NBC 4: Ohio State is the team to beat in this year’s Big Ten football race. The Buckeyes were picked to win it all by voters at the conference’s football media day. The results were announced on Monday. Penn State was the runner-up, followed by Michigan State.
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was selected as the preseason offensive player of the year and Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones was singled out on defense. The Buckeyes are pursuing their fifth straight Big Ten title after going 10-3 a year ago and tying Penn State for the title with a 7-1 mark. Twelve starters will be returning for Ohio State.
Showing posts with label Buckeye Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buckeye Football. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ohio State Recruit Scores Reprieve
10 TV: Felony drug charges against Ohio State football recruit Jamaal Berry were reduced to a misdemeanor… Berry, an incoming freshman was arrested in Florida last month for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. He is currently enrolled in summer classes at Ohio State.
Berry's case will now go to a county court… A felony charge would have carried with it a penalty of up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Berry was considered one of Ohio State's biggest catches in the season's recruiting class. He was rated among the top running backs in the U.S. and was offered scholarships by 25 schools.
Berry's case will now go to a county court… A felony charge would have carried with it a penalty of up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Berry was considered one of Ohio State's biggest catches in the season's recruiting class. He was rated among the top running backs in the U.S. and was offered scholarships by 25 schools.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stoned Stupid: Buckeye Recruit Faces Felony
NBC 4: One of Ohio State’s top football recruits for this fall has been arrested by Miami police. Buckeye-to-be running back Jamaal Berry was cited by Miami police on charges of marijuana possession.
According to Miami court records, Berry was arrested with 28 grams of marijuana, which would be labeled a third-degree felony in Florida. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for July 2.
Berry, from Palmetto High School in Florida, was ranked as the fifth best running back in America by several recruiting services and is considered a candidate to get playing time as a true freshman for the Buckeyes. No comment was available from The Ohio State University.
According to Miami court records, Berry was arrested with 28 grams of marijuana, which would be labeled a third-degree felony in Florida. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for July 2.
Berry, from Palmetto High School in Florida, was ranked as the fifth best running back in America by several recruiting services and is considered a candidate to get playing time as a true freshman for the Buckeyes. No comment was available from The Ohio State University.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
NBC 4, Buck Nuts Announce Alliance
NBC 4 (WCMH-TV) has partnered with Bucknuts Media Group encompassing Bucknuts.com, JJHuddle.com, Bucknuts the Magazine, Ohio High Magazine and The Bucknuts Radio Hour and holds an interest in ScoutingOhio.com, a leading high school recruiting site.
Combined, Bucknuts.com and JJHuddle.com reach up to .5 million unique visitors each month with an intensely loyal following. JJHuddle.com is home to the “Huddler” community and maintains highly interactive message boards and forums throughout the year.
The partnership will include content sharing and advertising and sponsorship opportunities across all web entities and on NBC 4. NBC 4 Vice President and GM Rick Rogala said, “We are thrilled to partner with Bucknuts.com and JJHuddle.com as both sites are leaders in providing dynamic and relevant content to Central Ohio sports fans. Bucknuts Media group is a leading-edge new media company, and we look forward to our partnership.”
Bucknuts Media Network started in 1999 with its namesake fan site devoted to Ohio State University sports. In May 2007, Bucknuts became the first independent sports site to affiliate with ESPN.
JJHuddle.com joined the Bucknuts Media Network in 2005 and has since gained broad recognition throughout Ohio for providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive coverage of Ohio high school sports and recruiting.
Combined, Bucknuts.com and JJHuddle.com reach up to .5 million unique visitors each month with an intensely loyal following. JJHuddle.com is home to the “Huddler” community and maintains highly interactive message boards and forums throughout the year.
The partnership will include content sharing and advertising and sponsorship opportunities across all web entities and on NBC 4. NBC 4 Vice President and GM Rick Rogala said, “We are thrilled to partner with Bucknuts.com and JJHuddle.com as both sites are leaders in providing dynamic and relevant content to Central Ohio sports fans. Bucknuts Media group is a leading-edge new media company, and we look forward to our partnership.”
Bucknuts Media Network started in 1999 with its namesake fan site devoted to Ohio State University sports. In May 2007, Bucknuts became the first independent sports site to affiliate with ESPN.
