time is set for the Spring football game, and it will be hosted by the Big Ten Network and all their Ro-Tel commercials. The game will be Saturday, April 24th, at 1 p.m.. Of course, if your a Buckeye lacrosse fan, then they are covering the game that day on the Big Ten Network as well, right before the Ohio State spring game. All of spring, we won't be the only ones keeping you up to date with what's going on with the Buckeyes and our neighbors in the Big Ten, as the Big Ten Network is hosting everything spring football that they can possibly take up. They are holding all spring games, and will also be having in-depth analysis of all the practices, and keep you up to date on everything Big Ten. A big reason is because the Big Ten is just coming off a huge bowl season, doing pretty good, with a 4-3 record. Of course, the go-to place for everything Buckeye would be, ahem, Inside The Shoe.

The Buckeye Battle Cry and Eleven Warriors are already jumping on the Spring fever. tBBC posted an article on the upcoming offense, which is going to be deadly to any defense that faces them. 11W talks about having Carlos Hyde and company in the backfield this season, and what it will mean.

A huge thing this spring will be, for the third time, Young Terrelle Pryor, who is entering his junior year, and is not "growing up in front of our very eyes, folks", as much as Brent Musburger would like to think so. Seriously, though, the big question will be was the Rose Bowl a one time thing. Can he continue on in his ability to run and throw the football. All will be answered. Maybe not this spring, but certainly this fall. Of course, the depth of running backs is another huge story. We have 5-6 capable backs. Of course, number 4 in your program and number 1 in your heart, Jamaal Berry headlines the new backs to feature this spring. Berry wasn't able to play last year due to an injured hamstring, but reportedly, he is firing on all cylinders, proving to the coaches he can compete for a third slot. Hyde and Rod Smith are coming in with huge expectations, as Hyde is hoping to be the next Beanie, and Smith is looking to be the next Eddie George. Don't get caught up too much into that, but these guys are good regardless. Tressel is going to have a fun time whipping these guys into shape for a championship run.








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Inside The Shoe is still looking for two writers. One basketball, and one football writer. If your interested, please leave a comment, or email us at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com. The requirements can be found here. We hope to be talking to you soon!

The drama has ended.

In what is most likely the last story for Seantrel Henderson's recruiting, today it was told by several sources, including USA Today, that reported that Seantrel Henderson put the ink on his fax, and is headed to USC. The monstrous OL said he had decided on USC about a month ago, and that the only reason he waited was for his ACT scores to go up, so he could attend school. Another reason was that he wanted to hear the verdict on the USC case, which nobody has yet, and we still won't for a couple of months, and obviously his father didn't want to wait that long for his record deal with Snoop Dawg. I really am disappointed in Seantrel, hoping he would maybe pull a Blind Side, throw his dad over the boundaries,  and go to Ohio State. Instead, he decided to go to USC, which has Lane Kiffin, where he cheats, and lies. Also, might want to add that we will leave a college for a better job, even after one year.

As the NFL season is not even close to beginning, I thought I might add some news. The Cincinnati Bengals are currently looking for three key things in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft. A safety, wide receiver, and tight end. They are reportedly looking at Kurt Coleman, if still available, and Kurt has already said it would be an honor to be drafted by the Bengals. Mardy Gilyard is also being looked at, from Cinncinnati, for the wide receiver spot. I would like to see them check out Jake Ballard, since we all know he a great TE, if used right. If we end up getting 2 of those three, that would be impressive, and we could make this a possible Super Bowl run. Of course, we have a lot of things to work on before we get there, but I think it's a possibility.

Finally, the Woman's basketball team takes on Mississippi State tonight in their NCAA tournament, and we want to wish them the best of luck, as we are all rooting for them hard, and of course, to upset UConn. How sweet would that be??

Henderson to USC. It's (pretty much) final.

Surprisingly, this is our fourth time posting about the stud offensive lineman named Seantrel Henderson. A report came out today that Seantrel Henderson, now that his grades are up, will attend USC. His dad sent a text message to the Dispatch saying so. What I don't understand is, why they would tell everyone that he was still thinking about Ohio State and Miami, because of the allegations against USC. Well, to answer my own question here, the reason is because his father is a jerk, to put it as nice as I can. (Family friendly, Family, friendly.) He has pretty much centered all the attention to himself, and many reports have been that he got a record deal with Snoop Dog, who of course, isn't a USC fan at all. This means that Ohio State's 19th and final recruit for 2010 was DeSales running back/defensive back Adam Griffin, a son of two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin. Well, I still think Henderson is up for grabs, no matter what his dad says..We will see. Even if not, though, we got enough talent already. Ohio State was expected to go the MNC this year WITHOUT Henderson, so we will be fine. Right?

