Category: Buckeyes Wire

Ohio State stays at No. 2 in latest Amway Coaches Poll

The Ohio State Buckeyes held on to their No. 2 spot behind the LSU Tigers in the latest Amway Coaches Poll.

[jwplayer 2KXMSFL4-er0jUifI]

The Ohio State Buckeyes held on to their No. 2 spot behind the LSU Tigers in the latest Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Buckeyes did pick up an extra first-place vote, receiving six after only earning five last week. The change was likely due more to LSU’s defensive struggles against Ole Miss than for anything the Buckeyes did in their blowout win over Rutgers. Or it could just be that one voter missed last week, and he would have picked Ohio State at No. 1 then too.

There was a change in the Top 5 this week, as Georgia jumped Alabama. Whether this was due to Georgia’s win over Auburn, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, or some combination of the two, the Bulldogs have passed the Tide and will likely hold that position as long as Georgia doesn’t lose another game.

Minnesota and Baylor, who each suffered their first losses of the season this week, fell out from the Top 10–from No. 7 to No. 11 and No. 10 to No. 13, respectively.

The Big Ten and SEC led the poll with six ranked teams each. Three teams each were ranked from the AAC and Big 12, while the Pac 12 and Mountain West each put two teams in the poll. The ACC and Sun Belt each had one ranked team, along with Independent Notre Dame.

Navy, Texas, and Indiana all fell out of the rankings, while Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and San Diego State moved in to replace them.

Week 12 CFP Implications: Static at the top, chaos at the bottom

Looking at the national College Football Playoff picture after Week 12, a few things are becoming very clear. Let’s start at the top.

This past week, all 25 teams ranked by the CFP selection committee were in action. With so many games, a trend that has been slowly developing over the year came to full fruition.

We haven’t seen many upsets at the top of the game this year. And while we have seen some matchups of Top 15 teams–mostly involving Auburn or Michigan–we have yet to really see top teams get upset, or matchups between serious contenders. (Yes, we have had a few, most notably Alabama-LSU, but there have been far fewer than in most years.) That will change over the final few weeks of the season, whether due to scheduled matchups or conference championship games.

While there haven’t been many upsets at the top of the rankings. We’ve had plenty at this bottom. This past week, three of the committee’s teams ranked 19-25 lost, plus a pretty weak display from Cincinnati, for the second time in three weeks. Don’t be surprised if the committee drops the Bearcats a little after this performance.

What that leaves us with is essentially a two-tier ranking system. And while we can subdivide each tier further, the breakdown of the tiers will be very important.

The Top 17 teams are basically locked into those spots. LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Utah, Minnesota, Penn State, Oklahoma, Florida, Auburn, Baylor, Wisconsin, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Iowa will be the Top 17 teams from here on out. A shocking upset could knock one of these teams out, sure, and Baylor could fall out on its own by losing two of its final three games (to Texas and then again in the Big 12 Championship Game). Other than that Baylor case, though (and assuming no one does something crazy like lose to Northwestern or an FCS team), these 17 teams will be ranked the rest of the way, no matter what, and will like be the Top 17 the rest of the way.

From 18 on down, though, is anybody’s guess. We could see AAC teams stay in, though they’ve been less impressive as the season has gone on. Also, Cincinnati and Memphis still have to face each other. Appalachian State and Boise State can stay ranked by winning out, but one more loss will end any rankings the rest of the way. Maybe SMU slides back in this week.

After that, though, what’s left? What teams are we looking at to be ranked in the back section of the Top 25? Pitt, Virginia, and/or Virginia Tech could slide in, though Pitt plays Virginia Tech this week, and Virginia faces Virginia Tech next week, so only one of those three, at most, will likely be ranked by season’s end. Are we looking at Iowa State, with as impressive a four-loss resume as we’ve seen in a while?

17 teams have basically locked up their year-end rankings, with two weeks left in the regular season. The other eight spots in the Top 25, though, are entirely up for grabs. Who does this help most? Quite clearly, the Pac 12.

Next… How this helps the Pac 12

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Watch what Rutgers interim head coach Nunzio Campanile said about Ohio State post game

Rutgers interim head coach Nunzio Campanile met with the media after the game and had some complimentary things to say about Ohio State.

It wasn’t as dominant on the scoreboard as what many would have thought, or what had taken place in other games this year, but Ohio State went to Rutgers and took care of business with an easy 56-21 victory.

The Buckeyes raced out to a dominant, early lead, got the starters out of harm’s way in the second half, then put it on cruise control to put it away and turn the page towards the game against Penn State next week.

We’ve said it before, but we always like to give you the comments of the opposing head coach after the conclusion of each game, and it’s no difference here.