JJHuddle.com joined the Bucknuts Media Network in 2005 and has since gained broad recognition throughout Ohio for providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive coverage of Ohio high school sports and recruiting.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Ohio State Commits Minor Infractions
NBC 4: The Ohio State University committed more than one out of every three NCAA level one violations in the Big Ten conference during the 2007-08 school year, accounting for 13 of 34 total level one violations that typically deal with recruiting mistakes.
The football program was cited for two recruiting violations—both pertained to Assistant Coach Dick Tressel having inadvertent contact with prospects. Head Coach Jim Tressel was present during one of the secondary violations.
The men’s basketball program was cited for two recruiting-related violations. One violation was for hosting the parents of a recruit in a hotel room. NCAA bylaws do not allow parents to receive such benefits. Another violation related only to a university policy, not an NCAA policy, when a recruit stayed out past a 2 a.m. curfew.
Doug Archie, OSU associate athletics director for compliance, said the violations reflect that the school is paying attention to the rule and self-reporting when there is an issue. Archie characterized the program’s 26 total violations as minor mistakes.
The football program was cited for two recruiting violations—both pertained to Assistant Coach Dick Tressel having inadvertent contact with prospects. Head Coach Jim Tressel was present during one of the secondary violations.
The men’s basketball program was cited for two recruiting-related violations. One violation was for hosting the parents of a recruit in a hotel room. NCAA bylaws do not allow parents to receive such benefits. Another violation related only to a university policy, not an NCAA policy, when a recruit stayed out past a 2 a.m. curfew.
Doug Archie, OSU associate athletics director for compliance, said the violations reflect that the school is paying attention to the rule and self-reporting when there is an issue. Archie characterized the program’s 26 total violations as minor mistakes.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Pryor Owns the Conversation, Family Owns the Game
Ohio State football is a tradition. Akin to any tradition, it transcends generations. Grandfathers educate sons and daughters. Sons and daughters educate grandchildren. Archie Griffin’s acts transition into Eddie George’s exploits transition into Chris Wells’ witnesses.
Woven throughout this afternoon’s tapestry of scarlet and gray were grandparents, parents, siblings, and relatives… Fathers and mothers carried their or walked with hands grasped beside their children, who likely had no comprehension of the ritual they were entering… They were more interested in frolicking among the massive concrete structure, as their parents kept watchful eyes upon them…
The generational companionship was hierarchal; it was not simply adult-adolescent… Collegians walked with their grand parents… Couples sat and spoke with their entire families, immersing themselves in a sacrament, which in certain segments is as or more revered than words, which are spoken inside a church… The clothing may have been similar… The feel of the contest may have been similar… The tradition, now matter how often repeated, is never lost on anyone… This is a day for family…
As for the contest itself, judging the prospective athletes and overall season prospects are always difficult… The spring game is essentially a preseason contest… It’s worse than a preseason contest… The Cleveland Browns don’t divide their roster, mix the first and second squads, and then play before 80,000 (they are terrible before only 40,000)… Gleaning an accurate outlook from the spring game is tantamount to attempting to formulate a column from a five-minute interview with Coach Jim Tressel… You can try… You wont succeed…
One evaluation that was simple and spectacular was Terrelle Pryor… He was as advertised… His first touchdown pass was a scramble induced forty-four yard aerial… His second touchdown pass was a perfectly strewn effort into the hands of Roy Small, who cut inside a man at the ten, splitting three defenders en route to seven points… Pryor wasn’t perfect… His decision-making must improve… However, he exhibited Heisman sparks…
While Pryor’s evaluation was uncomplicated… The other skill player’s evaluations are unclear… Small may be the best receiver, but he isn’t headline material (with his skills…. He is with his drama)… Dane Sazenbacher, DeVier Posey, and Taurian Washington are solid, but unspectacular… Running backs are a much more muddled conversation… I wouldn’t swap a nickel, if someone offered me Dan Herron or Brandon Saine…
Football may be the annual convergence’s motivation… However, the sun soaked afternoon is an entrance and an enjoyment… As I exited Ohio Stadium, I observed a father carrying his daughter… The daughter was dressed in a pink Pryor jersey, but was passed out in her father’s arms… The scene epitomized the afternoon… And it made me want to call my parents…