Being influenced too much by the Gopher/Dad.

Inside The Shoe's second youtube video!

It's a video of the globe going to the Horseshoe taken from my Google Earth. Enjoy!

Only 58 more days

Until the start of the spring game. Whoo. Remember to sign up for the game picking center! All you have to do is tell us below in a post somewhere that you want to be in it, and then tell us your picks on the days that the posts cover them. So when you see "Make Your Picks: Michigan" Comment on that post telling whether you think Ohio State or Michigan will win. We already have 1 non writer participating. It's Ken. Give him a round of appaluse for knowing he will be coming in last. (Just joking there with ya, Ken). Looking forward to seeing more people join up! Can't wait for the spring game? Me neither. Go Bucks!

Get ready for some of TP in your face.

Final Recap: Recruiting 2010 Part 1 of 2.

Part 1

As we look back on the recruiting trips Jim Tressel and his staff took this year, we see they brought in some good talent. I think the closest comparison to this class would be the 2005 class, where everyone thought that guys like Jenkins, Laurinatitus, Hartline, etc, were all labled as scrubs. Buckeye fans were wrong execpt on one note: Anderson Russell. (Sorry, had to stick it in there). We will recap the recruits we missed and hit, while giving them grades, and a rundown of their future as well as where ITS said they would go.

Seantrel Henderson - OL - 6'8"/330 - LOI - None - ITS said USC

As everyone knows, because we keep telling you over and over again, Seantrel Henderson has not totally decided where he wants to go to school at yet. On National Signing Day, he annouced he would attend the university of SC, but never signed his LOI. Many rumors flowed soon after, and Seantrel would proceed to say he wants to wait and see what the NCAA decides to do with the allegations involving USC. What this basically means is that he didn't have enough time to truly think about it, and wanted more descion time, but he said USC because CBS paid for the rights to televise it. (Which, in all honesty, is complete bull, since they didn't televise it on the CBS around the nation). It came so close that Seantrel sent a text message to his former high school coach with the word Miami. Not good news for Buckeye fans. Overall the staff seemed to go after him hard, but Tressel didn't want to spend all his time there, so he risked it and it eventually lead to this. Grade: D - (until further notice)

Jordan Hicks - LB - 6'2''/220 - LOI - Texas - ITS said Ohio State

Jordan Hicks was the lone "star" recruit in the nation to announce on Friday afternoon. Buckeye fans thought  he was either a Gator or a Buckeye. They were wrong. Hicks announced in front of his school that Friday to announce he would be playing for Mack Brown. Hicks shocked some Buckeyes and that's when the Henderson recruit became even bigger for the Buckeyes to pick. Many thought if we didn't get Hicks, we had to get Henderson, and we didn't (yet). Jordan is an outstanding linebacker, who has good speed and a good nose for where the ball is at all times. ITS posted some exclusive video of him a couple of months back. Jim Tressel and his staff recruited him fairly well, and in this case, there was nothing they could really do. Grade: B

Roderick Smith - RB - 6'3''/220 - LOI - Ohio State - Ohio State - ITS said Ohio State

Rod Smith is a very good running back that Ohio State was recruiting fairly hard, and was, most fans think, the lone gem in a heap. Smith has outstanding size and has rare athleticism for a kid with his frame. He is a great cutter, even when going full blown speed. He's known for his break out plays, which will help the Buckeyes with big play capability. We know he can block, and scouts had him down that he can catch fairly well. His weak point, would be his inside running, although that can be easily fixed by weight gain and good coaching, which we know Dick Tressel is reliable in that category. I think Rod can start his sophomore/junior year. There is so much talent at running back right now, that we have a stable similar to what USC used aganist us the past two years. Herron, Saine, Berry (Our favorite since recruited, love the kid) Hyde, Hall, Martin, and now Smith. Grade: A-

Come back tommorow for part 2, when we wrap up the last of the big name recruits.

A Look Into the Class of 2010.

So Buckeye fans as I am peering over the season and looking on this year's men's hoops team, I can't help but to think what life would be without Evan Turner. Its the same feeling I got in the 99'-00' season when I knew Michael Redd and Scoonie Penn would be suiting up in the Scarlet and Gray for the last time. Unlike then, the outlook for Buckeye Men's hoops seems very promising as Thad Matta has shown the ability to recruit with the best in the country. Here is a look at the future Buckeys and my analyzation of each recruit.