Rutgers interim head coach Nunzio Campanile met with the media in Piscataway after the game and said some very complimentary things about the Buckeyes after the game.

He seemed encouraged that his team kept fighting, but also knows that Ohio State is one whale of a team. Watch his entire comments below courtesy of RVision.

Week 12 CFP Eliminator: Still a lot of scenarios

We break down the 12 teams remaining in the College Football Playoff race, as our Eliminator took out three more teams in Week 12.

Welcome back to the Eliminator. I explain the process behind eliminating teams in my Week 1 post. In short, I ask myself a simple question: “If this team wins out, will they have a chance at the Playoff?” I don’t assume that teams will lose–there’s no need to. The losses will come when they come; and when they do, I’ll eliminate those teams. Until then, they’re not eliminated. It’s that simple. I also track every eliminated team on this Twitter thread.

This week didn’t involve any real eliminations. The three teams we knocked out were all long shots. Florida and Michigan needed miraculous conference titles to boost the resumes, and they were eliminated from their division races this week. Auburn, meanwhile, picked up its third loss.

Instead, we have 12 teams. All 12 can win Power 5 conferences, and 11 of them have one or zero losses. If we get chaos, most of these teams can still get in with even two losses. It’s too early this year to present specific scenarios, because there are so many possibilities.

One thing is very clear, though. We probably won’t see very many eliminations next week, either. These are our 12 teams, and unless we see a surprising upset next week, all 12 will still be alive heading into Thanksgiving weekend. What happens after that, though, is anyone’s guess.

Next … What teams are still alive?

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

ESPN College Game Day set to come to Columbus for Ohio State vs. Penn State

ESPN’s College Game Day has announced that it will be on site for Ohio State vs. Penn State Saturday.

It’s going to get crowded in and around Ohio Stadium next Saturday.

We’ve already heard that FOX’s Big Noon Kick will be in Columbus for Ohio State vs. Penn State. That was announced a couple of weeks ago. In tow with the FOX crew will be BTN’s Tailgate pregame show as well.

Now, we also know that ESPN’s College Game Day will also be there based on an announcement from the worldwide leader in sports Saturday night.

It all makes sense. As it stands, it’ll be an undefeated Ohio State team against a one-loss Penn State squad for the inside track to the Big East title. In fact, if Ohio State wins, it clinches the trip to Indy for the third-straight year.

If Penn State finds away to pull off the upset, it will still need to win the following week against Rutgers. So basically, this game is for the Big Ten East title.

Get there early because it’s going to be crowded folks.

Ohio State beats Rutgers to go to 10-0, now the season really begins

Ohio State put it on Rutgers, and has been fantastic to date. But now, the season really begins with Penn State and Michigan on tap.

Ohio State may not have looked as good as it has in previous weeks against Rutgers, but it was still a convincing win nonetheless. The Buckeyes raced out to a quick lead, put in some backups and won going away 56-21.

To date, the Buckeyes closest game — if you can believe it — was against FAU in week one. They only managed to win that one by 24 points. Since then, it’s been beat down after beat down. Along the way, Ohio State eviscerated one of the best defenses in the country when it whitewashed Wisconsin 38-7. It scored over 70 points twice, held its opponents to ten points or below ten times, and scored at least 34 points in every game.

Heck, there’s even be three guys in the Heisman conversation. Quarterback Justin Fields, running back J.K. Dobbins, and defensive end Chase Young have all had magical years so far.

Simply put — the Buckeyes have been on cruise control and haven’t been tested to date.

But now it’s about to get into the meat of the schedule. What’s happened to date has little bearing on what needs to occur over the next two weeks when OSU welcomes a top ten Penn State squad, then hits the road for the annual grudge match between Michigan — er … TTUN.

[lawrence-related id=16444]

Has Ohio State been dominant, fantastic, marvelous and all the above so far in 2019? Yes, it sure has. In fact some of the things we’ve seen this year may not happen for a long, long time. We may not even know how truly historic this season is until it’s over and we look back on it.

But … in order for it to be that type of year, the Buckeyes have to finish the deal. Lose against Penn State and the Nittany Lions likely go to Indianapolis. Lose to Michigan and, — well … let’s just not go there.

In some ways, what’s happened up until now seems like a precursor in a blockbuster movie right before the climax begins.

So, strap it up men. The focus and execution has been outstanding to date. But remember, there’s a countdown clock in the Woody that has the real finish line. It’s time to show Penn State THEY AREN’T, and Michigan that it still can’t hold a candle to THE Ohio State University.

Practice is going to be fun this week. It’s time to finish this thing.

[lawrence-related id=16449]

WATCH: Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade makes incredible interception

Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade made a circus interception Saturday against Rutgers.