Woven throughout this afternoon’s tapestry of scarlet and gray were grandparents, parents, siblings, and relatives… Fathers and mothers carried their or walked with hands grasped beside their children, who likely had no comprehension of the ritual they were entering… They were more interested in frolicking among the massive concrete structure, as their parents kept watchful eyes upon them…
The generational companionship was hierarchal; it was not simply adult-adolescent… Collegians walked with their grand parents… Couples sat and spoke with their entire families, immersing themselves in a sacrament, which in certain segments is as or more revered than words, which are spoken inside a church… The clothing may have been similar… The feel of the contest may have been similar… The tradition, now matter how often repeated, is never lost on anyone… This is a day for family…
As for the contest itself, judging the prospective athletes and overall season prospects are always difficult… The spring game is essentially a preseason contest… It’s worse than a preseason contest… The Cleveland Browns don’t divide their roster, mix the first and second squads, and then play before 80,000 (they are terrible before only 40,000)… Gleaning an accurate outlook from the spring game is tantamount to attempting to formulate a column from a five-minute interview with Coach Jim Tressel… You can try… You wont succeed…
One evaluation that was simple and spectacular was Terrelle Pryor… He was as advertised… His first touchdown pass was a scramble induced forty-four yard aerial… His second touchdown pass was a perfectly strewn effort into the hands of Roy Small, who cut inside a man at the ten, splitting three defenders en route to seven points… Pryor wasn’t perfect… His decision-making must improve… However, he exhibited Heisman sparks…
While Pryor’s evaluation was uncomplicated… The other skill player’s evaluations are unclear… Small may be the best receiver, but he isn’t headline material (with his skills…. He is with his drama)… Dane Sazenbacher, DeVier Posey, and Taurian Washington are solid, but unspectacular… Running backs are a much more muddled conversation… I wouldn’t swap a nickel, if someone offered me Dan Herron or Brandon Saine…
Football may be the annual convergence’s motivation… However, the sun soaked afternoon is an entrance and an enjoyment… As I exited Ohio Stadium, I observed a father carrying his daughter… The daughter was dressed in a pink Pryor jersey, but was passed out in her father’s arms… The scene epitomized the afternoon… And it made me want to call my parents…
Rock & Ritual
Ohio State football and Mindy Hall have zero commonality. One is a grand tradition. One is a momentary megastar. On Saturday, we will twitter them both.
This afternoon, Gossip CBUS will be live from Ohio Stadium. This evening, we will be live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar. Get out to both events, cheer, read our tweets, and savor this scrumptious weather.
This afternoon, Gossip CBUS will be live from Ohio Stadium. This evening, we will be live from the Frog Bear and Wild Boar. Get out to both events, cheer, read our tweets, and savor this scrumptious weather.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Buckeye Spring Kickoff Announced
Ohio State University football Coach Jim Tressel will preview 2009 Buckeye Football Season with his annual Buckeye Spring Kick-off luncheon presented by Hickory Chase and supported by NBC 4 and WTVN.
NBC 4 Sports Director Jerod Smalley will join Coach Tressel and his players to talk about the upcoming football season and to honor Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Santonio Holmes - the only Buckeye to win an NFL Super Bowl MVP. Also in attendance will be Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
All proceeds from the event will benefit two wonderful charities. Coach Tressel has teamed with Coach Bruce to donate all proceeds to the Tressel Family Fund for Cancer Prevention and The Earle & Jean Bruce Alzheimer’s Research Fund at the Ohio State University Medical Center.
NBC 4 Sports Director Jerod Smalley will join Coach Tressel and his players to talk about the upcoming football season and to honor Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Santonio Holmes - the only Buckeye to win an NFL Super Bowl MVP. Also in attendance will be Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
All proceeds from the event will benefit two wonderful charities. Coach Tressel has teamed with Coach Bruce to donate all proceeds to the Tressel Family Fund for Cancer Prevention and The Earle & Jean Bruce Alzheimer’s Research Fund at the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Buckeyes Boast Top Ranked Recruiting Class
10 TV: Ohio State signed 25 players to its 2009 class, coach Jim Tressel said Wednesday. In addition to Ohio State, LSU, Alabama and Southern California are among the highest ranked classes of the year.
The class is headlined by Cornerback/receiver Corey Brown, considered a five-star recruit by Rivals. His Monroeville, Pa., teammate, linebacker Dorian Bell, another five-star recruit, also committed to the class. "This class consists of young men who have been successful on the field and in school," Tressel said. "Nearly all of them were on a playoff team this fall, and overall, they bring close to a 3.0 GPA to Ohio State, a reflection of the work ethic they are developing to achieve those types of successes."
The class includes 14 players from Ohio, three from Pennsylvania and Florida, two from Michigan and one from Maryland, Kentucky and Texas. There are 13 offensive (4 offensive linemen, 4 running backs, 3 wide receivers, 1 tight end, 1 quarterback) and 12 defensive (4 defensive backs, 4 linebackers, 4 defensive tackles, 2 defensive end) players.
"This is a large class in terms of numbers, and a well-balanced class between Ohio and out-of-state players," said recruiting coordinator John Peterson. "At Ohio State, we know you win with people, and these are young people who know what it takes to succeed."
The class is headlined by Cornerback/receiver Corey Brown, considered a five-star recruit by Rivals. His Monroeville, Pa., teammate, linebacker Dorian Bell, another five-star recruit, also committed to the class. "This class consists of young men who have been successful on the field and in school," Tressel said. "Nearly all of them were on a playoff team this fall, and overall, they bring close to a 3.0 GPA to Ohio State, a reflection of the work ethic they are developing to achieve those types of successes."
The class includes 14 players from Ohio, three from Pennsylvania and Florida, two from Michigan and one from Maryland, Kentucky and Texas. There are 13 offensive (4 offensive linemen, 4 running backs, 3 wide receivers, 1 tight end, 1 quarterback) and 12 defensive (4 defensive backs, 4 linebackers, 4 defensive tackles, 2 defensive end) players.
"This is a large class in terms of numbers, and a well-balanced class between Ohio and out-of-state players," said recruiting coordinator John Peterson. "At Ohio State, we know you win with people, and these are young people who know what it takes to succeed."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
BREAKING: Hartline Ignore Family, Seeks Fortune
Despite family opposition, Ohio State’s Brian Hartline will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Hartline formally announced his decision this afternoon. “I am thrilled to declare my eligibility for the National Football League draft,” he said in a statement. “I have had an outstanding experience at OSU and am thankful for the support I continue to receive. I now look forward to testing myself against the top competitors in the National Football League.”
While Hartline had been expected to return, a recent incident may have influenced his decision. According to witnesses, Hartline missed New Year’s curfew. He then engaged in a verbal altercation with an assistant. This episode and it’s subsequent punishment strained relations between Coach Jim Tressel and Hartline, sources familiar with the situation said.
In his three seasons, Hartline had 90 catches, 1,449 yards, and 12 touchdowns. This season, he only grabbed 21 catches for 479 yards. Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Hartline had managed at least one reception in thirty consecutive games.
While Hartline had been expected to return, a recent incident may have influenced his decision. According to witnesses, Hartline missed New Year’s curfew. He then engaged in a verbal altercation with an assistant. This episode and it’s subsequent punishment strained relations between Coach Jim Tressel and Hartline, sources familiar with the situation said.
In his three seasons, Hartline had 90 catches, 1,449 yards, and 12 touchdowns. This season, he only grabbed 21 catches for 479 yards. Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Hartline had managed at least one reception in thirty consecutive games.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Chris Wells Was Unwanted
Coach Jim Tressel did not want Chris Wells to return for his senior season, Gossip CBUS has learned. According to a source familiar with the coach’s mindset, Tressel was concerned that Wells would not mesh with a younger squad.
“Had Beanie come back, Beanie comes back, but it certainly was something he wanted to discourage,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “When have you heard Coach out there lobbying a player to go pro? Never. Coach didn’t want a guy who could cop an attitude if we struggle next year and we could. Coach didn’t want that and that’s why he was so public.”
With Wells’ exit, Dan Herron and Brandon Saine should both see action next season. In 2008, Herron had 89 carries, 439 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Saine had 26 carries 65 yards, and one touchdown. According to our source, Herron and Saine signify a new era, which has Tressel excited.
“If Beanie is there, you have a rent-a-player situation,” he said. “He’s a senior and TP [Terrelle Pryor] is young, Cris’ [Former Ohio State and NFL receiver Cris Carter] son is here next year, the offensive line is new. He would have been out of place. Boom and Zoom [Herron and Saine’s respective nicknames], they belong. Beanie didn’t belong anymore.”