Some of the Ohio State skill position players made some unbelievable, highlight-worthy plays Saturday against Rutgers. Wide receiver Chris Olave hauled in a deep ball that you have to rewatch no less than six times, but he wasn’t the only one making circus catches.

On the other side of the ball, cornerback Shaun Wade had himself a pretty remarkable interception. While dropping back in coverage, and with his head turned to the ball, he was able to look back at just the right moment, get his hand in the way for a deflection, then somehow find the ball on the way to the ground and snatch it before it hit the ground.

If you didn’t get a chance to see it the first time, or just want to re-live it, click on the below shared by BTN on Twitter and rewind and replay it.

These high-profile guys on offense and defense are making some of these plays look easy, but they are far from it.

Watch: Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave haul in remarkable catch

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave dealt with some pass interference and still managed to make an unbelievable catch against Rutgers.

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave had a catch for the ages against Rutgers Saturday night. Early in the 3rd quarter with the Buckeyes already up 35-7, Olave ran down the right sideline and was bowled over by a Rutgers defender.

It was of course called pass interference, but that didn’t stop the OSU receiver from making a spectacular play. While falling down, he kept his head on the ball, keeping his focus and was able to grab the ball around his ankles and keep it from hitting the ground.

The fact that Olave was able to somehow snatch the ball and caress it against his legs while playing through contact was pretty amazing and worth a watch.

In case you missed it, simply click on the below Tweet shared by Fox College Football and get a slow motion view of it.

Yes, the pass interference penalty was declined.

Simply unbelievable.

Ohio State vs. Rutgers: Final thoughts and ramblings before the game

Just before Ohio State takes on Rutgers Saturday, get some final thoughts, ramblings, and brain dump comments to ingest.

I have all these thoughts flying around in my head, and they have to go somewhere, so why not share them with you? Before every game we’ll provide a mindless brain dump of all the things that you might want to think of for the upcoming game — or at least what I’m thinking of. Take it or leave it I say.

Some of those thoughts might be humorous, some outlandish, some just factual, and some nondescript and boring. Either way, we provide our final thoughts just before all the fun on the gridiron for Ohio State each week. This time we’re talking the college known as the birthplace of college football, Rutgers.

It’s not expected to be much of a contest, but they have to play the games and the Buckeyes need to remain sharp and focused.

Off we go …

  • You’d think the program that has the genesis of college football in its DNA would have won more games. But no, apparently Rutgers is still stuck back in 1869.
  • When Jim Delany sold Rutgers and Maryland to all the benefits of being in the Big Ten, you figured the programs would get a boost. It hasn’t happened and there’s really no signs that it will. That can change quickly, but right now those television markets and new locations to visit are really all that’s going for the expansion.
  • How many points will Ohio State score in this one? Anything below 60 would be a surprise.
  • Speaking of which, I hear many asking if the Buckeyes can score 100 points in this one. Here’s the problem with that. The clock has to run out at some point and OSU would need at least 14 total possessions — all ending with a TD, two with a two-point conversion. That’s not happening without a slew of turnovers.
  • Can Rutgers score on the Ohio State defense? I say there will be some garbage time points much like last week against Maryland. Until then though, it’ll take an act of God or something.
  • There will be zero home field advantage in this one. SHI stadium might have more Ohio State fans. I mean the color is the same, but that’s about it.
  • Is there any amount of points OSU can score that would impress the CFP Playoff Committee enough to sway out Ohio State for LSU. Only if there was an SEC logo on the chest it appears.

[lawrence-related id=16382]

Next … Final Thoughts continued

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Ohio State moves way up in Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology

ESPN resident NCAA college basketball bracketologist Joe Lunardi has released his new projections. He has Ohio State making a big move.

The Ohio State basketball team has had a great start to the 2019-2020 season. The win over Cincinnati at home to start the year was a significant one, but the whitewashing of No. 10 Villanova was a head turner.

There are still things to work on, and there have been some issues scoring at times early on in the season, but it looks like roles are starting to be defined, and this team is getting an identity.

And ESPN’s famed Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has taken note.

In the latest release of his bracket projections, Lunardi has Ohio State all the way up to a No. 2 seed. This is notable because before the season, the Buckeyes were showing up around a No. 5 or No. 4 seed, but it’s clear many — Lunardi included — are starting to believe this team can do some damage nationally.

Of course now, just three games into the season, does not a postseason resume make, but the ceiling of this year’s Ohio State basketball team might be a little higher than what anyone thought.

So where would you make travel plans if this were to come to fruition? Lundardi has the Buckeyes in the East bracket, playing in Cleveland against Northeastern. Duke is the No. 1 seed in that region.

Of course this will all change significantly, but we’ll keep tabs on where the experts believe this team is.