Wells concluded his career as Ohio State’s fourth leading rusher. In three seasons, Wells had 585 carries, 3,382 yards, and 30 touchdowns. This season, despite injuries (three games missed), he had 207 carries, 1,197 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He closed his junior season with five one hundred yard efforts in six contests (four consecutive).
“Had Beanie come back, Beanie comes back, but it certainly was something he wanted to discourage,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “When have you heard Coach out there lobbying a player to go pro? Never. Coach didn’t want a guy who could cop an attitude if we struggle next year and we could. Coach didn’t want that and that’s why he was so public.”
With Wells’ exit, Dan Herron and Brandon Saine should both see action next season. In 2008, Herron had 89 carries, 439 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Saine had 26 carries 65 yards, and one touchdown. According to our source, Herron and Saine signify a new era, which has Tressel excited.
“If Beanie is there, you have a rent-a-player situation,” he said. “He’s a senior and TP [Terrelle Pryor] is young, Cris’ [Former Ohio State and NFL receiver Cris Carter] son is here next year, the offensive line is new. He would have been out of place. Boom and Zoom [Herron and Saine’s respective nicknames], they belong. Beanie didn’t belong anymore.”
Wells concluded his career as Ohio State’s fourth leading rusher. In three seasons, Wells had 585 carries, 3,382 yards, and 30 touchdowns. This season, despite injuries (three games missed), he had 207 carries, 1,197 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He closed his junior season with five one hundred yard efforts in six contests (four consecutive).
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wells Enters NFL Draft
As Gossip Cbus first reported, Ohio State’s Chris Wells will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Wells formally announced his decision this afternoon. “I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, my teachers and the academic advisors for all they have done, and I definitely want to thank the Buckeye fans for all their support,” he said in a statement. “Ohio State has become like a family to me, and it will always be that way. But in the best interest of my family, it's time to move on and take a chance at fulfilling my lifetime dream of playing in the NFL.”
Wells’ decision was not surprising. One of eleven children, Gossip Cbus reported that finances were his soul consideration. “He needs to get paid, he needs to get paid now, the boy has family and things outside OSU to think about,” said a source close to Wells’ family (December 29). “This is purely financial and anyone who throws up any static should shut up. He was already hurt this year. At least next year, he could be hurt with millions.”
Wells concludes his career as Ohio State’s fourth leading rusher. In three seasons, Wells had 585 carries, 3,382 yards, and 30 touchdowns. This season, despite injuries (three games missed), he had 207 carries, 1,197 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He closed his junior season with five one hundred yard efforts in six contests (four consecutive).
“Ohio State football will miss Beanie's big runs, but we will also miss his big smile,” Coach Jim Tressel said in a statement. “He has been a tremendous teammate and one of the all-time great performers in the greatest rivalry in college football.”
Since our first report (December 18), Wells has slipped from a consensus top five selection to twelfth (in an average of six NFL Mock Drafts). Experts say his stock will continue to fluctuate based upon NFL free agency, individual workouts, and other underclassman who declare. Since 2006, an underclassman running back has been selected in the top seven each year.
Wells’ decision was not surprising. One of eleven children, Gossip Cbus reported that finances were his soul consideration. “He needs to get paid, he needs to get paid now, the boy has family and things outside OSU to think about,” said a source close to Wells’ family (December 29). “This is purely financial and anyone who throws up any static should shut up. He was already hurt this year. At least next year, he could be hurt with millions.”
Wells concludes his career as Ohio State’s fourth leading rusher. In three seasons, Wells had 585 carries, 3,382 yards, and 30 touchdowns. This season, despite injuries (three games missed), he had 207 carries, 1,197 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He closed his junior season with five one hundred yard efforts in six contests (four consecutive).
“Ohio State football will miss Beanie's big runs, but we will also miss his big smile,” Coach Jim Tressel said in a statement. “He has been a tremendous teammate and one of the all-time great performers in the greatest rivalry in college football.”
Since our first report (December 18), Wells has slipped from a consensus top five selection to twelfth (in an average of six NFL Mock Drafts). Experts say his stock will continue to fluctuate based upon NFL free agency, individual workouts, and other underclassman who declare. Since 2006, an underclassman running back has been selected in the top seven each year.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
BREAKING: Chris Wells Enters NFL Draft
As Gossip Cbus first reported, Ohio State’s Chris Wells will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Wells announced his decision via a statement this afternoon. We will have more details this evening.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Colt, Texas Break Buckeye Hearts
Since I can remember, I have been a sports fan. Baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf, tennis, auto racing… I have seen thousands of contests… The great wins escape me… The satisfaction of the moment vanishes within a week… The blowout losses, I forget almost instantly (thank you alcohol)… Games like tonight, heart twisting losses, I still remember every decisive moment years after they are played… I have no doubt that on January 5, 2029; I will be able to recite, with agonizing detail, my emotions and the moments of January 5, 2009.
Normally, one cannot see the floor as they navigate through McFadden’s… Tonight, one could see the floor, the tables, and out the windows if they chose to stare long enough… The crowd was smaller… You couldn’t find a chair if you wanted one… With that said, their intensity was exquisite… From the opening kickoff to the final incompletion, they hung on every snap… Celebrating, cheering, cursing, and screaming…
There was a pulse and energy, which was uniquely McFadden’s… The size of the crowd was irrelevant… You could have put a larger crowd in a room of the same size and the communal intensity of this evening could not be matched… For four quarters, I watched the game among friends and total strangers, each of whom craved a victory as much, if not more than I did…
When you watch any game with friends, inane conversations, conversations you look back on and ask why they were had, are inevitable… As Brutus – South Campus version, made the rounds (posing for pictures, hugging the bunnies), one of those conversations occurred between Emily and Sytease… Both are bunnies, both are employed by McFadden’s, and both look like they won the genetic lottery… Yet, as the second half of the second quarter unfolds, they stood there talking about what was wrong with themselves… Let me say, there is nothing wrong with either and if there is a male who does find something wrong with them, they should spend a few quality hours in the OSU Medical Center…
Equally as intriguing (and confusing) was this story I must tell, the story about a girl named Lucky (yes, before anyone google’s it, that is the opening line to a Britney Spears song)… Why am I calling her Lucky? Because I don’t want to reveal her real name and because she actually reminds me of the girl in that song…
Lucky has a boyfriend, but not really, a guy she dates (the same one), but they fight a lot, so I guess this makes her technically single, but she doesn’t go out with anyone else, but she is married on a social networking site to one of her gay friends… If you are lost reading that, it’s not because you are hung over, its because its random as hell…
As the second half progressed, initially with Texas dominating into a 17-6 lead, then into an energy intoxicating comeback as Ohio State pushed ahead 21-17, the passion and the quirkiness of everyone watching was on full display… mine included… I don’t know how you are when you watch a game, but I can’t sit still… I leaned onto a friend, who for luck was holding onto his buckeye necklace the whole time… The bouncer bit his lip; the bunny bartender stared toward the television and then buried her head in her coworker’s shoulder… The intensity of those moments was everything this city is about and nothing that this city could deal with… And then it happened… The strains of Don’t Stop Believing (which was, I thought, an appropriate choice, as it sends the signal that there is always next year) began and the bar began to let out with our season over at 10-3…
I have to update one situation prior to close… I mentioned on twitter that were multiple police cars outside of McFadden’s… there were six… for what I do not know, as only one arrest was made… and as I left, there were multiple police in front of the South Campus garage… clearly something went or was going down, that I have no idea about…
I know some of you are to this point in the reading and you’re asking yourself, why didn’t he talk about the game… I could’ve spent this entire wrap analyzing, lamenting, and rehashing… but why? We all watched the game or followed the game on twitter… Why double the sour taste we already have in our mouths? Why heap additional disappointment onto what was clearly a disappointing season?
Normally, one cannot see the floor as they navigate through McFadden’s… Tonight, one could see the floor, the tables, and out the windows if they chose to stare long enough… The crowd was smaller… You couldn’t find a chair if you wanted one… With that said, their intensity was exquisite… From the opening kickoff to the final incompletion, they hung on every snap… Celebrating, cheering, cursing, and screaming…
There was a pulse and energy, which was uniquely McFadden’s… The size of the crowd was irrelevant… You could have put a larger crowd in a room of the same size and the communal intensity of this evening could not be matched… For four quarters, I watched the game among friends and total strangers, each of whom craved a victory as much, if not more than I did…
When you watch any game with friends, inane conversations, conversations you look back on and ask why they were had, are inevitable… As Brutus – South Campus version, made the rounds (posing for pictures, hugging the bunnies), one of those conversations occurred between Emily and Sytease… Both are bunnies, both are employed by McFadden’s, and both look like they won the genetic lottery… Yet, as the second half of the second quarter unfolds, they stood there talking about what was wrong with themselves… Let me say, there is nothing wrong with either and if there is a male who does find something wrong with them, they should spend a few quality hours in the OSU Medical Center…
Equally as intriguing (and confusing) was this story I must tell, the story about a girl named Lucky (yes, before anyone google’s it, that is the opening line to a Britney Spears song)… Why am I calling her Lucky? Because I don’t want to reveal her real name and because she actually reminds me of the girl in that song…
Lucky has a boyfriend, but not really, a guy she dates (the same one), but they fight a lot, so I guess this makes her technically single, but she doesn’t go out with anyone else, but she is married on a social networking site to one of her gay friends… If you are lost reading that, it’s not because you are hung over, its because its random as hell…
As the second half progressed, initially with Texas dominating into a 17-6 lead, then into an energy intoxicating comeback as Ohio State pushed ahead 21-17, the passion and the quirkiness of everyone watching was on full display… mine included… I don’t know how you are when you watch a game, but I can’t sit still… I leaned onto a friend, who for luck was holding onto his buckeye necklace the whole time… The bouncer bit his lip; the bunny bartender stared toward the television and then buried her head in her coworker’s shoulder… The intensity of those moments was everything this city is about and nothing that this city could deal with… And then it happened… The strains of Don’t Stop Believing (which was, I thought, an appropriate choice, as it sends the signal that there is always next year) began and the bar began to let out with our season over at 10-3…
I have to update one situation prior to close… I mentioned on twitter that were multiple police cars outside of McFadden’s… there were six… for what I do not know, as only one arrest was made… and as I left, there were multiple police in front of the South Campus garage… clearly something went or was going down, that I have no idea about…
I know some of you are to this point in the reading and you’re asking yourself, why didn’t he talk about the game… I could’ve spent this entire wrap analyzing, lamenting, and rehashing… but why? We all watched the game or followed the game on twitter… Why double the sour taste we already have in our mouths? Why heap additional disappointment onto what was clearly a disappointing season?
Field of Despair
Technically, I received this prior to kickoff and likely should have posted it then… However, I was already into my first drink at McFadden’s… With that said, this is an amazing photo and I thought you’d enjoy…
Photo: Scott Terna
Sunday, January 4, 2009
BREAKING: Hartline Facing Punishment For Curfew Violation
Ohio State’s Brian Hartline will be punished for a team rules violation, Gossip Cbus has learned. According to witnesses, Hartline missed New Year’s curfew. He then engaged in a verbal altercation with an assistant. Hartline will miss between one series and one quarter of Monday night’s Fiesta Bowl, sources familiar with the situation said.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Breaking: Terrelle Pryor is “Another Clarett”
Terrelle Pryor’s exclusion from Fiesta Bowl media day was not policy. Instead, Coach Jim Tressel’s fear is that the freshman is a loose cannon. According to a university official with knowledge of football operations, Pryor is considered immature and untrustworthy.
“He’s plain and simple another Maurice Clarett and we aren’t getting burned by that one again,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “People are screaming let the kid talk. We let the kid talk, he’d be on the front cover of a magazine throwing his jersey in the trash. We’ve seen that film once.”
On March 19, Pryor announced that he would attend Ohio State. That announcement, hailed by Sport’s Illustrated as “the most anticipated in history,” was widely panned as arrogant and may have been, according to our source, a defining moment…even if it occurred prior to the quarterback’s arrival.
“At least when Mo [Clarett] announced, there wasn’t a hundred reporters there,” he said. “They tried to play it like this was just this humble kid pushed into the spotlight. Humble, my [expletive]. This is a kid who knows exactly where he is and what he is saying. That’s what has everyone so paranoid. You’d think the kid’s already won Troy’s Heisman.”
Troy, of course, refers to Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, who was a member of Ohio State’s previous three Fiesta Bowl teams. In his first season as a starter, Smith completed 68 of 122 passes for 896 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. In Pryor’s first season, he has completed 95 of 152 passes for 1,245 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Smith’s record was 4-1. Pryor’s is 8-1.
“His numbers are similar, yah they are,” the official said. “But you could tell from the outset, Troy was a special kid. He had something. TP doesn’t have that. He has all the talent and athleticism in the world. But in terms of off the field, I wouldn’t bet the stadium on him. I would’ve on Troy.”
“He’s plain and simple another Maurice Clarett and we aren’t getting burned by that one again,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “People are screaming let the kid talk. We let the kid talk, he’d be on the front cover of a magazine throwing his jersey in the trash. We’ve seen that film once.”
On March 19, Pryor announced that he would attend Ohio State. That announcement, hailed by Sport’s Illustrated as “the most anticipated in history,” was widely panned as arrogant and may have been, according to our source, a defining moment…even if it occurred prior to the quarterback’s arrival.
“At least when Mo [Clarett] announced, there wasn’t a hundred reporters there,” he said. “They tried to play it like this was just this humble kid pushed into the spotlight. Humble, my [expletive]. This is a kid who knows exactly where he is and what he is saying. That’s what has everyone so paranoid. You’d think the kid’s already won Troy’s Heisman.”
Troy, of course, refers to Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, who was a member of Ohio State’s previous three Fiesta Bowl teams. In his first season as a starter, Smith completed 68 of 122 passes for 896 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. In Pryor’s first season, he has completed 95 of 152 passes for 1,245 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Smith’s record was 4-1. Pryor’s is 8-1.
“His numbers are similar, yah they are,” the official said. “But you could tell from the outset, Troy was a special kid. He had something. TP doesn’t have that. He has all the talent and athleticism in the world. But in terms of off the field, I wouldn’t bet the stadium on him. I would’ve on Troy.”
Friday, January 2, 2009
Terrelle Can’t Talk?
Ripped from ESPN… Apparent, Coach Tressel is playing hide and don’t seek with Terrell Pryor and the media… The quarterback wasn’t included in the media session and isn’t available to reporters this week… I understand Coach likes to control everything, but this is ridiculous… Pryor is the current and future face of this program, that comes with a responsibility…
Ohio State starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor was not among the 30 Buckeyes players made available during Fiesta Bowl media day Friday morning. Pryor and center Mike Brewster, both freshmen, were the only two starters who didn't appear at the bowl's media gathering. Texas brought all of its starters to its portion of media day.
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said Pryor, who hasn't met with reporters since after the regular-season finale Nov. 22, spent the morning in meetings in preparation for Monday's matchup against the No. 3 Longhorns (Ohio State is No. 10). "We were asked to bring 30 players and we sent in a list of players," Tressel said. "I did get one call asking, 'Did you happen to miss any?' I said, 'Well, you might be talking in terms of Terrelle and Mike Brewster because they're starters.' But they're freshmen and we decided when we were counting to 30 that there were 30 others who were afforded the opportunity to be there."
Fiesta Bowl president and CEO John Junker said he could not recall a team not making its starting quarterback available before the bowl game. The BCS media policy asks teams to make all of their starters available before the game, but there isn't a method for enforcement.
Ohio State starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor was not among the 30 Buckeyes players made available during Fiesta Bowl media day Friday morning. Pryor and center Mike Brewster, both freshmen, were the only two starters who didn't appear at the bowl's media gathering. Texas brought all of its starters to its portion of media day.
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said Pryor, who hasn't met with reporters since after the regular-season finale Nov. 22, spent the morning in meetings in preparation for Monday's matchup against the No. 3 Longhorns (Ohio State is No. 10). "We were asked to bring 30 players and we sent in a list of players," Tressel said. "I did get one call asking, 'Did you happen to miss any?' I said, 'Well, you might be talking in terms of Terrelle and Mike Brewster because they're starters.' But they're freshmen and we decided when we were counting to 30 that there were 30 others who were afforded the opportunity to be there."
Fiesta Bowl president and CEO John Junker said he could not recall a team not making its starting quarterback available before the bowl game. The BCS media policy asks teams to make all of their starters available before the game, but there isn't a method for enforcement.
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